Speech by the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., at the Opening of the Children’s Leukaemia Association Family Apartment Fidelma House Cork on Friday 23 November, 2007 at 3.45pm
Introduction
I am pleased to be here today to officially launch Fidelma House on behalf of the Children’s Leukaemia Association, Cork. This new apartment will provide a ‘home from home’ to families of children with cancer in the region and will be of immense benefit to them during this traumatic time. It is wonderful to see so many representatives of the voluntary sector here today to support this very important initiative. I would particularly like to thank Aidan Kennedy, Chairperson of the Association for inviting me.
And of course, on days like today, we must also reflect with gratitude on the legacy of Sr. Fidelma, after whom this facility is named. Sr. Fildema was a very devoted Ward Sister in the Children's Unit. And her vision, hard work and fundraising efforts, along with those of Dr. O'Donoghue, brought into being the Protective Isolation Unit back in 1981, enabling children with leukaemia from the South West Region to avail of life saving treatment at the Mercy Hospital.
Children’s Leukaemia Association Cork
Funding of €300,000 was raised for this facility through a fundraising campaign in conjunction with the Evening Echo. I would like to acknowledge the enormous generosity of the people in the region and especially the commitment and hard work of the volunteers. I would also like to acknowledge the significant contribution played by private industry in giving to the local community and in making projects like this a success.
Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology Statistics
Cancer may be relatively rare in childhood but it is one of the more frequent causes of traumatic deaths in Ireland. However, as new medical treatments are developed, more and more children survive and continue normal lives after treatment.
Cancers in adolescents are also relatively rare and yet present challenging management problems, both medical and psychological.
Childhood and adolescent cancers, although rare, have a high social impact. Supportive care is a very important aspect of any cancer service, especially when dealing with paediatric and adolescent leukaemia. It is important never to underestimate the needs of the patients, their families and carers.
It is also important that we recognise the improvements and positive outcomes that have been achieved. A recent report from the National Cancer Registry shows Ireland to be on a par with Europe and the US in terms of survival for children diagnosed with cancer. The high survival rates and long term decreases in mortality in Ireland clearly imply effective modern treatment. They are in line with improvements in survival rates and declines in mortality rates seen elsewhere in Europe. We can attribute a large proportion of this success to our paediatric medical professionals, for their skill, expertise and dedication to their patients.
HSE National Cancer Control Programme
I had the pleasure of meeting Professor Tom Keane, interim Director of Cancer Control, yesterday. The Plan announced by the HSE is an ambitious one. But I have assured Professor Keane of my full support and that of the Government for the important task he has taken on of leading and managing the establishment of the HSE National Cancer Control Programme. Professor Keane's overall objective is to improve survival rates for cancer for the people of Ireland, just as he did in British Columbia.
The Programme will have responsibility for the management and delivery of all aspects of cancer control within the HSE. The delivery of cancer services on a programmatic basis will ensure equity of access to services and equality of patient outcomes, irrespective of geography. This will involve significant re-alignment of cancer services to move from the present fragmented system of care to one which is consistent with international best practice in cancer control.
The reorganisation of cancer services is at the heart of delivery of the Cancer Control Strategy and it is imperative that the decisions announced by the HSE be implemented without delay.
Treatment Model for Paediatric Cancer in Ireland
The National Cancer Control Programme has taken its cue from the partnership model that exists in paediatric oncology. This model ensures that every child who develops cancer has their diagnosis established and treatment planned at Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin. For many children, significant components of their treatment are delivered by one of sixteen hospitals networked to Crumlin, such as the Mercy Hospital here in Cork, under the supervision and in accordance with the care protocols agreed with Crumlin.
My colleague, Minister Harney opened the new National Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Centre at Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin last month. The centre delivers a comprehensive care programme for children and young teenagers with cancer and blood disorders such as haemophilia, sickle cell disease, inherited bone marrow failure syndromes and many more. It also acts as an advisory and response service for the 16 shared Care Centres throughout the country, as well as GPs, patients and their families. This allows our children to have the best possible treatment, in a manner which is conducive to their physical and emotional well being.
Psycho-Oncology Services – The Human Side of Cancer
This audience is very experienced in dealing with the human, emotional and psychological aspects of cancer. We all know of the trauma of a cancer diagnosis and of the psychological difficulties experienced as patients are treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy in particular. I am aware that the Association funds a Paediatric Oncology Liaison Nurse who works closely with the children and their families both in their homes and in the hospital.
It is central to the delivery of our psycho-oncology services that our medical and healthcare professionals are fully trained in the management of psychological distress in cancer patients. The training should include communication, the detection of psycho-social problems, provision of support to families, and the identification of the need for onward referral as necessary. I know the Association also plays an important role in this area and funds educational support for staff who work in the Children's Leukaemia Unit. It is vital that we continue to build the skill base of our cancer professionals to ensure our cancer patients are receiving the most up to date expertise and knowledge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to thank the Children’s Leukaemia Association. I wish you every success in your continued endeavours to provide excellent support to children in your care and their families.
Thank you.
ENDS.