§ Mr. MossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has for future cancer treatment at the Belfast City Hospital. [50134]
§ Mr. WorthingtonThe Belfast City Hospital, working closely with the Royal Group of Hospitals, is to be developed as the regional cancer centre for Northern Ireland; the centre will also act as a cancer unit for the local population. A Cancer Services Steering Group has been established at the Belfast City Hospital to oversee the development of cancer services, including the smooth transfer of radiotherapy and chemotherapy services from Belvoir Park Hospital to a new building on the Belfast City Hospital site. It is expected that the centre will be operational by the year 2003.
§ Mr. MossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has for the provision of lung and oesophageal cancer services at the Royal Victoria Hospital. [50132]
§ Mr. WorthingtonThe Royal Victoria Hospital currently provides a regional thoracic surgery service for patients with lung and oesophageal cancers. The Cancer Working Group Sub Group on Lung Cancer recommended that purchasers should make arrangements for the appointment of a third thoracic surgery consultant at the Royal Victoria Hospital and assess the need for the future appointment of a fourth consultant. The Royal Group of Hospitals and Dental Hospitals HSS Trust is currently advertising for a third thoracic surgeon. The need for a fourth thoracic surgeon will be kept under review in light of anticipated increases in the lung and oesophageal cancer workload.