Major €20 million expansion of cancer services to be unveiled

The Government is to announce a major investment to expand cancer services including the recruitment of an additional 370 doctors, nurses and other staff .

The €20 million initiative, to be unveiled by the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly on Wednesday, is expected to include improved access to diagnostics, expanded treatment services and the development of a cancer genetics service.

It is understood there will also be further centralisation of cancer surgery.

The move forms part of an overall €147million initiative in the budget to implement various health strategies, including in cancer, maternity and trauma care, which have been drawn up over recent years.

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The Government is also expected to announce a €12 million boost to maternity services to increase capacity and further develop community-based midwifery services, including enhancing postnatal care and early transfer home services.

A dedicated €5 million “women’s health fund” will also be announced.