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2020.05.12
18 Deputy M. Tadier of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding a
radiotherapy unit (OQ.119/2020)
Are there any plans for Jersey to have its own radiotherapy unit; if so, will the Minister set out the timeline for its introduction; and if not, will he explain why not?
The Deputy of St. Ouen (The Minister for Health and Social Services):
My Department is working closely with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive cancer strategy and part of that strategy will incorporate a review of our current radiotherapy provision and what options exist for an on-Island service. We do recognise the importance of being able to provide this treatment on the Island if possible. We acknowledge that the stress often caused to patients and their families when treatment has to be provided off the Island; I personally would very much like this to happen. But the work has been delayed because of the need to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our intention as we move through lockdown on to different levels is to resume this workstream as quickly as we can. Fortunately there are no fixed dates or timeline just at the minute.
4.18.1 Deputy M. Tadier :
I thank the Minister for that initial response. Can I ask if it is envisaged that the radiotherapy department would be completed before the new hospital build or after?
The Deputy of St. Ouen :
Some of this is part of the planning, the assessment of spatial areas that will be required in the new hospital, so all of this is feeding into those plans but it is not yet determined that this will or can be delivered safely in the Island. That work is ongoing.