merrion street

The Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD, today welcomed the establishment of a Cancer Patient Advisory Committee.
“Today’s first meeting of the Cancer Patient Advisory Committee marks a further step in the implementation of National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026,” said the Minister. “I look forward to the Committee providing input into the development of programmes for patients with cancer.”
“There was a hugely positive reaction to the work of the Cancer Patient Forum in the development of the National Cancer Strategy. I envision the Committee building on the work of the Forum and facilitating patient input into the oversight of the implementation of the Strategy.”
There was a strong response to the call for Expressions of Interest in membership of the Cancer Patient Advisory Committee made by the Department. A selection process was undertaken by a group comprising representatives of the Irish Cancer Society, the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme, the Department of Health and a member of the former Cancer Patient Forum. The Committee comprises 15 members.
Minister Harris continued, “Patient involvement is essential to the development of health services to meet the needs of patients and the establishment of the Cancer Patient Advisory Committee is a significant advance in this approach. I see the Committee pushing forward the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy to the benefit of cancer patients in Ireland.”
Committee member Mairead Mangan said “It is an honour and privilege to be invited to be a member of the Cancer Patient Advisory Committee. I believe that cancer patient involvement is an integral part of cancer care, survivorship service development and ensuring the patient voice is heard in the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026. Cancer patients are in a position to provide a unique perspective on the development of cancer services at local, regional and national level. In this regard I welcome the development of the Committee which will continue the work initiated by the Cancer Patient Forum.”
The first meeting of the Cancer Patient Advisory Committee takes place today, Thursday, January 10th and it will meet on a quarterly basis.
The full text of the National Cancer Strategy is available on the Department website at: https://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/National-Cancer-Strategy-2017-2026.pdf

Notes to the Editor
Cancer Patient Advisory Committee Members