Anderson defends breast surgery plans

Fri, 01 Apr 2011

Health Minister David Anderson MHK

The government denies it's cutting back on breast cancer care.

At the moment there's a consultant at the hospital who deals solely with breast surgery, but there are plans to replace her with a general surgeon who would also carry out other operations.

There's been concern that patients won't be cared for as well as they are now, as their surgeon will have other duties.

Health Minister David Anderson says the new person will be a highly skilled breast surgeon but will also be able to take some of the pressure off the three general surgeons at Noble's.

Mr Anderson told Granada Reports there's been a misunderstanding of the issue...[play clip]