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Green light for radiotherapy unit
23.05.11
INISHOWEN is
celebrating news that the radiotherapy unit at
Altnagelvin Hospital has been given the green light
by the new Northern Ireland Assembly.
Health Minister Edwin Poots said any delay would be
a "missed opportunity" to improve services for
cancer patients in the region. The unit is to open
in 2016.
Co-operating for Cancer Care NorthWest, CCC(NW) has
lobbied tirelessly for the centre for some years.
The group's spokesperson, Noelle Duddy, said she and
her colleagues were delighted with the decision.
“It’s official and it’s brilliant news for the
people of Donegal and the North West region. |
“We also welcome in (Mr
Poots') statement, recognition that the location of
the new centre in the North West also provides the
opportunity for genuine, sustainable and meaningful
cross- border co-operation and that it has the
potential to deliver real mutual benefits to both
jurisdictions.
“We acknowledge the commitment of the Irish
Government, Minister of Health James Reilly and the
HSE in fully supporting this project.”
Ms Duddy added: "Patients who currently have to
refuse treatment because they are unable to travel
to Dublin, Galway or Belfast, will in the future be
able to accept and avail of treatment. |
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Noelle Duddy. |
Travelling distressing
hundreds of miles for radiotherapy treatment will be
a thing of the past. This decision has made the
future ‘brighter’ for local cancer patients."
Donegal North East TD Charlie McConalogue also
welcomed the news.
"The announcement will come as a major relief to
patients on both sides of the border who have long
been waiting for better cancer care services in the
North West," said Deputy McConalogue.
"There was extreme concern when Minister Poots’
predecessor pulled financial support from this
crucial development two months ago, claiming the
funding was not available.
"That was despite the Republic’s ongoing commitment
to fulfilling its side of the bargain regardless of
the strain on the public finances. This project has
taken years of planning and negotiations and it
requires a firm commitment from both Dublin and
Belfast to make it a reality.
"It is only fair that patients in Donegal have
access to cancer treatment services within a
reasonable distance from their homes."
Mr Poots today said the personal stories of patients
had helped him make up his mind.
"Following my consideration of the issues, I have
decided that delivery of this is a high priority.
Cancer is not something we can be complacent about.
"Everyone in this chamber will know someone, either
a family member, a friend or indeed themselves, who
has been affected by cancer."
The centre was put on hold two months ago after the
previous health minister, Michael McGimpsey, said
there was not enough money in his budget to run it.
The new facility will mean that 90% of patients in
the North West will be within one hour's travelling
time of a radiotherapy service. |
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