Big turn-out for radiotherapy meeting 26.01.11

AN estimated 100 people attended a meeting in Derry on Monday night to fight for the promised radiotherapy unit for cancer patients, north and south. Cllr Pádraig MacLochlainn said the turn-out was "a renewal of the campaign for cancer care in the entire North West of Ireland". “People in the North West were justifiably angered when the North’s Health Minister Michael McGimpsey stated that he has the money to build a new radiotherapy unit in Altnagelvin Hospital but that he wouldn't have the money to staff it. "That anger was reflected at (Monday's) meeting and I commend those people for voicing their concerns. It is essential that a strong, united voice emerges on this issue from Donegal and the entire region." “This is an issue which unites us all. Almost every family is affected by cancer at some point and the case for this centre has been well made. It is needed and should be delivered," added the Sinn Féin election candidate for Donegal North East.

A section of the crowd who attended the radiotherapy public meeting at Derry's Gasyard Centre.

"A new state-of-the-art radiotherapy unity would make a dramatic impact on the lives of cancer sufferers and their families as it will mean that the vast majority of patients will be able to receive treatment within one hour travelling distance of their homes. "This includes patients from Donegal who face long and debilitating journeys to Belfast or Dublin in order to receive vital treatment." The meeting heard that the money for the centre had been identified by both administrations on the island. Sinn Féin said they were "absolutely determined" to ensure that the commitment to build and staff it was honoured.

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