|
|
30 cancer patients opt for Belfast
02.07.10
|
THIRTY Donegal cancer
patients had radiotherapy at Belfast City Hospital
last year, latest figures show.
The treatment arrangement for local patients was
highlighted at a recent meeting of the Co-operation
and Working Together Team (CAWT) and the Good Friday
Implementation Committee.
Senator Cecilia Keaveney was told at the meeting
that cross border co-operation is continuing to grow
and expand in cancer care.
"30 Donegal patients availed of the radiotherapy
service at Belfast City Hospital in 2009. Each
patient received radiotherapy for approximately six
consecutive weeks,” she said. This would still not
be as many patients as would have been earmarked
initially but it is an improvement in the level of
uptake for the Belfast option.”
The local senator said every patient had the choice
as to where they received their treatment. |
 |
“But I am glad that the
closer option, compared to Galway or Dublin is
gaining support at this stage. It is well known that
the service in Belfast City is on a par with
anywhere in the world.
“The fact that we were also told by CAWT that the
business case being developed for a radiotherapy
facility at Altnagelvin, is being supported by both
Ministers for Health, reassures those who felt that
this was a project driven by only one
administration, that the other would be a second
class party to.”
Senator Keaveney said the current status |
was that a radiotherapy
service for all patients in the North West would be
operational in 2015.
“In all illness, the patient must come first. This
Government has overseen very many improvements for
Donegal patients.
“We can see the cranes in place in Letterkenny
General Hospital which are outward signs of the tens
of millions of euro being spent currently on the
accident and emergency, mental health and new bed
projects.
“These are vital progressions for all of us who live
in, and become sick in, the North West.” |
|
