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A LOCAL cancer group
yesterday welcomed the announcement that a
radiotherapy unit will be built in Derry but
stressed that the 2015 timeframe for its delivery is
too long.
Cooperation for Cancer Care (NW) spokesperson Noelle
Duddy said the group was delighted a decision had
been reached as to which hospital would host
radiation services for the people of the North West.
"Now we can all get on with the business of building
this unit as a matter of urgency. The proposed date
of 2015 for the provision of these services needs to
be re-evaluated - it is too far into the future.
Cancer patients in this region have waited long
enough for these vital services to be delivered
closer to home, they need them as soon as possible,"
said Ms. Duddy.
Health Minister Mary Harney also welcomed
confirmation of the plan by her Northern counterpart
Michael McGimpsey.
Ms. Duddy said her group would continue to lobby Ms.
Harney on the proposals.
“Now that Altnagelvin has been identified as the
site for the North West Radiation Unit we will be
asking Ms. Harney to clarify her department's
position regarding the business plan from the
southern perspective and we will be pressing her to
accelerate the completion date.
"We envisage that both Ministers of Health will make
a joint statement in the near future outlining the
partnership agreement between Letterkenny General
Hospital and Altnagelvin Hospital for the cross
border provision of radiotherapy services.”
CCC(NW) and members of the Cross Border Women’s
Health Network had a "positive meeting" with
Minister McGimpsey, last week.
Ms. Duddy added: "We will now be seeking a meeting
with Minister Harney to outline to her the position
of the Network regarding cross border partnerships
for radiation services.
"The central ethos for this unit must be one of
social inclusion, equal access according to need and
cross border partnership between both health
authorities. Both health authorities must have
ownership of these services so that a comprehensive,
fluent, seamless cancer/radiation service is
provided for all cancer patients in the North West
region. We deserve no less." |
