Ministers to meet over NW radiotherapy services 02.10.07

HEALTH Minister Mary Harney is to meet with her Northern counterpart on Friday to discuss the provision of radiotherapy services in the North West.

The meeting follows criticism from Opposition parties, mainly Sinn Fein, who complained that such a meeting had not yet made it on to the North/South agenda. Deputy Niall Blaney welcomed the move yesterday saying cross border co-operation was the "best solution" to issues surrounding cancer care services in Donegal. “The potential to meet the needs of cancer patients in Donegal through
co-operation with the Northern Assembly must be optimised,” said Deputy Blaney. “I spoke with Minister Mary Harney T.D., last night and she assured me that she is firmly committed to negotiating a solution with Minister McGimpsey that will benefit everyone in the North West. “She is committed to working towards the provision of cancer service, in particular radiotherapy services, in the North West – whether that be in Letterkenny or Derry," he added. The Donegal North East FF deputy said that while news of Letterkenny General Hospital's link with the Galway Cancer Centre of Excellence was "positive", there remained a need for direct provision closer to home "where possible". “I understand that the Government is working towards best international practices in the setting up of centres of excellence, and what we all want is what is in the best interests of patient care. “But if certain services can be provided closer to Donegal, servicing the North West, I believe all must be done to facilitate that,” said Deputy Blaney.
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