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LOCAL cancer
campaigners said they are delighted that the cross
border radiation unit proposed for Altnagelvin
Hospital was on the agenda at this week's meeting of
the North-South Ministerial Council.
Co-operating for Cancer Care NorthWest, CCC(NW)
described as “music to the ears“ the fact that the
long-standing issue had further progressed in
discussion.
“For over five years members of CCC(NW) have been
lobbying both governments to provide a solution to
the absence of radiotherapy services in the North
West region,“ said Noelle Duddy.
“From a Donegal perspective, for too long cancer
patients have had to travel to Dublin and elsewhere
for treatment. This proposed unit in Altnagelvin,
when it is built, will allow for most cancer
patients to receive radiation treatment near to
their homes and loved ones. CCC(NW) absolutely wish
this project ‘God’s speed’. It cannot happen soon
enough,” she added.
A copy of the ‘Final Joint Communique’ released from
the Taoiseach’s office to CCC(NW) states: “Ministers
noted the progress report on the thirteen NSMC
meetings which have been held since the last plenary
meeting in December 2009 and welcomed the mutually
beneficial co-operation taken forward including;
further progress towards the approval of the
business case for a new radiotherapy centre at
Altnagelvin Hospital, towards which the Irish
Government has agreed, in principle, to provide a
capital contribution and to fund the provision of
cancer services for patients from Donegal.” |
