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Radiation unit "going to happen" 18.08.08

A RADIATION unit is to be built in Derry for use by patients in Donegal and across the North West, it's emerged.
Co-operating for Cancer Care NorthWest CCC(NW), learned of the development during a "constructive" meeting with Health Minister Mary Harney last week.
The meeting focused on North-South developments in the provision of a cross border satellite radiation unit for the people of the North West region while cancer services in Letterkenny General Hospital were also high on the agenda.
CCC(NW) spokesperson, Noelle Duddy said Ms Harney said both jurisdictions had agreed that the radiation unit was "going to happen".
Ms Harney told the group: "We are going to use Altnagelvin, the mechanics to do this need to be worked out, both departments are meeting next month to further advance discussions”. When asked about timescales and financing the project, Ms Harney added: “I want to make this a reality as soon as possible. Both Governments are very enthusiastic about this, money would not be a problem”.
It is expected the project will take around five years to complete with an expectation that actual treatments for cancer patients will have begun by 2015.
A cross border team to include personnel from HSE(West); Northern Health Authorities; Letterkenny General Hospital and Altnagelvin Hospital will be established. Ms Harney also explained that patient pathways would be established and an integrated radiation service would be provided for patients in both jurisdictions. Until a radiation unit in the North West is built, cancer patients in Donegal will continue to receive treatment in either St Luke's, Dublin, Galway or the Belfast Cancer Unit.
Minister Harney re-affirmed the Government's ongoing commitment regarding the provision of breast cancer services at Letterkenny General Hospital. She also explained that Professor Keane’s department, the National Cancer Control Programme, is actively engaging with Letterkenny’s management team.
Ms Duddy said: “We had a constructive meeting with Minister Harney and her advisors. We left the meeting reassured that Letterkenny’s breast cancer services will be retained and developed. With regards to cancer service developments and the appointment of a colo-rectal surgeon to Letterkenny General Hospital we were pleased to hear that Professor Keane’s department is actively engaging with the hospital's management team to discuss these matters.
"We look forward to an ending of the long, painful, arduous journeys many cancer patients in the North West region face in order to receive radiation treatment. We are glad that the uncertainty of “where and if” the North West is going to get a radiation unit, is over.”
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