Written answers

Tuesday, 10 February 2009

Department of Health and Children

Hospital Services

9:00 pm

Photo of Jim McDaidJim McDaid (Donegal North East, Independent)
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Question 307: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in relation to radiotherapy services in the north west. [4510/09]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Government decided in July 2005 that the best option for improving geographic access for patients in the North West to radiation oncology services in the short term was to facilitate access to Belfast City Hospital. It also decided to explore the scope in the medium term for developing a joint venture based on a satellite centre in the North West linked to Belfast City Hospital.

Cancer patients in the North West requiring radiation oncology treatment are referred to either St. Luke's Hospital Dublin or University College Hospital Galway. A Service Level Agreement is also in place for the referral of radiation oncology patients from Donegal to Belfast City Hospital.

In April 2008, Minister Michael McGimpsey of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSS&PS), Northern Ireland announced the provision of a satellite centre (linked to Belfast City Hospital) to be located in Altnagelvin. It will provide the additional radiotherapy capacity needed to meet an anticipated increase in cancer in Northern Ireland. It also recognises the potential for cross border co-operation in the development of this resource. I welcomed the announcement by Minister McGimpsesy and officials from my Department and their counterparts in Northern Ireland continue to hold discussions in this regard. I understand that this facility is expected to be operational by 2015.

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