Minister Welcomes Announcement Of New Satellite Radiotherapy Centre For Altnagelvin, Ireland

Main Category: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 18 Apr 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD, welcomed the announcement by her counterpart in Northern Ireland, Minister Michael McGimpsey, that a new satellite radiotherapy centre will be established at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry.

An agreement has been in place between the HSE and Belfast City Hospital (BCH) since late 2006 which provides that radiation oncology patients from Donegal can have their treatment in Belfast.

Late last year Minister Harney held discussions with Minister McGimpsey about the potential for further cross border co-operation and collaboration in relation to cancer care, and specifically, the provision of a satellite centre for radiation oncology in the North West. The Minister welcomed Minister McGimpsey's confirmation yesterday that there is potential for cross border co-operation in the development of this resource.

'There are clear advantages in further co-operation to enhance services for patients, especially those living in border counties', said Minister Harney.

Officials from the Department of Health and Children will hold further discussions with their counterparts in Northern Ireland in order to realise the potential of today's announcement.

Department of Health and Children