An event showcasing the new £50m plus Radiotherapy Unit planned for Altnagelvin Hospital has been held today at Letterkenny General Hospital.
The new unit is a unique cross border venture, which will provide access to radiotherapy services to over a half a million people living on both sides of the border.
Speaking at the event, Dr Mary Hynes, Network Manager South and West, National Cancer Control Programme said the centre will expand the range of cancer services delivered to patients in Donegal.
“It means that for first time ever Donegal patients will access radiotherapy within the North West when this unit opens as planned in 2016.
“The Service will be managed by the Western Trust and is funded by the Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland and the Department of Health in the Republic Of Ireland.”
The new Unit will be located beside and connected to the existing Cancer Unit (Sperrin Suite) at Altnagelvin Hospital.
Dr David Stewart Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Clinical Advisor for the project presented an overview of the new Unit.
He said, “The Radiotherapy Unit will provide a patient centred, holistic service for cancer patients at Altnagelvin Hospital. Radiotherapy treatment, both single and combination radio/chemotherapy for curative and palliative purposes, for all but the most complex of tumours, will be delivered at Altnagelvin Hospital.”
Dr Karen Duffy, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Letterkenny General Hospital revealed a Multi disciplinary team is already in place at Letterkenny General Hospital.
“We are now working closely with our clinical colleagues in Altnagelvin to develop clinical pathways for our patients who will be accessing radiotherapy services there. In so doing we will continue to provide excellence in care and quality assured services.”
Speaking at the event, Mr Sean Murphy, General Manager, Letterkenny General Hospital said LGH is well established as a satellite cancer centre.
“The collaborative working with our cross border colleagues means Donegal patients who traditionally travelled to Dublin, Galway or Belfast for radiotherapy services will soon be able access these locally in this region. This is a very exciting development for Letterkenny General Hospital.”
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