Joe McHugh
Question:590. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health if he will update Dáil Éireann on plans to develop a new radiotherapy unit at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry City. [22210/13]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2013
590. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health if he will update Dáil Éireann on plans to develop a new radiotherapy unit at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry City. [22210/13]
View answerThe Government is committed to ensuring a high-quality radiotherapy service for the entire population of Ireland, including close collaboration with Northern Ireland for services in the North West. I have committed once-off capital funding of around one third of the cost (up to a ceiling of €19 million) for the development of new radiotherapy facilities (3 linear accelerators) at Altnagelvin Hospital. It will provide more locally accessible and timely services and improve patient travelling times for patients in the North Western area. The service will be managed by the Western Health and Social Care Trust and the HSE will fund the cost of radiotherapy services for patients from the Northwest who attend the centre. Services are expected to commence at the centre in 2016.