Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2017
726. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in County Donegal who have been referred to the north-west radiotherapy unit at the Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Derry to undergo treatment in 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12895/17]
View answerThe new North West Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin Area Hospital opened in November 2016 and has commenced providing radiotherapy services to patients. This service offers radiotherapy services closer to home for many patients from County Donegal, reducing their travel time significantly. It is hoped that the new Centre will improve the quality of life of those receiving treatment and that it will also be to the benefit of family members and carers.
A total of 13 patients from County Donegal have been referred to the radiotherapy unit at the North West Cancer Centre to undergo treatment. 6 patients were referred to the service in 2016 and 7 patients have been referred to the service to date in 2017.
The service initially offered radiation therapy to patients with prostate cancer. Radiation therapy for patients with breast cancer is expected to begin shortly, with other cancer types coming on stream on a phased basis over the coming months.
