Still no guarantee for cancer hub

By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Sep 2010, 11:34 BST
A PROPOSED new radiotherapy cancer centre at Altnagelvin - hailed a significant advance on existing services - pends business case approval and security of funding before the Department of Health can give it a definitive green light.

Hopes are high radiotherapy provision will be expanded by a new satellite cancer centre at Altnagelvin but the development's viability is dependent on "substantial and ongoing financial commitments" from both the Belfast and Dublin Governments.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness failed as surely as his Executive colleague and Health Minister Michael McGimpsey to give a firm commitment to the proposed new cancer radiotherapy centre during a debate at the Stormont Assembly.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He echoed Mr McGimpsey's mantra that no guarantee for the centre will be given until money for the project is guaranteed and a business case is approved.