Irish Cancer services transfer to be completed by Spring 2009

 

The head of the national cancer control programme, Professor Tom Keane has stated that by late spring 2009, all initial breast cancer diagnosis and treatment will be centralised at eight hospitals in the country.

There were 33 hospitals providing these services just over a year ago.

Prof Keane said that over the coming period services are due to move from Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda, Tallaght Hospital, the South Infirmary in Cork and Sligo General Hospital.

He said that dialogue was continuing with Sligo General, where there is great opposition to the move. Prof Keane stated that he had been extremely sensitive to the need of patients in the changes. He stated that services would not transfer from Sligo until he was satisfied that alternative and excellent services were in place.

Prof Keane and Health Minister Mary Harney met with medical specialists at Sligo ten days ago to discuss the issue. Professor Keane stated that his goal was to get Ireland into the top 10 to 15% of top performing countries in terms of cancer care but this would take many years.

Source:

 

http://www.rte.ie/news/2009/0210/cancer.html