A MERE six Donegal
cancer patients have so far been referred to Belfast
for treatment under an agreement between the
island's health authorities. The issue will be raised
again this week in the Seanad by Senator Cecilia
Keaveney who said more awareness was now needed
about the arrangement - designed to cut out long
distance travel to the Dublin cancer centres.
“A lot of effort went into establishing the
agreement with Northern authorities whereby Donegal
patients could travel to Belfast for treatment, so
it is very disappointing to learn that only half a
dozen have so far been referred by consultants in
Letterkenny.
“Under the agreement reached, it was decided that
some 50 patients could be referred to Belfast in an
attempt to lessen the travel time for Donegal
patients. If patients are not being referred to
Belfast, however, then they must continue making the
long journey to Dublin for treatment.”
Senator Keaveney said she would highlight the issue
again this week.
“I am anxious that patients are given the choice of
treatment in Belfast and that the quality of the
service being offered in Belfast is made known to
those who are currently more aware of the historical
links with Dublin hospitals.
“We must explore the causes of our not taking up the
places in the new Belfast state of the art facility
and address the issues that arise, whether medical,
clinical or psychological,” added Senator Keaveney. |
