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‘We won’t accept death
by geography’ CCCNW
30.03.07
PATIENTS in Inishowen
and the North West will not accept ‘death by
geography’; a local cancer group has warned the
Taoiseach.
Representatives from Co-Operation for Cancer Care
North West (CCCNW) met Mr. Ahern during his whistle
stop visit to Donegal on Thursday.
Group spokesperson, Noelle Duddy, referred to a
report published by the National Cancer Registry
this week showing that women in Donegal suffering
from breast cancer have a 30% higher chance of dying
from the disease than those living in Dublin.
The figures clearly showed that a patient’s address
is among the factors determining their survival.
CCCNW acknowledged the progress that had been made
by cancer groups in association with the Government
including the appointment of a permanent breast
surgeon for Letterkenny Hospital. But they said much
more needed to be done to ensure lives were not lost
and that patient care and comfort remained a
priority.
“We, here in Donegal and the West, will not accept
death by geography,” said Ms. Duddy. |
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Mr. Ahern once again
heard of the vital need for a satellite radiotherapy
unit for patients in the North West.
“If one pictures the map of the island of Ireland,
one cannot but notice the glaring lack of radiation
facilities in the North West. Cancer patients on
both sides of the border must travel for radiation
treatment. |
“Derry, Fermanagh and
Tyrone patients must travel to Belfast, a journey of
at least 3 -4 hours per day per five days per week
for 4-7 weeks. If unable to do this travelling they
have to remain in Belfast coming home at weekends,”
says a CCCNW report presented to Mr. Ahern at An
Grianan Hotel, Burt.
“Obviously patients cannot do this type of
travelling daily and are therefore obliged to remain
in either Galway or Dublin for their treatment,
coming home at weekends. Since November 1, 2006,
some Donegal patients are being offered the choice
of accessing radiation treatment in Belfast.
“However, many cancer patients requiring palliative
radiation treatment either cannot travel or do not
want to leave family and friends. They therefore do
not receive the benefits that radiation treatment
offers regarding reducing their pain, the size of
tumour and improving their quality of living,” the
report adds. |
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