Calls for funding to ensure access for all

FUNDING from the Department of Health will be needed to ensure public patients will be able to receive treatment at the new radiotherapy unit at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital.

The Mid-West Hospitals Trust, which is financing the €8 million unit, has agreed to cover the costs of all public patients over an initial period.

However, the Mater Private Hospital, which will run the radiotherapy unit, said yesterday it intended to discuss long-term funding for public patients with the Department of Health.