Radiotherapy service not certain, says new hospital

THE developers of a private hospital with radiotherapy services given the green light in Waterford only this week now say they may not be able to provide services for cancer sufferers.

The consortium behind the hospital at Kilbarry say there is no guarantee that radiotherapy will be provided there. Earlier this week, Waterford City Council approved a material contravention to its development plan, clearing the way for the 40-bed facility.

Another independent hospital which was also to provide radiotherapy was approved by Waterford County Council last month.

Councillors said they would back the projects subject to radiotherapy being provided at the unit planned at Butlerstown North.

But the developers of the latest hospital say they will need guarantees from the health board in the region and the Department of Health before they can promise radiotherapy care.

“We’ve made the provision for it and we will work to achieve a radiotherapy facility for Waterford,” Harlequin Healthcare chief executive Joe Kelly said. “But I can’t go on the record and guarantee it.”

Meanwhile, the Government is to come under unprecedented pressure to deliver long-promised radiotherapy services for Waterford and the south east over the coming weeks when a delegation from the region meets with Health Minister Michéal Martin.

The minister has agreed to meet with a delegation from Waterford City Council to discuss the possibility of developing radiotherapy services at Waterford Regional Hospital.