New private hospital ‘ideal for cancer treatment’

DOCTORS developing a new private hospital in Waterford say their facility is ideal for radiotherapy services for public and private patients in the region.

Construction work on the €45 million Whitfield Clinic unit has already begun. And a deal has been brokered with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre to provide radiotherapy services on site.

While campaigners for radiotherapy for all say that Waterford Regional Hospital is the best site for such a service, those behind the 40-bed private clinic say their clinic could treat both public and private patients.

And they argue it would be the most cost-effective and expedient way of bringing radiotherapy to sufferers who have to travel to Dublin or Cork for treatment. They hope to open midway through next year, providing 40 beds and 12 consulting suites.

Whitfield Clinic medical director Dr Ken Patterson says the hospital will provide a radiotherapy service capable of dealing with both public and private patients.

“We wish to provide treatment for everyone, public and private. Minister Cullen has been openly supportive of our project and is on record saying that one of his key aims is to provide radiotherapy for the south-east. He has also been supportive of our project.”

He said there would be several obstacles to providing radiotherapy on site at Waterford Regional Hospital. He said those involved in the Whitfield clinic looked at WRH when looking for a site for their unit. But it was not feasible, he said.

Campaigners in Waterford insist that the service should be provided at Waterford Regional Hospital. They say that it is the best place for such a service, and would ensure that all three elements, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy would be provided on one site.

The Department of Health remains tight-lipped on the Whitfield Clinic proposal, only saying that Health Minister Mary Harney is committed to making the full range of cancer services available and accessible throughout Ireland.

“The Government in its decision on radiotherapy services remains open to the provision of a satellite radiation oncology unit in Waterford and is determined to deliver enhanced services for the whole population as soon as possible,” the department added.