Private hospitals apply to provide radiotherapy

TWO separate applications to provide radiotherapy services in private hospitals proposed for the South-East is proof that cancer sufferers need the facilities, say campaigners.

The Government was wrong not to agree to provide radiotherapy services at Waterford Regional Hospital, said Labour's Jack Walsh.

At the end of 2003, Waterford County Council received planning applications for private units at Ferrybank and Butlerstown. Both projects included facilities where radiotherapy could be provided.

The whole region would be far better served, were radiotherapy provided at Waterford Regional Hospital, said Mr Walsh.

"When people are prepared to put their money into private hospitals like this to meet a crying need in the area, it indicates that the Government is wrong," he said in an interview with WLR FM. "The whole issue of treatment then comes into play. My understanding from listening to the medical profession and their lobbying for the public facility was that integrated care gives the best results where there is chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy in one area. That can best be done at the regional hospital."

The first application received was for the Ferrybank hospital. It is proposed that this would also cater for 20% of public patients. The planning application for the €10 million centre is modelled on a similar national treatment centre in Limerick City.

Radiotherapy services are to be provided at the Limerick hospital from next year and it is proposed that they will also be rolled out in Waterford, cutting out the need for patients to travel to Dublin and Cork, as is currently the case.

Local cancer group campaigner Jane Bailey has welcomed the planned development. "It is very much to be welcomed. Private radiotherapy will address the needs of those with private medical cover.

"The central objective will continue though to be the provision of full, multi-disciplinary services for the South-East where all can have access to treatment," she said.