No budget commitment for radiotherapy services
Following a meeting with Mr Martin at the Department of Health in Dublin yesterday, the city’s mayor, Seamus Ryan, said they had outlined the impact on patients of the centralisation of radiotherapy service.
“Micheál Martin was reminded that ultimately the decision rests with him and the people of Waterford and the south-east are demanding that this service be provided,” Mr Ryan said.
“This meeting allowed for a full and frank exchange of views, but we are disappointed,” he added.
The delegation had pressed Mr Martin in relation to three key demands: the development of a satellite unit to be based at Waterford Regional Hospital; the immediate allocation of resources to provide transport for patients forced to travel for radiotherapy treatment; and the approval of a dedicated oncology unit at WRH.
While Mr Martin stated the provision of a satellite unit was on the Government’s agenda, he did not confirm when this would be put in place.
“The minister refused to give a commitment regarding time scale or budgetary provision,” Mr Ryan said.
Around 600 new patients from the South Eastern Health Board (SEHB) area require radiotherapy each year, with around 400 of those referred to St Luke’s hospital in Dublin.
According to the SEHB the numbers requiring radiotherapy in the region are expected to rise to 1,800 in the next few years.
Dr Jerry Cowley TD, spokesman for the Cancer Care Alliance in Waterford, accused Mr Martin of failing to provide the type of “social justice” his party lauded at the recent Fianna Fáil meeting in Inchydoney.
“I think they are burying their head in the sands and the local election showed they are paying the price for it,” he warned.
“I think it’s very regrettable for the ill people who have such difficulties travelling, it’s a sad situation when he has nothing in mind for them other than a seat in an ambulance or on a train,” he added.
The Department of Health did not make any statement on the meeting.
