Private hospital set for second cancer machine

A SECOND radiotherapy machine will be provided at a private hospital in Waterford, as soon as patient numbers require such an investment, the service providers say.

Planning conditions set down in 2004 require that two linear accelerators should be provided at the radiotherapy unit before the hospital is commissioned.

Another of the 17 conditions set out is that the 40-bed unit can not open until such time as “substantial works” have been carried out on the construction of the Waterford Bypass, in the interests of road safety.

Work on that roadway is now underway.

Cancer care providers, UPMC Cancer Centres International Ltd MD, Michael Costelloe, says he’s confident the hospital can open on time and that they are within their planning requirements.

He says provision has been made for a second radiotherapy machine and it will be introduced as soon as possible.

“The first linear accelerator is there now and the staffing is pretty much in place. We are still on track to open some time between November 13 and 16.

“Vivas has also approved the facility, which is a major boost.

“BUPA have still not made a commitment, given their ongoing risk equalisation issues.

“We are also closer to a deal with the HSE with regard to the treatment of public patients.

“We now understand that they intend to do a national procurement exercise with private hospitals, possibly around September, and we will be entering for this,” Mr Costelloe confirmed.

Euro Care International, which has developed the Whitfield Clinic on the edge of Waterford city, has formed a partnership with Ascent Health Ltd that will see the international healthcare firm operate the hospital.

UPMC Cancer Centres, from Pennsylvania, will provide cancer care at the Butlerstown North campus.

Euro Care International chairman Dr Jim Madden said the company is delighted to partner with a respected operator of elective healthcare facilities.

“We have been anxious from day one to make this a truly world-class project and our partnerships with UPMC Cancer Centers and, now, with Ascent Health are very important steps towards achieving that as both are respected and experienced operators of healthcare facilities in the United States and Europe,” he said.

The council officially approved planning for the 40-bed hospital and radiotherapy unit on June 11, 2004, and attached 17 conditions to the planning permission.

As well as the stipulation concerning works on the construction of the Waterford Bypass, another condition states the provision of a two-linear accelerator radiotherapy unit should be operational before the hospital is commissioned.