Hospital cancer centres not ready, admits Harney

NONE of the eight hospitals designated as “centres of excellence” for cancer care are ready to fulfil that role, Minister for Health Mary Harney has admitted.

This is despite claims by the national cancer chief, Professor Tom Keane, that patients were already “voting with their feet” and seeking treatment in the specialist centres.

Ms Harney told the Dáil that Prof Keane, who has €5.8m to boost capacity in the eight facilities, was assessing their needs.