Kerry cancer patients to get travel expenses

KERRY cancer patients who have to travel to Cork University Hospital (CUH) for surgery and treatment are to be given assistance with transport costs.

Health Minister Mary Harney has confirmed that a special €750,000 funding package will be given to the Irish Cancer Society for transport while the Health Service Executive (HSE) will also provide transport for patients.

Under the National Cancer Strategy, initial diagnosis of breast cancer and surgery for Kerry women will be carried out at CUH — a designated centre of excellence.