All cancer patients finally granted access to key 3D scanner

All cancer patients will be able to access vital, long-delayed treatment at a leading hospital after private health insurance holders were initially told their treatment would be blocked.

VHI Healthcare has confirmed it has agreed a deal with Alliance Medical to allow the insurer’s members to receive care from Cork University Hospital’s PET-CT scanner.

The multimillion-euro equipment — which allows detailed 3D images to be taken of potential tumours in the body — was the subject of a four-and-a-half year mothballing delay until it went online in May.