Fears for future of St Luke's Hospital

St Luke's Hospital in Dublin could be slated for closure today, despite its excellent reputation for cancer care.

A group of patients and TDs are hoping the hospital can be saved rather than sold off.

Legislation is due to pass before a Dáil Select Committee this afternoon which will allow the Rathgar-based hospital to be transferred to the HSE and sold.

Supporters of the hospital hope an amendment to the Health Bill 2010 will enable St Luke's to operate as a 'satellite' to a larger centre of excellence for cancer treatment.