Two Dublin hospitals open new oncology centres

Two new oncology centres will open at separate Dublin hospitals this morning.

The Saint Luke's Radiation Oncology centres at Beaumont and Saint James' Hospitals will increase radiation treatment capacity in the east of the country by 50%.

The €60m investment will also reduce the need for Irish people to travel abroad for specialised cancer treatment, as it can be catered for here.

Doctor Susan O'Reilly, Director of the National Cancer Control Programme, said it is a momentous day.

"We now have a single point of referral, so when that patient referral comes in, they are seen in the centre that is most appropriate for their treatment, as close to home as possible and with the least amount of delay.

"So the focus is on timely access to quality care in this multi-disciplinary setting."

Health Minister Dr James Reilly will officially open the units at a ceremony at Beaumont hospital later.