Cancer centralisation plan receives mixed response
The Minister for Health, Mary Harney's, plans to centralise cancer services in around eight hospitals nationwide has received a mixed response from campaigners.
The plans are due to be formally announced by Mary Harney and the HSE later today.
The Irish Cancer Society says the move is welcome because specialised centres can increase the chances of beating cancer by 20%.
However, it says the issue of transport must also be addressed as many patients will have to travel longer distances to access the new facilities.
Meanwhile, campaigners seeking the maintenance of services at St Luke's Cancer Hospital in Dublin say the centralisation plan is not in the best interests of patients.
Spokesman Rory Hearne says patients should be able to access services in their own locality without having to make long journeys to the main cities.
