Dáil Éireann - Volume 502 - 30 March, 1999

Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.

Mr. O'Shea Mr. O'Shea

208. Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of providing a radiation treatment unit at Waterford Regional Hospital; the yearly running cost of this unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8877/99]

Mr. Cowen Mr. Cowen

1497

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen): Radiotherapy is a highly specialised and capital intensive service. Because of its complexity and the considerable cost involved, there are currently just two public radiotherapy facilities in [1497] Ireland. These are in St. Luke's Hospital, Dublin and Cork University Hospital. However, I am pleased to say that a third public radiotherapy facility will be provided as part of the major development of University College Hospital Galway. I also approved, recently, the provision of a second linear accelerator for the Radiotherapy Unit at Cork University Hospital. There are no plans to develop a unit at Waterford Regional Hospital.

Dáil Éireann 502 Written Answers. Cancer Treatment Services.

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