BY CATRIONA GALLEN

THE National Cancer Control Programme offers nothing new to cancer patients in Donegal, according to Donegal Action for Cancer Care.

Minister for Health Mary Harney announced eight centres of excellence for cancer treatment this week. On a "sole exception basis", cancer services in Letterkenny General Hospital will be delivered as an outreach service from University College Hospital, Galway.

Canadian specialist, Professor Tom Keane has been appointed interim Director of the National Cancer Control Programme and will take up the post in November. He will oversee the implementation of the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme, including the transfer of all major cancer treatment to the eight designated Specialist Cancer Centres

These centres will provide treatment for all forms of cancer, including breast cancer, involving diagnostic, surgical, medical (systemic) and radiation oncology services.

Noting the "particular and unique geographical circumstances applying to Donegal," Minister Harney said radiotherapy service provided at Belfast should be maximised and the programme will be reviewed by the director of Cancer services, Professor Tom Keane.

At present Letterkenny General hospital has an 11-bed Oncology unit which was completed in March 2006. This is supported by a day care area, breast care suite and a clear air Pharmaceutical preparation room. In 2006, there were 373, discharges from its dedicated in-patient care and 3,118 discharges from the Day Oncology Unit.

Mr Paddy Hume, PRO for DACC said people in Donegal were being offered the "crumbs off the Galway table" in terms of cancer care.

"I can't believe people are lauding this programme. It effectively offers no new services for people in Donegal.

"The eight centres of excellence are geographically skewed with all centres located below the line of Galway. The announcement does not

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