SEVENTEEN cancer campaigners who resigned from the County Committee of Donegal Action for Cancer Care have this week set up their own lobby group.
They have pledged to continue the work they were unable to progress whilst members of the DACC.
The group have given themselves the working title of "Co-operating for Cancer Care North West". Noelle Duddy, former Co-Chairperson and a founding member of DACC explained the reasons for forming the new group.
'MAIN REASON'
"The main reason for our resignations is that we no longer have confidence in the direction, decision making processes and management of the campaign. We no longer believe that the principle of 'Equal Access for Equal Need' within the Public Sector is being upheld within DACC," she said.
"To date, approximately twenty-one prominent members of Donegal Action for Cancer Care's County Committee have resigned.The local committees affected are: Buncrana; Convoy/Drumkeen; Finn Valley; Gortahork; Gweedore; Meevagh; Moville; Ramelton; The Rosses and St Johnston-Carrigans-Lifford. It is understood that members from other Local Committees will also be tendering their resignations,"
"As former members of DACC some of our achievements have been: The appointment of a Consultant Radiation Oncologist to Letterkenny General Hospital; An Comhairle confirming the appointment of a permanent Consultant Breast Surgeon to LGH; In the absence of BreastCheck, to initiate communication between HSE NW and Action Cancer, Belfast who are actively exploring the provision of mammography services in the North West, and LGH produced an excellent information booklet for cancer patients at the request of DACC,' she added.
NON-POLITICAL
Jim O'Donnell, former PRO of DACC and Chaiman of the Gweedore Committee said DACC was founded as a non-political organisation on the principle of "Equal Access for Equal Need" within the Public Sector.
"It was established as a campaign group and was never meant to be a service provider or to campaign for the private sector. Our main priorities will be to secure a satellite radiation unit in the North West and continue working to reduce the mammography waiting list in Letterkenny General Hospital," he said.
