By Conor Sharkey
THE construction of a new radiotherapy unit at Altnagelvin Hospital will ease the burden on hundreds of cancer patients across the North West, a leading fundraiser said this week.
The announcement of Northern Ireland's second cancer centre was made by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey during an Assembly debate on Tuesday. The Minister said he hoped to have the facility up and running by 2015.
Currently, cancer sufferers from the Strabane and Derry areas have to travel to Belfast to receive treatment, a journey which places major pressures on both patients and their families.
Speaking following the announcement, fundraiser and former cancer patient Deirdre Campbell said she was "absolutely delighted" at the news.
"Recently we had the news that pathology services were to be retained at Altnagelvin and now this. It is fantastic news and just goes to show that while government's don't always get things right, on this occasion they have done brillliantly.
"What this will mean for families across the North West is that no longer will they have to make the long and tiring trip to Belfast to get the treatment they need.
"Anyone who has been through radiotherapy will tell you that the pressures brought on by being diagnosed with cancer are made 1,000 times worth by the travelling.
"And it isn't just the patients who suffer. Families have to give up time at work and have to spend long hours in hospital waiting rooms worrying about their loved ones. Mr McGimpsey's plans will ease all that and this announcement truly brings a time for rejoicing," she said.
While patients from Tyrone have to travel to Belfast for radiotherapy treatment, similar problems face cancer patients in Donegal, who have to make the three hour journey to Dublin.
Mrs Campbell said she hoped Altnagelvin's new unit will also end the logistical nightmare facing Donegal families.
"It is ridiculous that people have to travel the length and breadth of the country to getted treatment. So, hopefully, when this new unit is up and functioning, those in areas like Letterkenny will be able to avail of it as well," she said.
Mrs Campbell added the development was testament to the hours put in by fundraisers across Northern Ireland. "It does make all the hours put in worthwhile, I have no doubt the staff at Altnagelvin who work so hard will be as delighted as I am at this announcement."
