Plans announced for new Cancer Care Centre for West and Northwest

A new Cancer Care Centre at University Hospital Galway is to be included in the HSE’s National Service Plan (NSP) next year, it has been revealed.

The current Cancer Centre for this region, based at the model 4 hospital in University Hospital Galway,  caters for patients across the entire north-west region, but the facilities are outdated and not fit for purpose, as many people travelling for treatment to Galway will know.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly confirmed the new Cancer centre will be included in the HSE’s upcoming NSP, which outlines the health and social care services to be provided nationwide.

“The West and Northwest of Ireland are the most disadvantaged and geographically dispersed with a higher-than-average older population and higher incidence of cancer overall,” said Prof. Michael Kerin, Director, Saolta-Managed Clinical Academic Network.

“The welcome announcement that a new Cancer Care Centre at University Hospital Galway is to be included in the HSE’s National Service Plan next year is fantastic news for the people of the West and Northwest of Ireland.

"The Cancer Centre development will allow the delivery of cancer care to the region in a predictable manner, in a modern fit for purpose facility with access to appropriate cancer care, clinical trials, new knowledge from cancer research, and training and education of healthcare providers. This is entirely in line with the Sláintecare proposals and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan to save three million lives by 2030.”

Photo:  

Pictured are Minister for Disability and Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbitte in discussion with Professor Michael Kerin, Director Saolta-NUI Galway Cancer Network at a public meeting in Salthill last month on the urgent need for a new Cancer Centre to ensure patients have access to timely diagnosis and care.