Cancer centre hinges on budget negotiations

Sinn Fin MLA Martina Anderson asked Health Minister Michael McGimpsey for an update on the timescale of the new satellite radiotherapy centre at Altnagelvin Hospital.

Mr McGimpsey reiterated his view that the delivery of the centre will hinge on budget negotiations with the Department of Finance.

He said: “The Western Trust and my Department are working hard against a tight timescale to ensure that the new development is appropriate in terms of capacity, high quality and value for money for the taxpayer.

“It is important when planning a public investment of this scale that we get it right. The business case approval process requires that the Trust’s proposal has the support of the Health and Social Care Board and the Department of Finance.

“The commissioner has given its support to this development however delivery of the scheme will be dependent on the outcome of budget negotiations with the Minister of Finance.”