No firm commitment on cancer unit

Asked for an update on the unit and if construction was still on course to begin in 2012 Mr McGimpsey indicated the Executive ultimately needs to release the funds to pay for its completion.

He warned the facility is dependent on adequate funds being made available but also said he was hopeful it would proceed as planned.

Responding to a query at the Stormont Assembly he stated: "The Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) is in the process of developing a business case for the establishment of a satellite unit of Belfast City Hospital at Altnagelvin.

"It is expected that the business case will be submitted to the Department within the next few weeks for consideration.

"Whilst I remain committed to the provision of a Satellite Centre at Altnagelvin Hospital, the progress of the project and the timescales associated with it is dependent on the necessary funding being in place to deliver this project."

Announcing the new satellite radiotherapy centre almost two years ago Mr McGimpsey said it was expected to be in place by 2015.

It was heralded as a future provider of additional radiotherapy capacity vital to meet an anticipated increase in cancer in the North West and in Northern Ireland as a whole.

The Sentinel asked the Health Minister if there was a risk that cuts to the DHSSPS budget could jeopardise the new cancer unit.

Mr McGimpsey said budget reductions could affect planned capital projects across Northern Ireland including the Altnagelvin radiotherapy unit and it was vital to ensure money was there to both build and operate the unit when it is completed.

"Budget reductions will limit my ability to progress planned capital projects required across the Health and Social Care network," said the Minister.

"It is with this in mind that I cannot give any firm commitment to any project in the planning stage until I am able to confirm that the necessary funding is available," he said.

"This applies to the Altnagelvin Satellite Radiotherapy Unit as to all other planned projects. A business case is also required for all projects to test Value for Money - this is currently in progress for the Altnagelvin project," said Mr McGimpsey.

"That being said, I remain committed to the project and hope that it will progress as anticipated. However, it is imperative that I ensure that the necessary funding is available to both construct the facility and to operate it once completed, before I give the go ahead for it. Cuts to my Department's budget make this difficult and it is something that I am monitoring closely," he added.

A spokesperson for the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) said: "The Western Health and Social Care Trust, in conjunction with DHSSPS, are continuing to work on the development of a satellite radiotherapy unit at Altnagelvin.

"The project is dependent on the clearance of the Business Case, securing the necessary funding for the project and the procurement of the facility through the required tendering process.

"Timescales can only be finalised when these issues are resolved but current plans are for the unit to be ready by 2015."