Wilson guarantees Altnagelvin cancer centre

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has repeatedly cautioned that it was impossible to give a firm commitment on the proposed new cancer radiotherapy unit at Altnagelvin until money for the project was guaranteed by the Executive.

But it now appears certain the key health project will go ahead with the Finance Minister indicating in his Draft Budget statement for 20011-15 that money for the unit has been ringfenced.

He stated: "As a result of our investment many key projects will be able to proceed over the period.

"They include: The new police and fire service training centre; the Altnagelvin Hospital radiotherapy centre; the sports stadiums; the water and sewerage network upgrades."

The Health Minister has previously underlined the proposed cancer centres strategic importance warning Belfast City Hospital was set to reach capacity by 2015.

He is on record as having stated: "The potential benefits include increased capacity. We anticipate that the centre at the Belfast City Hospital will be at capacity by 2015, so we need to expand.

"This is a geographical issue as much as anything else. It will save patients in the north-west, particularly those who travel to the cancer

centre one, two or even three times a week, a lot of unnecessary travel time.

"As regards the support from the Government in the Irish Republic, Donegal is outside their easy-to-access circle, so they will put in money for capital and revenue and will pay costs on a pro rata basis."