THE Western Trust has confirmed that the radiotherapy service at Altnagelvin Hospital is on target to commence at the end of November.
The new service will greatly enhance existing cancer care already delivered at Altnagelvin and will provide radiotherapy treatment for cancer patients living within the Western Trust area, the northern sector of the Northern Trust (BT51 to BT57) and Donegal (Letterkenny University Hospital locality).
Lead Clinical Oncologist, Dr David Stewart, said: “For the past three years our oncology team, therapeutic radiography staff and medical physics team have been working together to design patient pathways and to plan for the delivery of the new service.
“We have also worked closely with our health colleagues at the regional cancer centres in Belfast and Galway and with cancer services staff in the Northern Trust and Letterkenny University Hospital.”
Dr Stewart added: “To support the implementation of radiotherapy treatment at the hospital, the opening of the Radiotherapy Department will be phased. This is to ensure radiotherapy within Northern Ireland continues to be delivered safely to the highest standard.
“The initial phase will see a small number of new patients with Prostate cancer receive their treatment at the centre. This will commence within a matter of days. Phase two, in the New Year, will see a gradual increase in the number of patients and different types of cancers being treated at the centre.”
Dr Stewart continued: “Anyone with a recent cancer diagnosis residing within the catchment area of the new facility will have their radiotherapy treatment information and options explained to them fully by their oncologist.
“In the interest of consistency of care, a patient who starts their treatment in a particular hospital will continue to have their treatment at that same hospital. This will ensure that they are being cared for by the same team and more importantly with the same diagnostic and treatment equipment.”
“Patients currently attending a medical team for investigations or for cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or hormonal therapy will continue to do so.
“The point at which patients will attend Altnagelvin for radiotherapy is when they are referred by their medical team.
Elaine Way, Chief Executive of the Western Trust said: “A new radiotherapy facility at Altnagelvin Hospital has been on the horizon for almost a decade.
“It is absolutely fantastic for the people of the North West and surrounding areas that we are now about to make use of this outstanding new development.
“I would like to pay tribute to everyone involved in the construction of the facility and those who are working tirelessly at the service planning end, ensuring we will be delivering the highest quality of care possible.”
