Fianna Fáil Senator Geraldine Feeney has said that the breast cancer unit in Sligo General Hospital will close despite a strong campaign to retain and improve the services in Sligo.
The unit will probably close before the end of this year.
In an interview in today’s Sligo Champion, Senator Feeney said that Taoiseach Brian Cowen, his predecessor Bertie Ahern and Cancer Control Director Professor Tom Keane have all confirmed that the unit is to close.
Senator Feeney said it is time to tell the people of Sligo and the northwest that despite their strong campaign and full backing from FF public representatives, they had failed to convince the decision-makers that the breast cancer unit in Sligo should be maintained.
She said that on the day before Bertie Ahern left office one of his senior advisors phoned each of the four Sligo Oireachtas members and told them that the Taoiseach had outlined their concerns to Professor Keane and he had fought their case, but to no avail.
Ms Feeney said that the new Taoiseach supports the plan for the eight centres of excellence as proposed, and he believes they will offer the best treatment for cancer patients.
Senator Feeney said she was disappointed that the campaign had not achieved its aims, but she felt it was necessary to tell people the reality of the situation.
