A new permanent oncology and haematology unit at University Hospital Kerry is vital to the people of Kerry. Cancer patient numbers in Kerry are continuing to grow, with many needing to travel from all over Kerry to a hospital, such as Cork University Hospital, the Bon Secours, the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, the Mercy Hospital in Cork, and with many others travelling to Limerick, Dublin and elsewhere for intensive treatments. The travelling involved is an extra burden on all those patients, and a permanent oncology unit in Tralee with increased capacity would go some way in alleviating some of the pressure and stress for many patients and their families. With over 5,000 patients treated in University Hospital Kerry last year, I ask the Minister of State to prioritise this new oncology unit for Kerry patients. I previously received confirmation that it was at stage 1 - design. Could the Minister of State say where exactly this vital capital project for University Hospital Kerry is at now? Sadly, when we look at RIP notices, the number of references to palliative care in respect of cancer patients is worrying, to say the least. As a Government, we must invest more in cancer research. A new stand-alone oncology unit for University Hospital Kerry is vital for all cancer patients and their families in our county. I impress upon the Minister of State and the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, the urgent requirement for a stand-alone oncology and haematology unit on the grounds of UHK to provide Kerry patients with the dignity, privacy and comfort they deserve during one of the most challenging periods in their lives. As I previously stated in this Chamber, the Comfort for Chemo Kerry committee, a wonderful organisation, has already raised in excess of €1.5 million in funds, and a site has been designated for the purpose within the UHK campus. We are told one in every two will get cancer in their lifetime. When it comes to cancer, the question on everybody's lips is what is causing it. Is it the food we eat, the air we breathe or the water we drink? This project is extremely important to us in Kerry, and I am anxious that it proceed as soon as possible. Delays only mean an escalation in cost for an already costly undertaking. As I previously mentioned, this vital project would lessen the need for many Kerry patients to travel to hospitals in Cork, Limerick and Dublin, some in multiple trips. The temporary oncology unit in UHK simply cannot cope with the over 5,000 patients and rising who were treated there last year alone. I am anxious for us to do everything humanly possible to get this vital project over the line.

Sentiment score: -0.09