St. Luke’s is protected by law and cannot be sold - Andrews

Dublin South East T.D. Chris Andrews has welcomed the firm legislative commitment that St. Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar cannot be sold and will be maintain as a public health facility.

“The Minister for Health Mary Harney has written into the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill a commitment that St. Luke’s will not be used for any purpose other than public health.”

“I know there has been huge concern in the community that St. Luke’s would be closed and sold off.  This will not happen.  I want people to know that St. Luke’s will continue to play a very important role in healthcare in Dublin.”

“Under the Bill two new radiotherapy centres at St James’s and Beaumont Hospitals will open late this year or early next year as part of Phase 1 of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology.  The existing radiotherapy centre at St Luke’s together with these new centres at Beaumont and St James’s will form the St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network, provide much more capacity for public patients,” added Deputy Andrews.

“This is a very important development.  The staff at St. Luke’s have contributed greatly to its impressive reputation over the years and this recognition is very welcome.  The new network will be an integral part of the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme and allow for seamless patient transfer between services and more effective, patient-centred services,” concluded Deputy Andrews.