FiannaFáil TD for Kerry, Michael Cahill has receivd an update from the Minister for Health on the Permanent Oncology and Haematology Unit at UHK.
The update stated that “University Hospital Kerry and HSE Capital and Estates are prioritising the preparation of the capital submission for the proposed Oncology day treatment ward and outpatients unit at University Hospital Kerry.”
Fianna Fáil TD, Michael Cahill raised the issue in Dáil Éireann with Minister Jennifer Carroll Mac Neill TD recently as cancer patient numbers in Kerry are continuing to grow with many needing to travel from all over Kerry to hospitals in Cork and elsewhere daily for treatment.
“We all know of family members and friends who are quietly travelling the daily round trip to Cork University Hospital, Bon Secours and South Infirmary Victoria Hospital in Cork for intensive treatments. The travelling involved is an extra burden on them of course. A permanent Oncology Unit in Tralee with increased capacity, would go some way to alleviating some of the pressure and stress for some patients” stated Deputy Cahill, a member of the Joint Health Oireachtas Committee.
“The present Interim Oncology unit was completed at UHK in 2024 at a cost of €2.44m, which includes 14 day treatment cubicles, is praised by those who need to use it. But all involved accept that the Permanent Oncology Unit, with increased capacity is required, with over 5,000 patients treated in University Hospital Kerry last year. I will continue to press for its progression” said Deputy Cahill.
“The Minister confirmed that the prioritisation of the capital list will be a matter for the HSE Regional Executive Office and the Regional Director for Planning and I will continue to call for support for this project, in order to get it across the line” added Michael Cahill TD.
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