Resignation Over Postponement Of Cancer Unit

The decision to postpone a new radiotherapy unit at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry has been met with fierce criticism, with one senior politician resigning over the matter.

The Ulster Unionist Party's deputy chair, Terry Wright, said the decision by the UUP's Michael McGimpsey was wrong and was "symptomatic of the erratic workings of an assembly that is not working as envisaged."

The minister had said that there was not enough money in the health department's budget to fund the unit.

In a statement Mr Wright said his position had become "untenable" after what he described as an "ill-advised and untimely" decision by Michael McGimpsey.

He said he personally knew what benefit the unit would have had for people needing treatment for cancer.

"Having had close family and friends required to make the journey to Belfast for treatment at the radiotherapy centre in Belfast.

"I am therefore fully aware of the vital benefits which a different decision would have made. I regard this as an opportunity missed and one, which tests my loyalty to the party.

The decision, which I hope even now can be reversed, is clearly symptomatic of the erratic workings of an assembly that is not working as envisaged."

Mr Wright said he would remain as a member of the UUP and chair of the Foyle branch of the party.

Sinn Fein Equality Spokesperson, Martina Anderson MLA has also slammed the Mr McGimpsey's decision not to proceed with the Radiotherapy Unit at Altnagelvin, branding him 'incompetent.'

She commented: "This decision is a political decision not one of affordability. Michael McGimpsey has once more demonstrated that he is the most incompetent Minister in the Executive. If this funding had been required for the City Hospital in his own Constituency there would be no question of not having running costs. But there are no votes for him in Derry

"The Irish government remains committed in its support of this project. It will not be completed for at least four years yet Michael McGimpsey is taking a pre-emptive decision on the last day of this Assembly to refuse to proceed with this crucial facility.

"This Minister’s incompetency knows no bounds and the electorate of South Belfast would do the rest of us a favour by sending a message to Michael McGimpsey that wherever a Minister plays politics with peoples lives there is a price to pay. They should ensure that he is not re-elected."

Following the announcement by the Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey that he has postponed plans for a new radiotherapy unit at Altnagelvin Hospital.

Sinn Féin held a public protest at the Altnagelvin Roundabout

Following his announcement to shelve the plan, Mr McGimpsey said he was committed to ensuring that people with cancer in Northern Ireland had access to radiotherapy services and that he would make arrangements to introduce two new radiotherapy machines at Belfast City Hospital over the next two years.

(JG/GK)