The new €40 million cancer treatment centre in Cork University Hospital will be the first public hospital in the country to use Surface Guided Radiation Treatment (SGRT), according to Tony McNamara, Chief Executive of the hospital.
Photography by Gerard McCarthy.
“SGRT speeds up and improves the accuracy of treatment and reduces the need for immobilisation, while the provision of new linear accelerators will reduce treatment times,” he said.
The new centre will provide treatment for 2,000 cancer patients from all over Munster each year.
Speaking at the official opening, Tánaiste Simon Coveney said it would provide a comprehensive range of services in advance of an anticipated 50 per cent increase in cancer by 2045 and was a vital part of infrastructure in the Government’s National Plan for Radiation Oncology.
Mr. McNamara paid tribute to the voluntary organisation, Aid Cancer Treatment which provided €800,000 towards the cost of SGRT.
The new centre will have 120 staff, including seven Consultant Radiation Oncologists and 48 Radiation Therapists.
