Local oncology service under no threat - HSE

The HSE has rubbished recent local reports speculating on the future of the oncology service at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore as a result of cancer patients not being referred back to the hospital for their chemotherapy treatment. According to HSE Communications Officer Arlene Crean the oncology service at Tullamore hospital is "fully operational and will continue to treat new referrals". Ms Crean said referrals to the service, which is headed up in Tullamore by consultant Dr Kyran Bulger, are made after input from clinicians and patients alike. "Referrals are received as always from referring clinicians following a consultative joint decision making process with the patient," she said. Ms Crean confirmed that the service is in no danger, with the hospital budgeted for providing an oncology service according to the national cancer strategy. "Services are provided to the patients who choose to have their treatment provided in the Midland Hospital Tullamore," she said.