THE PROTEST CAMPAIGN HAS A STRONG MESSAGE:

 RETAIN AND DEVELOP CANCER SERVICES IN SLIGO GENERAL HOSPITAL

 The present campaign to save our Cancer Services and develop the Cancer Services in Sligo General Hospital began with the threat of the closures of these services by the Government and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The group originated from debates on Ocean FM regarding delays for appointments with consultants, diagnosis of symptoms, treatment and a general lack of services in the North West. The Campaign Group said; If we loose the Cancer Services in Sligo General Hospital the lives of Cancer Patients will greatly deteriorate. Already they have to travel hundreds of miles round trips to Galway and spend up to seven weeks away from home because there is no Radio Therapy available in the North West. If the Government and the Health Service Executive are allowed to close all Cancer Services in Sligo General Hospital not only will Cancer Patients have to travel for Radio Therapy but also for assessment, diagnosis, and all other treatments. It is cruel enough that Cancer Patients who are scared and worried with the diagnoses of Cancer and suffering from the effects of surgery without tearing them away from their families and friends and all they know and love at a time when they need it most.

 à Why should Cancer Patients in the North West have to leave their homes for up to seven weeks for Radio Therapy treatment leaving their children, family and friends?

à Why are some women in the North West left with no option but to have radical mastectomies because they cannot leave their children for weeks for Radio Therapy?

à Why should Cancer Patients in the North West have to travel hundreds of miles for assessment, diagnosis, surgery and treatment away from all they know and love at a time when they need this support most?

à Why should Cancer Patients suffer horrendous journeys over bad roads in ambulances/mini buses from early in the morning to late at night without rest after surgery and cancer treatment?

à Why should Cancer Patients have to leave their homes in the North West at three and four in the morning to get anything up to four buses to get to Dublin and Galway when they are suffering from cancer and the aftermath of surgery and treatment.

 à Why should Cancer Patients have to travel to a packed Galway Hospital to be turned away because there is no bed for them?

We Want a Cancer Services Centre of Excellence in Sligo General Hospital and We Will Settle for Nothing Less