University Hospital Kerry and the HSE are working on the development of a new standalone Chemotherapy Day Unit.
Fianna Fáil Tralee Cllr Mikey Sheehy raised the issue at the July Kerry County Council meeting, and has since received a response from hospital manager Fearghal Grimes.
At the start of COVID-19, University Hospital Kerry’s oncology day ward service was moved to the hospital’s Palliative Care Day Centre in order to protect patients.
General Manager of UHK, Ferghal Grimes says with the easing of restrictions, there’s a need to restore services to pre-COVID levels.
He says UHK management is currently working with HSE estates and the clinical oncology team to provide a suitable location for the service within the hospital campus.
He says in the long term, UHK and HSE estates are planning for a standalone purpose built facility, connected directly to the hospital, which will meet the needs of the oncology day service.
Cllr Mikey Sheehy says it’s a massive step forward and is hugely positive.