Jim Wells: New Heath Minister.
The delivery of the new radiotherapy centre at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry remains a priority, new Health Minister Jim Wells has said.
Mr Wells was speaking after replacing Edwin Poots as health minister who had said the opening of centre would be delayed because of a lack of funding.
SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed Mr Wells’ commitment.
Mr Durkan said: “After weeks of scaremongering by the former minister Edwin Poots, I am pleased Jim Wells publicly allayed fears by reaffirming his department’s commitment to the radiotherapy centre.
“The radiotherapy centre will deliver vital cancer services for the people of the North West.
“While the new health minister acknowledges there are fears there could be a delay in the delivery of services in the centre following the completion of its build, it is commendable he is prioritising the delivery of this service as one of his first aims in his new position.
“I know from my time with Jim Wells on the Health Committee that he has always been a champion for cancer services.”
Mr Durkan concluded: “The SDLP are committed to the delivery of the radiotherapy centre, and I will do all that I can within the Executive to work closely with the new health minister to ensure the centre is delivered without delay.”
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