CONSULTANTS AND family doctors opposed to the planned transfer of cancer services from Sligo General Hospital will address a protest rally outside the hospital today.
The organisers of the protest have predicted that up to 5,000 people will attend .
Mayor of Sligo Veronica Cawley has urged people from the region who feel strongly about the removal of breast cancer services to University College Hospital Galway to join the protest.
As the HSE continues to plan for the transfer of the service, Sligo Borough Council has organised a public meeting about cancer services which will be addressed by cancer specialist Prof John Crown. The meeting takes place at Sligo Institute of Technology on Friday, April 17th.
On the same day, Prof Tom Keane, director of the National Cancer Control Programme, returns to Sligo General Hospital to resume his talks with local consultants who have consistently maintained that the transfer of the unit will not be in the best interests of patients.
The HSE has insisted the transfer will go ahead once all of the necessary preparations are made.
Today’s rally will be addressed by Sligo-based consultant surgeon Tim Hanrahan, who has indicated he will not co-operate with the move.
Frank Hayes, spokesman for the Sligo GP Society, will also address the meeting.
Last Good Friday, a silent candle-lit vigil was held outside the hospital which was attended by patients and politicians from all parties.
Killian McLaughlin, spokesman for the Save Sligo Cancer Services lobby group, said he expected a massive turnout today as the countdown to the transfer continued.
Protesters will assemble on O’Connell Street in Sligo at 5pm, and will march to the hospital, where they will be addressed by representatives of the Irish Nurses Organisation, Siptu and the Impact unions, as well as by cancer patients and representatives of the medical professions.
