Home / Health / Belfast Haematology Unit Funding Withdrawn
Belfast Haematology Unit Funding Withdrawn
23 Oct
Summary
- Department of Health withdrew £1.5m funding for a new cancer center.
- Project is now delayed and may not open until March 2031.
- Relocation of 80 staff is a significant challenge for the project.
A critical haematology centre planned for Belfast is now at risk due to a withdrawal of £1.5 million in funding by the Department of Health. This decision has caused significant concern among trust officials and politicians, who have labeled the move "disgraceful."
The Belfast Trust had planned to relocate 80 staff to accommodate the new unit at Belfast City Hospital. However, the Department of Health has withdrawn the allocated funds after reviewing the proposal and questioning the capital cost estimates.
As a result, the project is now a year behind schedule, with its planned opening date pushed back to March 2031. The relocation of staff remains a key challenge, and the Belfast Trust is escalating the issue to the permanent secretary.
Politicians have expressed alarm, highlighting the vulnerability of patients currently receiving treatment in inadequate facilities. They stress the urgent need to address the delays to prevent further risk to patients undergoing intensive cancer treatment.
