Belfast Haematology Centre Faces Funding Setback

A crucial haematology centre for cancer patients in Belfast is at risk after the Department of Health (DoH) withdrew £1.5 million in funding, according to Belfast Trust officials. The decision has pushed back the project's planned opening by at least a year, with the new target set for March 2031.

Belfast Trust Chief Executive Jennifer Welsh informed Stormont's health committee that the department was dissatisfied with the trust's options appraisal and had questioned the robustness of the capital cost estimate. This led to the withdrawal of funds allocated for decanting staff. "I will be clear with members that this is a significant issue for us, which potentially poses a substantial risk to this project," Welsh stated.

The trust had planned to relocate approximately 80 staff from an area within Belfast City Hospital to make way for the new unit. The trust is now exploring alternative funding solutions for this staff relocation and is escalating the issue to the permanent secretary at the DoH.

Assembly members expressed concern over the funding withdrawal, particularly given the vulnerable nature of haematology patients undergoing cancer treatment. Democratic Unionist Party member Diane Dodds highlighted worries about the current conditions and lack of isolation facilities for patients with compromised immune systems. "This was seen as something of significant hope for cancer patients in Northern Ireland," Dodds said, adding that delaying the project puts "very vulnerable people at risk."

Alliance assembly member Nuala McAllister described the department's decision as "disgraceful." She emphasized the intensity of treatment and the specialized staff required for haematology patients, many of whom are severely immunocompromised. McAllister noted that the department, which receives a substantial portion of the executive's budget, had opted not to proceed with the £1.5 million for the new cancer unit.

The Department of Health has been approached for a statement regarding the funding withdrawal. The project is currently facing significant challenges that could impact its delivery and the care provided to vulnerable cancer patients in the region.