Locating a satellite centre for radiotherapy and oncology services in Waterford would be a cheaper way to treat patients in the southeast region than the Government's plan, the local health board has claimed.
After a full meeting this evening, the South Eastern Health Board (SEHB) also said the Government's report on Radiation and Oncology services for the State was based on dated statistics.
The report proposes specialist that radiotherapy services for cancer patients only be provided in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
But it used the 1996 Census which projected the area's population would be 423,000 by the year 2015. However, the 2001 Census shows the Southeast - unlike other regions in the State - has already reached that population level.
"This has serious implications for the model and the time scales proposed in the report.
"Given that the population has already exceeded the level in the projected time frame, it is necessary to immediately consider the development of a satellite service for the region," the SEHB said in a statement.
Specialists in the region are reporting that some women are opting for mastectomies rather than face long spells away from home for treatment, currently only available in Dublin and Cork.
The health board this evening proposed a 4 linear accelerator unit based in Waterford, linked to the south Dublin centre envisaged by the Government.
While accepting that a number of smaller units is proportionately more expensive compared to the Government's plan for larger 12 unit centres, the additional cost would be offset by savings in transporting and accommodating patients to Dublin or Cork.
The board estimated that a saving of 1.8 million per annum could be achieved by placing the satellite centre in Waterford.
The board will meet again on November 14th when fuller response will be issued.