Gráinne Seoige’s clarification about Galway cancer service practitioners is welcome– Madden    

Gráinne Seoige’s clarification around her controversial advertisement on cancer service provision in Galway has been welcomed by a Fine Gael General Election candidate.

Niamh Madden, Fine Gael General Election candidate for Galway East said:

“This advertisement caused a lot of upset in Galway, not least for people currently undergoing treatment for cancer in the hospital.

“Placing an ad in a newspaper to highlight inadequate care for cancer patients in Galway not only pointed the finger of blame at her party colleague Stephen Donnelly, but more importantly, created huge and unnecessary levels of anxiety among patients and their families.

“However, I welcome the fact that Gráinne took the opportunity on national radio to clarify that her advertisement was placed to criticise the facilities available in University College Hospital in Galway and not the staff.

“For the scores of doctors, nurses and auxiliary hospital healthcare workers and staff, I am pleased. As I’ve said publicly before, having had a family member undergo treatment for cancer, both in the Galway Clinic and in UCHG, the standard of care at every stage was exemplary.

“The professionalism, expertise, attention and care were second to none and I would hope that this message will carry through to people who are currently dealing with cancer in their lives.

“Fine Gael will be launching its manifesto tomorrow, which outlines our plans to double down on our investment into world-class cancer care for those across the country.

“We need politicians who are focused on providing security, rather than instilling fear in members of the public – especially those facing a worrying and upsetting cancer diagnosis,” concluded Niamh Madden.