Working Life: I’m delighted to be part of CUH's Acute Oncology Service

Margaret Allen, advanced nurse practitioner, acute oncology, Cork University Hospital

Margaret Allen, advance nurse practitioner, Acute oncology, CUH. Picture: Denis Minihane.

6.30am

I begin my commute from Kilworth, arriving at Cork University Hospital (CUH) at 7.30am. I’m delighted to be part of our Acute Oncology Service, the first of its kind in Ireland. The aim of the unit is to provide access to timely, urgent assessment and review of symptoms for cancer patients, avoiding the emergency department (ED) as the first point of presentation when possible. Currently, the service operates Monday to Friday, but there are plans for expansion to a seven-day-week basis.