Cork University Hospital named as Ireland’s only first-class cancer care centre

A CORK hospital was named Ireland’s only centre of excellence in cancer care yesterday by a leading European medical society.

Cork University Hospital (CUH) was selected from 20 applicants across Europe to become one of only eight centres to receive the designation from the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO).

The award was made in recognition of CUH’s care of terminally ill cancer patients delivered in conjunction with the city’s Marymout Hospice.

ESMO’s Professor Raphael Catane praised CUH for its integrated approach in caring for cancer patients.

The hospital had to meet a range of criteria to qualify for the award including high-level home care, support for family members, and providing adequate pain relief for dying patients.

The hospital also had to demonstrate its commitment to research related to the quality-of-life of cancer patients.

Dr Tony O’Brien, a consultant in palliative medicine in CUH, said the award recognised the integrated service offered by the teams in CUH and Marymount. He said: “CUH will be eligible to receive fellows in palliative medicine who will be supported by ESMO grants; good news for the ongoing development of palliative care services in the region.”

Meanwhile, a fourth €1.5 million linear accelerator is due to come on stream at CUH on Monday. A hospital spokeswoman also confirmed that Dr Carol McGibney, a consultant radiation oncologist, as joined CUH’s cancer specialists Dr Seamus Ó Cathail and Dr Maurice Hurley.

Her appointment will be made official on Monday.

In Kerry, construction work has started on a €3m palliative care day unit at Kerry General Hospital.