HIQA report highlights governance and operational issues at CUH cancer unit

A report from HIQA has today highlighted a number of issues with the management of breast cancer care - after the transfer of treatment services to Munster's biggest hospital.

Cork University Hospital, while having the core requirements for quality and safety, has been criticised over apparent teething problems with the amalgamated service.

This report was completed following the transfer of breast surgical services to CUH from Kerry General and South Infirmary Victoria hospitals, making it the region's "centre of excellence".

It has identified a number of what it says are "governance and operational management issues", which it says reflects the early stage of development of the new unit.

These include process like the volume of people attending outpatient clinics, and effective inpatient access processes.

HIQA says it is not satisfied that the arrangements for the new service were strategically aligned and coordinated in order to effectively manage the transition.

However, in a move to reassure those using the service, HIQA says the CUH unit has the core requirements for quality and safety as set out in the official standards document.