Up to 30% of chemotherapy could be delivered outside of hospitals from next year, says minister

Ann-Marie Browne, Áine Collins, and Áine Leo of the Oncology Community Intervention Team, HSE Mid West. 

Some cancer care, including up to 30% of chemotherapy, could be delivered outside of hospitals from next year, according to health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

The change could see patients access blood tests and other care in local clinics instead of travelling long distances to large hospitals.

Addressing the HSE Integrated Care Conference, Ms Carroll MacNeill said: “I think everyone in this room wants to move care more to the community.” 

She raised concerns about vulnerable patients who might need to travel up to two hours from rural areas to hospitals during cancer treatment.

Ms Carroll MacNeill said the concerns are shared by the HSE chief executive Anne O’ Connor, chief clincial officer Colm Henry, and the new head of the national cancer control programme, Debbie McNamara.

“We would like, in 2027, for every region to devise a plan where more cancer care can be delivered in the community outside of acute hospitals.”

This would not include complex care or taking away the role of cancer centres of excellence, she stressed.

“But we can certainly do more... where we’re delivering more routine care. 

"About 30% of chemotherapy treatment could be delivered in the community and away from the acute hospitals,” she said.

She highlighted a cancer care community project already running in the HSE Midwest region. 

This “innovative” programme, which won an award at the conference, could be copied elsewhere, she added.

Áine Collins, an oncology nurse, leads the Midwest programme alongside Áine Leo and Ann-Marie Browne.

“It’s all about bringing care closer to the home for the patient and their families,” Ms Collins told the Irish Examiner during the conference. 

People need fewer appointments at University Hospital Limerick and instead see a community intervention team. 

“We cut out the hospital part for the bloods,” she said.

The team has hubs in Ennis, Nenagh, Thurles, Limerick, and Newcastle West. 

Ann-Marie Browne, Áine Collins, and Áine Leo. The Oncology Community Intervention Team, HSE Mid West 'is all about bringing care closer to the home for the patient and their families'.

They delivered 10,000 cancer interventions last year.

Ms Leo said these include patients living in Offaly who have specialist cancer care at UHL.

“We’re open every day of the year, Christmas Day included,” she said. 

“We have very flexible hours. We’re open 8.30am to 8.30pm.” 

People can have chemotherapy pumps disconnected and other care.

Ms Browne said: “Our main ethos is admission avoidance and facilitating early discharge [from hospitals].” 

Patient feedback shows people like the convenience of the service. 

“They don’t have to worry about the traffic in UHL, they don’t have to worry about the parking,” she said.

Patient numbers have risen every year since it began in 2022. 

The team said this indicates progress and the need for "ongoing investment, workforce planning, and evaluation to sustain high-quality care.”