HSE confirms €2.3m investment to improve cancer services in the south west

The funding will support eight new projects and create jobs for nurses, doctors and oncology support staff

The HSE said the investment 'will bring tangible improvements to cancer services, with additional staff for early cancer diagnosis clinics and extra supports for families at risk of cancer'.

The HSE has confirmed a €2.3m investment to improve cancer services in the south west.

HSE South West has announced the "major" investment by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) to improve cancer care across the region over the next 18 months.

The funding will support eight new projects and create 16.5 new healthcare jobs, including nurses, doctors and oncology support staff.

The new posts include specialist nursing support for patients in the rapid access lung service, a new family breast cancer pathway, which will aid in early detection, and a new post for a regional team supporting adolescents and young adults with cancer.

It will also include recruitment of a new patient support worker for breast cancer patients as well as recruitment of a senior occupational therapist and speech and language therapist to support an increased number of patients and families.

HSE South West regional executive officer, Dr Andy Phillips, said the investment shows a deep commitment to improve cancer care for everyone in the region.

He said:

It’s not just about funding - it’s about compassion, care and trust. 

"We are building services that people can rely on during some of the most difficult times in their lives. With this support, we can offer faster diagnosis, better treatment, and more help for families and survivors. 

"Our teams are dedicated to delivering care with kindness and professionalism, and this funding will help us do even more for our communities," Dr Phillips said.

The HSE said the investment "will bring tangible improvements to cancer services, with additional staff for early cancer diagnosis clinics and extra supports for families at risk of cancer". 

Additional new services will also be developed, such as the provision of special care for teenagers and young adults with cancer, and the development of personalised cancer treatment expertise. 

The new services will support people after their treatment ends and some of the funding will go toward the acute oncology service, helping cancer patients avoid the emergency departments.

CUH clinical director of cancer services Dr Dearbhaile Collins said: “These additional staff will support many essential services across the region. Importantly, they will provide specialised care to our adolescent and young adult patients with cancer, patients on oral anti-cancer treatments, and the ongoing care of our cancer survivors. 

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

"Furthermore, they will reinforce our family history clinics to improve early detection, rapid access clinics, bladder cancer surgical care and the crucial acute oncology services.

"We are also proud to announce that one of these positions will enable the region to lead out on the national molecular tumour board programme.” 

Most of these new staff will be based at Cork University Hospital, with some roles located at Mercy University Hospital and University Hospital Kerry. Recruitment for the new oncology staff members is progressing.