“Our cancer programme was assessed and examined against highly rigorous European standards, and so achieving this certification is the result of ongoing work by our cancer care teams across the region,” according to Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer, HSE West and North West, commenting as the HSE West and North West Cancer Network, in partnership with the University of Galway, recently achieved formal accreditation from the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI).

Tony added that the achievement “highlights the quality of research being carried out throughout the network and in collaboration with our University partners. As a region, we will continue to focus on improving cancer outcomes and delivering better care to our population.”

Spanning a wide geographic area that includes counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Galway, and Roscommon, the cancer programme provides a comprehensive range of services to a population of 830,000 people. In alignment with the national hub-and-spoke model of care, complex cancer treatments are delivered at University Hospital Galway, while an extensive cancer care programme is provided closer to home at Letterkenny University Hospital, Sligo University Hospital, Mayo University Hospital, and Portiuncula University Hospital. In a first of its kind in Ireland, the cancer network has been awarded OECI Cancer Centre status across multiple hospital sites in the region.

Prof Michael Kerin, Clinical Director of HSE West and North West Managed Clinical and Academic Network (MCAN), explained how “engaging in the OECI process has helped to strengthen our clinical networks, improve our processes and expand our research potential; all of these outcomes positively benefit our patients. We have a vision for cancer care in the region which is built upon the highest international quality standards in treatment, research and education. The OECI accreditation process is enabling us to deliver patient centred cancer care at the highest standards internationally.”

The OECI is a leading European organisation dedicated to ensuring equal access to high-quality, multidisciplinary cancer care. It promotes the integration of research and innovation into clinical care pathways and ensures that patients remain at the centre of their care. The OECI Accreditation and Designation Programme is the only cancer accreditation programme that evaluates cancer services across clinical care, research, and education through a seamless process. The process of accreditation involves a rigorous self- assessment followed by an onsite peer review audit.

The clinical academic partnership between HSE West and North West and the University of Galway is aligned with the strategic priorities of the National Cancer Strategy (2017 - 2026).