Cork Cancer Centre Receives Top European Accreditation

The CUH/UCC Cancer Centre has been awarded the highest possible European accreditation, making it a designated Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) Cancer Centre. This prestigious recognition highlights the centre's excellence in cancer care, research, education and training.

The centre, a collaborative initiative between Cork University Hospital and University College Cork with strong support from HSE South West, becomes just the fourth in Ireland to achieve this gold standard accreditation.

Dr Andy Phillips, Regional Executive Officer at HSE South West, expressed his pride in this achievement:

"I want to extend my congratulations and thanks to everyone involved in reaching this important milestone for cancer care in HSE South West and I look forward to working with the Cancer Centre to deliver its ambitious quality improvement plan over the next five years."

The OECI, which comprises an international network of 159 cancer centres dedicated to fostering collaboration and improving care, provides the gold standard for cancer accreditation in Europe. Their comprehensive assessment evaluates performance in both hospital and university settings.

Deirdre O'Keeffe, interim CEO of Cork University Hospital, stated:

"We are proud to have met the high standards required to be formally accredited as an OECI Cancer Centre. This is great recognition for the hard work and ambition shown by our dedicated staff who are committed to advancing cancer care for our patients."

During the extensive audit process, OECI auditors specifically commended the centre for staff engagement, the quality and dedication of healthcare teams, and its clinical research and trials.

Dr Dearbhaile Collins, Clinical Director of the Cancer Centre, remarked on the significance of this recognition:

"This accreditation is a tremendous achievement for the CUH/UCC Cancer Centre and its committed staff. It acknowledges our excellence in both clinical care and research and provides a framework by which we can constantly strive for the highest quality cancer care, on a par with centres across Europe and the world. What this means for our patients is that you know you are receiving the highest expert care for your cancer right here at home in Cork."

A distinctive requirement of OECI accreditation is the integration of patient care, research and education under one common vision and strategy. This accreditation strengthens the centre's position both nationally and internationally, facilitating collaborations and enhancing opportunities for international funding.

Professor Roisin Connolly, Chair of Cancer Research at UCC and Academic Director of the Cancer Centre, highlighted the research aspirations:

"OECI accreditation underscores our strong commitment to integrate cutting-edge research with patient care to improve patient outcomes and experience. Our goal is for at least 10% of our patients to be recruited to clinical trials over the next five years."

Professor Helen Whelton, Head of College of Medicine and Health at UCC, added:

"The OECI process has required a unified governance model for the Cancer Centre to align academic research and practice. This approach is fundamental to strengthening our Academic Health Science System, ensuring scientific discoveries lead to direct clinical benefits for patients."

The CUH/UCC Cancer Centre team will formally receive their accreditation at a ceremony taking place in Athens in June.