Cork cancer centre awarded highest possible European accreditation

A joint venture between Cork University Hospital and University College Cork has been awarded the highest possible European accreditation, and is now a designated Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) Cancer Centre.

The accreditation achieved by the CUH/UCC Cancer Centre is considered the European gold standard, recognising excellence in cancer care, research, education, and training.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in the development of the centre, which is a collaboration between CUH and UCC, with regional support from HSE South West.

The OECI is an international network of 159 cancer centres dedicated to fostering collaboration and improving care. The CUH/UCC unit is the fourth centre in Ireland to gain such accreditation.

CUH interim CEO Deirdre O’Keeffe said the hospital staff were 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,” she said.

Dearbhaile Collins, clinical director of the cancer centre, said the accreditation acknowledged the centre’s excellence in both clinical care and research, and provided a framework by which it could strive for the highest-quality cancer care.

“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,” Dr Collins said.

Accreditation strengthens the centre’s position nationally and internationally, promoting collaborations and maximising opportunities for international funding.

Professor Roisin Connolly, chair of cancer research at UCC and academic director of the cancer centre, said OECI accreditation underscored the centre’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge research with patient care to improve patient outcomes and experience.

The CUH/UCC Cancer Centre team will receive their accreditation at a ceremony in Athens next month.