€2.3m to be invested in Cork cancer care services

Cancer care services in Cork are set to benefit significantly from a major new investment of over €2.3m announced by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).

The funding, delivered through HSE South West, will be rolled out over the next 18 months and is aimed at enhancing cancer treatment and support across the region.

The investment will fund eight new healthcare projects and create 16.5 new jobs in the sector, including posts for nurses, doctors and oncology support staff — with a major share of these new roles based in Cork University Hospital (CUH).

New roles to be filled include a specialist nursing support for patients in the rapid access lung service, a new family breast cancer pathway to aid early detection and a regional team role supporting adolescents and young adults with cancer.

It will also include a new patient support worker for breast cancer patients and senior occupational therapist and speech and language therapist roles to support more patients and families.

Dr Andy Phillips, regional executive officer for HSE South West, highlighted the regional importance of the investment.

“This investment shows our deep commitment to improving cancer care for everyone in the south west. 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.” 

For Cork, this announcement represents a major upgrade in cancer care services with a majority of the new positions being based at CUH, with additional staff located at Mercy University Hospital and University Hospital Kerry. 

These frontline roles are essential to improving access to early diagnosis, delivering specialist support, and ensuring survivors continue to receive the care they need.

Clinical director of Cancer Services at CUH, Dr Dearbhaile Collins, welcomed the announcement: “This welcome investment allows us to provide the best possible cancer services for the communities of HSE South West. 

"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. 

"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.” 

The funding will also support the acute oncology service, helping cancer patients avoid emergency departments by providing more targeted care options.