A new HSE cancer care initiative is helping patients across the Mid West receive selected oncology treatments closer to home, reducing long journeys to hospital while easing pressure on University Hospital Limerick (UHL). The nurse-led partnership shows how integrated community healthcare can improve patient experience without compromising safety or clinical oversight.
HSE cancer care expands across the Mid West
UHL Cancer Services and the regional Community Intervention Team (CIT) have worked together since 2015 to deliver oncology treatment and support in community settings. The service now operates seven days a week from hubs in Limerick, Newcastle West, Ennis, Nenagh and Thurles.
In 2025, the team delivered almost 10,000 community oncology interventions, compared with 6,472 in 2024 and 3,400 in 2022. The growth reflects both demand for cancer services and the potential of carefully governed care models outside the acute hospital environment.
What services are available?
Depending on individual clinical needs, the CIT provides a range of supports, including:
- Blood testing and monitoring
- Chemotherapy pump disconnections
- Selected anti-cancer treatments other than chemotherapy
- Care of Central Venous Access Devices
- Palliative and end-of-life support
- Early supported discharge for oncology and haematology patients
These services are delivered through collaboration between CIT staff, community pharmacy services and UHL Cancer Services. Shared governance and clinical coordination are central to ensuring that treatment remains appropriate and safe.
Local cancer treatment reduces travel and hospital pressure
For patients, community-based oncology care can mean less time travelling, fewer parking and appointment pressures, and greater continuity at home. It also allows UHL to focus its capacity on patients requiring more complex investigations and treatment.
John O’Dwyer, from Thurles, said attending CIT clinics in Thurles and Nenagh significantly reduced the travel burden while allowing him to support his seriously ill wife. He also described the community setting as less stressful and more comfortable than attending a busy hospital.
Áine Collins, Oncology Clinical Nurse Manager, said compassionate care and close cooperation between hospital and community teams had been essential to the initiative’s progress. She noted that rising activity also underlines the need for continued investment, workforce planning and sustainable service development.
National recognition for the initiative
The programme recently received an award at the national HSE Integrated Healthcare Conference. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill highlighted it as a model with potential for replication elsewhere in Ireland.
While the initiative is specific to the Mid West, its wider relevance is clear. Agencies including the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Department of Health and community healthcare providers increasingly rely on integrated models to deliver care in the most appropriate setting.
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What this means for patients
The Mid West experience demonstrates that some cancer care can be delivered safely outside hospital when services have strong clinical links, trained staff and robust governance. It does not replace specialist hospital care; instead, it complements UHL services and supports patients throughout different stages of their treatment journey.
As demand continues to grow, long-term planning will be important. Investment in staff, community facilities and coordinated referral pathways will help ensure that patients receive timely, person-centred cancer care close to where they live.
Key takeaway: The HSE cancer care partnership across the Mid West is reducing travel for patients, supporting families and freeing hospital capacity. Its success offers a practical example of how integrated healthcare can bring safe treatment closer to home.
Article/Image Courtesy: HSE
