University Hospital Galway has strengthened its specialist support for women receiving treatment for gynaecological cancer with the appointment of Rhona Goodwin as Candidate Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist. The new HSE Galway cancer care role is the first of its kind at the hospital and is designed to make treatment more coordinated, responsive and patient-centred.
Goodwin, originally from Sligo, has worked at University Hospital Galway since 2004 and has more than 25 years’ experience in radiation oncology. For the past decade, her work has focused particularly on the treatment pathway for gynaecological cancer patients.
HSE Galway cancer care expands specialist treatment support
The Radiation Oncology department at UHG receives more than 70 referrals each year from patients diagnosed with gynaecological cancers. These include cervical, endometrial, vaginal and vulval cancers, with treatment plans involving external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy or a combination of both.
Brachytherapy is an internal form of targeted radiation treatment and is used extensively in gynaecological oncology. The treatment journey can be physically and emotionally demanding, making communication, preparation and follow-up essential parts of high-quality care.
Goodwin’s new position will support patients from their initial outpatient appointment through radiotherapy, brachytherapy and follow-up care. It will also help improve coordination between professionals and ensure patients receive appropriate information and aftercare support.
Four pillars of advanced practice
The candidate role brings together four areas of professional development:
- Advanced clinical practice and specialist patient support
- Leadership and management of care pathways
- Education and training for students and colleagues
- Research, quality improvement and use of patient feedback
As part of her candidacy, Goodwin is working with relevant stakeholders to develop tailored education programmes for patients before and after brachytherapy. The initiative will also collect patient-reported quality-of-life outcomes, helping staff identify support needs and signpost patients to suitable aftercare services.
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What the new radiation therapy role means for patients
Radiation therapists already combine advanced technical expertise with direct patient contact. The new cAPRT model allows that expertise to contribute more broadly to clinical decision-making, service improvement and professional education.
Joe McManus, Radiation Therapy Services Manager at UHG, described the appointment as an important step towards integrated care delivery. He said the role can help the service respond to growing demands in cancer management while improving effectiveness and supporting staff development.
The appointment also supports the wider HSE focus on advanced practice among Health and Social Care Professions. Elaine Dobell, Regional Director of HSCPs for HSE West and North West, said these roles enable professionals to work more fully within their scope of practice while responding to changing patient and population needs.
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Supporting Sláintecare’s person-centred approach
Advanced practice roles are still developing across Irish radiation oncology services. Nationally, five such roles have been supported, reflecting a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
At UHG, the appointment combines specialist treatment knowledge with education, research and service redesign. Its success will be measured not only by clinical development, but also by how effectively it improves the patient experience and continuity of care.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Candidate Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist?
It is a structured development role that enables a radiation therapist to build defined advanced clinical, leadership, education and research skills before taking on greater responsibilities.
What is brachytherapy?
Brachytherapy is an internal radiotherapy treatment in which radiation is delivered close to or inside the area requiring treatment.
Which cancers are treated by the UHG service?
The service supports patients with cervical, endometrial, vaginal and vulval cancers, depending on their individual treatment plan.
Key takeaway: The new HSE Galway cancer care appointment marks a significant development in specialist gynaecological oncology services, combining personalised support, better-coordinated pathways and evidence-led improvement for patients.
Article/Image Courtesy: HSE
