“This day marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to support cancer patients and their families throughout Ireland. These centres provide invaluable psychosocial support and survivorship programmes, ensuring comprehensive care for those living with and beyond cancer,” according to Prof Risteárd Ó Laoide, National Director, HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).

The NCCP Lead for Cancer Survivorship Louise Mullen, Clinical Lead for Psycho-Oncology Dr Helen Greally, Patient Engagement Manager, Dorothy Thomas and Minister of State at the Department of Health, Colm Burke TD, presented each member organisation of the NCCP Alliance with a plaque at the event. 

Held to acknowledge the valuable role that the community cancer support centres play in supporting cancer patients and their families across the country, the event saw the presentation of plaques to each member organisation of the NCCP Alliance. It also featured the introduction of the inaugural steering group and publication of the second Annual Report.

The Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres and Services is an NCCP initiative established in 2022. It is made up of voluntary and charity organisations delivering support services directly to cancer patients and their families. The Alliance advocates for, and supports, the development of integrated pathways between the cancer centres, acute hospitals, community cancer support services and primary care services. They have an important role in delivering psychosocial services and survivorship programmes for those living with and beyond cancer. Services include counselling, provision of information, physical activity opportunities, financial advice and return to work support. They also offer peer support, along with individual and group services.

Their development is in line with the values of Sláintecare, seeking to provide assurance to healthcare professionals that these organisations are working to an agreed standard as set out in Best Practice Guidance published by the NCCP. 

Tim McSwiney, Chairman, Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House, explained how being compliant with the Best Practice Guidance for Community Cancer Support Centres was a “mark of quality. It offers us a yardstick to measure what we are doing against the standards required.  As a result, healthcare professionals have more confidence in referring people to our services. We are very proud to be a member of the Alliance.”

Prof Ó Laoide added: “The launch of our Annual Activity Report for 2023 highlights the impact of our work. The €3million funding allocated through Budget 2024 will further empower these organisations to continue their essential services, reinforcing our commitment to integrated care pathways and the principles of Sláintecare. We are grateful to the Department of Health for their support. We thank all our community partners for their dedication and engagement with our Best Practice Guidance. Together, we are creating a more supportive, responsive, and effective cancer care network across the country."

The Minister for Health allocated €3m in funding to NCCP’s Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres and Services through Budget 2024. The NCCP is currently in the process of distributing these funds which will directly and positively impact the delivery of services for patients and families nationally.