St. Vincent’s cancer expert helps shape Ireland’s next National Cancer Strategy

Dr David Fennelly outlines vision for a nationally coordinated cancer network before Oireachtas Committee on Health

A senior cancer specialist from St. Vincent’s UCD Cancer Centre has appeared before the Oireachtas Committee on Health to help inform the future direction of cancer care in Ireland.

Dr David Fennelly, Clinical Director of Cancer Services at St. Vincent’s University Hospital and St. Vincent’s UCD Cancer Centre, and HSE Cancer Lead for the Dublin and South East Health Region, addressed members of the Committee as it considered priorities for Ireland’s next National Cancer Strategy.

Drawing on almost 30 years’ experience in medical oncology, Dr Fennelly outlined a vision for a nationally coordinated cancer network designed to ensure patients across Ireland have equitable access to specialist expertise, clinical trials, research and innovative treatments, regardless of where they live.

Speaking during his opening statement, Dr Fennelly said:

“The next National Cancer Strategy must focus on the development of a national cancer network.”

He told the Committee that while Ireland has transformed cancer care over the past two decades through successive National Cancer Strategies, the next phase must build on that progress through coordinated national leadership, sustainable investment and continued innovation.

Reflecting on his appearance before the Committee, Dr Fennelly said:

“It was a privilege to contribute to the Committee’s discussion on the future of cancer care in Ireland. We have made enormous progress over the past two decades, but the next National Cancer Strategy gives us an important opportunity to build a more connected and equitable system.

A nationally coordinated cancer network would help ensure that every patient, regardless of where they live, can access specialist expertise, clinical trials, research and innovation. That ambition must now be supported by the investment, workforce and infrastructure needed to deliver it.”

Priorities for the future

During his evidence, Dr Fennelly identified several priorities for the next National Cancer Strategy, including:

• sustainable, predictable and ring-fenced investment in cancer services;
• stronger national coordination through the National Cancer Control Programme;
• greater access to clinical trials and cancer research;
• investment in workforce planning, diagnostic capacity and digital infrastructure;
• continued expansion of cancer genetics and genomics;
• closer integration between hospital, primary and community care; and
• the development of Regional Comprehensive Cancer Centres connected through a national cancer network.

He also highlighted the developing Dublin & South East Cancer Network as an example of how regional collaboration can improve access to specialist expertise, multidisciplinary care and research opportunities for patients across a wider geographic area.

Building on recent recognition

The appearance comes shortly after St. Vincent’s UCD Cancer Centre was designated an Organisation of European Cancer Institutes Cancer Centre, recognising excellence in cancer care, research, education and surgical specialisation.

As Ireland’s highest-volume cancer centre and home to six national cancer services, St. Vincent’s UCD Cancer Centre plays a central role in delivering specialist cancer care and advancing research, education and service development for patients across Ireland.

Helping shape the future of cancer care

Dr Fennelly’s appearance before the Oireachtas Committee reflects the important contribution clinicians from St. Vincent’s continue to make in shaping national healthcare policy.

His evidence reinforced a clear message: Ireland has made significant progress in cancer care, but continued collaboration, investment and national coordination will be essential to ensure every patient can benefit from advances in diagnosis, treatment, research and innovation.