University Hospital Waterford joins prestigious European cancer institute network

University Hospital Waterford Joins Prestigious European Cancer Institute Network

University Hospital Waterford (UHW) has achieved a landmark status by becoming the latest Irish institution to join the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI). As part of its regional cancer centre for the South East, UHW will now embark on a comprehensive two-year journey towards full accreditation.

This rigorous process involves conducting a detailed self-assessment against OECI quality standards, gathering performance data, and identifying areas for improvement. The hospital aims to demonstrate that its services meet internationally recognised benchmarks in patient care, governance, research, education, and overall quality. Upon completion, the centre will face an external review and site visit by the OECI assessment team.

Membership was formally confirmed at the recent OECI international Oncology Day event held in Warsaw, Poland. During the ceremony, Prof Miriam O Connor, Consultant Medical Oncologist and head of the regional cancer programme, presented on behalf of the hospital.

About the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes

Established in Vienna in 1979 and restructured in 2005 as a European Economic Interest Grouping, the OECI is headquartered in Brussels. This non-governmental, non-profit body unites over 170 cancer centres across Europe and beyond. The organisation fosters a collaborative network dedicated to enhancing cancer training, research, and patient care, striving to reduce incidence and mortality while ensuring equitable access to high-quality treatment.

The OECI Oncology Day serves as a vital forum for dialogue and cooperation among members. The 2026 event in Warsaw, organised in collaboration with the Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, attracted more than 400 participants. Attendees engaged in discussions regarding the Accreditation and Designation Programme, working group activities, and initiatives under the EU Cancer Mission.

Leadership Commitment to Excellence

Ben O Sullivan, CEO of University Hospital Waterford, welcomed the news as a significant achievement for the South East region. He highlighted the dedication of multidisciplinary teams in delivering high-quality care and acknowledged Prof Miriam O Connor for her leadership in reaching this milestone.

"This achievement will require collaboration across many departments and services throughout the hospital," said Mr O Sullivan. "As the final cancer centre in Ireland to begin the OECI accreditation journey, UHW is committed to achieving the required standards over the next two years. In doing so, we also look forward to working with staff across Wexford General Hospital, St Luke’s General Hospital Carlow Kilkenny and Tipperary University Hospital in this journey of continuous improvement."

Prof Miriam O Connor, who also lectures in Clinical Education at University College Cork and serves as a Clinical Associate Professor at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, expressed enthusiasm for the future.

"I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues as we progress towards achieving OECI Accreditation," she stated. "Our ambition is to successfully demonstrate compliance with the OECI standards and achieve accreditation, recognising University Hospital Waterford as a European-quality cancer centre."

Additionally, UHW has been designated as a Centre of Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care by the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO). ESMO works to improve cancer care quality from prevention through diagnosis to palliative follow-up, promoting equal access to optimal care for all patients.