Ireland’s first protected theatre resource dedicated to cancer prevention surgery for people at high genetic or clinical risk has been opened by HSE South West.
This new theatre pathway is one of only a handful of dedicated cancer-prevention theatre resources in Europe and marks a major step forward for prevention-led care in the region and nationally.
The protected theatre resource secures regular time and beds for risk-reducing surgery while allowing the theatre to be used by other specialties between booked sessions to maximise utilisation.
Importantly, it forms the final, essential element of a comprehensive regional prevention programme that links rapid genetic testing, specialist risk clinics, radiological surveillance, surgical and reconstructive expertise, and one-to-one psychological and specialist nursing support.
Professor Mark Corrigan, Surgical Oncologist, Cork University Hospital said the opening of this new dedicated cancer prevention theatre in Cork is a remarkable achievement. “This initiative matters because up to 40% of cancers are preventable; earlier identification and timely risk reducing interventions will reduce cancer incidence, improve outcomes and spare families the concern of a cancer diagnosis for their loved ones.
“Fewer cancers also mean fewer patients needing complex treatment, lower long term costs and resources freed for other critical health services,” he added.
Mr Corrigan continued: “Our regional model shows that targeted investment in prevention can deliver operationally sustainable, patient centred care, and with Phases 1 and 2 focused on cancer we are already planning future phases to broaden prevention beyond cancer and a dedicated regional prevention facility opening in 2027.”
Priscilla Lynch, HSE manager for Cork South and West, said the protected theatre resource and integrated prevention pathway is a proud milestone for the South West and for our patients. “It gives people clear, timely options to reduce cancer risk and creates a model that can be adopted across Ireland and Europe.
“The rapid rollout of local genetic testing and the establishment of a coordinated clinical pathway means families can access answers and interventions much sooner than before,” she added.
Programme highlights include protected theatre slots for risk-reducing surgery at SIVUH in partnership with CUH and integrated risk pathway starting with specialist nursing and genetics assessment, through surveillance or surgical options in breast and gynaecology.
Other highlights of the programme include holistic support including psychology, advanced nursing, reconstructive plastic surgery options and a scalable model designed to be replicated across regions in Ireland and Europe.
This achievement has been driven by regional collaboration across clinical, academic and community partners, including the Transforming Theatre Programme and University College Cork.
Key contributors include CUH’s genetics team, surgical oncology, breast, gynaecology, specialist nursing and psychology services, and the CUH Charity.