Derry's North West Cancer Centre marks a decade of life-saving care
Since opening its doors in 2016, the regional hub has transformed access to life-saving radiotherapy and oncology treatments for thousands of patients across the North West and Donegal.
The North West Cancer Centre (NWCC) is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of delivering exceptional cancer treatment, pioneering research and compassionate care to thousands of patients and families across the North West and Donegal.
Since opening in 2016, the Centre has transformed access to cancer services, enabling patients to receive specialist care closer to home while benefiting from the latest advances in cancer treatment, radiotherapy and clinical research.
Over the past decade, the Centre has established itself as a recognised leader in cancer care, innovation and patient experience. Today, it treats more than 1,400 new oncology patients each year, delivering cancer treatment to over 6,500 patients annually.
The Centre's Haematology service also supports more than 600 new patients each year, delivering treatment and review appointments for over 9,300 patients, and providing specialist virtual advice for more than 1,100 patients.
Since opening, more than 5,600 patients from across the North West have received radiotherapy treatment locally, including over 1,200 patients from County Donegal, highlighting the Centre's lasting impact on improving access to cancer care.
Speaking about the ten year milestone, Lesley Mitchell, Assistant Director, North West Cancer Centre, said: " The North West Cancer Centre has become a testament to successful healthcare collaboration, ensuring patients can access world-class cancer care closer to home while benefiting from strong partnerships with specialist centres in Belfast, Letterkenny, Galway and Dublin.
“Over the past ten years, the Centre has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of our patients, introducing innovative services and programmes that enhance both treatment outcomes and quality of life. From early regional implementation of image guided radiotherapy and patient dosimetry, rehabilitation for breast and prostate cancer patients, to expanding specialist radiotherapy treatments and developing dedicated Allied Health Professional support services, we have remained focused on delivering holistic, patient-centred care.
“The Centre has a growing reputation for research and innovation, providing local patients with access to cutting-edge clinical trials and new treatment opportunities.
Achievements such as our ESMO Centre of Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care accreditation, the Macmillan Quality Improvement Award, our Radiotherapy Physics Team being one of two departments in the UK to achieve accreditation to BS70000: Medical Physics requirements for Quality, Safety and Competence, and our outstanding radiotherapy quality standards, reflect the dedication of our staff and our commitment to excellence."
Lesley added: "We are incredibly proud of everything that has been achieved by our dedicated staff, partners and supporters over the past decade. Most importantly, we are proud of the thousands of patients and families whose courage and resilience inspire us every day.
“As we celebrate this significant milestone, we remain committed to embracing new technologies, expanding research opportunities and continuing to deliver the highest standards of cancer care for generations to come."