Cutting-Edge Cancer Treatment Close to Home - A Q&A with Lisa Cummins

Lisa Cummins is the General Manager for Mater Private Network's Mid-Western Radiation Oncology Centre which provides radiotherapy services to both public and private patients from the Munster region. Operated by Mater Private Network, it is located at University Hospital Limerick campus.  

We spoke to Lisa about the centre, which is celebrating its 20^th anniversary of this year. 

Can you tell us about the Mid-Western Radiation Oncology Centre (MWROC)? 

The Mid-Western Radiation Oncology Centre (MWROC) provides radiotherapy services to public and private patients primarily across Limerick, Clare, Kerry, Cork, Tipperary and Galway, but really from anywhere. It was established in 2005, as an innovative partnership between the HSE, the JP McManus Trust, and Mater Private Network to ensure that patients in the Midwest and surrounding areas could receive radiotherapy treatment closer to home. Prior to opening the centre, patients had to travel long distances to Cork or Dublin for treatment, making their experience and that of their families more stressful. 

What types of cancer do you treat at MWROC? 

We treat all cancer types and sites that can be treated with radiotherapy. The most common cases we see are breast and prostate cancer, but we also treat lung, gynaecological, skin, colorectal, and many others. As part of the wider Mater Private Network we have access to a wide range of specialised expertise and technology. In the coming months, we are starting the implementation of a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator, which will give us stereotactic radiotherapy capability at the centre, making this advanced treatment even easier to access for patients in the Midwest and Munster region. 

Are there patients who are still unaware that they can receive treatment near them at MWROC? 

Unfortunately, yes. Some patients living near our centre are traveling from Kerry or Limerick to Cork for treatment, unaware that they could receive their radiotherapy treatment closer to home. It is important for our local and adjacent communities to be aware of this fantastic service in Munster, accessible to all, both public and private patients, regardless of their location or where they had initial surgery or chemotherapy.   

What kind of technology do you offer at MWROC? 

When we first opened in 2005, we had one linear accelerator, which is the machine used to deliver radiation to tumours. Today we are able to offer a full range of radiotherapy treatments. About 18 months ago, we invested in a Varian Halcyon machine, currently the only one of its type in Ireland. The Halcyon allows us to treat patients much faster, reducing treatment times from 15 minutes to 5 minutes, which means they can have their treatment and get on with their day. We understand that our patients have busy schedules (school runs, work…) and so we do our best to offer appointments that fit their needs, taking each patient's individual circumstances into account. 

What should a new patient expect when they’re referred to MWROC? 

Patient care is our top priority. Many of our patients come for treatment daily, Monday to Friday, for several weeks, so we work hard to make the process as smooth as possible.  

When referred to us, patients typically see a consultant within a week to discuss their options. Not all patients have a family member with them, and the information can be overwhelming. To help, one of our nursing team accompanies new patients to their first consultation, reviews the information with them, ensures they have everything they need, and answers any questions they may have. All of our team are always available to help with any queries at any time. 

Before starting their treatment, our patient coordinator, Gemma, will call them to review dates for commencement of treatment and to outline what to expect when coming into us. Radiotherapy treatment is tailored to each patient’s individual needs, diagnosis and makeup, so each plan is different. Every patient starts with a planning CT scan, which our physics team uses to plan their radiotherapy. This takes approximately 3-4 weeks and once completed the patient is ready to commence treatment. To make patients more comfortable, we try to ensure they have the same team throughout their treatment, allowing them to build relationships and feel more at ease. The more relaxed the patient is the better the treatment goes. 

We also coordinate additional care. Nurses check in with patients after treatment, and if they need to see our doctors or dietitian, we schedule those appointments around their treatment times to keep their visits efficient. Even with additional appointments during their visit, patients shouldn’t need to be at the centre for more than an hour. 

How do patients get to the centre? 

Many of our patients drive to the centre themselves, or they have family members who can bring them for their treatment.  

We also offer a free bus from Kerry via West Limerick in partnership with the Kerry Cancer Support Group. This service runs five days a week and picks up the patients along the way and brings them home again.  

We coordinate the schedules of patients who use our bus service to ensure they can travel together. If the bus arrives at nine, we arrange their appointments between nine and ten, allowing them to return home in time for lunch. The patients enjoy the companionship during their journey, making it a lovely service. 

How are patients referred to MWROC? 

We’re located on site with the University Hospital Limerick (UHL), and our medical team participates in UHL’s daily multidisciplinary meetings for cancer patients. Any UHL patient who needs radiotherapy is referred to us this way. We also coordinate closely with the hospital’s chemotherapy suite so that patients receiving both chemo and radiotherapy can have both treatments in one visit. 

Patients can also be referred to us from other hospitals—public or private—or by their GP. 

What would you say to someone nervous about radiotherapy? 

Radiotherapy is very safe. The technology is incredibly advanced, allowing us to target only the exact area that needs treatment with minimal side effects. The treatment itself is quick and painless. Sometimes, patients confuse radiation therapy with nuclear radiation and think they need to avoid other people afterwards, but that’s not the case.  

If you’re nervous about starting radiotherapy, let us know. We can arrange for you to see the treatment room in advance, and our therapists will ensure that you are well cared for. We also accommodate patients with additional needs or who need language assistance. Our dedicated team goes the extra mile to ensure that everyone is as comfortable and relaxed as possible. 

What do you enjoy most about your work? 

Our centre is a community where patients and staff build strong, caring relationships. Despite the challenges, we find joy in chatting and laughing together. The supportive environment makes it a wonderful place to work, and it's a privilege to help people every day.