Spotlight on AHOS Five Years of Impactful Cancer Care

This year marks five years since the national launch of the Acute Haematology Oncology Service (AHOS), a milestone celebrated at a recent NCCP conference.

At Tallaght University Hospital, the AHOS telephone triage nursing service continues to play a vital role in supporting cancer patients undergoing systemic anti-cancer therapy.

Through the dedicated SOS Hotline, patients who become unwell can speak directly with a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), bypassing the Emergency Department and gaining rapid access to their specialist team on the dayward.

This model offers a safe, responsive route to unscheduled care – tailored to the unique needs of patients in active treatment.

Joanne, AHOS CNS, brings over 18 years of experience across Haematology, Oncology, Radiotherapy and Palliative Care. She took over the service from Dawn Whelan in 2023 and has overseen continued growth.

With new NCCP funding secured, Kathriona Coogan will join the team next month, extending hotline hours to 8am–6pm.

The service’s development has been shaped by the patient voice, with the NCCP and Patient Advisory Group working together to ensure accessibility.

Resources including alert cards and information leaflets are now available in 10 languages, braille and sign language via the HSE website.

‘The AHOS service in TUH has been invaluable in managing our Haematology patients in the community. This group have complex issues and a high potential for complications arising from their underlying condition and treatment.

‘Thanks to this service, they have access to rapid and expert advice around management which can avoid admissions and relieves pressure on our day ward and inpatient services.’ Dr. Ronan Desmond, Consultant Haematologist

‘The introduction of a dedicated and structured acute haematology and oncology service for our patients has been transformational from a patient experience, safety and admission avoidance perspective.

“It has also provided a platform for network and pathway development for our patients within our hospitals. This service would not be successful without the exceptional dedication and expertise of our AHOS clinical nurse specialists, to whom we are very grateful.’ Dr. Lynda Corrigan, Consultant Oncologist.

2024 Activity 852 calls received in total, 200 enquiries resolved over the phone, 197 calls followed up within 24 hours, 369 urgent medical assessments undertaken and 86 calls were redirected to the appropriate service

The 2024 ED Avoidances 151 Patients reviewed & admitted directly from ODW/HDW and 155 Patients reviewed & discharged from dayward.