Our History
Aid for Cancer Treatment (ACT) was founded in 1983 by relatives of cancer patients.
In the early 1980s, there were plans to centralise Radiation Oncology services to Dublin. Through determined advocacy and fundraising, ACT helped ensure cancer treatment services remained in Cork.
ACT’s singleness of purpose has always been patient care — anything that improves treatment quality, comfort, dignity or efficiency is of interest to us.
Major equipment & clinical technology
- Funded a Simulator for treatment planning
- Supported staffing campaign for the Simulator
- Part-funded the first Linear Accelerator in Cork (GE Unit) – 1991
- Upgraded treatment planning systems (1992)
- Developed mould room for Electron therapies (1993/4)
- Campaign secured new Linear Accelerator development (opened 2001)
- Funded CT simulator contouring system (2002)
- Supported brachytherapy planning systems
- Funded additional physicist for Brachytherapy service
- Supported establishment of Brain Tumour Support Group
- Secured first Psycho-Oncology Nurse post
Major equipment & clinical technology
- Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT)
- Purchase of 3rd Linear Accelerator
- CT Upgrade & Enhanced Functionality
- Mammography Services Development
- Central Review Technology for Mammograms
- Vein Viewer
- Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tank
- Ultrasound & Anal Manometry Machines
- Fibre Optic Nasendoscope (ENT)
- Central Data Management System (Radiotherapy Physics)
- Equipment for Brachytherapy Services
- Mole Mapping Machine
Facilities & Patient Comfort
- Orchid Centre refurbishment & development
- Enhanced Counselling Suite
- Family Rooms (Ward GB, Orchid Centre & Radiotherapy Unit)
- Electric Beds for Ward GB
- Electronic Recliner Chairs (Chemo Day Ward)
- Waiting Room & Day Ward seating upgrades
- Microwaves for patient wards
- Televisions for wards & waiting rooms
- Food, snacks & drinks for Radiotherapy & Chemo Day patients
- Art installations within the Orchid Centre
Patient Supports, Services & Programmes
- Expansion of Breast Cancer Treatment Programme
- Enhanced Care for Gynaecological Cancer Patients
- Development of Supportive Care Radiotherapy
- Funding for Clinical Trials in Oncology
- Support for Paediatric Radiation Oncology Services
- Multidisciplinary Programme for Melanoma Tumour Group
- Research projects across Oncology services
- Development of patient information booklets & DVDs
- Equipment for nipple tattooing for breast patients
Staffing, Education & Professional Development
- Funding specialist nurses in chemotherapy & radiotherapy
- Support for Haematology / Oncology specialist roles
- Funding of additional cancer services posts
- Oncology nursing conferences & specialist courses
- Support for staff attendance at Radiotherapy conferences
- Development of Cancer Outreach Programmes
For more information about any project or development listed above,
please contact the ACT office.
Major equipment & clinical technology
- Funded a Simulator for treatment planning
- Supported staffing campaign for the Simulator
- Part-funded the first Linear Accelerator in Cork (GE Unit) – 1991
- Upgraded treatment planning systems (1992)
- Developed mould room for Electron therapies (1993/4)
- Campaign secured new Linear Accelerator development (opened 2001)
- Funded CT simulator contouring system (2002)
- Supported brachytherapy planning systems
- Funded additional physicist for Brachytherapy service
- Supported establishment of Brain Tumour Support Group
- Secured first Psycho-Oncology Nurse post
- Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT)
- Purchase of 3rd Linear Accelerator
- CT Upgrade & Enhanced Functionality
- Mammography Services Development
- Central Review Technology for Mammograms
- Vein Viewer
- Liquid Nitrogen Storage Tank
- Ultrasound & Anal Manometry Machines
- Fibre Optic Nasendoscope (ENT)
- Central Data Management System (Radiotherapy Physics)
- Equipment for Brachytherapy Services
- Mole Mapping Machine
- Orchid Centre refurbishment & development
- Enhanced Counselling Suite
- Family Rooms (Ward GB, Orchid Centre & Radiotherapy Unit)
- Electric Beds for Ward GB
- Electronic Recliner Chairs (Chemo Day Ward)
- Waiting Room & Day Ward seating upgrades
- Microwaves for patient wards
- Televisions for wards & waiting rooms
- Food, snacks & drinks for Radiotherapy & Chemo Day patients
- Art installations within the Orchid Centre
- Expansion of Breast Cancer Treatment Programme
- Enhanced Care for Gynaecological Cancer Patients
- Development of Supportive Care Radiotherapy
- Funding for Clinical Trials in Oncology
- Support for Paediatric Radiation Oncology Services
- Multidisciplinary Programme for Melanoma Tumour Group
- Research projects across Oncology services
- Development of patient information booklets & DVDs
- Equipment for nipple tattooing for breast patients
- Funding specialist nurses in chemotherapy & radiotherapy
- Support for Haematology / Oncology specialist roles
- Funding of additional cancer services posts
- Oncology nursing conferences & specialist courses
- Support for staff attendance at Radiotherapy conferences
- Development of Cancer Outreach Programmes
Major equipment & clinical technology
Facilities & Patient Comfort
Patient Supports, Services & Programmes
Staffing, Education & Professional Development
For more information about any project or development listed above, please contact the ACT office.