University Hospital Galway expands gynaecological cancer services with the appointment of a new Candidate Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist

University Hospital Galway (UHG) is delighted to announce the appointment of Rhona Goodwin to the position of Candidate Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist (cAPRT) in Gynaecological Radiation Oncology. This is the first advanced practice radiation therapist role to be introduced in UHG and Rhona is already making a difference in providing specialist care to women who are receiving treatment for gynaecological cancers.  

Advanced practice roles in Radiation Oncology are new and evolving to meet the needs of the patients and this is one of five advanced practice roles nationally with commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in oncology services.

Rhona Goodwin, a native of Sligo, has been based in UHG since 2004 and brings over 25 years of experience in radiation oncology with the last ten years of her career focused on the treatment pathway for gynaecology patients. She completed a Master’s in Advancing Practice in Health and has led a range of service developments specific to brachytherapy including published research on Advanced practice RT led vaginal brachytherapy.

The Radiation Oncology department receives over 70 referrals per year for patients diagnosed with gynaecological cancer who need either external beam radiotherapy or brachytherapy or both as part of their treatment plan. Our patients include women with cervical, endometrial, vaginal and vulvar cancers who often experience complex physical and emotional challenges during treatment. The majority of cases undergo brachytherapy which is an internal form of targeted radiation treatment. Rhona explains how “Building a rapport with the patients prior to brachytherapy is both rewarding and key to supporting the patients through their treatment.”

Reflecting on the new role, Rhona said, “The role spans across four pillars of advanced practice including advanced clinical practice, leadership and management, education and research. It encompasses the provision of specialist support to patients throughout radiotherapy and brachytherapy from initial OPD into follow up; helping to coordinate and improve care pathways; supporting the training and development of students and colleagues; quality improvement initiatives using evidence and patient feedback to guide improvements to the service. Together, these aim to make care more coordinated and responsive to patients’ needs.”

During the Advanced Practice candidacy period, Rhona will have the opportunity to develop the skills and experience required to take on defined clinical and technical Advanced Practice responsibilities with greater autonomy. As part of her candidacy Rhona is actively engaging with key stakeholders in developing tailored educational programmes pre and post brachytherapy specific to the patients’ needs. This initiative includes data collection on Quality of Life scores specific to patient related outcomes (PROMS) which will aid in supporting and signposting patients appropriately on their aftercare management journey.

Joe Mc Manus, Radiation Therapy Services Manager at UHG, said, “The new cAPRT service is a positive achievement in the move towards integrated management and care delivery. This is a significant step forward in how we deliver our service to patients and deal with the ever-increasing demands of cancer management. Radiation therapists are already highly skilled, technically trained and well placed to offer more specialised dynamic roles, optimising effectiveness and efficiencies to benefit the patients, the service and the professional development of the staff group.”

Elaine Dobell, Regional Director of Health and Social Care Professions, HSE West and North West, said, “I am delighted to congratulate Rhona on her appointment and wish her every success as she progresses in this important role. Supporting and growing HSCP Advanced Practice across the West and North West is a key priority for me.

“The introduction of the candidate Advanced Practice Health and Social Care Professions (HSCP) role represents a significant milestone for Health and Social Care Professions across our region. The development of Advanced Practice roles creates important opportunities for HSCPs to work to the full extent of their scope of practice, responding to the evolving needs of the patients, service users and populations we serve.

“Advanced Practice brings together the four pillars of clinical practice, leadership, education and research, with a focus on improving patient and service-user experience, enhancing service delivery and achieving better outcomes. This career pathway is an important enabler of the Sláintecare vision, providing clinical leadership to advance integrated, person-centred care while also supporting workforce development, innovation and continuous improvement.”