Professor Deborah McNamara appointed NCCP National Director

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has appointed Professor Deborah McNamara as the new National Director of the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) in Ireland. A consultant general and colorectal surgeon at Beaumont Hospital and a clinical professor at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, McNamara brings extensive experience in surgical practice, healthcare improvement, and national leadership.

McNamara assumes this role at a pivotal time as the current National Cancer Strategy concludes and work begins on a new ten-year plan. Her stated priorities include providing national leadership for cancer control within Ireland’s regionalized health service and collaborating with the Department of Health to develop an ambitious new strategy focused on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill noted that McNamara’s clinical and academic background will be vital for the NCCP’s role in overseeing cancer service performance across various regions.