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The Latvian Oncology Centre of East Hospital continues its progress towards international OECI accreditation, with already 36 clinical patient pathways developed
Latvian Oncology Centre established at Riga East Clinical University Hospital (East Hospital) actively continues the preparations to become an internationally recognised oncology treatment centre by pursuing the accreditation from the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI). As part of this process, 36 clinical patient pathways have already been developed for the most common cancer localisations. The hospital has also completed the development of the East Hospital’s scientific strategic plan that is focused on developing research, improving precision treatment, and fostering international cooperation in clinical trials. It has also established multidisciplinary teams, focusing on major cancer localisations to ensure treatment of highest quality.
The OECI accreditation process forms part of a large-scale quality improvement journey through which the Latvian Oncology Centre is transformed into a fully integrated, patient-centred, and research-driven oncology competence centre in line with the EU recommendations for improving the quality and effectiveness of cancer treatment. In autumn 2025, OECI auditors are to arrive at the East Hospital to make sure the accreditation requirements are being met. The East Hospital has taken into account previous recommendations and suggestions to improve the operational procedures of Latvian Oncology Centre and harmonise them with international guidelines.
One of the most important steps in the context of OECI accreditation is the development of patient pathways for cancer patients. Clinical patient pathways define a united, standardised, and evidence-based approach to the treatment and care of patients with various oncological localisations, covering the entire process from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation. The aim of the patient pathways is to ensure a transparent and comprehensible treatment and care process for patients with suspected or confirmed oncological disease. The East Hospital has developed 36 patient pathways for the most common oncological localisations so far, and those pathways will be used by the attending physicians. Clinical patient pathways will also serve as a basis for patient pathways which will help patients better navigate their treatment process and gain a clearer understanding of the next steps in their treatment.
The Director of the Latvian Cancer Centre, Associate Professor Alinta Hegmane, emphasizes: “We have developed over 30 clinical cancer patient pathways, following international standards and the guidelines and objectives of the European Cancer Plan, which aims to improve access to treatment by promoting the implementation of a multidisciplinary approach and strengthening cooperation between physicians, hospitals, and patients. Clinical patient pathways are a vital tool to improve the planning and quality of the treatment process. They provide a clearer overview of the necessary steps, allowing for more effective coordination of patient care and accelerating the treatment process. This approach not only improves treatment outcomes but also enables more efficient use of hospital resources, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system. On behalf of our team, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the experienced process management and healthcare expert Ineta Derjabo, who led the development of these pathways.”
Specialists from Latvian Oncology Centre have also developed a scientific strategic plan aimed at strengthening research development at the East Hospital, further advancing precision treatment, and promoting international cooperation in clinical trials. The introduction and implementation of that plan will help ensure the highest quality in cancer treatment by allowing therapy methods to be tailored individually for each patient, based on the latest scientific advances. The hospital also expects to maintain close collaboration with the world’s leading oncology centres to promote growth in the scope and quality of clinical trials, thereby enhancing the visibility and competitiveness of Latvia’s oncology care on the international stage.
One of the OECI standards envisages the provision of oncological treatment through a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach, which brings together physicians and healthcare professionals from different fields to offer the most suitable personalised treatment solution for each patient. Latvian Oncology Centre has established such MDTs based on the most common cancer localisations, such as breast cancer, gynaecological tumours, colorectal cancer, urological tumours, and others.
East Hospital places a strong focus on ensuring that the cancer treatment process is clear and understandable for patients. The path towards OECI accreditation will serve not only as a mark of quality, but also as a tool to structure and reinforce excellence in cancer care in Latvia.
The European Commission’s Beating Cancer Plan envisions the creation of an EU-wide network by 2026, connecting nationally recognised comprehensive cancer centres in each Member State. This initiative aims at ensuring high-quality diagnostics, treatment, and care, including access to innovative therapy for all patients. At least 90% of European oncology patients are expected to be able to access to those centres by 2030.
Achieving the status of an accredited Oncology Centre will be a key step in building a nationwide oncology care network and providing methodological guidance across the country, ensuring common, evidence-based, and patient-focused treatment principles.
The OECI accreditation process is a long-term commitment to quality improvement. Over several years, international experts conduct an in-depth evaluation of the Oncology Centre. It involves an initial self-assessment, on-site inspections, and detailed recommendations to enhance treatment, care, research, and management. By implementing those recommendations, the Centre gradually works towards internationally recognised standards aimed at significantly improving the quality and consistency of oncology patient care. The Latvian Oncology Centre’s accreditation process has been ongoing since 2022, when the East Hospital established a multidisciplinary accreditation team. Following multiple expert visits, the Centre is now actively implementing the recommended improvements.
The project for the establishment of Latvian Oncology Centre No. 4.1.1.r.0/2/23/I/VM/001 is implemented as part of the project “Ensuring Methodological Guidance in Oncology” under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility Plan’s activity 4.1.1.r titled ‘Sustainability and Resilience of a human-centred, comprehensive, and integrated healthcare system’. The total project budget amounts to EUR 574 760, of which EUR 500 000 is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
