Irish Cancer Society Launches Daffodil Centre at St Vincent’s University Hospital

The Irish Cancer Society launched its Daffodil Centre at St Vincent’s University Hospital today. The Daffodil Centre, which is run by an Irish Cancer Society Cancer Nurse and 18 trained volunteers, is an information service on-site in the Hospital, where people affected by or concerned about cancer can receive information and support.  The Daffodil Centre is the result of a successful partnership between the Irish Cancer Society and St. Vincent’s University Hospital. The construction of the centre was made possible with the kind support of The Daffodils Team, Paris2Nice 2013.  The team completed the Paris2Nice cycle in 2013 and raised funds for the Irish Cancer Society.  [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"3874","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image","height":"320","width":"480"}}]] Since it opened in February 2014 the Daffodil Centre at St. Vincent’s University Hospital has provided advice, support and information to almost 4,500 contacts at the point where they need it most – the hospital.  This service is open to all, no referral or appointment is necessary. Those visiting the centre include patients with cancer, partners, family and friends. People concerned about cancer or who want information regarding reducing risk of cancer and healthcare professionals also visit the centre. John McCormack, CEO Irish Cancer Society said, “We are delighted to bring our cancer information, support and advice service to the point of diagnosis and care – the hospital. This is a service not just for the patient – it is for their families and friends and anyone else who has a concern or question about cancer. The Centre in St. Vincent’s is one of twelve across the country and it is our hope that one day we will have a Daffodil Centre in every place where cancer is diagnosed and treated. We are continuing to liaise with individual hospitals and the HSE in the roll out of Daffodil Centres.” Prof Ronan O’Connell, Chair of Cancer Care Committee, St. Vincent’s University Hospital said, “We welcome the opportunity to work with the Irish Cancer Society to host a Daffodil Centre and we share their vision to transform the patient experience in relation to cancer information and support. The Centre will also support the staff at St. Vincent’s and they can be assured they are directing their patients to a trusted source of support and information, delivered by a professional and expert organisation.” This message from an enquirer in Co. Wicklow was recently received by the Daffodil Centre at St. Vincent’s. “I was devastated the day I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I couldn't think straight. I was lucky to have wandered into the Daffodil Centre that day because your kind words and just a listening ear was exactly what I needed. You have been a huge support to me and my family over the last few months and I don't know how I would have gotten through it without your help. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”  The Irish Cancer Society has been developing information and support services for over 50 years and is the leading provider of cancer information in Ireland. The Daffodil Centres are part of the Society’s Cancer Information Service which offers advice, information and support to anyone worried about any aspect of cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and care. This service incorporates the National Cancer Helpline (1800 200 700), email and a ‘walk-in’ caller service.