Irish Cancer Society Launches Daffodil Centre at University Hospital Limerick
The Irish Cancer Society launched its Daffodil Centre at University Hospital Limerick today with the help of hurling expert and RTE pundit Ger Loughnane. The Daffodil Centre, which is run by an Irish Cancer Society Cancer Information Service Nurse and 17 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 University Hospital Limerick. The construction of the centre was made possible with support from the 2010 JP McManus Pro Am. The ongoing running costs for the Centre are funded through the success of campaigns such as Daffodil Day which is only made possible through the work of our volunteers across the country, including the highly motivated Daffodil Day Committees in Limerick City and County.
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Since it opened in August 2014 the Daffodil Centre at University Hospital Limerick has provided advice, support and information to over 1,755 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 cancer patients, partners, family and friends. People concerned about cancer or who want to reduce their risk of getting 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 Limerick 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 the HSE in the roll out of Daffodil Centres nationwide.”
Josephine Hynes, Group Director HR of University of Limerick Hospitals 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 University Hospital Limerick staff, as they can be assured they are directing their patients to a trusted source of support and information, delivered by a professional and expert organisation.”
Ger Loughnane said, “A cancer diagnosis can be a frightening, confusing and lonely experience. Once you hear the word ‘cancer’ it can be difficult to hear anything else and your world is turned upside down. To have a service like a Daffodil Centre in the hospital offering face to face advice, support and understanding is hugely valuable to those who are diagnosed with cancer and I am delighted to support this initiative here in University Hospital Limerick.”
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 (CIS) 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 (Freefone 1800 200 700: open Mon–Thurs, 9am–7pm and Fri 9am–5pm), email and a ‘walk-in’ caller service.
