Irish Cancer Society Marks Relocation of Daffodil Centre at the Mater Hospital

The Irish Cancer Society marked the relocation of its Daffodil Centre at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin today with an event celebrating the volunteers, the hospital and sponsors KPMG. The Daffodil Centre, which is run by an Irish Cancer Society Cancer Nurse and 10 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 many years of successful partnership between the Irish Cancer Society and the Mater. Since it opened in March 2011 the Daffodil Centre has provided advice, support and information to over 13,000 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.

The costs of relocating the Centre to the new Whitty building at the Mater were kindly donated by KPMG and its staff who fundraised through their annual Denis O’Connor Walking Festival.

John McCormack, CEO Irish Cancer Society said, “We are delighted to bring our cancer information, support and advice service to its new location at the Mater 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 the Mater which has been open since 2011 is one of 13 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.”

Mary Day, CEO of Mater Misericordiae University Hospital said, “We have been working with the Irish Cancer Society to host a Daffodil Centre since 2011 and we share their vision to transform the patient experience in relation to cancer information and support. The Centre has proven to be of great benefit to those attending our hospital for cancer treatment, as well as their loved ones and it has also provided support to 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.”

Liam Lynch, KPMG Tax Partner and organiser of the Denis O’Connor Walk said, “KPMG's late managing partner inspired the creation of an annual fundraising walk, and he is one example of how everyone is in some way touched by cancer. Information and talking about the disease, and naming it - cancer - is considered essential, and this is evident in the support provided for this Daffodil Centre by the staff, clients, friends and partners of KPMG."

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 Support Department 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 Cancer Nurseline (Freephone 1800 200 700: open Mon–Thurs, 9am–7pm and Fri 9am–5pm), email and a ‘walk-in’ caller service.