Irish Cancer Society Officially Launches Daffodil Centre in University Hospital Galway

The Irish Cancer Society today, 10 December, 2015 officially launched its Daffodil Centre at University Hospital Galway with an event celebrating the volunteers, the hospital and supporters. 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 many years of successful partnership between the Irish Cancer Society and University Hospital Galway. Since it opened in 2009, the Daffodil Centre has provided advice, support and information to over 9,735 contacts at the point where they need it most – the hospital.

When the service was first opened in 2009, it was the first of the Society’s Daffodil Centres and it began as a pilot programme to address the need for cancer information and support at the heart of diagnosis and treatment. The service in University Hospital Galway was a success and today the Society has 13 Daffodil Centres in hospitals across the country which have had contact with 157,331 people to date.

The Daffodil Centre is a free service which 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 those who want to reduce their risk of getting cancer also can use this service, as can healthcare professionals. In 2015 alone, the Daffodil Centre’s Cancer Nurse and volunteers in Galway supported 1,680 contacts.

John McCormack, CEO Irish Cancer Society said, “We are delighted to officially launch and celebrate our Daffodil Centre in Galway. Since we started this service here in 2009, we have grown our network of Daffodil Centres nationwide.  Galway was the origin of the Daffodil Centre service and I would like to acknowledge the support of University Hospital Galway and our fantastic volunteers and supporters in Galway.”

Maurice Power, CEO of the Saolta University Health Care Group said: “The Daffodil Centre is an integral part of the cancer support services at University Hospital Galway and the official opening of this wonderful facility today ensures that anyone worried about any aspect of cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis or treatment in UHG will have access to the cancer nurse or team of volunteers in a more comfortable environment.  I wish to acknowledge the wonderful work of the Irish Cancer Society and the information and support provided to patients as they go through their cancer journey and I look forward to working with them further with them in the years to come.”

Bernie Conneely, cancer survivor and Daffodil Centre volunteer, said: “When you’re diagnosed with cancer, there is a lot to deal with, both physically and emotionally. The Daffodil Centre was a place I could go with any question, where I didn’t feel rushed and where I found great comfort through the information and support I received. It’s a great service for cancer patients and their families. Today, I am doing well and enjoying life after cancer. I now work as a volunteer in the Daffodil Centre so I can provide that support to cancer patients when it is needed most.”

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–6pm and Fri 9am–5pm), email and a ‘walk-in’ caller service.