Cancer support centre for CUH

A new cancer information and support initiative is to be established at Cork University Hospital (CUH) over the next three years. A spokesperson for the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) told the Cork News that plans for a €400,000 Daffodil Centre are at an “advanced stage” at the hospital. The set-up and build cost for each centre, with seven already up-and-running and six in the pipeline, is €125,000 with the annual running cost per unit amounting to a minimum of €80,000. Cork already has one established centre at the Bon Secours Hospital, with both of the city's hospitals now set to benefit from the planned €3.6 million investment by the ICS over the coming three years.

The Daffodil Centres are an extension of the society’s existing Cancer Information Service. Funded entirely by the ICS, each centre is staffed by specialist cancer nurses who are supported by trained volunteers. The centres offer advice, information and support, often at a crucial time- when the patient has been diagnosed or when they are going through treatment.

A campaign to raise €1.62 million to cover the build and set-up costs has been launched by ICS CEO John McCormack who said the investment “highlights the importance the Irish Cancer Society places on cancer patients and their families having access to clear, accessible information and support”.

The long term goal for the society is to have a Daffodil Centre available in each of the eight designated cancer centres and in other hospitals, including private hospitals, where cancer care is delivered.