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At the opening of the new unit was Sandra Murphy AMP Ancology Unit; Lisa Lynch Nurse CIT; Mary Kavanagh Nurse CIT and Sarah Thompson Oncology Nurse. Photo By : Michelle Cooper Galvin – Domnick Walsh Photography . © Eye Focus LTD
UNIVERSITY Hospital Kerry (UHK) has officially opened its newly renovated Interim Oncology Day Ward.
Located within the hospital in a reconfigured space of the Ratoo Ward, this dedicated medical oncology unit provides a modern, bright, and compassionate environment, ensuring patients experience privacy and a welcoming atmosphere.
UHK’s teams supported by the CUH oncology Directorate along with HSE Estates have planned the interim unit, placing patients and their journeys at the heart of the design. Patient feedback has been invaluable in shaping this purpose-built space, ensuring it meets the needs of those undergoing treatment.
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A specific contribution was also made to this Unit by the ‘Comfort for Chemo Kerry’ charity in the form of funding for specialist relaxing treatment chairs designed to support our patients with comfort during this challenging time.
At the opening were Mary Fitzgerald General Manager UHK and Chairperson Comfort for Chemo Kerry with (from left) Michelle O’Dowd Staff Nurse, Sarah Thompson Oncology, Sandra Murphy AMP Oncology, Trish Hickey Manager Oncology Day Ward, Gerry O’Carroll Staff Nurse and Rose Boyle Health Care Asst. Photo By : Michelle Cooper Galvin – Domnick Walsh Photography . © Eye Focus LTD
When UHK first commenced an oncology service in 2001 there were approximately 831 patients – today with over 220 new patients annually, there are over 3,000 patients under continuing surveillance there.
Further, a survivorship clinic has commenced at UHK seeing breast cancer patients initially and plans to expand to other patient cohorts next, to ensure patients have the supports they need to get back to living.
The demand for cancer treatments has significantly increased, with patients at UHK and elsewhere receiving more treatments for longer. The number of patients receiving infusional anti-cancer treatment in UHK has increased by 30% since 2019.
At the opening were Siobhan McSweeney Recovery Haven, Mary McMahon Castleisland, Mari O’Connell Director Palitive Care, Paul McCarthy and Cora Walsh Comfor for Chemo. Photo By : Michelle Cooper Galvin -Domnick Walsh Photography © Eye Focus LTD
All of which has prompted the expansion of the oncology services at UHK. The Interim Unit has a 40% increase in capacity, allowing for a more extensive range of treatments, including innovative therapies like immunotherapy.
While this interim unit addresses the immediate needs, UHK is focusing on the development of a permanent stand-alone oncology unit.
Currently at the design stage, this future-proofed facility aims to provide safe, timely, and evidence-based care for oncology patients.
At the opening were Sarah Thompson Oncology Nurse, Lorraine Guerin Clerical Oncology Day Ward, Ciara Knightly Clerical Oncology Day Ward and Mary Ann Pigott Ward Clerk (back) Pat O’Dowd and Alan Kearney Pharmacists . Photo By : Michelle Cooper Galvin -Domnick Walsh Photography . © Eye Focus LTD
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Dr Sinead Noonan, Consultant Medical Oncologist, has highlighted that; “While this Interim Unit will meet our current demand, it is crucial that we focus our energies now to the development of a permanent stand-alone oncology unit. One which will be future-proofed to provide safe, timely, evidenced-based care to our oncology patients. This planned permanent unit will also enable us to meet the projected doubling of patient numbers over the next ten years.”
The UHK Management Team expressed their gratitude to the Palliative Care Services, staff members who relocated from the Ratoo Ward, and the dedicated teams in Estates, Maintenance, and Building Contractors for their invaluable support in making this transition possible.
Linus Burke (centre) cutting the take to open the new Oncology Day Ward with (from left) Olivia O’Rahilly Business Manager, Trish Hickey manager of Oncology Day Ward, Dr Sinead Noonan Medical Oncologist, Mary Fitzgerald General Manager UHK and Chairperson Comfort for Chemo Kerry, Darina Burke, Fr. Gerard O’Leary, Aisling O’Carroll Asst Director Manager of Oncology and Carol Mannix Director of Nursing .
Photo By : Michelle Cooper Galvin -Domnick Walsh Photography © Eye Focus LTD
Mary Fitzgerald said; “Your dedication has turned the vision into reality. To all of the staff who worked tirelessly, ensuring a smooth service transition to the new interim Unit. Thanks to you, our patients will receive the care they need in their new surroundings.”
Pat O’Dowd Pharmaist, Aisling O’Carroll Asst. Director Manager of Oncology, Alan Kearney Pharmaist and Dr. Sinead Noonan Medical Oncologist . Photo By : Michelle Cooper Galvin -Domnick Walsh Photography . © Eye Focus LTD
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