Pilot role for Kilnamona cancer centre

A KILNAMONA cancer support centre has landed a major coup by becoming the first facility of its kind in the country to enter into a collaborative “pioneering” health programme with the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The national HSE director of advocacy, Greg Price, officially launched the development of a high-quality model of person-centred community-based cancer support at Clare Cancer Support, Kilnamona on Wednesday.
Working in partnership with the HSE and other services, the centre has pledged to significantly improve the quality of healthcare for people affected by cancer. The centre will be allowed to use the HSE patient first and patient advocacy symbols, which is regarded as a major official endorsement of the quality of their work.
The HSE’s National Advocacy Unit (NAU) will support the centre to develop its advocacy role and capacity, working to ensure people’s experiences of cancer and the health services are captured and managed appropriately in partnership with the health services in terms of the HSE Your Service Your Say Policy.
Service-users’ experiences help to identify issues that are important to patients and their families and will be used to facilitate improvements in the quality of healthcare services. The NAU will continue to foster working relationships and partnership approaches between the centre, healthcare providers and other service providers in the region to ensure all cancer patients know how to contact the facility when required.
It will also help the facility to develop robust business plans in order to maintain its long-term sustainability and volunteers hope it will assist in their efforts to secure major HSE funding of up to €50,000.
The centre was praised for its impressive facilities and services at the launch by leading consultants in the region.
Anne Merrigan from the breast clinic at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick said the centre is very impressive.
She said the centre is vital to allow patients to discuss their fears and concerns with others who have had similar experiences, as some families don’t always know how to cope or deal with this difficult situation.
“In Limerick, we have a support centre. However, people from West Clare are at least an hour away from this facility. It is important that you have a centre like this that you can get to quite easily.
“Some cancer patients don’t drive and haven’t transport to take them long distances. The majority of patients will get better. Support centres like this help them to get better. For so many people, it is the emotional, personal side and the help to access the social welfare benefits that can make all the difference,” she said.
Eamonn Rodgers, consultant urologist at University College Hospital, Galway said, “Cancer is traditionally considered as a hospital-based disease. Nothing could be further from the truth. Patients get their treatment in hospital. Rehabilitation takes place at home and in their own community.
“This new partnership is pioneering. This is the first step of many other developments in the country. It has now been officially medically recognised how important it is to rehabilitate cancer patients with their neighbours,” he said.
Michelle Madden from Clare Chamber described the centre as an “amazing place”, having made a large number of friends after a number of visits.
Centre chairperson Teresa Murrihy said 10 or 12 cancer patients used the centre when it opened three years ago. It is now estimated that up to 150 patients a week receive advice and support by telephone or by dropping into the building.
“We knit, we drink tea, refreshments and party. We benefit from reflexology and a host of other treatments. The support in the centre is tremendous. It provides a ray of hope in times of darkness,” she said.
Having opened its doors on May 8, 2010, the centre provides services including counselling, meditation and relaxation, massages, reflexology, Tai Chi and hairdressing in a safe and homely environment.
Visiting oncologists, surgeons and other health specialists provide question and answer sessions regularly. In social activities, members avail of the opportunity to meet others who have been on a cancer journey.
Mr Price said he felt very moved by hearing individuals’ experiences of cancer and the health services. He believed these experiences highlight some very practical issues that could improve the quality of people’s experiences within the health services. He was particularly struck by individuals’ experiences in attending hospital appointments.
Clare patients recalled how their hospital appointments often entailed walking long distances from the car park to the various departments and how these appointments often took the whole day. They suggested hospital departments could be more comfortable and person-centred in terms of the environment, seating, food and drink facilities. Many individuals said they “felt the cold more during their cancer treatment”.