The Irish Cancer Society has opened a Cancer Information point at Portiuncula Hospital this week to provide helpful information to hospital patients, visitors, and members of the public.
The Information Point in the hospital foyer has an interactive screen covering topics like Cancer prevention, risk reduction, and early detection of cancers. There are also a variety of leaflets and booklets available for people who want to something they can hold and take home.
Speaking at the launch Joan Kelly Cancer Support Manager at the Irish Cancer Society said, “We are delighted to officially open the Information Point in Portiuncula hospital.
“On average, over 1,700 people in Galway receive a cancer diagnosis each year so the Information Point will be a valuable support to local cancer patients, their families and the general public.”
The new Information Point also has contact details for the Irish Cancer Society, local cancer support centres and other services available in the area for people struggling with cancer.
James Keane, General Manger of Portiuncula University Hospital said the initiative will reach a wide audience of people with essential information about looking after their health.
“It will serve as a valuable resource in the hospital to the significant number of patients and visitors that attend the hospital on a daily basis,” he said. “This information point has the potential to reach a large audience with this important health information.”
For their part the Cancer Society is grateful for the support staff at Portiuncula have shown for the project, “The team in Portiuncula University Hospital have been very enthusiastic about having the Cancer Information Point at their hospital which services a wide community in East County Galway and surrounding counties.” said Joan Kelly.
The Irish Cancer Society is the leading provider of cancer information and support in Ireland. Among many other services it operates a Cancer Nurseline, open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.
The Nurseline puts people in touch with a cancer nurse who can provide information and support to anyone affected by or concerned about cancer.
To contact the Cancer Nurseline, Freephone 1800 200 700, email cancernurseline@irishcancer.ie or drop into one of the 13 Daffodil Centres in hospitals nationwide. The Galway Daffodil Centre can be found in University Hospital Galway.
