Irish Cancer Society Launches Daffodil Centre at University Hospital Waterford

The Irish Cancer Society today launched its Daffodil Centre at University Hospital Waterford. The Daffodil Centre, which is run by an Irish Cancer Society Cancer Information Service Nurse and 22 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 a successful partnership between the Irish Cancer Society and University Hospital Waterford. The ongoing running costs for the Centre are funded through the success of campaigns such as Daffodil Day which is only made possible through the work of our volunteers across the country, including the highly motivated Daffodil Day Committees in Waterford City and County.

Since it opened in 2013 the Daffodil Centre at University Hospital Waterford has provided advice, support and information to over 6,000 enquirers at the point where they need it most – the hospital. This service 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 who want to reduce their risk of getting cancer and healthcare professionals also visit the centre.

John McCormack, CEO Irish Cancer Society said, “We are delighted to bring our cancer information, support and advice service to the point of diagnosis and care – the hospital. This is a service not just for the patient – it is for their families and friends and anyone else who has a concern or question about cancer. The Centre in Waterford is one of twelve across the country and it is our hope that one day we will have a Daffodil Centre in every place where cancer is diagnosed and treated. We are continuing to liaise with the HSE in the roll out of Daffodil Centres nationwide.”

Mr Richard Dooley, General Manager of University Hospital Waterford said, “We welcome the opportunity to work with the Irish Cancer Society to host a Daffodil Centre and we share their vision to transform the patient experience in relation to cancer information and support. The Centre will also support University Hospital Waterford staff, as they can be assured they are directing their patients to a trusted source of support and information, delivered by a professional and expert organisation.”

Bonnie Saiubon, Daffodil Centre Service User from Waterford, said: “It came as a huge shock to me when I was diagnosed with cancer in my thirties. I visited the Daffodil Centre as soon as it opened and from then on, anytime I was in the hospital for my chemotherapy treatment I would pay a visit. The specialist cancer nurse always had plenty of time to answer any questions I might have about my treatment, to listen to my concerns and offer reassurance and support. I could call to the Daffodil Centre whenever I needed and it was invaluable to be able to talk to someone who really knew what I was going through.”

The Irish Cancer Society has been developing information and support services for 50 years and is the leading provider of cancer information in Ireland. The Daffodil Centres are part of the Society’s Cancer Information Service (CIS) 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 National Cancer Helpline (Freefone 1800 200 700: open Mon–Thurs, 9am–7pm and Fri 9am–5pm), email and a ‘walk-in’ caller service.