Home Nursing

Each year, the Irish Cancer Society provides grants of over €1,000,000 towards the salaries of specialist palliative care nurses working in homecare services throughout Ireland. The Irish Cancer Society was the first to offer Home Care Nursing services in Ireland over twenty years ago.

This specialist service was developed in response to public demand for a home nursing service for people with advanced illness. At that time, it was seen as an innovation in the care of patients with cancer. The aim of the Home Care Nursing service is to make the patient with advanced disease as comfortable as possible in their home. Home Care Nurses work with general practitioners and public health nurses to provide relief from symptoms due to either advanced disease or as a result of treatment.

The Irish Cancer Society continues to support this service, by providing grants to both local health boards and hospice groups towards the employment of specialist palliative care nurses skilled in the care of patients with advanced illness.

This specialist care, while taking care of practical issues, also incorporates dealing with the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and the family during this time. This level and type of care is usually referred to as palliative care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is home care nursing for?
Traditionally, home care services have been closely associated with care and support that is offered to patients with advanced cancer wishing to spend time at home. However, this service has now been expanded to include the care of patients with other advanced, non-cancer illness.

How do I apply for home care nursing help?
The service is normally arranged by the patient’s general practitioner (GP) or alternatively by the discharging doctor in hospital.

Is there a charge for this service?
There is no charge for the home care nursing service. It is funded by the local health board or hospice group with support from the Irish Cancer Society.

Where are the teams located around Ireland?
Below you will find a comprehensive list of Home Care services available in the Republic of Ireland. Please scroll down the page to display the addresses and telephone numbers of the closest one to you.

If you do not see a relevant contact number or address then please phone our Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1 800 200 700, they will be happy to provide you with the correct details.