Unique walk-in cancer service open to Cavan & Monaghan patients
The Regional Therapeutic Cancer Support Centre was officially launched this lunchtime (Wednesday)
A new walk-in cancer support centre officially launched in Fermanagh today will be open to patients from Cavan and Monaghan.
The Centre, which was officially opened on High Street, Enniskillen at lunchtime today will offer free practical, emotional and social support for people with cancer as well as their family and friends.
The Regional Therapeutic Cancer Support Centre is unique in that it is a completely nurse-led walk-in service. Experienced nurses will be on hand to provide advice and information to cancer patients and their families.
The Enniskillen centre is the first of five planned regional centres funded by the charity, Cancer Focus NI and the North’s Department of Health in the North.
Some of the services on offer include breast cancer bra and swimwear fitting, counselling, family support, health promotion activity, and patient driving.
A full programme of support will begin this week (29 May) and services will include Counselling, Family Support, Support Groups including the launch of a new Western Trust Prostate Group, Bra and Swimwear Fitting, health improvement activities (healthy eating, health checks) and patient driving – a door to door transport service from home to hospital for those who cannot travel independently.
When the Celt asked if the new Regional Therapeutic Cancer Support would be open to the people of the Cavan-Monaghan region, spokesperson Vicki Caddy said: “It absolutely is!
“It’s deliberately walk-in, no appointment needed and aimed at being a non-clinical environment.
“Uniquely, it is nurse-led though, so when you walk in you will be able to talk to an experienced cancer / oncology nurse who understands your situation.
“Just as important is that the centre has been very thoughtfully designed to be a relaxing welcoming space,” Vicki said, “there's a lot of natural light, glass, light wood and plants. It has an open plan kitchen with breakfast bar where anyone can walk up for a cuppa, and lots of homely, discreet seating areas for chats with others who are using the centre, or with the centre's staff.
And finally, Vicki enthusiastically said: “It's aimed at creating a community where people with cancer can find others with a shared experience.”