The oncology service in Portiuncula Hospital is part of the Supraregional Centre in the west of Ireland; it is in existence since 2001. It is a nurse-led service It comprises of a nursing team who are led by an Advanced Nurse Practitioner also each member of the team are highly trained in the area of oncology all having a higher diploma in oncology nursing, and they exercise expert clinical competence in all areas related to cancer care. A medical Oncologist a radiation Oncologist and a specialist register in Oncology liaise closely with all nursing staff. Medical oncology clinics are held on a weekly basis and a radiation oncology clinic is held each month,
Chemotherapy treatments are given in Portiuncula hospital and include treatments for bowel, breast, lung ovarian, renal, lymphomas, and gastric malignancies.
Medical, gynaecology and surgical teams in Portiuncula hospital complement the service. Nursing staff are available Monday –Friday 9-5 to attend to oncology patients and to deliver scheduled chemotherapy treatments and associated products to cancer patients. Staff can be contacted on 090-9648293 where a message can be left for them also an emergency helpline is available 24/7 for patients receiving treatments and if they have any queries or problems. An oncology-trained nurse is available to talk to them at all times.
Patients attending for chemotherapy receive a comprehensive education programme prior to them starting their treatment regime. This ensures that everyone is fully informed about their disease and their drug schedule prior to treatment.
All patients are invited to bring a partner, family member or friend with them as they receive their education programme for treatment.
During treatment procedures, lunch and refreshments are served throughout the day. Newspapers and TV are provided for patients use. Patients can snooze during treatment if they wish. Reflexology is also part of the holistic care of the patients and can be arranged by appointment.
Any further information can be obtained from the Oncology Department.
