Cancer Care West have recently provided funding to furnish a new family room in the Corrib ward at University Hospital Galway.
The Corrib ward is a dedicated oncology ward that opened in the new block of UHG last year.
This family room provides a haven where the families of patients with cancer can rest, meet with friends and medical staff, and if needs be stay overnight.
With funding from Cancer Care West the room has been furnished with leather reclining seats, tables, a pull-out couch along with a fridge, microwave and tea\coffee making facilities.
Speaking at the official opening of the new room, Cancer Care West CEO Richie Flaherty said that it would:
“Provide a place of comfort and restfulness for those coping with the stresses and trauma of seeing a family member being treated for cancer in a hospital that might be many miles away from home.”
In the past, he said, families including the parents of young children being treated, “had to sit on chairs in crowded wards or in corridors for days and nights at a time which was far from ideal.”
“We have long recognised the need for such a space and the feedback already from staff in the ward is that it is being heavily used and a vital addition to the facilities offered to families.”
This is the second family room that Cancer Care West have funded in the new 75-bed block.
Earlier this year a family room serving the Claddagh ward opened, and based on the positive feedback from families, UHG decided to approach Cancer Care West about creating another for the Corrib ward.
Mrs Carmel Kelly, from Gort, whose son is a patient on the Corrib Ward said, “I have been using the Family Room for the last 8 weeks since my 21 year old son was admitted.”
“The minute I was shown the room, I was overwhelmed with emotions. I have used this room every day and night where we have sat, talked, cried, had the tea and coffee, heated food and even slept. It’s my safe haven. It’s my home from home.”
Chris Kane, General Manager at UHG said the support of Cancer Care West gave meant a huge to families and to the hospital.
“This new family room makes a huge difference to families, particularly those who have to travel distances or whose loved ones are facing a long hospital stay. We are very appreciative of the on-going support from Cancer Care West.”
