A senior psychologist with more than 28 year’s experience has been chosen to head up Cancer Care West’s psychological and support services expansion programme in Galway city and the west.
Dr Helen Greally’s new role includes overseeing and directing the support services offered to cancer patients as well as families and individuals whose lives have been affected by cancer.
Dr Greally has more than 28 year’s experience working with people with a variety of psychological difficulties including the demands of physical illness, particularly cancer, and the adaptation required to cope with this life event.
In 2007 she was appointed senior psychologist with Cancer Care West. She is a regular speaker at public lectures and teaches on the clinical doctorate courses at NUI Galway and the University of Limerick.
“By applying principles of psychological management a great deal of distress can be prevented and treated while quality of life can be greatly enhanced,” says Dr Greally.
She has been involved for the past three years in a research project at NUI Galway’s psychology department examining the influence of psychological intervention on women suffering with breast cancer.
Dr Greally also has significant expertise in the area of grief and loss. In 1998 she completed the first major study on coping with grief and loss in Ireland entitled the Galway Bereavement Project. She also is a key contributor to the Irish Hospice Foundation’s diploma on grief and loss.
Bernard Collins, chairman of Cancer Care West, says the organisation is very fortunate to have a psychologist of the standing and reputation of Dr Greally leading and overseeing support for those affected by a cancer diagnosis.
“We are sure both patients and colleagues will benefit from her knowledge and experience.”
In conjunction with the appointment of Dr Helen Greally Cancer Care West’s new support centre services are due to be launched at 72 Seamus Quirke Road in early 2009. A further initiative is to provide a regionalised service to the western region.
Cancer Care West is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting people whose lives have been affected by a cancer diagnosis.
“Our essence is cancer patient care and all our activities fit within this vision,” explains a spokesperson. “Our aim is to enhance patient care and wellbeing as well as providing support to cancer patients and their families during and after their treatment. Cancer Care West also provides cancer awareness and educational programmes, undertaking research on patient care.
It serves cancer patients and their families from all over the west including counties Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo, North Tipperary, Roscommon and Sligo.
