The extended oncology unit at Mayo General Hospital has officially opened and is now operating from an area on the first floor which has double the space of the old unit. The new location will enhance the comfort and privacy of patients and ensure that the support services which are holistic to patient care will be delivered in a more appropriate setting.
The Oncology Service at Mayo General Hospital provides chemotherapy and other cancer treatments on an outpatient basis. The treatment is given by specialist trained nurses and depending on the drugs the length of treatment can last from 30 minutes to six to eight hours. The newly extended unit is also the base for the haematology day service.
“The oncology/haematology day service at the hospital has seen a year on year increase in presentations over the past few years with numbers rising from 3,296 attendees in 2006 to 3,831 attendances in 2009,” said Charlie Meehan, general manager of Mayo General Hospital.
“The newly expanded and refurbished oncology unit was developed as an interim solution to address the inadequate space and related issues while we await the provision of a purpose built oncology unit. This refurbishment and the provision of the permanent MRI unit will enhance the service provided to cancer patients in County Mayo.”
The new unit has been extensively refurbished by the hospital’s own maintenance team and is equipped to a high standard. In addition to the funding provided by the HSE, the support of local fundraising groups has been significant and this funding has enabled the hospital to fund high specification treatment chairs and a new television system for patients in the unit. The area is designed to minimise stress and maximise the comfort of patients.
