Oncology Unit opens at MGH
The extended Oncology Unit at Mayo General Hospital was officially opened last week.
Oncology Unit opens at MGH
THE extended Oncology Unit at Mayo General Hospital was officially opened last week. The Oncology Service 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 6-8 hours. The newly-extended unit is also the base for the Haematology day service. Charlie Meehan, General Manager, Mayo General Hospital commented, “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 3296 attendees in 2006; to 3554 attendances in 2008; and 3831 attendances in 2009.
“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 first patients received their treatment in the new unit last Thursday.”
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.
The new unit was officially opened by Mr Frank Murray, HSE Area Operations Manager for Mayo. Current and former patients and those who have supported the development of the oncology service over the years were also present.