Cancer Care West

Charity Description :

Cancer Care West is the west of Ireland cancer charity dedicated to supporting those whose lives have been affected by a cancer diagnosis. Our aim is to enhance patient care and well being and to provide supports to cancer patients and their families during and after their treatment.

We aim to provide a holistic service that complements medical treatment through the provision of residential accommodation and cancer support services.  Cancer Care West also provides cancer awareness and educational programmes and undertakes research on patient care.

Charity Overview :

Cancer Care West's residential facility, Inis Aoibhinn, is located on the grounds of University Hospital Galway and provides accommodation to cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy at UHG.  Inis Aoibhinn provides a 'home away from home' environment for patients.  It comprises 33 en suite bedrooms and had facilities for a patient's family member or guest to share.  Inis Aoibhinn opened in 2007 and consistently operates at full capacity.  There is no cost to cancer patients or family members for staying at Inis Aoibhinn.

Cancer Care West's cancer support centre provides a range of individual support, workshops and groups for every type and stage of cancer.  Individual supports include one to one counselling, clinical psychology, massage and reflexology as well as benefits advice.  Courses include stress management, living with cancer mindfulness, creative writing and creative art.

There is no charge to cancer patients or family members for using any of the services provided by Cancer Care West.

Charity History :

Cancer Care West was established as The Leukaemia Trust in 1993 by Professor Ernest Egan, the first Consultant Haematologist at University Hospital Galway. At that time the organisation's objective was to establish a charitable base for the development of Haematology and Medical Oncology services. The charity's title - the Leukaemia Trust - was taken from the main focus of disease that support was sought for, but with a broader brief than Leukaemia as its goal.

In the years that followed, the charity raised funds to support Haematology and Medical Oncology services at University Hospital Galway through a programme of patient support and new therapy development, research and education in Cancer and Leukaemia care.

It became apparent at an early stage that the name Leukaemia Trust was too restrictive within the overall brief adopted. At a national level in recent years, the need to develop regional cancer centres was recognised. Through the lobbying of the Leukaemia Trust and the work of many people, Galway has since become such a regional centre. It is in this context, and with our concerns that the title Leukaemia Trust conveyed too narrow a profile of interest for the Charity, that the Charity registered it's operating name Cancer Care West.

Where Your Money Goes :

Donations to Cancer Care West go towards the funding and further development of our Residential and Cancer Support Services.  All of our services are made available to cancer patients and their families at no charge.