The most important thing to remember is that there are people ready to help you and your family throughout treatment and afterwards. The medical social worker in your hospital can help in many ways. He or she provides support and counselling to the patients and their families and can provide advice on benefits, entitlements and services available when you go home.
Some of the major cancer treatment hospitals have oncology liaison nurses and/or cancer nurse co-ordinators. These specially trained nurses provide support to patients and their families from the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment. These nurses, along with other members of your medical team work together to meet your needs.
When you go home there are a variety of community health services available from your local health centre. These centres are staffed by GPs, District Nurses (who can visit you at home),Social Workers. All these people can provide advice and support.
You can get more information on the services available either from the medical social worker in the hospital before you go home or at your local health centre.
The Ulster Cancer Foundation Helpline nurses will be happy to discuss any concerns you or your family may have, at any stage of your illness. They can give you more information about any of the services outlined above and can also let you know about support services in your area.
