At University Hospital Galway there are a team of breast care nurses 
each working with a specific consultant but providing team cover. Research shows that women with breast cancer place a lot of importance in continuity of care. Our role compromises providing emotional support and information to the client from the point of diagnosis and through treatment and follow up.
Presently there are five members of the team in the Galway site with a visiting colleague from Castlebar once a week.
The nurse specialts at UCHG have a big commitment to continuity of care, improved health outcomes and enhanced quality of life for clients. As a nursing team we are committed to empowering the client by giving information to enhance choice over treatment decisions and control over all aspects of care. We act as a point of contact for the patient, carers and health care professionals.
Assessing coping mechanisms and monitoring the psychological effects of diagnosis and treatment on the patient and referral for further support where appropriate is integral to our service. This area of care is enhanced by Inis Aoibhinn who provides radiotherapy and Cancer Care West who offer a drop in centre, complimentary treatments and have two dedicated psychologists available to see our clients.
Often a woman diagnosed with breast cancer will have a whole remit of issues medical, social, financial and psychological. We believe it is the role of the breast care nurse to assess needs and refer onwards where appropriate.
Services Provided By The Breast Care Nursing Team At UCHG
- A daily nurse led clinic for wound care and post operative seroma drainage.
- A drop in clinic for psychological care.
- Nipple tattooing service is provided.
- We provide a first fitting of bras post operatively and give details of post mastectomy bra fitting services within our catchment areas.