A diagnosis of cancer is associated with significant psychological distress ranging from ‘normal’ levels of sadness and fear to severe disabling symptoms such as depression, anxiety, difficulty with adjustment and concern about body image problems. The Beaumont Psycho-Oncology service was established in 2021 with funding from the National Cancer Control Programme.
The Multi-disciplinary team currently consists of a Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist, 2 Psychologists, 2 Social Workers and 2 Clinical Nurse Specialists. Referrals are accepted from Oncology, Haematology, Radiation Oncology and Surgical Oncology teams. Patients are reviewed as in-patients, on the Oncology and Haematology Day Ward and in out-patient clinics.
The team also runs group programmes including the Survivorship programme ‘Cancer Thrive and Survive’ for adult patients following their cancer treatment and the CLIMB programme for children aged 5-12 who are experiencing the impact of a parent with cancer diagnosis.
The Beaumont Psycho-Oncology team was highly commended at the HSE Healthcare Excellence Awards in 2023.
In-patient referrals to the Psycho-Oncology team are made on PIPE to the Liaison Psychiatry team. Out-patient letters are addressed to Dr Maurice Clancy/the Psycho-Oncology service at the Department of Liaison Psychiatry in Beaumont Hospital. Referral forms are also left on the Oncology and Haematology day wards and are collected several times a week.
Was this page useful?