A delegation of 21 qualified nurses from China recently visited Waterford and spent time at UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre and Whitfield Clinic. The visit included a tour of the advanced radiation therapy centre and an overview of the multi-disciplinary approach to patient care.
“Even though everyone’s cancer journey is different, education and knowledge are key to taking the fear out of the unknown,” said Karen Fagan, UPMC Clinical Nurse Manager, who told the group about the UPMC Whitfield’s approach to the patient experience. “When patients come to us for their course of treatment, they are cared for by a dedicated multi-disciplinary team. Meeting and dealing with the same people during this difficult time helps build rapport and can be a great source of comfort.”
The visiting delegation also had the opportunity to meet with Cheryl Brill, Senior Vice President, international clinical operations and quality at UPMC, who was on-site to share information about UPMC’s experience in China and the success of this patient approach around the world.
The in-practice Specialist Nurse Managers were in Ireland as part of a collaborative education programme devised by the Abraham Trust, which facilitates the exposure of nurses to specialised medicine at different centres of excellence.
Deirdre Chapman, Nurse Allocation Officer, Department of Nursing and Health Care at WIT spoke of the strong links and excellent relationship that exist between WIT, UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre and Whitfield Clinic. Research collaborations are ongoing with UPMC and Whitfield Clinic which provide valuable clinical placements for undergraduate nursing students and applied healthcare students.
The UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre has been offering the most advanced radiation therapy to public and private patients from the southeast region for the past 10 years. As part of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Whitfield leverages innovation and expertise from around the globe to deliver world-class care to patients close to their homes.
For further information, call UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre on 051 337444 or visit www.upmcwhitfieldcancercentre.ie