Family Support
Talking to your Children about cancer
Our social worker is available for consultations and to offer educational materials to assist you when talking to your children about cancer. Please speak to a member of our nursing staff for further information.
Extra help at home
If a family member or friend is leaving the hospital and you feel extra help is required at home including home care, equipment or supplies please contact the Florence Nightingale Unit or the Oncology day Unit for further assistance.
Insurance cover does not always cover services in the community or equipment that may be required at home. If this is not covered we can provide information about other options that might be available.
Family room
Being close to your family member or friend when they are in hospital is important. There is a sitting room located on the Florence Nightingale Unit for your use should you need a place to sit in comfort.
Individual counseling
When someone close has a diagnosis of cancer this can affect all those close to them. Further information on counselling is available by clicking the following link: Blackrock Psychological Medicine
Cancer Genetics Clinic
Genetic testing in patients who currently have cancer or have had 
cancer in the past can help to direct treatment, clarify future cancer risks and provide other family members with information about their cancer risk.
If a faulty gene known to cause an increased risk of cancer is identified in a family, genetic testing can be offered to unaffected family members. This allows relatives to clarify their cancer risks and take screening and surgical options to reduce their cancer risk and promote early diagnosis.