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Counselling services

Posted By Fmcgr21

"Counselling services"

About: Ards Hospital / Palliative Care Hub

(as the patient),

I have been attending counselling sessions with Cancer Focus NI, hosted in the palliative unit in Ards Community Hospital. The staff in the unit , whilst not ultimately involved in my care , have been so kind and welcoming at all my sessions. Always made to feel relaxed whilst waiting and never left sitting wondering where to go and offered tea/ coffee or even just a chat ! 

This has made the whole process of attending counselling  so much easier and less overwhelming. The calm and comfortable environment are exactly what is needed at times of stress or worry. Huge thanks to SE Trust for hosting these sessions 

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Responses

Response from Denise Cranston, Specialist Palliative Care Lead Nurse, Community Palliative Care Centre, South Eastern HSC Trust last week
Denise Cranston
Specialist Palliative Care Lead Nurse, Community Palliative Care Centre,
South Eastern HSC Trust

Submitted on 06/10/2025 at 12:41
Published on Care Opinion at 12:41

Good morning Fmcgr21

As Lead Nurse for the Specialist Palliative Care Service and Manager of the Palliative care unit in Ards Hospital. I would like to thank you for your story and very kind words that you have shared in relation to the welcome you received when visiting the unit. It is wonderful to read such a lovely comment regarding the service provided by the staff, welcoming patients to the unit and making them feel relaxed whilst waiting for appointments, which can be a very anxious time. This story has been shared with the unit staff and the wider palliative care team. I wish you all the best with your health going forward.

Kind regards

Denise

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by Fmcgr21 (the patient)

Many thanks for taking the time to reply Denise.

There are undoubtedly many issues in the health service but it is very easy to criticise. It is even more important that we give praise and recognition to those staff providing excellent care in a very challenging environment 👍

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