Children’s Health Ireland opens new Intrathecal Procedure Room in CHI at Crumlin
To mark the end of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, Children's Health Ireland is proud to announce the opening of a new Intrathecal Procedure Suite on St. John’s Ward in CHI at Crumlin.
Sept. 30, 2024
All CHI locations
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Ruairi and the team in the new intrathecal procedure room, St. John's Ward, CHI at Crumlin
Children and young people aged 0 to 16 years who have blood disorders and/or cancers may be admitted as inpatients to St. John’s Ward. Some of these patients need intrathecal chemotherapy – a treatment in which chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the fluid-filled space between the thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord. This allows the medicine to reach the brain and spinal cord more quickly and effectively. It is often used to treat certain conditions, such as cancer, infections, or pain, especially in children who need targeted care.
Until recently, patients on St. John’s Ward who needed an intrathecal procedure were brought to theatre, but since Monday 19th August 2024, they can now make a much shorter journey to the new state-of-the-art Intrathecal Procedure Room right on St. John’s Ward. This purpose-designed space will significantly improve the delivery of care for these patients. It will streamline treatments and ease the journey for children and their families during what is often a difficult and emotional period.
Ruairi was one of the first inpatients on St. John’s Ward to use the new intrathecal procedure room. Ruairi’s Mum, Orla, said:
“Ruairi and all of his friends on St. John’s Ward have been so well looked after. Since he was first diagnosed, the team here make difficult experiences as easy on him as possible with kindness, humour and play.”
Dr Jane Pears, Consultant in Oncology with Children's Health Ireland, said:
“The opening of this facility underscores Children's Health Ireland’s ongoing commitment to recognising the strength and resilience of children who have cancer and enhancing their care and safety. This new procedure room represents a monumental step forward in the care we provide to our young patients. It allows us to perform intrathecal procedures in a setting designed specifically for children and young people, making the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.”
Director of Nursing in CHI at Crumlin, Karen McGuire, thanked everyone involved in bringing this facility to fruition:
“This new intrathecal procedure suite is more than just a new space; it is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and compassion of the entire staff in keeping the patient the focus for what we do. It is the result of the collaborative efforts of the St. John’s Ward team, anaesthetic and theatre teams, porters, healthcare assistants, and the operational team in CHI at Crumlin. Our team’s commitment to delivering exceptional care in the most compassionate manner is truly reflected in this new suite.”
September was Childhood Cancer Awareness month, a month where around the world people come together to raise awareness of childhood cancer and pay tribute to all those affected.
Ruairi and the team in the new intrathecal procedure room, St. John's Ward, CHI at Crumlin