Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Alaw Cancer Unit is to appoint a Mental Health Nurse to help patients and their families for the very first time, thanks to funding from #TeamIrfon.
Before Irfon Williams’s untimely death in 2017 from advanced bowel cancer, it was his cherished dream that Alaw Ward would have a dedicated Mental Health Nurse. Someone who can help patients and their families deal with their diagnosis, offer mental health assessment and support referral for more specialist intervention if required.
Manon Williams, Matron Cancer Division, said: “My friend Irfon always wanted psychological care and support to be part and parcel of cancer care.
“The Mental Health Support Nurse will be an integral part of the Alaw team, and will be making ward rounds offering support to patients on the day unit. The nurse will be able to signpost patients with more complex needs.”
Irfon’s widow and the mother of two of his children, Becky Williams, said: “I know first-hand that receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing and emotional event for both patients and their families.
“From processing the news of a cancer diagnosis to navigating the plan of care, it is important that at each stage of the journey cancer patients focus on both their physical and mental health.
“I am therefore obviously delighted the #TeamIrfon Mental Health Nurse will be in post soon working as part of the multidisciplinary team on Alaw Ward to benefit patients and families locally. This post is thanks to the incredible people who continue to support and raise much needed funds for #TeamIrfon.”
If you would like to help support cancer patients at Ysbyty Gwynedd, you can donate to #TeamIrfon now by visiting: https://awyrlas.org.uk/donate/givetoday
