|
|
Bell provides a symbol of hope
31.05.19
THE North West Cancer
Centre, at Altnagelvin Hospital, has recently
installed an ‘End of Treatment Bell’ for cancer
patients who choose to publically celebrate and mark
the end of their treatment. The bell is situated
within the radiotherapy waiting area. Patients who
finish their treatment, either radiotherapy or
chemotherapy, can ring the bell to signal the end of
their treatment and to symbolise their hope for the
future.
Patients who are coming to the end of their cancer
treatment can experience mixed emotions. Happiness
and relief that their chemotherapy and or
radiotherapy is complete but worry and apprehension
about the future. Going through treatment for many
weeks, patients who attend the North West Cancer
Centre, will have bonded with cancer centre staff
and forged lasting friendships with other patients
together on their cancer journey.
The bell was donated by Gabrielle Hall, who is a
nurse in England and had seen the bell in use at her
local cancer unit. Gabrielle’s grandfather, John
Doran from Derry, was going through chemotherapy at
the North West Cancer Centre. When she discovered
the Cancer Centre didn’t have a bell, Gabrielle set
about organising and arranging for one to be
installed. |
 |
|
From Left: Margaret and John Doran
from Derry, whose Granddaughter, Gabrielle Hall,
donated the bell. Also in the picture is Lesley
Mitchell, Macmillan Lead Nurse, Cancer Services. |
Lesley Mitchell,
Macmillan Lead Nurse, Cancer Services at the Western
Trust said: “The bell is a symbol of hope for our
patients. It will give patients who have finished
their treatment the opportunity to mark it. It may
also be helpful and inspiring for other patients who
are currently undergoing treatment."
"The North West Cancer Centre opened in November
2017 and has made a huge difference to the lives of
people, who would have previously had to travel to
Belfast or Galway for their treatment. I am
delighted that we can now give our patients an
opportunity to mark their end of their treatment
journey. Finishing treatment can be very emotional
for many patients and some may choose to mark this
milestone privately or in other ways but the option
of ringing the bell will be available for any
patients who choose to do so.” |
 |
|
From Left: North West Cancer Centre
staff, Lesley Mitchell, Carolyn
Rutherford, Rebecca Durnin, Maria McBrearty and
Leonie Hendry. |
|
Carolyn Rutherford from
Eglinton, coincidentally a member of staff at the
North West Cancer Centre, finished her cancer
treatment recently and took the opportunity to ring
the bell to celebrate this. It was particularly
poignant that she got to do this in the presence of
her colleagues and friends. |
|
