Ireland's first psychosocial research hub to be opened

Childhood cancer survivors and their families emphasized the importance of social and emotional care services at the launch of Ireland's first psychosocial clinical research hub. The Barretstown not-for-profit therapeutic recreation center, founded in 1994 by actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, has assisted 175,000 families and children through holistic recovery and emotional support. Barretstown has partnerships with various hospitals and consultants across the country, including Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin.

Ciara Hoolahan, a former Barretstown beneficiary diagnosed with a bone tumour at age seven, highlighted the significance of holistic and psychosocial care during her interview at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. Hayleigh Price, a 8-year-old diagnosed with bilateral Wilms tumour, also attended the launch and shared her gratitude for Barretstown's support in making her family feel normal in a challenging situation. Leanne, Hayleigh's mother, expressed that the family's experience at Barretstown was invaluable.

The new research hub will be directed by Dr. Chiara Besani, the Clinical Lead of the National Paediatric Psycho-Oncology Service. Barretstown aims to integrate psychosocial care into every treatment plan for children and young people with cancer and other serious illnesses. Chief Executive Dee Ahern emphasized that psychosocial care is evidence-based, recognized by the World Health Organization, and endorsed by the Government.

However, it is currently not consistently integrated into clinical care for every seriously ill young person in Ireland.

Ahern stressed the responsibility of Barretstown leaders to ensure psychosocial care becomes a standard, funded, and accessible part of Ireland's national healthcare system, enhancing the overall delivery of care and advocating for its integration across the country.