Cork hospital psychologist to support patients undergoing cancer treatment

The Mercy Hospital Foundation has announced the appointment of Dr Jennifer Hayes as consulting clinical psychologist in the Foundation’s Cancer Care Centre on Dyke Parade in Cork city.

Working within the Department of Clinical Health Psychology at Mercy University Hospital, and as a member of the hospital’s oncology teams, Dr Hayes will lead the development and delivery of the psycho-oncology service.

She will support patients undergoing cancer treatment, along with their families, with the significant psychological challenges that they face.

Speaking on her appointment, Dr Hayes said: “Cancer does not discriminate, with one in two of us being directly impacted over the course of our lives.

“It is an honour to take up this position and to have this opportunity to strengthen psychological support within cancer care, ensuring people have access to timely, skilled, and compassionate psychological help at some of the most challenging moments in their lives.”

Dr Hayes is qualified as both a clinical psychologist and a counselling psychologist, with a degree in psychology from University of Exeter, a masters in counselling psychology from UCC, and a doctorate in clinical psychology from UCD.

With more than 23 years of direct clinical experience, her background spans primary care, mental health, and disability services. She was recipient of the HMI award and the Therese Brady award for clinical sensitivity in research.

Prior to joining the Mercy Hospital Foundation, Dr Hayes established Ireland’s only social inclusion psychology services for the HSE, leading the development of psychological supports for people on the margins of healthcare, including those experiencing homelessness and migrants. She has also represented the HSE on multiple UN selection missions and played a central role in establishing and developing the Department of Psychology in CUH.

PASSION FOR SPORT

Alongside her public service work, Dr Hayes’ passion for sport has led her to provide psychological input to several sporting teams; and over the past five years, this work has contributed to four County hurling titles, one County football title, and U20 Munster and All-Ireland hurling titles.

Commenting on Dr Hayes’ appointment, Rachel Stevenson, CEO of the Mercy Hospital Foundation, said: “Kindness and decency are at the core of everything Dr Hayes does.

“With her extensive clinical background and her commitment to working closely with patients and teams alike, she will help ensure that patients of ‘The Mercy’ facing cancer receive thoughtful, meaningful psychological care.”