Psychology

Physical health conditions can affect people psychologically as well as physically. The Psychology Department was established to help support people with psychological needs associated with their medical condition. We aim to help improve health outcomes for patients and enhance overall wellbeing and quality of life. It is a relatively new, dynamic, and rapidly growing department within Cork University Hospital (CUH) and Ireland Women and Infant’s Directorate/CUMH. Psychology services are embedded in the hospital multi- disciplinary teams.

We currently provide a service to inpatients and outpatients at Cork University Hospital in the following services:

  • Paediatric Inpatients on Puffin and Ladybird Wards
  • Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis
  • Paediatric Diabetes and Endocrinology
  • Long Covid
  • Stroke Rehabilitation
  • Cancer Care
  • Major Trauma

 

The Women and Infant’s Directorate including CUMH also has Psychologists providing a service to:

  • Mesh Implant/ Uro- Gynaecology
  • Neonatology, currently focusing on providing developmental assessment follow ups to those born prematurely
  • Staff Support & Wellbeing

 

Who We Are 

Our team consists of a number of accredited, highly trained and dedicated Clinical Psychologists. In addition, we offer placements to Trainee Clinical Psychologists from universities around Ireland. We also have strong research links with third level institutions.

 

We have experienced and friendly colleagues and work collaboratively with all other hospital professionals. We also liaise with community services when needed.

 

What We Do

We offer psychological consultation, assessment, and a range of different psychological therapies with the aim of providing person-centred care tailored to specific health conditions. We use evidence-based practice to cover a range of conditions.

Some common emotional difficulties experienced by people with persistent health conditions include:  low mood, anxiety including fears or phobias, fatigue, pain, frustration or anger, trauma, sleep difficulties, functional symptoms, and difficulties adjusting to the condition. We support people to address ongoing barriers to self-care including difficulties managing their medical treatment. We take a systemic or family based approach where possible as living with a health condition can also impact those close to the person.

Referrals are accepted from the Medical Teams.