UCC School of Nursing and Midwifery Annual Report 2019

Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, UCC

New Women’s Health Initiative with a ‘Women’s Cancer Survivorship’ Programme at Cork University Hospital for women with breast and gynaecological cancers with support from the ECASP Research Group at UCC

For survivors of cancer, the pathway for managing and overcoming the often- challenging symptoms arising from their initial treatment can be unclear. A ground- breaking new initiative by the Irish Cancer Society aims to address a long-standing gap in the identification and management of symptoms for women which have resulted from their courses of treatment. This wide range of symptoms can include anything from fatigue, incontinence, lymphoedema, and severe psychological distress to other difficulties such as significant intimacy problems, infertility and rapid premature menopause.

cancer survivors at all stages of their journey through the establishment of pilot clinics to be based in Cork and Dublin. Funding support of from the Irish Cancer Society has been the catalyst for a total investment of ¤890,000 over two years by a consortium also involving the HSE, The Mater Private Hospital, the National Cancer Control Programme, Breakthrough Cancer Research, the National Maternity Hospital Foundation and Pfizer Ireland. This funding will support pilot clinics in both Dublin and Cork.

Hopkins in the US, and supported by Prof Josephine Hegarty and the ECASP Group from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, UCC the ‘Women’s Cancer Survivorship’ programme will work with women at Cork University Hospital and regional hospitals who have completed their primary cancer therapy. Using symptom management pathways developed as part of the programme, those using the new Survivorship Clinic will receive a Survivorship Plan and education on the management of important symptoms, and will be needs- assessed for referrals to appropriate specialists. Patient Advocates: Ms Sonya Lynch (Breast), Ms Miriam O Driscoll (Ovarian) Community and hospital-based support services: Daffodil Centre (CUH), Cork Arc House, Recovery House (Kerry), Circle of Friends (Tipperary). Survivorship and patient reported outcomes: Professor Vered Stearns (Johns Hopkins, USA), Dr Patricia O’Regan (UCC, Fatigue), Dr Aileen Murphy (Cork Business School, Health Economics), Dr Margaret Landers (UCC, colorectal symptoms), Dr Brendan Noonan (UCC, patient concerns), John Browne (School of Public Health, UCC). Cancer registry and health technology: Professor Kerri Clough-Gorr (NCRI/ UCC), ONCOassist Decision Support SysteMs Research Charity: Breakthrough Cancer Research.

CORK PILOT Developed in collaboration with

The Women’s Health Initiative aims to improve health and wellbeing for women

researchers from the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Centre at Johns

The Team: Prof Roisin Connolly (PI), Prof Josephine Hegarty (Co-Applicant CA), Professor Seamus O’Reilly (CA), Prof Mark Corrigan (CA), Dr Vicki Cleary (CA), Dr John Coulter (CA); Breast/ Gynae cancer experts: Dr Dearbhaile Collins (Medical Oncologist, CUH), Professor John Higgins (Ob/Gynae Consultant, SVIH), Prof Carol Gibney (Radiation Oncology Consultant CUH). Cancer treatment-related symptoms experts: Dr Eugene Cassidy (Psycho-oncology, CUH), Dr Suzanne O’Sullivan (Uro-Gynaecologist, CUMH), Dr Jane McCarthy (Gastroenterology, MUH), Dr Moya McMenamin (Reproductive Medicine, CUMH), Professor Tony O’ Brien (Palliative Medicine, CUH/ Marymount/UCC), Dr Aoife Ryan (Nutrition, UCC).

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