30 May, 2023
The TSJCI Cancer Survivorship Network was founded in 2022 and is supported by the Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute (TSJCI). Membership includes representation from medicine, dentistry, nursing, health & social care professionals (HSCPs), psycho-oncology, adolescent & young adult (AYA) services, genetic counselling, TSJCI programme office, St. Luke’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, and patient representatives.
The group, initially spearheaded by Dr. Grainne Sheill (Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Cancer Rehabilitation at St. James’s Hospital), links healthcare professionals working in cancer care to answer questions and disseminate discoveries that can be applied to improve practice. The group provide a supportive, collaborative environment for healthcare professionals who are seeking partners and ideas for patient care, by providing expertise, information and opportunity for professional development. Dr Naomi Algeo, Chair of the TSJCI Cancer Survivorship Network and Senior Occupational Therapist at St. James’s Hospital notes:
“The newly formed group is a great example of cross site and multidisciplinary collaboration with the shared goal to enhance cancer survivorship care in Ireland. There was a recognition of the wealth of knowledge and skills that various clinicians, academics, and patients bring to the table at St James’s, Trinity College Dublin, and St Luke’s. This group enables us to foster this together and work alongside one another in developing exciting cancer survivorship initiatives.”
In addition, Dr Algeo acknowledged “There has been such enthusiasm from the group since its formation, and I’d specifically like to acknowledge Dr Grainne Sheill, Dr Emer Guinan, and Catherine Buckley (Quality Coordinator at TSJCI) who continue to drive this initiative forward.”
The network, who meet quarterly, are working towards future research collaboration and dissemination, survivorship events, and professional development and networking opportunities. Priorities set for 2023 include developing a working group on developing MDT cancer survivorship initiatives, patient events, and enhancing communication and role awareness across disciplines through an internal service directory.
For more information or if you are interested in joining the network, contact Naomi at nalgeo@stjames.ie