18 March, 2026
"Daffodil Day reminds us of the impact we can make when communities and partners unite behind a shared purpose. Through strong patient and public collaboration, we can advance cancer prevention, early detection, and care, improving outcomes for patients and families nationwide.” - Gráinne Smith, Patient and Public Partnership Lead
Public and Patient Partnerships (PPP) play a vital role in shaping a more compassionate, responsive, and effective cancer care system. By bringing the voices and lived experiences of patients, families, and communities directly into decision-making, PPP ensures that cancer services truly reflect what matters most to those affected. From advising on research priorities to improving patient pathways and communication, these partnerships help embed empathy, understanding, and real world insight into every stage of care.
In cancer research and service development, PPP members act as equal partners, collaborating with clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to design studies, review patient information, and influence innovations that lead to better outcomes. Their input helps ensure that projects are grounded in the realities of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. This co creation approach strengthens trust, enhances relevance, and supports the development of services that are accessible, equitable, and centred on dignity and respect.
We are very fortunate here in TSJCI, Comprehensive Cancer Centre that through a partnership with the Irish Cancer Society, a dedicated Patient and Public Partnership (PPP) role is funded to embed PPP across the cancer institute. Working in partnership with healthcare professionals and researchers, the role facilitates discussion on what patient and public partnership is, leading to it being business as usual. The PPP Lead facilitates the long-established Patient Representative Group (PRG) which is central to embedding PPP across research and healthcare. The PRG have been central to many research projects and healthcare initiatives, and is a great example of patient and public partnership.
As we mark Daffodil Day, we recognise the extraordinary impact of these partnerships. The courage and generosity of people who share their experiences continue to shape a brighter future for cancer care in Ireland. By listening, learning, and working side by side with patients and the public, we can drive improvements that offer hope, not just for those facing cancer today, but for the generations to come.