Dr Grainne Sheill awarded Social and Allied Health Stimulus Grant 2018

Irish Cancer Society Stimulus Award
The Irish Cancer Society is committed to putting patients, families, survivors, supporters and the public at the very heart of what we do. In keeping with this commitment, we are working to embed Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in all of our research processes. The Stimulus Award applications were reviewed by an International Scientific Review Panel in the first instance. Shortlisted applicants were subsequently reviewed by an external Patient Panel. The Patient Panel had the final decision in selecting the successful recipients for the Biomedical Science Stimulus Award and the Social and Allied Health Sciences Stimulus Award.

Social and Allied Health Stimulus Award 2018 Announcement

The Irish Cancer Society is proud to announce that the recipient of the Social and Allied Health Stimulus Award is Dr Grainne Sheill. Gráinne hold the dual title of physiotherapist (St James’ Hospital) and researcher (Trinity College Dublin).

Using this dual role, Gráinne’s research will examine the feasibility of implementing an exercise programme for cancer survivors in a National Cancer Centre.

“Research in the last ten years has proven that exercise is a cost-effective method of improving quality of life and physical status in survivorship, however research on how exercise programmes can be offered to all cancer survivors is lacking.”

“The provision of rehabilitation services for cancer survivors is an important issue, as all patients should have services which allow them to thrive after a cancer diagnosis. Access to exercise rehabilitation would help cancer survivors to maximise their quality of life after treatment. It is not acceptable that well established interventions, such as exercise, are not available to all patients in the months after cancer treatment.”

“This research project will gather information on how exercise programmes can be provided for cancer survivors experiencing negative side-effects of treatment.”

Gráinne is an example of how allied health professionals can become involved in research to develop projects that are relevant and important to patients. We wish Gráinne the best of luck and we are excited to hear about her findings.