The group is aiming to raise funds for the Aoife O' Sullivan Oncology Education Fund. The fund is operated through the CUH Charity and is set up to advance the education of nurses in the Oncology Department at CUH.

Aoife O Sullivan from Bonane, Co Kerry achieved her lifetime ambition of becoming a teacher and spent two happy years in Ratoath College teaching Irish and Geography. During this time Aoife’s love of teaching shone through and was particularly evident in the relationship she built up with her students and colleagues.

Aoife was diagnosed with cancer on her 28th birthday in May 2018. When Aoife was faced with her illness she took on any setbacks with dignity and bravery, never once did she complain or say “why me”. Her mantra was – I’ve got cancer but cancer doesn’t have me. Aoife’s resilience was amazing up to the end. She received treatment both as an inpatient in GB Ward and in the Dunmanway Day Unit in CUH. The professional attention Aoife received from the entire Oncology Department was extraordinary and her family quickly realised that the nursing staff are a vital link in the treatment of cancer patients. Their tireless work gave them the confidence and comfort that Aoife was receiving the best care. This team of people became their new family.

Throughout Aoife’s illness her parents became aware that treatments for cancer are constantly being improved and recognised the importance of ongoing education and upskilling in this area of medicine.

Speaking about the Fund Professor Seamus O’ Reilly, Consultant Oncologist at CUH said “Given Aoife’s own background in education and the incredible relationship she developed with so many nurses in CUH we feel it would be a very powerful initiative to set up the Aoife O’Sullivan Education Fund. Funds raised will be directly used to advance the training of nurses. Cancer treatments continue to change at pace and it is vital that all nurses are regularly refreshing their knowledge”.

Since 2019 the fund has assisted many nurses in furthering their knowledge in the care of patients, the list below shows examples of the conference / courses supported since the fund was set up.

2 staff members attended ‘The Gathering Around Cancer Conference’ which was held in Dublin
3 staff members attended UKONS Oncology Nursing Conference in Wales
1 staff member undertook a course in “Interdisciplinary Introduction to Palliative Care”
3 staff attended a workshop organised by UCC / Marymount Hospice entitled ‘Dignity in Care’
1 staff member attended an oncology training course in St. James’s Hospital which includes a module on pathophysiology
1 nurse studied College of Natupoathic Medicine
1 nurse completed a postgrad in Applied Health and Wellness Coaching in NUIG
1 nurse completed a masters in UCC entitled MSc in Healthcare Quality Improvement programme.
1 Postgraduate certificate in Health Professional Education

And so much more....Please support the fund by clicking on the link provided

Malin to Mizen Group

Aoife O'Sullivan Fund - Malin to Mizen Cycle

Created by Pat O Sullivan

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