24 January 2001
Cancer Conference
Delegates from all over Scotland will attend a national study day on
cancer care organised by the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of
Dundee on Thursday 25 January at the West Park Conference Centre.
Internationally renowned speakers at the leading edge of cancer research
and practice will discuss issues surrounding the care of cancer patients
at the study day entitled: "Supporting the patient undergoing radiotherapy"
This is the first time a national cancer study day has been organised by
the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Delegates will have the chance to
discuss ideas about radiotherapy care and exchange experiences at afternoon
workshops.
An evidence-based approach, using contributions from all members of the
multidisciplinary team, is vital to the provision of up to date,
patient-centred cancer care. The study day will address many aspects of
supportive care for patients undergoing radiotherapy, with reference to
current research. It will also embrace a multi-disciplinary agenda,
with poster presentations from Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists,
Therapy Radiographers and Oncology nurses. Although the majority of
delegates are registered nurses, a quarter are therapy radiographers
from Dundee.
After a welcome from the new Dean of the School of Nursing and
Midwifery, Professor Sheila Hunt, the conference will be opened by Nora Kearney,
past president of the European Oncology Nursing Society, with a session on
"The context of cancer care today". Other speakers include Professor
Alastair Munro, University of Dundee and Dr Sara Faithfull, from the Centre for
Cancer and Palliative Care Studies, London.
Mary Wells, Clinical Research Fellow in Cancer nursing and co-organiser
of the conference said: "More than 50% of patients undergo radiotherapy at
some point during their disease. We want to encourage health care
professionals to work together and find innovative ways of supporting
patients during this demanding treatment".