School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick

02/10/2026

The School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Limerick is delighted to share the publication of:
Caring Beyond Walls: A Rapid Realist Review of the Implementation of Virtual Wards
Authors: O. Doody, A. Hogan, C. O'Donnell, M. Giltenane, L. Grogan and C. Lunn
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s43058-026-01122-7

This important publication, developed as part of a CIRcUL programme, supporting the evaluation of the implementation of two Virtual Ward pilot sites at the Mercy Hospital (Cork) and University Hospital Limerick. The work makes a valuable contribution to the growing evidence base on virtual wards and integrated models of care.

We are particularly proud to acknowledge the contribution of Anna Hogan, a 4th Year BSc Nursing (General) student, whose involvement in the project demonstrates the impact that student-led research can have on advancing healthcare innovation. It is especially rewarding to see this publication emerge from work undertaken through the Student Summer Scholarship Programme within the School of Nursing & Midwifery.

Our sincere thanks to Ms Loretto Grogan, National Chief Nursing and Midwifery Information Officer, and Ms Una O'Connor, ANP Virtual Ward, University Hospital Limerick and Ms. Patricia O’Gorman, (former) Regional E-health Director of Nursing, Health Service Executive, for their expertise, partnership, and ongoing support to the research project.

Photo: left to right: Dr Cora Lunn, Ms Anna Hogan and Dr Claire O' Donnell School of Nursing and Midwifery.

01/10/2026

The School of Nursing and Midwifery UL is delighted to congratulate Sabrina Higgins, 3rd year BSc in Nursing Programme (General) student, on her successful nomination for the prestigious DAISY Award this week.

Sabrina's nomination recognises the compassion, professionalism, and outstanding care she has demonstrated during her clinical placement at University Hospital Limerick. Sabrina is the 1st nursing student to receive a nomination.

Sabrina was proudly joined by fellow nursing students Kiera and Cathal on Ward 6B for the presentation ceremony. The nomination was presented by Ms. Katie Tierney, Nurse Practice Development Co-Ordinator, and Ms Máiread Cowen, Director of Nursing, Cancer Services, alongside Dr Cora Lunn, Course Director, School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Limerick.

We are incredibly proud of Sabrina's achievement and wish her continued success in her nursing journey. Congratulations, Sabrina, on this well-deserved recognition!

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25/09/2026

“Our main aim is to explore and look at the current situation around integrated care services for people living with metastatic cancer, that is cancer which has spread from its original location to another part of the body.

"We want to provide holistic care during their care transitions from the acute cancer services to community-based palliative and supportive care.”

Dr Claire O’Donnell and her team at the University of Limerick were awarded a Cancer Survivorship Seed Funding Award in 2025.

This Irish Cancer Society award funds outstanding research projects which seek to address unmet needs in cancer survivorship, with kind support from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and AstraZeneca.

The project being led by Dr O’Donnell, who is speaking about her research to mark World Cancer Research Day, is focused on addressing the need for integrated care for patients with metastatic cancer.

“We know that healthcare professionals across Ireland are doing their best providing quality care every day,” says Dr O’Donnell, “and there may be ways we can help to further improve integrated care provision for patients with metastatic cancer.

"This group of patients experience a lot of movement between a lot of services over a prolonged period of time, which can be challenging to navigate.

“For example, currently someone with metastatic breast cancer will meet with their oncologist in the hospital, physiotherapist in the community, also be linked into palliative care for symptom control along with other healthcare professionals supporting other aspects of care.

“These are all different services, and they often aren’t under the one umbrella service."

Learn more about Dr O'Donnell's research: https://brnw.ch/21x5Wd5

24/09/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Seidu Mumuni who successfully defended his PhD thesis on “The experiences of prostate cancer patients and their partners”, on Wednesday 23rd September. Seidu was supervised by Professor Owen Doody and Dr Claire O'Donnell, examined by Dr Kumaresan Cithambaram and Dr Carmel Bradshaw, and chaired by Dr Ruth Ryan.

We extend our sincere congratulations to Seidu and wish him every success in the future 🎉

24/09/2026

The School of Nursing and Midwifery were delighted to welcome Bluebird Care Ireland and the Autism Reality Experience to the University of Limerick on Tuesday. Students and staff had the opportunity to take part in an immersive experience designed to increase understanding of autism, offering a powerful insight into some of the challenges experienced by autistic individuals and their families.

RTÉ broadcaster Marty Morrissey, Bluebird Care’s National Awareness Partner also joined participants on the Autism Reality Experience Bus.

18/09/2026

💙 Step Inside the Autism Reality Experience

Bluebird Care Ireland is bringing the Autism Reality Experience to the University of Limerick.

This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by autistic people and their families.

📅 Tuesday, 22nd September
⏰ 10:00am - 4:30pm
📍 North Campus, University of Limerick

No booking needed. Just come along, take part, and leave with a greater understanding of autism and how we can all contribute to a more inclusive society.

08/09/2026

Welcome back to all our returning Nursing and Midwifery students, and a very special welcome to our new students 📚

We wish you every success in the year ahead 💚

26/08/2026

🎓 Congratulations to all School of Nursing and Midwifery students who are graduating today 🎉 We wish you every success and happiness as you begin the next chapter of your professional journey🎓

31/07/2026

Ready to take the next step in your career?

The School of Nursing and Midwifery offers a wide range of postgraduate programmes designed to support your professional and academic development.

For more information about our Postgraduate Programmes visit: https://ul.ie/nursing-midwifery/programmes/postgraduate-programmes

The closing date for applications is Monday 17th August 2026.

27/07/2026