UCAN Ireland Team Strategy Day – Building Momentum, Together
Last weekend, the UCAN Ireland team gathered for a full day of reflection, focus and forward planning and it was a powerful reminder of just how far we have come.
In just 10 months since our launch, UCAN has grown from a shared frustration into a united, credible national voice for cancer patients. Together, we have demonstrated that collective advocacy achieves more than any of us could alone. That belief was reaffirmed throughout the day.
We were proud to reflect on the feedback we are hearing externally — including being described as a “gamechanger” in national discussions — and on the increasing recognition that patient voices, when organised and evidence-led, truly shift conversations.
Honouring James and Niamh
A meaningful part of the day was taking time to remember James Hastings and Niamh Conroy.
Their commitment to advocacy, fairness, and better outcomes for patients continues to guide everything we do. We reflected on the legacy they leave. Their spirit of “Stronger Together” is our foundation.
A Setting That Reflects What’s Possible
We were incredibly fortunate to hold our day at the EGM Cancer Centre, generously opened to us by Jacqueline Daly.
The centre is an extraordinary facility — warm, welcoming, purposeful and patient-centred in every sense. Jacqueline and Mike should be immensely proud of what they have created. It is a tangible example of what can be achieved when determination meets compassion and vision.
Being in that space grounded our discussions in what truly matters: patients and families.
Reflecting on Impact
The morning began with a review of the past year:
- Establishing UCAN as a national, united advocacy network
- Building relationships across industry, clinical communities and public representatives
- Elevating patient stories alongside data to drive understanding and accountability
- Contributing to major national policy discussions
- Strengthening the case for ethical, patient-centred decision-making
We also acknowledged the work still to be done — particularly in strengthening engagement with certain national structures and ensuring representation across all cancer communities, including rare and childhood cancers.
What stood out most was this:
We are already making a difference.
Patients are being heard differently because UCAN exists.
Setting Clear, Focused Priorities
The team worked through a structured prioritisation exercise to ensure we remain focused and realistic about capacity. There was strong agreement that we must concentrate on a limited number of strategic priorities at any one time — each with clear ownership and support.
The areas identified for focused action include:
- Improving equity and consistency in care delivery
- Advancing screening and early diagnosis
- Strengthening national cancer policy planning
- Ensuring fair and timely access to medicines
- Supporting improved access to clinical trials
- Securing charity status to underpin long-term sustainability
Discussions were grounded in data, lived experience, and health-economic evidence. A key theme throughout was the importance of bridging the gap between what evidence tells us should happen and what is currently delivered in practice.
We were clear about our role:
UCAN does not replace researchers, clinicians or policymakers instead
we ensure that patient experience, data, and accountability are impossible to ignore.
Strengthening Our Foundations
A major milestone from the day was unanimous agreement to proceed with applying for registered charity status. This represents an important next step in formalising UCAN’s structure, strengthening governance, and enabling greater impact.
The team also reviewed and agreed amendments to our constitution — another sign of our rapid organisational maturity in less than a year.
In addition, we identified important “enabler” areas that will support our growth — including communications, data analysis, patient story coordination, and administrative capacity.
Stronger Together
There was a consistent thread running through the day:
- We are more effective together.
- Patient stories, when combined with evidence, create change.
- Ethical decision-making requires patient presence.
- Momentum must be sustained.
Ten months ago, UCAN was an idea.
Today, it is a recognised, organised, evidence-driven patient movement with clear priorities and shared leadership.
We left the room energised, focused, and proud — not only of what we have achieved, but of the culture we are building: collaborative, courageous, and always grounded in patient reality.
Stronger Together.