University of Stirling postgraduate student and nurse, Seonaid Mackay, has won a prestigious research award at the RCN International Research Conference in London.
Seonaid, who is studying for a Masters (MRes) in Health Research at Stirling’s Western Isles Campus in Stornoway, was presented with The RCN Research Society Marjorie Simpson New Researchers’ Award 2012, for her dissertation work involving new research to benefit patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Seonaid’s work, supervised by Professor Angus Watson, is concerned with the use of telehealth, a range of technologies which enables remote health monitoring and remote clinician-patient consultations. Her proposed research is focused on assessing whether people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in remote and rural populations may benefit from telehealth – in terms of improved clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction – by helping them overcome barriers such as isolation, travel time and lost work time.
Seonaid commented: “This prestigious award is a fitting tribute to the legacy of an inspirational woman, Marjorie Simpson, who was influential in advancing the science and art of nursing by virtue of her pioneering work in nursing research.
“I am delighted and honoured to receive the award and to be given the opportunity to advance my knowledge through some of the best cutting-edge research that nurses from across the world will be presenting at the Conference.”
She added, “I would like to thank the University’s Dr Tessa Parkes for encouraging me to apply for this award and for the high quality, practice-driven health research and education that the MRes programme delivers. I would also like to thank Dr Annetta Smith for her continuous support and guidance throughout my studies.”
Dr Tessa Parkes, Programme Director for the MRes in Health Research said: "Seonaid is already making an impact in the field of health research. She is an excellent student and we are delighted that her current work and career potential have been recognised with this award.”
The RCN International Research Conference event, which takes place over three days in London between the 23 and 25 April, is a gathering of researchers from diverse clinical and academic settings from around the world, and facilitates the exchange of research, knowledge and ideas in the field of Nursing and health care.
More information about the RCN International Research Conference here.
More information about The RCN Research Society Marjorie Simpson New Researchers’ Award here.
More information on The University of Stirling’s Masters in Health Research programme.