Research
Research is central to the intellectual and academic life of the University of
Cumbria and it supports knowledge transfer activities through entrepreneurial
units in each faculty.
Healing by gentle touch reduces pain and stress in The university is taking part in the UK section of a
patients, reveals new research from the University of worldwide survey of nurses’ health and their working
Cumbria. A study of data from 300 clients of the Centre conditions. Health researchers will follow nurses from
for Complementary Care in Muncaster, Cumbria, with graduation and into the workplace to build a picture of
a wide range of ailments, who received four, one-hour, how their health is affected. America, Australia, Hong
treatment sessions within six weeks showed statistically Kong and the Philippines are involved. Health risks to
significant improvements in psychological and physical nurses include exposure to heavy physical loads and
functioning, particularly in stress reduction, pain relief, emotional demands.
increased ability to cope and increased general health.
The most substantial improvements were seen in clients University researchers secured a £200,000 share of a
with the most severe symptoms. Helen Leathard, Professor £.2m research grant from the National Institute for
of Healing Science and Pharmacology, said, “On the basis Health Research to investigate how bowel cancer can be
of this sound evidence, healing by gentle touch should detected at an earlier stage. The research, in conjunction
play a part in the treatment of people with cancer, mental with University College London, Imperial College, Oxford
health problems, or a wide variety of illnesses where help University and Birmingham University, began in October
with pain or stress reduction will enhance their wellbeing. 2008 and is expected to run for three years. It could
The treatment provided at the Centre for Complementary lead to a national screening programme and particularly
Care is beneficial and well regarded by many doctors benefit men aged between 55 and 70 years of age.
and nurses in the Cumbria area, where this research
was conducted. It is very definitely complementary to The plight of the clownfish, immortalised in the movie
conventional medicine and not a replacement.” Finding Nemo was highlighted by university researcher
Dr Billy Sinclair. Over-fishing at a time of rising sea
Dr Stuart Whitaker, senior lecturer in occupational health temperatures and coral bleaching could lead to extinctions
at the university, is part of a Macmillan Cancer Research in part of its range. Demand for the brightly-coloured
Unit study examining what support and advice is offered fish soared after the film was released in 2003 and whilst
to thousands of cancer patients when they return to captive breeding programmes supply about 50 per cent
work. This will lead to guidelines for employers, line of stocks, the rest come from the wild. Dr Sinclair’s studies
managers, occupational health services and patients. on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef have revealed dramatic
In the UK, 90,000 people of working age are diagnosed population falls. Existing harvesting programmes may
with cancer each year and the number of people have to be reviewed in the light of what is happening
surviving and returning to work after cancer is growing. to the reefs, he warned.
Dr Whitaker said: “The ten-year survival rate of cancer
sufferers has doubled in the past 30 years and this
positive trend is likely to continue in the years to come,
meaning it is vital that employers and former patients
are offered the correct support. Ultimately we hope that
this study will improve education of employers, help to
develop and test effective models and to allow people
to make a smooth transition back into working life.”
“ The friendly atmosphere makes you
feel at ease as soon as you begin
the course.”

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