Research Ethics Committee
The Submissions process, guidelines and deadlines
The Research Ethics Committee at St. Francis Hospice was set up in 2002 in line with the guidelines under the Clinical Trials Act. The purpose of this Research Ethics Committee is to evaluate from an ethical viewpoint any planned research at St. Francis Hospice. Topics for research may include an evaluation of new interventions, an evaluation of care, exploring the experience of all involved in hospice including patients, families, staff and volunteers, etc.
The committee meets quarterly. For a research proposal to be considered, it must be submitted to the Secretary of the Research Ethics Committee three weeks in advance of the date of the next meeting.
Meeting and Submission Dates for 2026
Meeting 28th January 2026 (Submission Deadline – 7th January 2026)
Meeting 15th April 2026 (Submission Deadline – 25th March 2026)
Meeting 24th June 2026 (Submission Deadline – 03rd June 2026)
Meeting 18th November 2026 (Submission Deadline – 28th October 2026)
Below you will find the various forms and guidelines you will need for your application. Final electronically signed applications should be submitted to:
The Secretary, by emailing education@www.sfh.ie
Retrospective Chart Reviews/Service Evaluations
Your personal data can only be accessed by :
a health practitioner employed by St Francis Hospice (e.g. a registered doctor or a registered nurse)
a health student supervised by a health practitioners employed by St Francis Hospice
a St Francis Hospice employee who would ordinarily have access your data (e.g. medical records clerk)
Your personal data can only be accessed and used for Retrospective Chart Review or Service Evaluations by the above authorised individuals, and they cannot be shared. If results are published they will not identify you, any patient or former patient
If you have any questions regarding the use of your personal data, please contact dataprotection@www.sfh.ie
