Ireland’s population is ageing rapidly, with the number of people aged 65 and over continuing to rise. As we live longer, supporting healthy, independent ageing becomes increasingly important. One key part of that support is effective Falls Management. Preventing falls helps older adults maintain confidence, mobility, and overall quality of life.

Our physiotherapy students played a central role in a recent Community Low Back Pain Assessment Day held in Midleton on 10 March, which welcomed 80 members of the public. Working under supervision, the students carried out detailed one-to-one discussions to understand each person’s experience of back pain and administered a short, evidence-based screening questionnaire designed to identify levels of risk and guide appropriate advice and support. 

Our School is exploring development of postgraduate masters programmes in Occupational Therapy and in Speech and Language Therapy.

These are rewarding, people-centred professions offering strong career prospects for graduates from a wide range of backgrounds.

Today, our School had the absolute pleasure of celebrating Charlie, who turned 65 years young. Charlie is one of the invaluable members of our maintenance team- people who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to keep our buildings welcoming, well-maintained, and running smoothly every single day.

Our Discipline of Physiotherapy celebrated a highly successful professional development event that took place yesterday 12th of March at Nano Nagle Place, with the hosting of “Building Confidence in Dementia Care,” an interactive workshop designed to strengthen dementia‑informed practice across healthcare settings.

This week, our Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy were excited to complete their first simulation session in the ASSERT Centre, University College Cork, Ireland with our Year 1 Occupational Therapy students. Through simulated patient scenarios, students practiced communication, professionalism, and teamwork skills.

The School - in conjunction with the College of Medicine and Health, EDI Steering Group - was delighted to present its inaugural International Women’s Day Appreciation Award to Caoimhe McGovern, Chair of the Clinical Therapies Society.

Caoimhe received the award from Dr Ciara O’Toole, Chair of the School’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, surrounded by fellow members of the Clinical Therapies Society committee who have worked alongside her over the past two years.

Last Friday marked a significant occasion for the Discipline of Physiotherapy as the FaME Ireland Conference on Falls Management and Exercise for Older Adults took place at the historic Nano Nagle Place. Organised by Senior Lecturer Dr. Ruth McCullagh, the event brought together clinicians, researchers and community partners from across the country for a day of shared learning, discussion and collaboration in the area of falls prevention and support healthy ageing.

The staff in the School of Clinical Therapies came together on the 24th of February 2026 for a SOAR workshop as part of their ongoing Quality Review.

It was a fantastic session with colleagues engaging in a dynamic exercise to explore the Schools Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations and Results - a great opportunity to reflect on where we are and where we are heading as a School.

The BSc (Hons) in Speech and Language Therapy has been officially reaccredited by IASLT.

A vibrant new exhibition of prints by UCC’s first-year (2024–2025) Occupational Therapy students has opened in the Jennings Gallery, where students have created prints reflecting on the theme of ‘What Matters Most’.

The School of Clinical Therapies is delighted to announce the opening of “What Matters Most,” an exhibition of prints created by First Year (2024/25) Occupational Therapy students.