Research scholarship launched to improve cancer care in West Moreton

Regina Doig - centre
Regina Doig (pictured centre)

Cancer survivors and their supporters will join together at a sold-out morning tea next month dedicated to shaping the direction of cancer care and research in the West Moreton region.

Ipswich Hospital Foundation is hosting the event to launch the Regina and Vicki Doig Research Scholarship for Cancer Care, in partnership with local benefactor Vicki Doig (pictured right) and West Moreton Health.

Ms Doig said the scholarship was established in honour of her sister Regina (pictured below in centre) who tragically died of lymphoma in 1987 aged 39.

Many residents will know Vicki as the former director of the Milford Street Ipswich Kindergarten, and her sister Regina as a talented teacher of music and language.

“Research has rapidly improved treatment in the decades since Regina died,” Ms Doig said.

“I believe she may well have recovered from her cancer if she were diagnosed today.”

Data from the 2022 West Moreton Health Local Area Needs Assessment shows that, each year, almost 1,500 local residents are diagnosed with cancer and a further 500 die from the disease.

Attendees at the morning tea will hear about the research opportunities the scholarship will make possible.

Vicki Doig
Vicki Doig

Ipswich Hospital Foundation Chief Executive Scott Young said the Doig family’s contribution would play a significant role in improving cancer care in West Moreton.

“The scholarship is a lasting legacy of Regina’s bravery and her passion to improve outcomes for cancer patients,” Mr Young said.

“This contribution will make it possible for clinical staff in the West Moreton region, including those based at Ipswich, Boonah, Laidley, Gatton, and Esk hospitals, to make a tangible difference to the lives of cancer patients.”

West Moreton Health Director of Research and Innovation, Christopher Hicks, said the health service had embedded a strong research and innovation agenda that would be further enhanced by the scholarship.

“This scholarship offers clinical staff the opportunity to be proactive in providing the evidence needed to improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of cancer care in our region,” Mr Hicks said.

The foundation will administer the scholarship on behalf of the Doig family.

Research applications via the West Moreton Health website will be assessed and shortlisted by an expert panel against rigorous criteria, including the project’s ability to improve cancer care in the community. Applications close at noon on Monday, 27 March 2023. 

Regina and Vicki Doig Fund morning tea event details: