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Hea th staff magazine of the IRISH HEALTH SERVICE vol. 13 | issue 16 | WINTER 2018 Martin a flu champion Vaccine campaign Christmas celebrations St Vincent’s residents get in festive mood features general news you section lifestyle
Welcome to the
latest edition of
Health Matters
With the Christmas season well and
truly upon us, for our cover story we meet
the staff and residents from St Vincent’s
Community Nursing Unit in Co Laois to
find out what the festive period will be
like for them.
For people who need to use the health
service this Christmas, they will be
looked after by the unsung heroes who
sacrifice their own Christmas to work on
the frontline. We take this opportunity to
thank them for their hard work.
We travel to Belvilla, one of the first
HSE Community Nursing Units in Ireland,
to find out about an exciting new project
that saw the nursing home get its own
trishaw bike.
Residents, many of whom haven’t been
out of the unit in a long time, have been
given the opportunity to get out and
about and see how their local community
has developed. It also allows them to
foster relationships with volunteers and
tell their stories of life in Dublin.
In this edition, we also speak to Lisa
Collins, who has just published ‘The Man
who Moved the Nation’ about her late
father Gerry, who inspired thousands to
quit smoking when he shared his story for
the Quit national campaign.
Lisa writes about this period in her
Contents
life and the life of her family as they
came to terms with the diagnosis,
as filming for the ads began and the You Features
campaign was launched. This account
6 Christmas time 24 EDirectory
of the final months of Gerry’s life is both
St Vincent’s residents celebrate Access to Information
heartbreaking and inspiring, and shows
8 Dunmanway swim 25 Waiting lists down
the heart and resilience of his daughter
Freezing dip for local hospital ward Cataract centre opens
and family. A sincere thanks to all those
9 Flu champion 26 START campaign
who have sent in contributions to this
Martin gets staff motivated Helping communities get healthy
edition and I hope you find plenty of
10 Memory Resource Room 28 Breastfeeding week
interesting reading in it.
Official opening Support groups celebrate
Happy Christmas and a prosperous new
12 Trishaw trip 29 Wellbeing concert
year to all our readers.
Residents feel wind in their hair HSE choirs perform
Joanne Weston 14 Get the vaccine
Pregnant nurse tells her story
15 My father Gerry
30 EID loan
Boost for EHealth in Ireland
31 I am Baba
Joanne Weston, Lisa Collins’ book launch Theatre for babies
Editor 16 Gaelic blitz 32 Your mental health.ie
Waterford stars take home title New-look website launched
17 HSE at the Ploughing 33 GP card
Meet the public Boost for carers
18 Values in Action 34 Laptops distributed
This magazine is produced by the Survey results Frontline staff benefit
HSE Communications Division 21 Diabetic retina screen 36 Renovating listed buildings
Publishers: Celtic Media Group Philip’s story Respecting the past
www.celticmediagroup.ie 22 Swim to Scotland 38 Ombudsman report
Another achievement for Audrey Information booklet unveiled
Feedback: Send your feedback to 23 Hearing aid 40 Under the weather
healthmatters@hse.ie Life transformed for one woman Take care of minor illnesses at home
winter 2018
28
10
HEALTH MATTERS WINTER 2018
43 Termination of pregnancy
Latest update
44 Dementia
33 44
Community champions
46 NISRP
Easy access for staff to pay details
48 Finance training
Enhance your skills
49 PRIMERA
Study on parents’ mental health
50 Advance Healthcare
Directives
Protect your future
51 Safeguarding
Awareness can reduce abuse
52 SIMMS building
State-of-the-art orthodontic
facility
53 Bedside to Boardroom
26
Resource toolkit
54 Falls conference
Experts tackle bone health
55 Nursing and midwifery
Development of health policies
56 Continence clinic
Award win for pair
2018 winter health matters 
Contents
News
57 Mayo butterfly care
Dementia care
58 Intellectual disability nursing
The future
59 Alcohol
Guide for parents
60 Asphasia awareness
Tallaght events
61 Safeguarding seminar
Awareness campaign
62 Connecting for Life Kilkenny
Tackling suicide
31
63 Prem party
63
Neonatal unit fundraiser
64 Mental Health opening
Purpose-built unit
65 Catering awards
Portlaoise Hospital
66 Collaboration Nation
Digital success for HBS
67 St James
Going digital
Lifestyle
68 End PJ Paralysis 70 HI survey
New initiative Fewer smokers
69 Aras Mhuire award 72 Healthy Ireland
Flu vaccine 2018 in reflection
69 Change Guide 74 Mid West Games
Practical advice Staff and families at play
16
22
health matters winter 2018
HEALTH MATTERS WINTER 2018 online
Sites we like www.yourmentalhealth.ie
www.undertheweather.ie
75 Pause for Play
Get away from the screen
76 Culture night
Dr Steevens opens its doors
77 Weight management guide
Free to patients
78 Craggy Island Christmas
Waterford performance
www.hse.ie/safeguarding
www.makeastart.ie
65
2018 winter health matters 
You
Section
St Vi ncen t’s celebra te
Home from home
at Christmas ife away from your own home and perform some carol singing. It is a now
L
and family can be tough, annual event, started several years ago by the
especially around Christmas, but local parish priest.
one community is helping the “The school asks for a list of names of the
staff of the local nursing home residents and what they might like – such as a
to ensure their residents feel the festive spirit pair of socks, a scarf or some toiletries. Then
as much as ever. one family will buy a present for that person
St Vincent’s Community Nursing Unit, in and the children will hand them out. It is
Mountmellick in Co Laois, is certainly a home great that there is that extra personal touch,”
away from home for its 82 residents explained Clare McLaughlin, a CNM2 in the unit.
and it comes alive with Christmas “We hand out a few treats to the children and
decorations and celebrations it is always a great occasion.”
throughout December. Paula Phelan, the Director of Nursing, added,
It’s important that
The week before “It’s all about bring the community in so the they maintain
Christmas, the residents don’t feel isolated.”
children from Scoil There is plenty going on in the unit over
that sense of interaction
Bhride in nearby December. The residents have already begun and normality so it’s not
Clonaslee will visit making their own Christmas decorations to
the residents to hang up around the unit. They also decorate a
just about them getting
give out presents Christmas log each year. The local youth group presents but they get a
make a life size crib that they have on show
each year.
chance to give back too
Another highlight of the festive period will be
the big Christmas party on December 21st, which
residents and staff look forward to each year.
“This is very much their own home and we The residents also get plenty of
do our very best that all our residents feel at opportunities to get out and do some retail
home, happy and comfortable all the time. therapy themselves.
And Christmas is so special for so many “We also bring them out to do their own
people that we make an extra effort at shopping. They usually go to one of the bigger
this time of year,” said Clare. shopping centres in Portlaoise and get some
health matters winter 2018
presents for their own families. It’s important Vincent’s during the Christmas period. The local
that they maintain that sense of interaction Youthreach group are frequent visitors and the
and normality so it’s not just about them Active Retirement Group regularly provides
getting presents but they get a chance to give music and entertainment for residents.
back too,” she said. Of the 82 beds, the vast majority are long-
Many of the residents go to spend Christmas stay, with just one respite bed. There are eight
with their own families but the staff on duty beds in the dementia ward but most are in the
over the Christmas holidays ensure that it is a general wards. The residents are mainly older
wonderful occasion for everyone. people but there are some in their 40s and 50s
The decorations in the unit are handled with chronic illnesses.
by the ‘queen of the Christmas tree’ Freda, The dedicated staff includes Paula Phelan, the
one of the staff members who works in Director of Nursing; ADON Rebecca Stanley; and
housekeeping. She will put lots of hard work CNMs Clare McLaughlin and Lucy Campbell.
into making sure the Christmas tree in the
general area and all the Christmas decorations
are looking their finest. Pictured while they made this year’s Christmas
“It always looks beautiful and everyone loves decorations were the residents of St Vincent’s
Community Nursing Unit (clockwise from top left):
to see it go up each year. It adds a great bit of
Ann Houlahan; John Defue; Jack Costigan; Agnes
colour and atmosphere to the place,” said Clare. Mortimer; staff and residents of the unit; Kay and
The community are not just involved in St Natasha; and Jackie McEvoy.
2018 winter health matters 
You
Section
Ch rist ma s Da y sw im
DUNMANWAY LOCALS
BRAVE COLD FOR CANCER
s most of us settle in for breakfast had thousands of blood transfusions. I was
A
in our pyjamas in a warm house surrounded by cancer patients and I was
on Christmas morning, one group determined to raise money for the ward to help
of hardy souls are braving the icy make them more comfortable,” she said.
cold waters at Inchydoney, Co Then 12 years ago, her husband René, a garda
Cork for the annual charity swim. sergeant, was diagnosed with cancer.
With 19 swims under their belts, the charity “We ended up sitting side by side in the day
fundraiser has seen a massive €266,688 donated ward,” she recalled. Tragically, René died the
to the day unit at Cork University Hospital, following year. year and it is so important that we are able
The Christmas Day swim is the brainchild of Eileen’s husband Raymond, a secondary school to rely on that money coming in each year to
West Cork women Kathleen O’Farrell and Eileen teacher, died two years later of a heart attack improve patient comfort,” she said.
Lyons. Both of their late husbands were patients having he battled the odds to survive colon “I meet with Kathleen regularly and we chat
in the day ward, now renamed the Dunmanway cancer. about how best to spend the funds each year. It
Day Unit after their hometown. “I could see the importance of the money really makes a difference that we can give our
“We started back in 1999 with 11 swimmers at that we were raising. We have bought new input into what is needed, and that friends and
Inchydoney. I had been talking about organising comfortable chairs and televisions for them to family, as well as the patients themselves, can
it for a couple of years and my son told me that I watch while they are being treated.” see the benefits first hand.”
should stop talking about it and get working. So She paid tribute to the staff on the ward. The hard work that goes into organising the
between myself and Eileen and our families, we “I couldn’t praise them enough. It truly is a swim has been going on well before December
got all together that first year for the swim. It vocation. The kindness they show to all the landed. Kathleen and Eileen have been trying
has snowballed since then, with so many more patients is just out of this world. And I couldn’t to encourage new swimmers to join in the
people joining in. We now have an average of over not mention the tea ladies either, who keep us fed Christmas morning tradition.
100 people taking part, travelling from all over and watered while we are there. It a tough place “A lot of people now have young families and
West Cork and Kerry,” explained Kathleen. to be but they make it so much more bearable,” can’t get away for the swim so we are looking
Kathleen herself has been a patient of the day said Kathleen. for some new blood. We would love to see a new
unit for over 30 years. Joan O’Neill, CNM2 from the Dunmanway generation of swimmers join in. It really is a great
“I have been in and out of the ward every Day Unit, said the fundraiser makes a massive way to start your Christmas,” said Kathleen.
week for 30 years and I could see the amazing difference. The swim starts at 11am sharp and swimmers
work that was being done by the staff there. “We are thrilled with the work and dedication will be quickly warmed up with a hot mug of soup
I have problems with my platelets and have that Kathleen and Eileen put into the swim each and a mulled wine.
health matters winter 2018
We ne ed to be on ou r best ga me
Champion martin oversees
increase in vaccine uptake
he onus is on staff in the HSE to
T
get the flu vaccine and keep their
vulnerable patients protected,
insists ‘champion’ Martin Smith.
“From the general manager
to the staff in the cafeteria, we must get the
flu vaccine. We come into contact with so
many people – high-risk people, pregnant
women and old people. They need us to be on
our best game,” explains Martin, who is a flu
vaccine ‘champion’ in the hospital, educating
his colleagues on the value of the vaccine and
encouraging them to get it.
Martin took on the role of promoting the flu
vaccine three years ago and has overseen a
huge increase in the uptake of the vaccine by
Lourdes staff.
“The previous year we had an 18pc take up. I
got it up to 38 in the first year and last year we
had 74.8pc. We are on target to exceed that this
year. We have a much bigger staff now so it is
a great chance to improve our numbers. At the
minute, three out of four people are getting the
vaccine. If we could replicate that around the
country, that would be fantastic,” he says.
He explains that the biggest factor in
improving the take-up is changing mindsets.
“After the swine flu vaccinations in 2008,
attitudes towards vaccinations were thrown
into the air because some people felt sick
afterwards. But we have definitely made a
difference here. We have great support and
have a few champions that go around and ask
colleagues ‘so did you get yours? A physio just
came to me this week to say they had been
promoting throughout their department and
were 100pc behind it. It’s great to see people
feeling passionate about it too,” says Martin.
He has spearheaded a very effective postering not to get the vaccine by having clinics round effects of the flu and the positive outcomes of
campaign to keep it fresh in staff minds. the clock. the vaccine. 70 or 80 people turned up for that
“The feedback I have been getting is that my “We ensure that we are readily available talk and we had people who definitely weren’t
poster campaign is making a difference. I try to give the vaccine when it suits people. We going to get the vaccine leave the talk and said
to keep it current. For example, at the start of have a clinic 7.30am to 4.30pm each day and ‘yeah, okay, I’ll get the vaccine’.
the campaign, I had posters saying that the flu we come in at weekends. We make sure it is “I have the amazing support of my Director of
season was here. At Halloween, I had some that available when people need it,” says Martin. Nursing Adrian Cleary. He has given me carte
said ‘Say boo to the flu’ and ‘There’s nothing The Lourdes vaccine promotion team meet blanche to do what I need to do. The same
scary about the flu vaccine’,” he says. on a regular basis to discuss the campaign is true of our GM Fiona Brady. Work like this
“Last week, I did a mock-up poster from the and see what’s working or what needs to be needs to be led from the top and that really
Usual Suspects. Now for Christmas, it will be changed. makes a difference.
something like ‘Don’t be on Santa’s naughty “We are constantly re-evaluating the “It really is all about teamwork. I am the
list this year’. It is about drawing people in and campaign to make sure it stays fresh and the figurehead or the catalyst but you can’t do
having a bit of a laugh with them, starting a message is still getting out. anything without people themselves,” he adds.
conversation about it. You need to keep it light- He was full of praise for the support given to
hearted because you can’t force it.” the campaign by senior management and staff.
Staff from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in
And the vaccine champions in the hospital “Dr Justin Lowe, the infectious disease Drogheda who have supported the flu vaccine
have been making sure staff have no excuse consultant, gave a talk to staff about the campaign there.
2018 winter health matters 
You
Section
resource Rooms empower peo
“They are only little things, but every little thing
is one thing less that I have to think about and
worry about”
EVENTEEN Memory Technology
Each person is
S
Resource Rooms (MTRRs) have
opened across the country, with different, so each
six more to open by the end of
2018. These rooms are designed
visit will be tailored to
to showcase a wide variety of ‘assistive their needs. It’s all about
technologies’ and supports for people with
memory difficulties, including dementia, and
empowering people to
their families. engage in meaningful
Supporting people with memory difficulties
to continue engaging in daily tasks has a
activities
hugely positive impact on maintaining their
independence and improves quality of life. service is free of charge. Following their visit,
Joyce Jones, Senior Occupational Therapist families may then decide to purchase any
and Dementia Champion, runs the Memory equipment they feel might be helpful. With
Resource Room at St Columcille’s Hospital. guidance from the Occupational Therapist
Joyce explains what people can expect when about the most appropriate and useful
they visit. equipment specific to their needs, costs are
“Each person is different, so each visit kept to a minimum. There is also a loan facility
will be tailored to their needs. It’s all about in operation in some rooms for people to borrow
empowering people to engage in meaningful equipment and try it out at home to make sure
activities, therefor enhancing their quality it works for them before they purchase it.
of life. Our Memory Resource Room is Tony cares for his wife Kallie and explains
very homely and welcoming so visitors the difference that simple technologies make
immediately feel at ease,” says Joyce. to their lives.
“At the visit we will discuss and assess the “There’s no two people the same, there’s no
person’s memory strengths and weaknesses two carers the same, and there’s certainly no
and areas where they are experiencing two people with dementia the same. These
difficulties. Common challenges can include; technologies are only little things, but every medication, speaking clocks and watches,
remembering plans for the day, feeling little thing is one thing less that I have to think orientating devices and lots more.
overwhelmed by digital technology like about and worry about. Kallie loves music In most cases, very simple and inexpensive
phones and remote controls, forgetting where and has been jiving since she was born! We solutions enable people with memory
things are and safety concerns. We will then found a little speaker with a USB port that I difficulties to do things by themselves for as
recommend and provide a demonstration of have uploaded 700 songs to and we take it long as possible. Quality of life ideas such as
simple equipment that can enable someone everywhere so that Kallie can sing away and a life history book, talking photo album or a
to keep doing the everyday tasks that are enjoy the music.” personalised memory box can also make a
important to them. We also offer emotional Jacinta cares for her mother who is in her difference to people living with dementia and
support and recommend other services 80s and loves the independence of living alone. memory difficulties.The Memory Technology
available in the community.” “Things that support a person’s Resource Rooms have examples of these and
The recent launch of the MTRR at St independence - I think that’s what Mum most advice on how to put them together.
Columcille’s Hospital was attended by values. My mother lives alone and she values The Minister for Health welcomed the roll
Minister for Health Simon Harris, health her independence very much. She also values out of MTRRs across the country.
service staff, staff who run the service at her lifestyle, she loves her garden, she loves “I am delighted that the Dormant Accounts
Loughlinstown and the other MTRRs across her kitchen, she has lots of family in and out. funding secured by the Department of
the country, and individuals and families who We came along to the Memory Room with Health in 2016 and 2017 has facilitated
have previously visited the Memory Resource Mum and had a look around and we were the establishment of Memory Technology
Room and found new ways to manage their really intrigued.” Resource Rooms in each Community
day-to-day challenges. Assistive Technology (AT) refers to Healthcare Organisation across the country.
It can be much easier to be independent and equipment that enables someone to complete By the end of the year we will have 23 of these
safe within your own home when you have a task to maintain their independence, help fantastic services fully operational. I would
the right supports and equipment. Memory manage risks at home and reduce stress for really urge families who have any concerns
Technology Resource Rooms are a welcoming carers. Typical equipment on display in the about memory difficulties to make an
and safe environment for clients and their Memory Technology Resource Rooms include appointment to visit their local Memory Room,
families to discuss any challenges they are push button reminders, easy to use remote which is free of charge. It’s the little things like
encountering in their day to day lives. The controls, radios and phones, prompts to take the support available in these Memory Rooms
10 health matters winter 2018ople with memory difficulties
that can make such a big difference to daily
life,” he said.
Michael Fitzgerald, AND, Older People
and Palliative Care Strategy, HSE said,
“The MTRRs are an integral component in
supporting the safety and independence
of people with memory difficulties living in
our community. The MTRRs in conjunction
with other HSE and voluntary services
aim to maximise the potential of Assistive
Technology and support people living with
memory difficulties and their carers to benefit
from this technology.”
The MTRRS were modelled on the original
Memory Technology Library in South Tipperary
which is part of the Genio funded five steps to
Living well with Dementia project.
People with memory difficulties, including
dementia, and their family members can
arrange to visit their local Memory Technology
Resource Room free of charge. You can
speak to your GP or Public Health Nurse,
or make an appointment directly with your ABOVE: Joyce Jones, Senior Occupational Therapist and Niamh Van Denburgh, Occupational Therapy
local MTRR. A video showcasing the MTRR Manager, St Columcille’s Hospital, Michael Fitzgerald, HSE Older People & Palliative Care Strategy,
Simon Harris TD, Minister for Health, Niamh Groome, Occupational Therapy Manager and Linda O’Leary,
in Loughlinstown along with details of all the
General Manager, St Columcille’s Hospital. TOP OF PAGE: Photographed at the opening of the MTRR in
MTRRs across the country can be found at: St Columcille’s Hopsital, Kallie, who cares for her mother, chatting to Minister Harris about how the MTRR
www.understandtogether.ie has helped her family.
2018 winter health matters 11You
Section
Trish aw bike at nu rsi ng ho me
residents get to feel the
wind in their hair again
ursing home residents were
N
able to feel the wind in their hair
once again thanks to the rollout
of an exciting new project that
saw Belvilla Community Unit
get its own trishaw bike.
Belvilla is one of the first HSE Community
Nursing Units in Ireland to lead the charge
and implement this innovative scheme. They
teamed up with Cycling without Age and
Zendesk to obtain the sponsorship for the
trishaw.
Now the residents, many of whom haven’t
been out of the unit in a long time, have been
given the opportunity to get out and about and
see how their local community has developed.
It also allows them to foster relationships
with volunteers and tell their stories of life in
Dublin.
As a dementia champion, Senior
Occupational Therapist Aoife Tighe can attest
to the breadth of research on the benefits of
engagement in meaningful activities, social
interaction, and maintaining contact with the
community for people with dementia and the
few trishaw outings that residents at Belvilla
had to date have confirmed that.
“There is lots of anecdotal evidence on
the efficacy of the project itself in terms
on wellbeing and quality of life, and formal
research projects are currently being
She tells me that particular fancy to Ed and was keen to tell
him she’d be ‘a great catch as I have a good
undertaken overseas,” said Aoife. she ‘always says pension’!
“We have taken trips along the canal and
really enjoy heading through the Tenters
yes to an adventure’ and “Having been out several times with Betty,
I can see the benefit she gets from these
to Weaver Park, ending up in a shaded spot loves getting out as it opportunities. She particularly enjoyed our
to enjoy some people-watching and ice-
cream. Children and dogs find us particularly
‘gives me freedom’ last trip which went past her old bus stop.
This led to some lovely reminiscing about
fascinating and come over to have a closer walking through to her job on Grafton Street
inspection. We’ve also had fun sitting in the and prompted her to say ‘I haven’t been here
sun listening to the bells of the Cathedral in on numerous projects,” Aoife explained. in years, the park looks great and I remember
St Patrick’s park and chatting to tourists about She revealed that one of the nursing home this place well’,” said Aoife.
our ‘contraption’.” residents, Nancy, has struck up a great “Kathleen also loves the trishaw and is
She explained how the link-up with Zendesk, friendship with Morgan, one of the Zendesk keen to go out on every trip. As soon as she
an international IT company, came about. volunteers. hops off she asks to ‘go again soon’. She
“I approached Clara Clark from Cycling “They have much in common having particularly enjoyed our recent spin through
Without Age after seeing one of the trishaws both lived in Toronto, and Nancy worked the Liberties as she lived there for many
being launched on the evening news. Luckily in computers there too. Nancy is a great years. She said she felt ‘like the Queen’
for us she had been in contact with Zendesk conversationalist and has been regaling us waving at old neighbours and having people
who were looking to sponsor a bike in Dublin with wonderful stories along the way. She look in amazement at the trishaw. Speaking
and allow their staff to volunteer. Their really sparkles when she gets this opportunity. afterwards she acknowledges that she ‘loves
headquarters are on Charlemont on the canal She tells me that she ‘always says yes to an to get out as much as I can’ and the trishaw is
so we were a perfect fit. Zendesk have a very adventure’ and loves getting out as it ‘gives another way to facilitate this.
robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) me freedom’,” said the occupational therapist. “Speaking for myself and the volunteers,
ethos. They sponsor several bikes around the Betty, another residents, was absolutely we have also really enjoyed taking part
world already and their staff take time out delighted to have two gentlemen escort her in this project. I have to admit it is a real
during their working week to volunteer off site out on her trip – Morgan and Ed. She took a highlight for me.”
12 health matters winter 2018HSE and council
staff get on their
bikes for trips
along river lee
RESIDENTS from the Farranlea Road
Community Nursing Unit in Cork city have
been enjoying getting out and about as they
are brought on bicycle trips on the banks of
the River Lee.
A joint initiative between Cork Kerry
Community Healthcare and Cork County
Council led to the purchase of a Triobike for
the long-stay facility.
The Triobike is like rickshaws, and allows for
a cyclist to take one or two passengers for
enjoyable trips.
The project part of the worldwide ‘Cycling
Without Age’ initiative which began in
Copenhagen seven years ago, and the
Cork Triobike is believed to be one of five
operating here in Ireland.
Staff from the HSE and the nearby Cork
County Council offices act as pilots on the
bikes, bringing residents of the community
nursing unit on trips on a loop which includes
the nearby Lee Fields.
The headquarters of Cork County Council,
County Hall, is located across the road
from the entrance to the Farranlea Road
Community Nursing unit.
The initiative allows residents the chance
to have some fresh air and enjoy the scenery
around the beautiful River Lee.
The volunteers from the HSE and Cork
County Council have also found that their
own health and wellbeing has benefited,
while staff at Farranlea Road have also
noticed significant benefits for the residents
of the facility.
More details on Cycling Without Age are
available on cyclingwithoutage.ie
LEFT: Nancy with Morgan, a Zendesk volunteer,
during one of their trips out on the Trishaw.
FAR LEFT: Bellvilla resident Nancy with Ed and
Morgan, two of the volunteer Trishaw riders.
She highlighted the amount of work that ‘train the trainer’ training, liaising with our been possible without the support of the
has gone into getting this project to this insurance underwriters, writing a volunteer DSC Primary Care OT managers and the
point. handbook, shepherding volunteers through management team of Bellvilla Community
“There has been a lot of work undertaken vetting, cultivating volunteer relationships Unit. We are very grateful for the partnership
from the ground up - marketing ourselves to and, of course, raising awareness and interest with Zendesk and Cycling without Age and
Cycling without Age and Zendesk to obtain in the residents and their families. the wonderful way it has impacted on our
sponsorship, undergoing pilot training and “This quality initiative would not have residents,” Aoife added.
2018 winter health matters 13You
Section
Get the va ccin e
Simple
whooping
cough
vaccine
helped
protect
my baby
and me
rotecting your baby from
P
a serious and potentially fatal
illness is easy.
When Dr Elyce McGovern,
Senior Medical Officer in Public
Health Medicine in the HSE South East, became
pregnant, she explains that she got the whooping
cough vaccine, emphasising the importance of
pregnant women being vaccinated.
“A few years ago I was working as a junior
doctor in paediatrics and was involved in the
care of several very young babies who were
unwell with whooping cough. Unfortunately
some of them became seriously unwell and
had long hospital stays,” says Elyce.
“Years later when I became pregnant with
my first little boy, I was so happy that I could
do something to protect him from whooping
The disease is The best way to prevent whooping cough is
through vaccination. Whooping cough vaccine is
cough. While I was pregnant I got the most serious recommended for all pregnant women during
whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine from my
GP and am happy to say he was protected.
in babies less than six each pregnancy. The vaccine should be given
between 16 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to give
“I am now pregnant again and got my months old and many the best protection to each mother and her baby.
pertussis and flu vaccines. It’s really good
knowing that taking a few minutes to get a
of these babies are The vaccine is safe and effective for
pregnant women and is recommended for
simple vaccine will help protect my baby and admitted to hospital with pregnant women in other countries including
me from these very serious illnesses.”
Dr Sean Denyer, interim head of the HSE
complications such as the UK, US, New Zealand and Australia.
“You should talk to your GP to arrange
National Immunisation Office, highlights pneumonia and seizures vaccination. The whooping cough (pertussis)
the fact that whooping cough is a highly vaccine is administered free to all pregnant
contagious illness that can be life-threatening. women when given between 16 and 36 weeks
“The disease is most serious in babies less of pregnancy. The vaccine will protect your
than six months old and many of these babies baby during the first few months of life and
are admitted to hospital with complications it is important also that your baby gets the
such as pneumonia and seizures,” he says. routine childhood vaccines - which include
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine) - on time
(HPSC) reported 91 cases of whooping cough at two, four and six months,” says Sean.
in the first nine months of this year. The “We have a lot of information about
majority of cases were in babies less than six whooping cough and the vaccines available
months of age who are too young to be fully to protect you and your baby on our website
vaccinated. – www.immunisation.ie.”
14 health matters winter 2018Daughter Lisa’s new book hon ours her father’s lega cy
Gerry Collins –
the man who moved a nation
e inspired over a million quit
H
smoking attempts and now the
legacy of Gerry Collins has been
immortalised in a new book.
Lisa Collins has just published
‘The Man who Moved the Nation’ about her
father and what it was like to be at the centre
of national campaign which inspired people to
quit smoking.
Gerry was one of three people featured in
the QUIT campaign’s films and TV adverts,
telling his story of recovery from tobacco-
related throat cancer.
In summer 2013, Gerry contacted the HSE to
let us know that, sadly, he had been diagnosed
with terminal lung cancer. Gerry wanted to
share his story to inspire other people to quit
smoking help them to avoid the pain of illness
and premature separation from their loved ones.
Gerry and his family shared an insight into
their family life, and into how they coped with
and reacted to Gerry’s diagnosis.
In her book, Lisa writes about this period in
her life and the life of her family as they came
to terms with the diagnosis, as filming for the
So I guess I just we didn’t realise how far it would reach or how
successful it would be. People came to us and
ads began and the campaign was launched. This wanted to say to told us, ‘hey I know you don’t know me but I just
account of the final months of Gerry’s life is
both heartbreaking and inspiring, and shows the
people that it is okay to feel wanted to get in touch. I saw your dad’s ads and
I’ve been smoking for 20 years and now I’ve quit’.
heart and resilience of his daughter and family. like it’s hard because it is It was unbelievable to see those stories rolling in
Gerry’s ads had an extraordinary impact. Thanks
to the generosity of Gerry and his family, the ads
hard and I really wanted to from people of all ages,” she said.
Lisa explained her reasons for writing the book.
remained on air for three years after Gerry died honour Dad and everyone “I hoped it would resonate with other people
and inspired many people to quit for good. We are
incredibly grateful to Gerry and his family for the
in the campaign and what who have minded people with cancer. I think I
wanted to get across to people was that it was
extraordinary gift which they gave to people who they had achieved and okay to find it hard when you are minding that
smoked and their families.
Together they have changed many lives for the
encapsulated everything person with cancer because you feel like at
times that you don’t have a right to feel like it’s
better. in one document hard for you because they are so sick.
The HSE released a video tribute to Gerry “So I guess I just wanted to say to people that
Collins and his family who have inspired over it is okay to feel like it’s hard because it is hard
1.3 million quit attempts through their bravery and I really wanted to honour Dad and everyone
and generosity. in the campaign and what they had achieved and
In the video, Lisa Collins and her sister Ciara encapsulated everything in one document.”
talk about what it was like to be involved in a As well as making a huge impact in Ireland,
national campaign which has changed so many Gerry’s ads have been used across the world.
lives for the better. To date, the ads have been used in Northern
“I suppose when Dad first told us about the Ireland, New York, Canada and Australia.
campaign, I was a little bit hesitant at first. But were amazing but what made it really personal Most recently, Vermont’s Department of
he was so certain that this campaign was the for us was when we received these really lovely Health has contacted the HSE about Gerry’s ads
way to go, that it had to happen and he was so stories from people sharing their cancer stories as part of a quit smoking campaign. It is planned
passionate about it. If even one person stopped with us. People were sharing news of a loved that these ads will air in Vermont in 2019.
smoking because of this then it would have all one who’d stopped smoking or they themselves
been worth it for him,” said Lisa. had stopped smoking so it was really lovely.”
“We know the campaign was hugely impactful Her sister Ciara admitted that the campaign
Fidelma Browne, Head of Programmes and
and the statistics were coming in and the success was ‘quite surreal’. Campaigns; Lisa Collins; and Patrick O’Donoghue,
numbers of people who were stopping smoking “Although we knew it was a national campaign, Mercier Press, at Lisa’s book launch.
2018 winter health matters 15You
Section
Vi cto ry at the In terfirm s Blitz
Ladies bring the silverware
back home to Waterford
taff at University Hospital lots of fun along the way! We are already
S
Waterford showed that they looking forward to next year’s competition and
excel on the pitch as well as on hoping to go one better and claim the Ladies
the wards, labs and theatres as Gaelic Football Team Interfirms Cup.”
they became the first hospital The team on the day were: Áine Ní Mhéalóid,
or HSE service in the country to take part captain – Ophthalmology SpR; Philomena
in – and win - the Ladies Gaelic Football Fogarty – Physiotherapist; Ann-Marie
Association Interfirms Blitz. Ryan - Quality Officer, Blood Transfusion
The hospital’s first ever Ladies Gaelic Laboratory; Eimear Bartley – Nursing Student
football team did themselves and the hospital Medical 4; Nicole Creedon – Nursing Student
very proud, in winning the All Ireland LGFA Medical 5; Marie Doyle – ANPc Older Persons;
Interfirms Shield in Portmarnock. Úna O’Brien, Nurse Practice Development
On the day, the team played six round Coordinator; Niamh Foley – Surgical SpR;
matches against the following companies: training four weeks before the big day. Miriam O’Callaghan – Occupational Therapist;
1st match: Glanbia - draw “Well done to everyone who took part. It Catherine Murphy – Occupational Therapist;
2nd match: Meagon International – win was a great multidisciplinary effort by staff Mairead Hanrick, CNM2 CCU; Michelle
3rd match: Irish Prison Service – win from across the hospital, to firstly field a Slattery, Staff Nurse, CCL; Joe Murray, team
4th match: St Kevin’s CC, Dunlavin, team and then to go on, play competitively, manager - Technical Services Department;
Co.Wicklow – win give a fantastic account of ourselves and - to Ann Prendergast, assistant manager -
5th match: AIB – loss top it off – travel back to University Hospital Physiotherapist; Cliona Rafter, T-shirt design
6th match: An Garda Síochána – loss Waterford with some silverware,” said team -CNM2 Nurse Practice Development Unit.
member Úna O’Brien.
Based on their results in the matches, they “Specially designed T-Shirts were worn on
qualified for the Shield Final. After a tough the day, which received a great reception by Back (l-r): Joe Murray (Manager), Catherine
battle with the Irish Prison Service ladies, they other teams taking part in the competition. Murphy, Nicole Creedon, Mairead Hanrick, Niamh
Foley, Marie Doyle and Miriam O’Callaghan. Front
won 2-1 to 1-3. For everyone that was involved – we now all
(left to right): Philomena Fogarty, Eimear Bartley,
There were scenes of delight with the know a dozen more staff than what we did Michelle Slattery, Áine Ní Mhéalóid, Ann-Marie
victory, given that the team only started four weeks before our match and have had Ryan and Úna O’Brien.
16 health matters winter 2018Help fu l an d prac tical ad vi ce giv en
Great reaction at HSE’s
ploughing presence
HSE services joined forces at
13
this year’s national Ploughing
Championships, which took
place in September 2018
in Tullamore. Over 35 staff
worked tirelessly over two days giving
practical, helpful answers to any visitor’s
questions on health entitlements and
services.
“We assisted and responded to hundreds
of queries daily including dementia,
alcohol, quitting smoking, sexual health,
healthy eating, sephsis and medical card
entitlements and all our visitors were
genuinely pleased to get the information
they required. There was a great sense of
camaraderie among the staff present; they
were all very supportive of one another and
referred the visitors on to related specialties
present for added advice,” says Norma
Deasy, Communications Campaign Manager.
HSELive was present for the first year
and Geraldine Charman, Team Manager
commented, “Many visitors were interested
in finding out about HSELive, an information
HSE staff meet the public at the Ploughing Championships.
service on how to access health services,
who qualifies for HSE health services and
where to find information about health.
Materials were distributed to visitors on
contacting HSELive through telephone, live
chat, email and twitter.”
A dietician was present daily providing
advice on the prevention and management
of type 2 diabetes. One in 12 people in
Ireland over the age of 50 are known to
have this illness and those attending the
ploughing were invited to sign up for a
course, which helps people to manage
their condition and live as healthy a life as
possible.
Given the prevalence of skin cancer among
those working in farming and construction
industries, (one in 4 deaths according to
the Irish Cancer Society), Dermatology
Nurse Specialist Selene Daly and a team
of clinicians from Sligo University Hospital
worked the crowd. They were busy According to Selene, “Despite being the support with that battle.
delivering the best advice for those who most common cancer in Ireland, skin cancer Screening service staff were available for
have a fair complexion and are prone to can be prevented.” advice on Diabetic Retina Screen and Bowel
sunburn, which is to follow the Irish Cancer’s The START campaign staff chatted to Screen.
‘SunSmart Code’, to: parents and guardians of children aged They invited eligible visitors to register for
• seek shade between 11am and 3pm between 6 months and 12 years of age. a bowel screen, which offers a free home
• cover up using long sleeve clothing They were encouraging them to try and test to men and women aged 60 to 69 and
• wear sunglasses and a wide brim hat get one daily win with healthy family meals a diabetic retinal offering regular diabetic
• use a high factor sunscreen with SPF 30 or physical activity and pointing them to retinopathy screening to people with
or 50 the website makeastart.ie to get help and diabetes aged 12 years and older.
2018 winter health matters 17You
Section
HSE Staff leading
culture change
“You don’t have to see
the whole staircase,
just to take the first step.”
- Martin Luther King
alues in Action is a social
V
movement leading the culture
change throughout the health
service, and committed to
learning every step along the way.
While we might not see the whole staircase yet,
we are making good progress. Here is an update
on how things are going and a snap shot of the
results from our 2018 surveys.
Department of Psychiatry, Connolly Hospital
Big news
Values in Action has been selected to VALUES
VALUES IN
IN ACTION
ACTION
give an onstage presentation at next year’s
PERSONAL
PERSONAL WITH
WITH COLLEAGUES
COLLEAGUES WITH
WITH
WITHPATIENTS
PATIENTS
PATIENTSAND
AND
ANDSERVICE
SERVICE
SERVICEUSERS
USERS
USERS
BMJ/Institute of Healthcare Improvement,
International Forum on Quality and Safety Am
Am II putting
putting myself
myself Acknowledge
Acknowledge
in Healthcare (March 27th – 29th 2019, Use
Use my
my name
name
inin other
other the
the work
work and
and your
your name
name
Glasgow). This is a highly competitive field people’s
people’s shoes?
shoes? of
of your
your colleagues
colleagues
and we are honoured to be accepted. Last
year, Values in Action attended with a poster
presentation. This was well received, as culture
change is currently a key focus in healthcare Am
Am II aware
aware that
that my
my Ask
Ask your
your colleagues
colleagues Keep
Keep people
people informed
informed ––
internationally and our model - Viral Change actions
actions can
can impact
impact how
how you
you can
can explain
explain the
the now
now
- is unique in this forum. on
on how
how other
other people
people feel?
feel? help
help them
them and
and the
the next
next
What’s been happening?
Our culture change effort is now well
and truly under way - comprising the Am
Am II aware
aware ofof my
my Challenge
Challenge Do
Do an
an extra,
extra,
Mid West Community Healthcare; the UL own
own stress
stress and
and toxic
toxic attitudes
attitudes kind
kind thing
thing
Hospitals Group; the Centre (staff who how
how II deal
deal with
with it?
it? and
and behaviours
behaviours
report nationally); Community Healthcare
Organisation Dublin North City & County;
and most recently Doctors for Values in
Action. Values in Action is being led by staff All in a Week’s Workwww.hse.ie/valuesinaction
beginning
www.hse.ie/valuesinaction
www.hse.ie/valuesinaction of the week. The community
@HSEvalues
@HSEvalues
@HSEvalues
from across all disciplines and backgrounds All in a week’s work was a week to of champions in the Mid West has been
in these areas. These staff members are celebrate our progress to date and a chance steadily growing over the past two years,
nominated by their peers as trusted and for colleagues to make a difference in and All in a Week’s Work engaged staff
influential members of the service who shaping the culture in the health service. from across the service areas. Champions
have the power to create new ‘norms’ and During this week, colleagues checked how were leading all of this from the beginning
shape the culture in their workplaces for the visible the behaviours were in their work of the week to the end. On busy wards and
better. It’s a bottom-up approach to creating places and acknowledged when they saw corridors staff were seen picking up their
a culture change led by staff. We now have others living the behaviours. Over the behaviours of the day and telling each other
over 1,300 peer-nominated staff actively course of seven days in October, there was how they were going to make them really
working to improve the culture in their area. a series of happenings, a meaningful mix of visible to each other for the rest of their
activities and gatherings across the areas day’s work together. The more activities
where Values in Action is live. that happened, the more staff seemed
The more activities UL Hospitals Group and Mid
to want to get involved. From cardiology
units, to ED teams to community care
that happened, West Community Healthcare centres, staff were demonstrating creative
the more staff seemed In UL Hospitals Group and Mid West
Community Healthcare, where it all began,
adaptions of all the activities.
One colleague took one of the behaviours
to want to get involved there was a flurry of activity from the and pinned it to her dashboard so she could
18 health matters winter 2018Values in Action Champions, Stewarts Hospital, Dublin
stay aware of her stress and how she dealt Community Healthcare
with it while she went about her community Organisation Dublin North
visits. A member of catering staff penned City & County
a rap to his colleagues about how much Values in Action began in Community
they look out for each other every day. Healthcare Organisation Dublin North City &
A member of the cleaning staff took the County (DNCC), in 2018 and
time to write to the theatre nurses and the social movement is spreading with great
consultants she has worked with for the enthusiasm. The nine behaviours are creating a
past ten years to thank them for always stir and plenty of staff are curious
making her feel part of the team. and talking about the desire to enhance the
culture of the HSE.
THE CENTRE DNCC really got stuck into All in a Week’s
Colleagues were seen focusing on the Work. They put their own stamp on activities
behaviours and practicing them by joining and used this as an opportunity to highlight
in with the activities.Chain reactions of Values in Action.
helpfulness were started and continued as There was a buzz of activities across the
colleagues leaned in to offer an unexpected region, from St Ita’s in Portrane to the Early
helping hand and then asked that the Intervention Service on the Navan Road. St
gesture be paid forward. Mary’s in Phoenix Park were very busy with
Stories were told and shared about storytelling sessions, behaviour lucky dips
memorable moments when an experience –where you got to pick out a behaviour and live
of the impact of the nine behaviours stayed it for the day. The Psychiatric Unit in Connolly A Values in
with us. All of this was done with a spirit of Hospital, Blanchardstown held Values in Action Action Story
peer to peer involvement. information sessions and mindfulness sessions
As one of our Champions put it, “It for staff, linking this to the behaviour: Am I “In the building I work in, we were
doesn’t matter if you are in admin, or on aware of my own stress and how I deal with it? discussing how we could take part in
the front line, whether you are sweeping #allinaweekswork and the logistics of
the floors or running the organisation, In the Champion’s shoes involving as many people as possible.
everyone can adopt these behaviours Champions want senior leaders to know Someone commented that our
easily through self-reflection and about their role as a Champion and their colleagues in payroll were very busy,
contribute to improving experiences for efforts to help shape the culture of the putting in very long hours and that maybe
staff and clients on a daily basis.” health service. As part of All in a Week’s they wouldn’t be able to join in due to
Colleagues spoke about how All in a Work, senior leaders took the time to meet deadlines.
Week’s Work brought staff from a diverse with them and learn about how they are That was when we decided we would
mix of roles and functions together and how spreading the nine behaviours through peer ‘Put ourselves in other people’s shoes’
the activities and happenings helped them to peer conversations and actions. and highlight the behaviour, ‘Acknowledge
put names to faces. Some felt that this was Tiny moments that matter when stitched the work of your colleagues’ during
improving morale and establishing working together form the cultural fabric of a health #allinaweekswork.”
relationships. service that’s improving itself from the inside out.
2018 winter health matters 19You
Section
VALUES IN ACTION 2018
VALUES IN ACTION 2018 2018 Champion Survey Results CHAMPION SURVEY RESULTS
CHAMPION SURVEY RESULTS
www.hse.ie/valuesinaction
UL Hospitals Group and Mid West
CommunityMIDWEST
Healthcare 2 years on
Values in www.hse.ie/valuesinaction
Centre 1 year on
Action is
CENTRE
Our behaviours are embedding Our 9 behaviours are spreading
Champions told us how they live the behaviours
making a
and what they see their colleagues doing
2 in 5 4 in 5 1 in 2 3 in 5
27% 2 in 3
are more likely to see our
colleagues consider the impact
of their actions on others
staff are seen putting themselves
in other people’s shoes by
their colleagues
difference Are putting
themselves in other
people’s shoes
Are self-aware of
their own stress
and actively doing
things to relieve
Half have challenged
toxic attitudes and
behaviours in
their workplaces
Are explaining the
now and the next
their stress
27%since
2016 23% since
2016 Values in Action is already 16% 8% 16% 12%
showing very promising
results. We have learned
8 in 10 In 2016 half of our
colleagues were described that there is a significant
colleagues in 2018 are seen as having little or no
We are creating more positive
to be aware of their own awareness of their stress
appetite amongst staff
stress and actively doing
things to relieve it
levels and how it
working environments
affected other people
to support and lead this
movement throughout the 75% 47%
We are creating more positive health service.
working environments To learn what is changing
in the culture and at what
2 years ago less 2 years ago less
than 4 in 10 of us than 6 in 10 of us rate, we carry out baseline recognise when colleagues say that their workplaces
regularly offered regularly
our colleagues
a helping hand
acknowledged
the work of
culture surveys for each need support and ask
how they can help
regularly acknowledge the
work of colleagues
colleagues
service area at the outset 8% 9%
Now that’s Now that’s
6 in 10 9 in 10 and changes are tracked as
Extra acts of kindness are twice
as likely to happen since 2016 the programme progresses. Demonstrating our improvement
To date, we have learned
that at the end of the first 2 in 5 4 in 5
Demonstrating our improvement year of Values in Action
the prevalence of the 9
7 in 10
are now taking the time
behaviours increases by an think that their colleagues are are doing an extra kind thing
to explain the average of approximately aware that their actions can impact
on how other people feel
and hearing about colleagues also
doing an extra kind thing
Now an� th� Nex� 10pc. By the end of the
to patients and service users
second year, as we are 6% 6%
39% currently seeing in the Mid
West, the behaviours begin
since 2016
to embed and become 9 in 10
Our Champions’ community internalised as they start to
is growing become ‘the norm’ for how
things are done in that area.
DNCC did a baseline survey
in May 2018, and there will
say that they recognise each other’s work by
be comparative data to offering positive feedback and thanks for
support some or all of the time
share next summer.
If Values in Action has not
167 has mutiplied to 611
yet started in your area, keep Our Champions’ community
your eyes open to see when is growing
your workplace will become
HELLO my name is... part of the social movement.
In the meantime, you can
It has become the norm to follow the progress online at
‘use my name and your name’
in interactions
www.hse.ie/valuesinaction
and on Twitter
99% @HSEValues. 453 has mutiplied to 523
47% since
2016
While we still have a
significant way to go in
Challenge toxic attitudes shaping the culture of
and behaviours the health service, we are HELLO my name is...
encouraged by the progress
65% to date, led by staff, in
It has become the norm to
now challenge colleagues when
they experience unnacceptable
changing the culture ‘use my name and your name’
behaviour or relentless negativity
and cynicism when they encounter it through the Values in in interactions
Action behaviours.
15%
Here’s to taking the next
99%
steps of the staircase together.
Together we are building
20 health a better health
matters service
winter 2018 Together we are building
a better health service‘Going blind terrified me
annual appointments. The time you spend in
the clinic might be the thirty most important
minutes of your life, and the world never looks
but Diabetic RetinaScreen
better than on the day you get a good result.”
The HSE is urging anyone living with
Type 1 or 2 diabetes in Ireland, aged 12
has eased all my fears’
years and over, to make sure they register
for free retinal screening on www.
diabeticretinascreen.ie.
Diabetic RetinaScreen has detected
When well-known journalist Philip Nolan was but more came when the National Diabetic
retinopathy in over 4,000 patients, many
first told he had Type 2 diabetes soon after his RetinaScreen programme was rolled out.”
of whom would not have known about the
50th birthday, his biggest fear was going blind. Diabetic RetinaScreen – the HSE’s National
disease until it progressed to a more critical
Retinopathy, a common complication of Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme offers
stage without screening.
diabetes, is one of the leading causes of free, annual screening for and treatment of
Anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes is
blindness in the working age population in diabetic retinopathy.
at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
Ireland. However, it is largely treatable if Philip now gets his eyes checked annually.
Regular eye screening, using specialised
detected early through regular screening. “An appointment card comes through the
digital photography, can detect the condition
Philip urged everyone to sign up to the post and I go to the clinic in Bray, Co Wicklow.
at an early stage, before any noticeable
National Diabetic RetinaScreen, insisting The procedure is very simple. You fill out a
symptoms or changes occur in sight. Any
that the few minutes you spend at your form, have drops put in your eyes to widen the
recommended follow-up investigation or
appointments there could be the most pupils – it stings a little, but nothing to worry
treatment of diabetic retinopathy is provided
important of your life. about - and wait 15 minutes or so, after which
free of charge as part of the programme.
“The thought of going blind terrified me. high-resolution photographs are taken of your
For more information or to self-register,
At the time, I booked a private appointment retinas,” said Philip.
call Freephone 1800 45 45 55 or visit www.
and was told that if I wasn’t sitting in front of “It’s advisable to have someone drive you,
diabeticretinascreen.ie. Diabetic RetinaScreen
the ophthalmologist, he wouldn’t know from or take public transport, because your vision
is part of the HSE National Screening Service.
the scans if I was 50 or 15,” explained the can be blurred for several hours, though mine
newspaper columnist. tends to readjust within an hour or so. If it’s
“Finding out that a nice day, bring sunglasses, because the
my eyes still brightness can be hard on the eyes.
were unaffected “The whole procedure takes less than half
The time you
and actually in an hour, and your results arrive in the post spend in the clinic
good shape was a few weeks later. I’ve been lucky, in that all
such a comfort, my scans have been clear - but I wouldn’t be
might be the 30 most
without the comfort of knowing that my eyes important minutes of your
are being monitored every year and also that,
if a problem arises, it can be dealt with.
life, and the world never
“I strongly urge anyone with diabetes - Type looks better than the day
1 or Type 2 - to make sure they’re registered
for Diabetic RetinaScreen and to keep their
you get a good result
Getting mucky
for a cause
On a very wet Saturday morning in October,
Catherine Kelly, Case Manager, Children
Complex Health Needs (CCHN) CHO1
led a team of 20 people into the mud in
order to raise funds for two very deserving
charities – BUMBLEance and The Jack & Jill
Foundation.
A mud-run was something that Catherine
had always wanted to do and decided that
she wanted to mark a ‘significant’ birthday
by doing something a little bit different and
also help raise some much needed funds for
these two charities. The services offered
by these charities to children across CHO1
are vital so Catherine opted to assist in a Catherine Kelly and her colleagues and friends who took part int he mud run.
small way as she has first-hand experience
of how important these services are to many A total of €1200 was raised to be divided took part had a great time and can’t wait to do
children and families in CHO1 equally between the charities. Everyone who it again next year!
2018 winter health matters 21You can also read
