COVID-19 Staff Bulletin - CHO 1 (Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Sligo & Leitrim) - healthservice.ie
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COVID-19 Staff Bulletin
CHO 1 (Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Sligo & Leitrim)
IS S UE 2 1 - MO N D A Y 2 7T H SE P TE MB E R 2 0 2 1
Message from John Hayes, Chief Officer to all Staff
Dear Colleagues
I wish to thank all staff across Community Healthcare Organisation Area 1 for their
continued efforts in providing services to our communities across the five counties. This
includes the Covid testing sites, the vaccination centres and across Older Persons,
Disabilities, Mental Health, Health and wellbeing and Quality and patient safety services.
In particular I am acutely aware that the recent cyber attack has been difficult for all staff
in that we have had the added challenges of providing services and continuing to work in
extremely difficult circumstances with loss of our ICT infrastructure. Thankfully this has been
in large part resolved but I know that it caused untold difficulties and left many staff frustrated and hampered their
ability to do their day to day job. So again I thank you for continuing to persevere and working with ICT in getting
the necessary systems resolved sand getting back on track.
In the last few months staff at our testing sites have again shown their determination and commitment with
constant demand for testing and facilitation of a number of pop up testing sites across the five counties.
Staff at our vaccination centres have also facilitated walk in clinics, in conjunction with ongoing
scheduled clinics. The constant changes to testing regime and vaccination programme roll out has also been a
challenge for staff to keep up to date with all the necessary information.
The vaccine roll out continues to evolve and currently in line with NIAC recommendations we are preparing for the
implementation of the booster vaccine programme to over 65 year olds in Long Term Care facilities, GPs and
Pharmacies will also be responsible for roll out of the booster vaccine to the over 80’s. There is the extended
primary vaccination course for those immunocompromised. There continues to be pockets of anti vaccine
sentiment among our communities so it is vital as health care professionals that we promote the uptake of the
vaccine wherever possible and with each opportunity that arises.
The flu season is also upon us and the Flu vaccine campaign is due to start in early October. Vaccine deliveries to
GPs and pharmacists have commenced. I would urge you all to avail of the flu vaccine this year to protect
yourselves and your loved ones. It is the best protection we have against the flu and therefore staff should avail of
it at their earliest opportunity. The Flu vaccine campaign due to start in early October. Further details will follow on
the roll out of the flu vaccine to staff.
A series of six Thank You videos have been produced to show appreciation for staff for their tremendous efforts
during the pandemic. The first video issued on the 24th September and can be found on CHO 1 YouTube at the
following link: https://youtu.be/qZJWUa7QI8k
The last few weeks have seen a decrease in numbers of Covid positive cases both nationally and across the five
counties and we hope that we continue on this downwards trajectory. As we embark upon a new stage of the
pandemic with the continued easing of restrictions and opening up of society I wish to urge you to continue to
keep your guard up as focus is very much on personal responsibility as we move forward. We are all still learning
how to live with Covid and with each phase we will learn how to adapt and how to use this learning to continue
to provide the best possible health services for our communities.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment and dedication.
Le dea-mhéin,
John
1 Follow CHO 1 on Twitter: @HSECommHealth1
Series of videos to commend outstanding work of staff since the start of COVID-19
CHO Area 1 (Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and
Sligo) will publish a series of videos thanking all staff for
their outstanding work since the start of the COVID-19
pandemic.
Six videos in total were filmed in HSE Community Services
across Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo,
showing staff going above and beyond in their duties
since the start of the pandemic.
The concept was envisaged by the Executive
Management Team who wanted to reflect their
appreciation of all the efforts CHO 1 staff have gone to,
to adapt to new ways of delivering services as well as
delivering existing services against all odds.
The first video which was released on Friday the 24th September, with a message from Chief Officer, CHO
1, Mr John Hayes. Speaking to staff in the video he said “You brought calm to chaos, reassurance to those
scared and comfort to the sick. Every single one of you played a role in making the lives of those people
across the CHO 1 area better in an unprecedented situation and for this, I will never be able to express my
gratitude completely.”
From Monday September 27th, each Head of Service across CHO 1 will publish their video to their own staff,
one each day until October 1st.
These include messages from Ms Edel Quinn, Head of Service, Disabilities, Mr Frank Morrison, Head of
Service, Older Persons, Mr Dermot Monaghan, Head of Service, Primary Care, Ms Cara O’Neill, Head of
Service, Health and Wellbeing and Mr Leo Kinsella, Head of Service, Mental Health.
Each video is unique and features staff from the relevant service. It is about the staff and for the staff.
We hope these videos will be widely viewed by our residents, service users and the wider community as a
whole and give an overall understanding of work undertaken by HSE CHO1 staff across the five counties
since March 2020. The videos will broadcast via CHO1 Comms YouTube channel which can be accessed
at CHO1Comms - YouTube
To see Mr Hayes video click on https://youtu.be/qZJWUa7QI8k
Majella O'Donnell, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Dementia, Sligo wins in the
“Exceeding Expectations - Outstanding Employee category”
in the Healthcare Excellence Awards 2021
Congratulations to Majella O'Donnell, Clinical Nurse Specialist in
Dementia, Sligo, who was a winner in the Healthcare Excellence
Awards 2021, in the Exceeding Expectations - Outstanding
Employee category. The last eighteen months has demanded a
lot from HSE staff and this year this category received an
unprecedented number of nominations for colleagues.
Majella works as a clinical nurse specialist in dementia on the
integrated care team for older person’s Sligo. Majella started in
post in 2017, she provides post diagnostic support to those who
receive a diagnosis of dementia and to those who are
supporting them to live well with dementia. Majella said, “I’m truly
honoured and delighted to have been considered for this
award. As was said at the awards ceremony, these awards are
representative of all the hard work of health care workers
throughout the HSE. I would like to acknowledge the wonderful
care and commitment provided to our older population by the
integrated care team of older persons Sligo.”
2
“Emergency Out of Home Support for Children during COVID-19 Pandemic”
is nominated for the Healthcare Excellence Awards 2021
From Disability Services the HSE Sligo/Leitrim
Project “Emergency Out of Hours Home
Support for children during Covid Pandemic was
nominated for the Health Excellence Award.
The Children’s Disability Network Team identified
families of children with complex needs requiring
additional supports due to the pandemic
impacting on their lives.
In total 50 Children over a five month period were
provided with Out of Home
Emergency Day Support in 6 sites across Sligo &
Leitrim. Each child received a tailored
person centred service based on the child and
Front row L to R family’s individual needs and personal profile.
· Zara Kelly, Family Support Worker
· Natasha Phillips, Team Coordinator Members of the Children’s Disability Team who
· Caroline Gallagher, Autism Therapists had previously supported the children social and
· Marianna Cunningham, Autism Therapist
· Eleanor Gallagher, Respite Coordinator
therapeutically delivered the programme of
support.
Back row L to R
· Martina Mc Carrick, Community Facilitator
· Louise Leech, Family Support Worker
· Celine Mc Loughlin, Community Facilitator
· Mary Durcan, Autism Service Manager
HSE Cavan/Monaghan Project “Service Without Walls” is nominated for the Health
Services Excellence Awards 2021 in the “Improving Patient Experience” category
From Older Persons Services The project "Service
Without Walls" was nominated for a Health
Services Excellence Award. It is an integrated
approach to providing services for older persons
across Cavan and Monaghan. The project group
comprised of Nursing and Allied Health
professionals from acute services, at Cavan General
Hospital, Older Person’s services and Primary
Care services across the Cavan and Monaghan
area. An improved new referral and discharge
communication process was implemented, linking
acute and primary/community nursing teams. More
short term care beds were made available in older
persons services in the Lisdarn unit which is located
Some of the staff involved in the project are as follows L to R: adjacent to the Cavan General Hospital
Carmel Dobson, Discharge Co-ordinator, Lisdarn facilitating patients to recuperate in a non-
Bernardine Lynch, Director of Nursing Older Persons Service Cavan acute hospital environment.
Laura Waters, Head of Patient Flow, CGH
Grainne Mackey, Clinical Nurse Manager 2, Lisdarn The bed reconfiguration has resulted in more
Caroline O'Reilly, Assistant Director of Nursing, Lisdarn options for patients including, sub-acute care,
Ann Marie Cambell, Director of Nursing for Integrated Services Rehabilitation, Palliative care, rehabilitation and
Suzanne O'Callaghan, Operations Manager, CGH Enablement. Prior to Lisdarn Centre providing this
Dr Paulo Pinhero, Clinical Director Service patients in the pre-discharge Unit in Cavan
General Hospital had an average bed stay of 26
days. This bed stay has reduced from 26 days to a
bed stay of 17 days since the short term beds
opened in Lisdarn Centre. 65% of patients in short
term beds were discharged home and only 11%
transferred to nursing home.
3
2021-2022 FLU SEASON IS APPROACHING
What happened last season in the Why is it important to get your Flu
context of Covid-19? vaccine this year?
The HSE Flu Protection programme aimed to offer
As a result of infection prevention and control
Flu vaccination to as many people as possible
measures in place for COVID-19 (mask-wearing,
during the COVID-19 pandemic. hand hygiene, physical and social distancing,
and restricted international travel) Flu activity
Colleagues across services rose to this unprece-
levels were extremely low in Ireland and global-
dented challenge and went above and beyond
ly last year
the call of duty to keep themselves and those they
care for safe from Flu. As a result, a lower level of population
The dedication and commitment shown by staff immunity against Flu is expected this year.
led to the highest Flu vaccine uptake rates ever
achieved in CHO1. As Ireland continues to open up and social
We would like to extend a huge thank you to all mixing and contact is projected to increase it is
those who supported the campaign, both in the expected that this winter will be the first winter
administration and the uptake of the vaccine. where seasonal Flu virus (and other respiratory
viruses) will co-circulate alongside COVID-19.
Last year above any other year, with the introduc-
tion of the Covid-19 vaccine, we have been re- It is therefore vitally important this year more
minded of the vital role vaccines play in reducing than ever that health care workers and at risk
the impact of severe illness and disease. populations are vaccinated
early to protect against Flu.
The Flu vaccine is available
soon!
Get your free Flu vaccine at
one of our HSE clinics or at
Flu and the Healthcare Worker: The Flu Vaccine: your local participating GP or
Pharmacy
The Flu is a very serious illness, its onset is sudden is your only protection and
and severe, and complications can be life your best shot against a Flu
threatening and long lasting. Illness
Flu can, and does, kill The vaccine is safe. It is tested on thousands of peo-
ple each year and has been available for 60 years
It is a highly infectious, highly transmissible virus It contains an inactivated virus so cannot give you
that is transmitted the same way as Covid-19 - the Flu
through coughing/sneezing or by the hands You need to get the Flu vaccine every year
HCWs are 10 times more likely to get the Flu by
the nature of work they do. If you are 10 times
more likely to get the Flu at work, you are 10
times more likely to bring it home
For More Information Get the facts on:
1 in 5 HCWs gets the Flu every year. Flu can be
www.immunisation.ie
transmitted by those who are asymptomatic – if
vaccinated - it cannot www.hse.ie/flu
Studies show a 40% reduction in Flu related
deaths in hospitals and residential facilities @HSELive @HSEImm #YourBestShot
where HCW uptake of Flu vaccine is increased #VaccinesWork #KeepVaccinating
One third of ICU admissions for Flu each year are Email queries to: Cho1flu.team@hse.ie
people who are previously fit and healthy with
no underlying medical conditions
4
New mental health podcast series to share local stories of hope and
recovery series launched on World Suicide Prevention Day
A new podcast series which shares the mental health stories of people local to Cavan
and Monaghan and their journeys to recovery has been launched. ‘Stories of
Recovery’, a podcast series will hear from local people who have lived through
adversities that challenged their mental health and wellbeing and how they now
flourish and continue to stay well. They are joined in the conversation by people who
provide supports and services locally and offer Mental health signposting for those
who need it. This initiative, launched on September 10 th to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day. It is a
collaboration between Mental Health Ireland and the HSE Cavan Monaghan Mental Health Services as part
of the Connecting for Life Cavan Monaghan strategy to reduce suicide in our communities. The podcast is
hosted by Miffy Hoad, Development Officer with Mental Health Ireland for the Cavan Monaghan area.
Miffy said, “Sharing stories of recovery from adversity can offer hope and inspiration to those going through
something similar. It is our intention that the conversations in this series of podcasts will help the listener feel less
alone in their experiences and encourage people to reach out for support should they need it”.
The first episode features Eoin Kelly whose brother sadly died by suicide and Emer Mulligan, Resource Officer
for Suicide Prevention with HSE Cavan & Monaghan in conversation with Miffy Hoad from Mental Health
Ireland.
They talk about Eoin’s personal journey of recovery through the trauma of losing a loved one through suicide
as well as the kinds of supports and services that help and are available for people in crisis, and those who are
bereaved by suicide. On the 8th of October, the next episode will feature to coincide with World Mental
Health Day on the 10th of October and will follow a personal story of a young man’s recovery from severe
anxiety and depression, and how wellness tools and WRAP – Wellness Recovery Action Plan can support
recovery and promote mental health & wellbeing.
On November 5th, the episode will focus on Men’s health and wellbeing and December will be about family
mental health & wellbeing. Listening to the stories of how people have overcome adversity and now flourish
in their lives can provide hope and inspiration. We hope you will join us in listening to our ‘Stories of Recov-
ery’.
The first episode of ‘Stories of Recovery’ Podcast was published on September 10th, and is available at Mental
Health Ireland’s Podcast Channel https://audioboom.com/channels/5013394
Cregg staff and service users share memories ahead of closure
A special book of memories has been created as part of a celebration to mark the closure of Cregg House
later this month. On Sunday September 26 th a special day of celebration took place at Cregg House with
invitees looking back on the facility’s 66 year history.
The Sisters of La Sagesse came to Sligo in 1955 at the invitation of the Department of Health to establish a
residential centre for person with an intellectual disability. The centre grew over the years from being able to
house 24 residents to seeing the establishment of a nursing school, the establishment of St. Cecilia’s National
School, and the opening of community group homes connected to Cregg, which now totals 39 across Sligo,
Leitrim, and South Donegal. To commemorate the closing of Cregg House, a special book of the memories of
both staff and service users has been compiled to show what exactly Cregg House meant to people; One
service user has been at Cregg House since 1968;
“I am now 72 years old and have lived in Cregg for 42 years and have lots of memories such as Christmas and
Easter times when a lot of the residents would go to their families and those of us who stayed in Cregg had
great times. At Halloween we got dressed up in fancy dress and frightened the wits out of each other. “
One resident talked about their cherished memories “One of my favourite memories was when my beloved,
my favourite singer Daniel O’Donnell came to visit everybody in Cregg House. He was so lovely and I was
lucky enough to give him a hug and a kiss and get my photo taken with him, I will cherish this memory
forever.”
A member of staff described Cregg House as a place of love. “A special place that inspired hope and
contributed to the happiness and well-being of so many in its care by providing the best attention, practices
and love to all that lived there down through the years.”
5
CHO1 IPC Link Practitioner 5-Day Course
Last year it was agreed by CHO1 Executive Management Team, that as a result of our on-going COVID-19
pandemic, each Service should have a number of Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) Link Practitioner’s,
in number(s) that suit the size and profile of the service itself.
Even during a pandemic, education can still be delivered, and CHO1 IPC Team in conjunction with our
Centres for Nursing & Midwifery Education (CNMEs) , delivered two 5-Day programmes, in March and April
2021. With the HSE Cyber Attack, the May and June courses did not get delivered. The course was paused
for July & August, to allow for staff annual leave, and to re- start in September 2021.
We are delighted to say that the September course is due to start on September 27 th, and is already fully
booked out! We on the Team look forward to working with our CNME colleagues in delivering another
on-line programme.
If your service does not yet have an IPC Link Practitioner, please contact our ‘Super Expert’ IPC Team
Admin, Laura Maguire on Laura.Maguire@hse.ie to list your services staff nominees.
All professional groups can nominate staff. We already have some staff trained from Dental, Physio,
Podiatry, Out of Hours Services, Public Health Nursing Services etc., along with staff from across all our
Residential care Services, public and private.
So, come forward and join us in one of our upcoming programmes in October, November and December
2021.
By becoming an IPC Link Practitioner, you get to join in on our IPC Link Practitioners Forums, that are now
held monthly via webex, and have started this month, September. You can come, share your
experiences, learn from others and have direct access to one of our IPC Team, without having to leave
your office base!
CHO1 IPC Goes Pink to Support Sepsis Awareness on
September 13th is World Sepsis Awareness Day
Top Row (left to right): Mags Moran, Sinead Keville, Clodagh Keville, Yvette Morrow
Bottom Row (left to right): Martina Connolly & Mary Mitchell together, Margaret O'Doherty, Nina McDonagh
6
Palliative Care Week took place on 12th to 18th of September. It aims to
raise awareness of the difference palliative care can make to people
with life-limiting conditions, carers and families throughout the island of
Ireland. Working with partners and colleagues across the palliative care
sector and with other organisations and individuals interested in health
and well being, All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care
(AIIHPC) has facilitated an annual Palliative Care Week since 2014. Dr.
Anna Cleminson’s story is part of a series of stories from across Ireland to
promote palliative care and to try to address myths such as palliative
care only being for the last days of life.
Click here to view: https://youtu.be/cKXHI3a86G0
Dr Anna Cleminson, Consultant in Palliative
A link to all the videos can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/
Medicine at North West Hospice
watch?v=uNnugjDTx6U&list=PLd_maP4B2N3Gx4-QpBvCNYckqJ8CsQ1uo
50,000th COVID-19 vaccine delivered at Cavan Vaccination Centre
Staff at the HSE’s COVID-19 Vaccination Centre
at the Hotel Kilmore in Cavan marked their
50,000th administration of a vaccine at the
Weekend of the 18th/19th of September.
The Vaccination Centre has operated in
addition to locations such as hospitals,
residential care centres and GP surgeries
during the roll out.
Aisling Duffy, Operational Site Manager at
Cavan CVC said it was a wonderful occasion for
all staff involved. “We were delighted to
administer our 50,000th dose of the vaccine here Covid Vaccination Team celebrating giving the 50,000 Covid Vaccine
in the Cavan CVC. There has been a fantastic
uptake in Co. Cavan. We would like to
encourage anyone who hasn’t received either their first or second dose to come to our clinic to receive
them. The HSE’s aim in offering vaccines to the population is to protect people and reduce the illness and
deaths caused by this virus.”
Compliments received via Consumer Services CHO1
Physical & Sensory Services Compliment COVID 19 Test Centre Compliment
A Service Manager for Disability Services received a compliment A lady contacted Your Service Your
from a parent regarding the Physical & Sensory team, who have Say to provide feedback on her
been providing a service to his teenage child for some time. The experience recently at a COVID 19 Test
Physical & Sensory team have arranged PA supports to facilitate Centre in CHO1.
his daughter’s attendance in University where she is studying.
The lady advised that she
The parent explained the challenges his daughter faced on a accompanied her 13 year old daughter
particular week in the absence of any PA Supports at short who has a physical disability for a
notice. The Physical & Sensory team were experiencing difficulties COVID Test and stated that the two
in securing PA supports for this young person and the father staff who attended to them were:
described the staff as "exceptional" and "a credit to the
organisation". “Absolutely wonderful, kind, caring and
friendly. We could not have asked for a
He stated he was proud of the Physical and Sensory Service and better experience. Thank you very
he wished that his compliment reached Senior Management so much to them both”.
they are aware of the fantastic work being done by staff and it’s
impact on families.
7
Occupational Health: Workplace Health & Well Being Unit: Health & Safety:
Covid-19 specific health and
safety information is available
https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/
safetywellbeing/
Local contact details for https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/
healthsafetyand%20wellbeing/
Occupational Health workplace-health-and-wellbeing-
safetystatementsandriskassess-
Departments: unit/
ments.html
Sligo & Leitrim: Helps support you physically and
071 91 43 839 Health & Safety Officer to support
emotionally throughout
Cavan & Monaghan: and guide locally is:
your working life
Marions.sweeney
041 68 57811 @hse.ie
Donegal:
074 91 23784
HSE Covid-19 Helpline: Employee Assistance Staffcare: HSE Website:
Service:
The HSE Staff Covid-19
https://healthservice.hse.ie/
Independent and staff/coronavirus/ web page
National HSE Human confidential Counselling has several resources for staff
Resources have set up a An Internal HSE service inclusive of:
that provides free coun- Service for HSE staff
dedicated healthcare (Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal)
worker Covid19 helpline selling for HSE healthcare A weekly staff update
staff, psychosocial sup- Minding your Mental Health
port and the regional You can contact the and Managing Fatigue
All staff can access this Careline on PPE Guidance
helpline on: Critical Incident Debrief
and Defuse Stress 1800 409 388 (24/7) Accommodation
or on Testing for staff
Tel: 1850 420 420 Management (CISM) Social distancing
0800 731 3674
Essential workers
Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm You can access the ser- Working from home
vice by Library of resources
Sat-Sun: 9am- 4pm Data Protection
Phoning 0818 327 327
HR Covid-19 circulars
Working from home: HSE Mental Health & Well- Stress Control: Silver Cloud:
being Initiative:
Three self-directed online
www.stresscontrol.ie mental health programmes on:
A mental health text messag- Dealing with stress; Building
For more information
and tips on protecting ing service which is available info@stresscontrol.org resilience and Improving your
24/7 to connect people with
your health and wellbe- trained volunteers sleep
ing while working from These programmes can be
home please go to For details to go gov.ie/ This is a free online pro-
https:// together accessed here. https://
gramme to help with
healthservice.hse.ie/ stress. If you are feeling a hse.silvercloudhealth.com/
staff/coronavirus/ https://www.gov.ie/en/ bit more stressed than signup/ Once on the website,
working-from-home/tips- campaigns/together/? usual, log on to learn
referrer=http://www.gov.ie/ complete the sign-up process
to-protect-your-health- ways to deal with it
together/ and enter the access code
and-wellbeing.html
‘HSE2020’ when prompted
8
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