StepS to health Mychild.ie launches - Invaluable advice for parents - HSE
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Hea th
staff magazine of the IRISH HEALTH SERVICE vol. 14 | issue 17 | spring 2019
Mychild.ie Steps to
launches
Invaluable advice
health
for parents HSE staff put their
best foot forward
for challenge
features general news you section lifestyle
Welcome tO the Contents
latest edition of You Section FEATURE
Health Matters 6 Steps to Health 22 Mychild.ie
Join the challenge Website and booklets unveiled
This edition we meet Mairead Logue (43) who
7 Cardiac arrest 25 HPV vaccine
suffered a cardiac arrest while on holiday. Her
Maureen’s story Protect our future
husband sprang into action, performing CPR
8 I will survive 26 Education programme
until the emergency services arrived. Little did
Amanda’s quit success Dementia
she know when she signed husband Paul up
9 Park Run 28 Scally Report
for CPR classes the previous year that the first
World Cancer Day Implementation overview
person he would have to use his new skill on
10 Nurse-led initiative 30 Women’s Day
would be her, saving her life in the process.
ANP role in Drogheda OCIO and HBS mark occasion
It is an amazing story and certainly highlights
12 Dementia champions 32 Neuro-rehabilitation
the value of the learning CPR as an important
Understand together Framework outlined
life skill.
14 Liam bids farewell 32 Plain English Champion
Mairead is now well on the road to recovery
Mental Health Engagement Norma honoured
and herself, Paul and their three children were
15 Colombia trip 33 Intercultural Health Strategy
guests of the National Ambulance Service as
Volunteering role New launch
they met the NAS staff who worked on her case.
16 Values in Action 34 Nurse and midwife boost
We also travel to Drogheda to meet the team
Meets Slaintecare Professional development
behind a unique nurse-led initiative that has
18 Outstanding 35 My Options
been helping to eliminate lengthy delays for
Health Service Excellence Awards Unplanned pregnancy support
many patients waiting on medical assessment
20 Change management 36 Innovative solutions
and treatment.
Best practice Enterprise Ireland link-up
The Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU)
20 Know your numbers 37 Sharing data
in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital has introduced
HI initiative Ecosystem event
a service led by Registered Advance Nursing
21 Joe Davey 38 E-rostering
Practitioner Karen Carragher. The aim of this
Colleagues remember him Technology bringing efficiencies
service is to divert patients with lower acuity
medical illnesses from the queue waiting on
medical assessment and to expedite unwell
medical patient’s to first line interventions on
the busy emergency floor.
And we speak to Cian Mooney about the
dementia education course that he attended
with his dad Noel at Loughlinstown Hospital.
Noel was diagnosed with dementia three years
ago. The psycho-educational programmes are
rolled out for the person living with dementia
and their families/ carers to provide education
on topics related to dementia, teach skills
to enhance coping and resilience, as well as
providing a forum for informal support from
other people with similar concerns.
It’s also almost time for the annual HSE
staff Steps to Health challenge. It kicks off on
Monday, May 13th and runs for five weeks. So
start thinking about getting together with a
group of colleagues to join this year’s challenge.
Joanne Weston
Joanne Weston,
Editor
This magazine is produced by the
HSE Communications Division
Publishers: Celtic Media Group
www.celticmediagroup.ie
Feedback: Send your feedback to
healthmatters@hse.ie
spring 2019
HEALTH MATTERS spring 2019
39 immunisation week
Get the vaccine
40 Staff engagement
New toolkit
42 Drug safety
Warnings for students
43 Mealtimes Matter
Supporting patients
44 Superbugs
Threat to Irish hospitals
46 Mental health unit
Campus goes smoke-free
47 Payslips online
Change on the way
48 Electronic records
St James
49 Take five
23
Alcohol Bill
50 National Service Plan
2019 outlined
52 Under the Weather
Simple illnesses taken care of at home
53 Houses into homes
Estates at work
25 64
23 62
2019 spring health matters 
Contents
News
54 10 years on
Smoke-free playgrounds
54 Nenagh hospital
Cataract surgery
55 Toolkit
Plain English help for staff
56 Bereaved families
Booklets
57 CADS
New campus
58 St Luke’s
Staff awards
16
43
59 Islands report
Primary care
60 Robotic surgery
Galway hospital
60 Global health 65 Conference
Training workshop Perinatal mental health
61 Cancer patients 66 SAP centre of excellence
Family room HBS success
62 Respiratory team 67 CF trial
Care close to patients’ homes Significant advances
63 Mental Health 68 Viewing room
World OT Day Peace and dignity
63 Happy Heart 69 Hybrid operating theatre
Workplace awards Better outcomes
64 Golden Hip award 70 New curriculum
UHL wins Making Every Contact Count
64 Prostate cancer 71 Obesity in childhood
New treatment Start the conversation
70
72 36
health matters spring 2019
HEALTH MATTERS spring 2019 online
Sites we like www.hse.ie/stepschallenge
Lifestyle www.mychild.ie
72 Energy-saving champion
Hospitals honoured
74 WELLCOMM
Health awareness festival
76 MindOut Programme
Social and emotional skills
77 Inspiring conversations
Staff care
78 Going for gold
NAS staff get active
www.myoptions.ie
www.drugs.ie/SaferStudentNights
2019 spring health matters 
You
Section
HSE sta ff get mov ing
Step up to the challenge
he 2019 HSE staff Steps to Each team nominates a team co-ordinator
T
Health Challenge kicks off on who registers the team and links in with our
Monday May 13th and runs for national project team as needed.
five weeks. Registration will open We have a number of step counters available
on Tuesday, March 19th. The last for teams to count the steps as you move!!
5 Week Staff Challen
two years have been a great success and we
Starts: Monday
ge You can also use your own wearables, such as
13th May
hope that this year will be even better. Finishes: Sunday
16th June 2019 Fitbits and mobile phone apps. You may even
So start thinking about getting together with a knock the dust off last year’s step counter and
group of colleagues to join this year’s challenge. reuse it!
Take to the stairs, corridors, footpaths and parks There will be weekly competitions with prizes
this year with your work colleagues, family and galore for best photos, team names, inspiring
Set up your team (colle
friends. If you are new to walking, start off with team co-ordinators, etc.
l
agues and service users
Register your team at ). Nominate a co-ordinato
hse.ie/stepschallenge r.
10 minutes at a time and the aim is to reach l Get active
by stepping daily with
your workplace team.
10,000 steps a day over five weeks. Build it up
l Measure and
record your daily steps
at work and at home.
Use a step counter, fitbit,
smart watch or a free
app you
every day at your own pace to reach as many
can download for your
phone.
l Enjoy, have
fun and boost your steps
as you can. local parkrun on a Satur
by walking or running
day. Find one near you
a
on parkrun.ie
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you have maintained the good habits started Further details at hse.ie/ste
psch allenge
Prizes: weekly draws
, best More information and resources are available
as part of the challenge last year – you can still
photos.....
“Steps to Health” on Yamm
er on the Steps to Health website
join in. Aim to increase the distance, frequency Share your steps photos
@HSEsteps #hsestepsc
hallenge
www.hse.ie/stepschallenge
or speed of your daily walk. Or just use it as an Also make sure to follow Steps to Health on
opportunity to connect with colleagues. Twitter (@hsesteps) incorporating the hashtag
#HSEStepsChallenge and join the Steps to
As in previous years, each team consists of Health Challenge Yammer page.
between two and 30 people, and you can have So get prepared to join the challenge.
more than one team in a workplace or location.
health matters spring 2019
Am bu la nce servi ce prai ses Pa ul
Husband’s new CPR skills
save Mairead’s life
hen Mairead Logue signed her
W
husband up for a CPR class,
she never thought that the first
person he would have to use
his new skill on would be her,
saving her life in the process.
Mairead, husband Paul, and three young
children were on holiday in Bundoran during
the October Bank Holiday when Mairead (43)
suffered a cardiac arrest.
“I had a bit of a headache on the Saturday
but we had a normal Sunday. The morning
of the bank holiday Monday, Paul had called
into me in bed to see if I wanted my breakfast
brought in. I answered no. Shortly afterwards,
he came into the room and noticed I was
making a funny noise. He knew instantly that
something was wrong,” she said.
He worked on Mairead for 17 minutes before
the paramedics arrived and took over.
But for his wife, a dental nurse from
Newcastle West in Limerick, he would not
have been trained up in CPR.
“I do a course in CPR every so often to keep
my skills up. About a year and a half ago,
I saw there was one coming up locally so I
signed Paul up for it. When I took the cardiac
arrest, it was actually the first time that he
did it for real,” she explained.
“He said he froze for a few seconds when he
saw me just lying there but then he burst into
action and started working on me. He shouted
in to Paul to call 999 and tell them what was
happening to me.”
Emergency Call Taker Louise McDevitt was
the person who answered that phonecall that
day and Mairead was full of praise for her.
“Louise was amazing at the other end of the
phone. She was a great comfort to both Pauls
and kept them calm throughout,” she said.
When I took the The National Ambulance Service (NAS)
were delighted to welcome the Logue
She explained that her mum passed away cardiac arrest, it family to their headquarters. She met first
suddenly some time before and, since then,
10-year-old Paul was aware of how to handle
was actually the first time responders Patricia Corr and Shane O’Neill
and some of the other NAS staff involved in
an emergency situation. that he did it for real her treatment.
“He was so good. We had spoken to him “We had a great chat with Louise. I haven’t
about what to do if you need to call an met Ken who was the paramedic who
ambulance and explained that he needed worked on me but, by coincidence, his wife
to give our Eircode to help them find us. He is from nine miles up the road from us so we
stayed calm and was a great help.” “It was a bit scary being told that there was are all going to meet up when he is next in
First on the scene were Donegal Bay no real cause but it was reassuring to learn
Community First Responders who took over that there is no long-term damage to my heart. Pictured are the Logue family with Pat McCreanor,
the CPR until the paramedics arrived. Mairead I am physically fit and very active so it was Deputy Director of the National Ambulance
was airlifted to Sligo hospital for treatment certainly a shock that it happened. I am slowly Service; Shane O’Neill and Patricia Corr from
Donegal Bay Community First Responders; Louise
but she quickly recovered. The fit 43-year-old getting back to myself. I am still off work but
McDevitt, Emergency Call Taker NEOC; Sean
was told that there was no known cause for I want to make sure that I don’t rush back and Brady, Manager of NEOC; and Mark Callanan, NAS
her cardiac arrest. compromise my recovery,” said Mairead. Community Engagement Officer.
2019 spring health matters 
You
Section
QUIT TV sta r
Amanda shows
she can survive
without the cigs
manda White from Nenagh, my breath and hold notes that I never could When asked what advice she has for people
A
Tipperary is one of the stars of the before. Quitting has been great for my overall who are trying to quit this year, Amanda said,
HSE’s QUIT TV ad. She stopped health – I eat much better than I did before “the best advice I have is not to go it alone.
smoking three years ago this and exercise is easier.” Quitting can seem overwhelming but take it one
January and hasn’t looked back. While things are going great for Amanda day at a time and call the QUIT Team or sign up
“It’s three years since I made my final quit now, she remembers that quitting was hard at for a QUIT plan at www.quit.ie. They will help
attempt and I feel like I never smoked. I consider the start. you break things down into easy steps and help
myself a non-smoker which is amazing as “Quitting is one of my biggest achievements you through the journey day by day.”
quitting for good used to seem like an impossible but I couldn’t have done it on my own. The Amanda remembers finding cravings hard to
achievement,” said Amanda. support I got from the HSE’s QUIT team deal in the early stages and has some advice for
“Like most people I started smoking when I helped me break my habit,” she said. people in the same boat.
was a teenager because I thought it was cool. I “The QUIT team rang me every single week for “Cravings don’t last for forever but it can feel
thought that quitting would be an impossible the first four weeks, and every morning I woke that way at the start. I wrote out four steps – the
task but three years ago I managed to kick my up to a text, which was brilliant because it was four Ds – delay, distract, deeply breathe and
20 year habit for good.” really motivational – they were there for me. drink water and stuck the notes in places where
She explained that she saw the New Year as “I knew that at any point I could pick up the I would normally smoke. I found drinking lots of
a fresh start and a chance for a new beginning. phone and ring them if I felt like I was going to water helped me at the start and it’s a habit I’ve
She wanted to go through the whole of 2016 as relapse and that they would not judge me. I live kept up.
a non-smoker. alone so there wasn’t always someone there “There were ups and downs at the beginning
“I knew that there would be difficult times during to encourage me but knowing that I could call but once you understand you’ll have those
the year like my Dad’s anniversary in April and the QUIT team when I needed encouragement challenges and that you can get through them
other life events that might cause stress or upset, really helped. you can keep going,” she added.
where I might be tempted to turn to smoking and “The QUIT team gave me the support I needed
I wanted to make sure that I could get through to finally stop smoking. My advice to anyone
FURTHER INFORMATION
those times without cigarettes,” said Amanda. who is thinking about quitting is to get in touch
“Since quitting, my breathing has become with the QUIT team today. You don’t have to do For help to quit, visit quit.ie or call 1800 201 203
so much better. I like to sing and I can keep this on your own.”
health matters spring 2019
Ca ncer su rv iv or prai ses ‘d omin o effect’
Parkrunners out in force
for World Cancer Day 2019
ean Kelly was just one of the physical activity can reduce your risk of
S
thousands of parkrunners who cancer and improve quality of life for people
took part in parkrun on World living with and beyond cancer.”
Cancer Day to raise awareness of World Cancer Day also marked the launch
the importance of physical activity of the Irish Cancer Prevention Network, which
in preventing cancer and improving quality of life brings together The HSE National Cancer
for people living with and beyond cancer. Control Programme (NCCP), The Marie
Kildare man Sean has done more than Keating Foundation, Breakthrough Cancer
80 parkruns in the past two years, and the Research and The Irish Cancer Society to
camaraderie at his local parkrun in Naas has collaborate on cancer prevention initiatives in
had a huge impact on his wellbeing during Ireland. The Irish Cancer Prevention Network
and after his cancer treatment. is being established to bring those specifically
“We have built such a lovely community at working in cancer prevention together to
Naas parkrun, we look out for each other and agree consistent evidence-based cancer
we help each other along. It’s amazing how prevention public awareness messages and
when one area of your life improves, it has a cancer prevention initiatives in Ireland. Other
domino effect on the rest of your physical and biggest cause of cancer (after smoking). interested parties are welcome to link with
mental health. I plan my Saturdays around Physical activity protects against cancers of the Network.
parkrun now, I wouldn’t miss it,” he said. the bowel, breast and womb. It can reduce Helen Forristal, Director of Nursing at the
The HSE and the Irish Cancer Prevention your risk of cancer through a number of ways Marie Keating Foundation, said, “It is fitting
Network teamed up with parkrun again this such as reducing oestrogen levels, helping that the new Irish Cancer Prevention Network
year for World Cancer Day. It was one of the the body to use insulin more effectively and was launched in tandem with the parkrun
biggest parkruns to date with over 10,000 reducing inflammation – all of which have activities for World Cancer Day. There is
runners taking part. been linked to cancer developing. an increasing focus on the importance of
More people are living with and beyond Dr Abigail Collins, Public Health Consultant, physical activity and exercise in reducing
cancer than ever before in part due to earlier HSE National Cancer Control Programme our risk of cancer and improving our overall
detection and better treatments for several said, “the serious impact of cancer on the health. Parkrun is a fun way of getting your
cancers. Exercise during and after cancer lives of thousands of Irish men and women exercise in, so join in every Saturday morning
treatment has been shown to be safe, means we must identify opportunities to and start making those small changes that
improve quality of life, muscular and aerobic reduce the risk of the disease and support can have a big difference to your overall
fitness and cancer related fatigue. those affected by cancer. Partnering with health and wellbeing.”
Being overweight and not doing enough parkrun on this initiative was a great Find more information and a full list of
exercise is quickly becoming the second opportunity to spread the message that parkrun locations at www.parkrun.ie
ABOVE: From left to right, Dr Triona McCarthy, National Cancer Control Programme; Mary Egan; Eoghan O’Sullivan, Breakthrough Cancer Research; Kevin
O’Hagan, Cancer Prevention Manager, Irish Cancer Society; Áine Lyng, Cancer Prevention Officer, National Cancer Control Programme; Helen Forristal, Director
of Nursing Services, Marie Keating Foundation; Liz Yeates, CEO, Marie Keating Foundation; Ed McGrane, parkrun; and Maeve Kelly at Porterstown park run
to mark World Cancer Day. TOP OF PAGE: In attendance at the Porterstown Parkrun in Dublin are cancer survivors Mary Egan, left, and Maeve Kelly. Photo by
Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile.
2019 spring health matters 
You
Section
Sh orter wa it times fo r pa tients
Nursing team leads from
Advanced Nurse
Practitioner (ANP) role
enhancing patient care
nurse-led initiative has been
A
helping to eliminate lengthy
delays for many patients waiting
on medical assessment and
treatment.
The Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU)
in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda has
introduced a service led by Registered Advance
Nursing Practitioner Karen Carragher. The aim
of this service is to divert patients with lower
acuity medical illnesses from the queue waiting on assessment by the medical colleagues. This provide an appropriate management plan to
on medical assessment and to expedite unwell improves efficiency for the more acutely unwell meet the long-term health needs for patients.
medical patients to first line interventions service users.” This patient’s journey would most definitely
on the busy emergency floor. Karen and two Karen said that the patient experience times are have involved a lengthy wait behind the more
Advanced Nurse Practitioner Candidates, Mary averaging between three-and-a-half to four-and- acuity unwell if presenting at the Emergency
Savage and Anthony Dillon, with the support of a-half hours between check-in and discharge. Department. “Patients with lower acuity needs
an on-site medical team and consultants, can On average 85-89pc of patients managed by the after triage can often face long waits in the ED
triage, diagnose and come up with a treatment ANP team are discharged home on the same day. because they would often be at the back of the
plan towards hospital discharge or admission for She explained how the organisation and delivery queue while more serious cases are seen first,”
those less critical patients in a timely fashion. of the AMAU services allows for such quick said Karen.
“This is a new approach to service delivery assessment and treatment. Karen has 20 years’ nursing experience in a
within the specialty of Acute Medicine which I clinically manage each patient’s assessment/ variety of nursing roles and grades, spending
is nurse-driven and nurse-led. It demonstrates diagnostic journey and discharge/admission the last 9 years working in the Acute Medical
that the nursing profession can provide the plans. As a Registered Nurse Prescriber Assessment Unit, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
frontline leadership required to enhance and I can prescribe and administer treatment “I had a line manager who had the vision for
improve service delivery to meet the needs of interventions as required. The ANP Acute the implementation of this role within our AMAU
the increased demand on healthcare services,” Medicine role and service is supported by the and she encouraged me to go down an education
explained Karen. consultancy and medical team here in keeping pathway towards advanced practice. I completed
Karen is one of four Registered Advanced with the recommendations from the National the Masters in Advanced Practice in 2017 and
Nurse Practitioners (RANP) in Acute Medicine Acute Medicine program. The consultant team I have a diploma in prescribing of medications
operating around the country. The three others are a constant supportive structure within our and radiation and there is a lot of continuous
are based in Dublin and 21 ANP candidates are AMAU and have provided endless supports professional development attached to this role; I
presently undergoing training in the specialty of during the developmental stages of this ANP am delighted to be operating in this new type of
Acute Medicine. service,” she said. role,” she said.
Advanced nursing and midwifery practitioner “Many patients like the reassurance of knowing
roles are developed around the country as a that their case has been looked over by a
direct response to population health needs and consultant so it is a major bonus to have them as
organisational requirements. a constant resource here on site.”
“While this service is clinically managed by a The ANP Acute Medicine service deals largely
RANP in Acute Medicine since July 2018, the with lower acuity patients with less complex
developmental journey evolved in 2014 just four medical conditions or medical history.
years after the unit first opened. Over this four- “For example, I assessed a lady this morning
year period, the ANP Acute Medicine service was and she was discharged in a couple of hours
shaped to streamline the journeys for certain having seen a medical consultant with a
patient cohorts, allowing for expedited patient provisional new diagnosis of asthma. This
experience times, expedited and improved access lady had bloods taken, had a chest x-ray,
to certain diagnostics and overall improving full respiratory assessment, was educated
patient flow within the AMAU,” she explained. in the correct use of inhaler technique, was
“This service has improved the overall commenced on a new medicine and was
efficiency of assessment for all service users. referred to the ANP lead respiratory clinic for
By streaming the lower acuity presentations follow up Pulmonary Function Testing. This is a
to the ANP service a reduced queue is waiting good example of how the service can efficiently
10 health matters spring 2019the front
By streaming
the lower acuity
presentations to the
ANP service a reduced
queue is waiting on
assessment by the
medical colleagues. to six hours, the patient would usually have all approximately 600 presentations a year. They
This improves efficiency their tests done and reported on. Phlebotomy is are generally a lower acuity patient group and
also done here by our nursing team so the patient ideal for being seen by an ANP. These patients
for the more acutely doesn’t have to leave the department to get their are followed-up by us in our virtual clinic. It is a
unwell service users bloods taken and we have an interdisciplinary hospital admission avoidance strategy and it is
approach to care. These are all quality initiatives working very well.”
A further two ANP candidates in Acute to enhance the patient journey. Lorraine Gray, CNM2, AMAU, highlighted the
Medicine are currently undertaking the training “I believe the AMAU services can help value of the service.
process. The implementation of these posts eliminate the revolving ED door scenario for a “This service provides a holistic rapid access
will further enhance service delivery with the cohort of medical patients living with chronic service for patients presenting with suspected
expansion of the RANP Acute Medicine services long term illness and this is generally the frail DVT and frees up doctor time to see the more
in the Drogheda AMAU. elderly population. We want to get these patients acutely unwell patients,” she said.
Access to the AMAU is through a referral from on the right path immediately, and empower Dr Mustafa Salem, the lead consultant physician
your GP or a referral from the ED. We also see people to manage their own health and put a in the AMAU, praised Karen and her team for “an
patients referred from outpatients who require long-term plan in place to keep them healthy incredible contribution to the service.”
urgent medical assessment and management. and out of hospital.” One service user was moved to write a letter
The AMAU Team could see up to 50 patients As well as managing acute patient to Karen and her team, praising them as “a great
on a busy day, averaging between 20 to 40 presentations to the AMAU, the ANP Acute example of professionalism, excellence, kindness
assessments daily in the 12-bed unit. Medicine service is also managing the and an empathy with the patient that could not
“When a patient presents, they are triaged DVT (deep vein thrombosis) VTE (venous be surpassed”.
within minutes by the AMAU nursing team who thromboembolism) ambulatory care pathway “I count myself privileged to have been treated
identify if they are to be seen by the ANP or a and providing virtual clinic follow-up services. by a team of such wonderful, caring, kind and
higher risk patient to be seen by the medical “These strategies are providing improved efficient people,” she wrote.
service. In the rapid assessment room, a plan efficiency, avoidance attendance to outpatient
is put in place early by our skilled and highly clinics, enhancing patient safety through virtual
competent nursing team to expedite the journey clinic reviews and telephone communication and CLOCKWISE: The consultants, from left to right: Dr
for the patient,” explained Karen. preventing hospital admissions. These services Justin Low; Dr Mustafa Salem, Clinical Lead, AMAU;
Dr Carlos Baeta; and Dr Ricardo Bagina.
“We have access to same-day diagnostics are enhancing quality for patients and are still in
The Multidisciplinary Team AMAU.
such as ultrasounds and CTs, as well as some the early stages of development,” said Karen. The ANPs, from left to right: Karen Carragher,
cardiology investigative procedures. Within four “The DVT VTE service would have Anthony Dillon and Mary Savage.
2019 spring health matters 11You
Section
Sm all thi ngs can
make a big difference to
those living with dementia
was diagnosed with dementia
“I
in the early 80s. I was quite
young and neither I, nor I think
anybody else at the time had
a good understanding of what
dementia was.
“I received the diagnosis late, after having
lived through years with what I now know
are symptoms of forms of dementia, such
as forgetfulness, depression, confusion,
difficulties gathering my thoughts. When I
couldn’t remember things that once were
familiar to me, it seemed like I was losing my
mind. I didn’t voice this to anyone. How could
I ask for understanding, if I didn’t understand
it myself?”
The lives of approximately 500.000 people
in Ireland have been affected by dementia,
and though we have a better understanding
of what dementia is and how it can affect the
person, many people with dementia still feel
stigmatised, isolated and lonely. Dementia
represents many challenges: it interferes with
cognitive function and performing activities of
daily living. This may cause individuals to feel
a sense of loss in terms of their independence, often beyond their control, with the words involves individuals, businesses and service
a disruption to their sense of self and a fear to “The world shrinks”. providers, voluntary groups, healthcare
engage with others. Dementia: Understand Together aims professionals, local councils to have an
There are a number of known risk factors to tackle stigma and isolation by raising understanding of dementia and to take steps
for dementia, but evidence shows that social awareness for dementia and by creating a to support people to stay engaged within their
isolation is linked to increased risk and the social movement where people all around the communities if they choose to do so.
lack of social integration may contribute to country are inspired to take actions to make Essentially, people in communities make
cognitive decline in older age. In addition their communities dementia-inclusive. a promise through words and actions to
caregivers have described their experience of Building a dementia-inclusive community understand, respect and support people with
loneliness caused by a range of circumstances takes commitment, collaboration and time. It dementia and their families.
Ask how you See the person, Stay in
can help not the dementia touch
12 health matters spring 2019The best way to Local Community Champions in action
understand and Over 70 Community Champions from 20
to know which different counties came together in October to
actions will make a explore actions they could take. Many of them
difference is to listen have already got started and are making changes
in their local communities and linking with
to the words of a businesses, services and community groups.
person with dementia Ursula Paine, former Nurse Manager of
CAMEO CARE and Hospital of the Assumption,
A good thing that actually shares her experience of getting started.
happened one Sunday, I went “On our journey home from the Community
down to my local pub to watch a hurling Champion event, my colleagues Jennifer,
match and one of the lads in the pub - I Margaret and I made a plan. We decided to start
just know him in passing - but he just a monthly Memory Café to raise awareness and
came over and he said to me, he put his give people with dementia, families and carers
two hands up on my two hands, and he a setting where they can get advice, chat and
said “Are you okay?” and I said, “I am have fun together. So far we have had lots of
having a bit of a rough morning,” He said, attention and interest. We chose a relaxed and a note in her file, so that everyone is aware and
“Do you want to go home?” I said, “Look. lovely setting in the ‘Bookworm’ which makes can assist her when needed,” said Helen.
I will finish my pint and we will see.” That a big difference. The owner John is a great Teacher Roisin said, “In just four months, our
for me is savage comfort. You see, when supporter too”. transition year students have taken a concept
people that know you and know what’s Robert, whose father has dementia, explained and run with it. Fundraising for MP3 players
wrong with you are around you, then you the value of community involvement. and creating personalised playlists for elders
are never alone. Being alone is the “The many postmasters and mistresses who living with dementia in our community has
problem.” are at the heart of the community know their taught the students compassion, empathy
- Kevin customers well. For some people, their cheerful and the gift of giving. We are blessed
greeting may be the only contact they have with fantastic, inspiring dedicated and
I lost a few friends when I got on a given day, and the routine call-ins mean compassionate young men and these students
diagnosed. It’s quite common that. more than can be expressed. For example, my are literally changing lives in all they do.”
I don’t know whether it’s fear or because father’s postman Mark knows that my dad has These are just some of the many stories
they don’t know how to speak to you. They dementia and because of this, always keeps an and acts of kindness happening around the
would have a normal conversation with me extra eye out for him. He knows how important country. If we can inspire everyone in our
before they knew, and then they found out his letters and parcels are for him and makes community to have a better understanding
and avoided me like the plague. But when sure that they are given to him personally, so of dementia and take one small step to be
I told my best friend, she was really upset that he is aware of their arrival.” supportive and inclusive, we will have gone a
for me and she thought to herself ‘what Librarian Helen shared a simple but big step forward together.
can I do for Pam?’ And she just thought, important example of how being aware and For more information about the Dementia:
well I’ll just be a friend, just like I always looking at how you can support someone Understand Together campaign visit
am. And that’s all I want. Just to be the makes all the difference understandtogether.ie
same as she’s always been with me. And “One of our library clients came up to me and If you are interested in getting involved and
she’s great, she just makes you told me that she had dementia and sometimes joining the community of champions, contact
laugh, she’s really funny. had difficulty remembering things. We looked at Fiona Foley, National Coordinator, at Fiona.
- Pamela how we could support her and decided to make foley1@hse.ie or 086-7714892
Make sure your Support the person
Talk about
service or space to keep up hobbies
dementia is easy to use and interests
2019 spring health matters 13You
Section
Men ta l Heal th Engage ment
Liam leaves role after
three productive years
ental Health Engagement either personal or family member experience of reaches a readership of about 5,000,” said Liam.
M
is about giving a real voice to mental health difficulties. I was very fortunate “And our efforts so far have been recognised
service users and their families and privileged – as a long term service user – to at the Health Excellence Award where Mental
and carers in how our mental be appointed to that post,” said Liam. Health Engagement grabbed a Certificate of
health services are designed, “In my work, I have always tried to apply Appreciation! It’s always nice to get a gong
delivered, monitored and evaluated. the principles of kindness, fair and respectful for its symbolic value as it means a lot to
That’s the verdict of the HSE’s first ever Head dealing, teamwork and a good dose of humour. those involved.”
of Mental Health Engagement Liam Hennessy, I hope I have managed to achieve that in Mental The outgoing Head said it was important to be
who is retiring after three years. Health Engagement.” open about the fact there were challenges and
“Its purpose is to ensure that the voice is not The recommendations also proposed the that there was a lot of learning by doing.
only heard but listened to and acted on – a two- setting up of local forums for Mental Health “There were two big challenges that we had
way dialogue, if you like, much more than just Engagement in all the HSE’s Community to deal with. First, there was the capacity of
consultation,” said Liam. Healthcare Organisations (CHOs) with service users and their supporters to make
He explained that Mental Health Engagement direct links to local mental health services the forums work – especially in some parts of
evolved from a report prepared for the HSE management to relay their concerns and ideas the country where there had been no previous
Mental Health Services by a group of service and have them responded to. The development work of this kind done. Second, some local
users and their families and carers on how of these forums has been led by nine Area management teams might have found it difficult
the views of those who use the services and Leads for Mental Health Engagement, all of to buy into the process, at least at first. Happily,
their supporters could be taken into account to whom have lived experience of mental health these challenges have been overcome as
improve the services. Significantly, that report difficulties, either personally or in their families, time goes on. For example, we have now put
was called Partnership for Change and was and there are now 35 forums in place. in place a training programme about Mental
accepted in full by the HSE. “Clearly, the fact that we now have 35 forums Health Engagement for service users, family
Mental Health Engagement has been putting in place has to be seen as a success in itself. members, supporters and service providers and
the main recommendations into place across And as time elapses, these are growing in managers,” said Liam.
the country since early 2016. confidence and developing their capacity to He said he remains positive about the future
“One of those recommendations was that the engage with local management about issues of the role.
National Office for Mental Health Engagement of concern to them about local services. And “You won’t be surprised to hear me say that
should be led by a Head who had to have had local management are responding too - in some I believe it will go from strength to strength,
cases formally consulting with the Forums particularly now that my successor will
about proposed service development, a real have responsibility for both Mental Health
In my work, example of partnership,” he said. Engagement and Recovery. This amalgamation
I have always At the national level too, as a result of the of the two initiatives was probably long overdue
work of Mental Health Engagement, things have and I have no doubt that the synergies which
tried to apply the been moving ahead, Liam noted. will come from this will be to the benefit of both
principles of kindness, “We had a very successful national Mental
Health Engagement Day for service users,
strands as they are essentially two sides of the
same coin,” he added.
fair and respectful families, carers and service providers and where
dealing, teamwork and we launched our Mental Health Services: Family,
Carer and Supporter Guide. And we now have TOP OF PAGE: Liam Hennessy with his team and
a good dose of humour our quarterly eNewsletter, Caidreamh, which Area Leads for Mental Health Engagement.
14 health matters spring 2019Ti ppera ry OT head s to Colom bia
Volunteer trip helps
Geraldine explore new skills
olunteering in Columbia
V
proved a humbling experience
for one Irish healthcare
worker who gave her time
and medical expertise to help
many of the marginalised people of the
South American country.
Geraldine Shiels has been working as a
paediatric occupational therapist since 2015,
having graduated with a Masters from the
University of Limerick. It was during her
studies that she decided that she wanted to
volunteer abroad.
“During one of my occupational therapy Geraldine, third from the left, with the Abuelitas, staff and volunteers.
college placements, I worked with various
community populations in a non-traditional governments, crime syndicates, armed forces are affectionately called ‘Abuelitas’
occupational therapy setting which allowed and illegal drugs trade which began in the (grandmothers), do not have a family or have
me experience a broader approach to mid-1960s.This conflict has caused the been left by their families who cannot afford to
occupational therapy practice. This experience, internal displacement of families throughout look after them anymore.
along with my aspirations from my teenage the country. “As a paediatric occupational therapist,
years to volunteer abroad, motivated me “During my placement, I stayed in working with an older population challenged
to seek a volunteering role. My aim was to accommodation in the south district of Bogotá me to adapt my skills, for example grading
experience a different culture, to work with with approximately 12 other volunteers from activities such as salsa dancing lessons so that
people living in marginalised conditions, to various countries. Emerging Voices provides those with medical conditions and reduced
explore how occupational therapy could be placements for their volunteers with various mobility could participate. I spent the majority
implemented within a wider context, and local organisations in Bogotá. The projects run of my time volunteering with the Abuelitas
challenge myself to develop and learn new by these organisations aim to help to the poor which enabled me to learn about their lives,
skills,” Geraldine explained. and assist vulnerable groups,” said Geraldine. their transition to Santa Rosa, and their
She began the process by registering with She volunteered at an orphanage, which current participation within the community.
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) agency. IVHQ provides a home and childcare to over 100 Their stories provide an insight into how they
works with independent local organisations orphan babies, toddlers, children and preteens; overcame occupational deprivation which
to receive volunteers, facilitate project at two homes for boys aged between six and 17 challenged their physical and mental health to
placements, and provide accommodation who would otherwise be living on the streets; regain the capacity to construct new lives for
throughout the duration of the programmes. and, finally, at a home for elderly ladies. themselves,” said Geraldine.
“I chose to volunteer in Colombia as it “In the orphanage, education programmes She said the whole experience was extremely
provided a range of placements which and learning through play and activities positive for her.
interested me. In addition, I have a number are provided to support the learning and “It provided me with a wonderful opportunity
of South American friends living in Ireland. development of each child. In addition, to travel and meet many people, to challenge
Their insights into South American social, the children have access to healthcare myself to communicate with limited Spanish,
cultural, economic and political aspects of life services such as medical, nursing, dietetics, and draw on my occupation therapy skills in
piqued my interest in pursuing a volunteering physiotherapy, and psychology. There I different contexts working with a range of
placement there. My application was volunteered in one of the toddler rooms people from toddlers, teenagers and older
successful and I was approved to volunteer facilitating play, education, and feeding people. Each volunteer was made to feel
with Emerging Voices, a non-profit organisation activities,” she said. welcomed by staff and service users on a daily
founded in 2007 and based in Bogotá,” she said. She explained that in the boys’ homes, many basis,” she said.
“The planning and preparation work from have experienced family home breakdown, “It was enlightening to see the
my volunteering trip took approximately three desertion by caregivers, homelessness, resourcefulness of the Abuelitas in making
months. I fundraised through coffee mornings, substance abuse, physical abuse and self- their home in Santa Rosa, and forging new
raffles, Irish traditional music sessions, and harm. They are given access to a range of connections through meaningful work and
sponsorships from local businesses. In addition, healthcare services such as psychology, leisure roles and participating in community
travelling to South America required me to be social work, and dietetics in addition to life. The dignity of the Abuelitas and their
immunised against a range of diseases and attending education programmes. She gratefulness to each volunteer for spending
complete online IVHQ training. I undertook to facilitated educational programmes through time with them, and completing activities
learn basic Spanish to help me communicate.” English and leisure activities with teenage of daily living and leisure activities, struck a
Colombia today is trying to rid itself from its boys in the two homes. chord with me. It was a humbling experience to
troubled history of internal conflicts between Many of the elderly ladies, who receive their heartfelt thanks and good wishes.”
2019 spring health matters 15You
Section
Leading the ch ange
Values in Action meets
alues in Action closed Values in Action Mid West
Change will not
V
2018 with a gathering of It’s awards season in the film industry and
Values in Action project team happen without the also in UL Hospitals Group. Staff are our
members and friends from
UL Hospitals Group, HSE Mid
engagement of clinicians, greatest asset and the UL Hospital’s Group
Staff Recognition Awards took place in
West Community Healthcare, Community the wider health workforce, early February. Each nomination provided
Healthcare Organisation Dublin North City &
County, the Centre and Sláintecare.
service users, service evidence or examples of living the Values in
Action behaviours.
Sláintecare is a 10-year programme to providers, the people of Ann O’Reilly, a Values in Action Champion,
transform our health and social care services.
It’s about working together and our shared
Ireland and everyone else was nominated for the Unsung Hero this
year. Ann embodies the spirit of the Values
commitment to the best healthcare we can who engages with our health in Action.
provide for the Irish people. Sláintecare is a
large-scale programme of reform which will
and social care services
require a coalition across the health sector to
succeed. Change will not happen without the She emphasised that the changes that were
engagement of clinicians, the wider health necessary to build a better health service for
workforce, service users, service providers, the us all could only be delivered through and with
people of Ireland and everyone else who engages the people who lead our services on a day to
with our health and social care services. day basis. Sláintecare and Values in Action are
Values in Action is mobilising staff and committed to fostering a culture in the Health
empowering them to lead the changes that service that is supported by a platform of local
we need to truly build a better health service, leaders who shape and guide the future of our
and to develop a culture where our values are health services through the behaviours they
a way of life for us all, and a visible part of our demonstrate and the values they uphold.
everyday actions. Minister for Health Simon Harris endorsed
Laura Magahy, Executive Director of the work of Values in Action, and outlined how
Sláintecare, acknowledged the enormous engagement and communication with the public
progress made by Values in Action in a short and health sector workers will be embedded in
space of time. She highlighted the need for Sláintecare. This will ensure that the voice of our
other strategies and plans to address the many stakeholders is always to the fore and informs Colette Cowan, CEO, ULHG, and Ann O’Reilly at
challenges we face in the Health Service. everything we do. the ULHG Staff Recognition Awards last month.
Mid West Values in Action Project Team members: Breda Duggan; Laura Magahy, Executive Director, Slaintecare; Michelle Ryan and Elaine Connolly.
16 health matters spring 2019Sláintecare
Community Healthcare Mobiliser Day
Organisation Dublin North Community Healthcare Organisation
City & County 2019 Intentions Dublin North City & County ran their
Did you make a New 3rd Mobiliser Day on January, 31st.
Year’s resolution? The mobilisers support groups of
Values in Action in Champions’. The energy and vibe in the
Dublin North City and room created a great atmosphere. Mary
County Community Walshe the Chief Officer popped in to say
Health Organisation took hello and congratulated the mobilisers
a different approach. on the worthwhile work they are doing to
They asked Champions’ Dr Michael Drumm. build a better culture.
to share their intentions
for 2019. The result? A video featuring
Champions’ stories and intentions for 2019.
Oonagh Conlon talked about an increase
in staff morale on her ward after Values in
Action had been introduced. Esther Irwin FURTHER INFORMATION
described how her colleagues are now putting
info.valuesinaction@hse.ie
themselves in other people shoes. Marie
@HSEvalues
O’Sullivan’s intention for 2019 is to encourage #weareourvalues
her HR colleagues to challenge toxic attitudes www.hse.ie/valuesinaction
and behaviours.
Values in Action in St Ita’s Hospital, Dublin
St Ita’s Hospital, Portrane, Co Dublin has approximately 1,000 staff working on the campus. That’s
about one third of the staff population of Community Healthcare Organisation Dublin North City &
County. Champions’ ran two Values in Action information sessions for their colleagues.
It was standing room only. There is a Bootcamp coming up in April and we hope to see some new
Values in Action Champions’ from St Ita’s Hospital.
St Ita’s Hospital Staff
Am I putting myself in other people’s shoes?
Just a little thank you note to the staff of St. the meeting on my personal phone.
Joseph’s, Mulgrave Street, Limerick. In the midst of my distress, I met two HSE staff
I work in an outside organisation and I arrived in members who couldn’t have been more helpful.
St. Josephs for a meeting last Tuesday. They helped me contact attendees at the meeting
I was running late and then realised that I had and one went above and beyond and even offered
forgotten that the meeting had been moved to to drive me to Catherine Street for my meeting.
Catherine Street. At this stage I was really late, It’s lovely to meet warm and helpful people. It
feeling stressed, my work phone was dead and I made my stressful mistake easier to accept.
didn’t have a contact number for anyone attending Thank you.
2019 spring health matters 17You
Section
Heal th Servi ce Excellence Aw ards
Innovative projects
highlight efforts of staff
total of 322 projects from all
A
over the country entered the
2018 Health Service Excellence
Awards, which are open to all
staff working in the publicly
funded health system. Six innovative projects
got through to the final shortlist after a rigorous
selection process. These projects highlight how
many HSE staff are working to deliver better
health services with easier access and higher-
quality care for patients.
The winners were announced at an awards
ceremony at Farmleigh in Dublin’s Phoenix Park,
last December.
“The awards aim to highlight the many
achievements that take place across a range of
staff groups and teams, services and locations,
so that we can celebrate success and promote
shared learning for the benefit of other services,”
The awards aim
said Rosarii Mannion, National Director, HR. to highlight the
Verotoxigenic E.coli (VTEC) is a bacteria that
many achievements
can cause potentially life threatening illness. It is that take place across
transmitted through contaminated food or water,
contact with infected animals, from contaminated
a range of staff groups
environments or from person to person. and teams, services
New cutting-edge technology introduced in
2018 into the VTEC reference laboratory at the
and locations
Public Health Laboratory (PHL), Cherry Orchard
Hospital, has significantly improved its capacity
to identify potential disease outbreaks and
resulted in substantial cost savings. In less than two years, the PHNs in stepped-care, low intensity interventions in a
The PHL introduced whole genome sequencing Waterford referred 315 pre-school children primary care setting for adults with mild-to-
(WGS) to its National Reference Laboratory to the dental service. moderate mental health presentations.
(NRL) service to protect the public from illness The goal of this project is to improve the Building upon a three-year pilot of a
caused by VTEC. WGS improves outbreak dental health of young children and reduce predominantly one-to-one Cognitive Behaviour
investigation which contributes significantly to the demand for dental extractions under Therapy-based service, APSI was launched in
risk reduction strategies for this pathogen by general anaesthesia. October 2012 as a fully-funded HSE primary
facilitating early detection of potential outbreaks, This involves a multidisciplinary approach. care service.
and allowing faster public health interventions. The Public Health Nurse department and Since then, APSI has provided evidence-
dental services of Waterford have worked based psychological treatments to the adults
The National Sepsis Programme succeeded in collaboratively on this project since 2016 in Co Roscommon. With six bases throughout
reducing sepsis mortality by 22.2pc over a four This early intervention initiative can produce the county, the service is highly accessible
year period and there was a 28pc decrease in the lifelong benefit to clients and significant savings accepting professional and self-referrals.
average length of stay for patients. for the HSE. As such early intervention offers
Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition the potential to improve children’s oral and Homeless people are among the most
triggered by infection that affects the function general health, their quality of life and wellbeing marginalised in society and they have among
of the organs. It is treated most effectively if and reduce the burden on the health services. the highest health care needs. The Safetynet
recognised early. This is an additional service to pre-school Homeless Primary Care Team is funded by
The sepsis programme is the implementation children only in the Waterford Community HSE Social Inclusion. Safetynet Primary Care
arm of National Clinical Guideline No 6: Sepsis Services area. Tooth decay is a major public is a medical charity.
Management. The aims of the programme are health problem for children and it is the most Nine fully equipped GP and nurse clinics
to decrease mortality, acuity and length of stay common chronic disease of childhood. are provided weekly in homeless hostels and
in patients with sepsis. services providing care to approximately 500
Sepsis recognition improved by 67pc between Based in Co Roscommon, Access to homeless people monthly. Health problems
2015 and 2016 and by a further 15pc by 2017. Psychology Services Ireland (APSI) provides encountered frequently include respiratory
18 health matters spring 2019difficulties, mental illness, addiction and
chronic and acute illness. The model includes
open access clinics for others stigmatised in
society without access to health care including
drug users and migrants without means.
St James Hospital, the Mater Misericordiae
University Hospital, HSE mental health teams,
and homeless charities meet weekly with
the Safetynet Homeless Primary Care team
to coordinate care for people experiencing
homelessness.
Ireland East Hospital Group (IEHG)
facilitated, promoted and supported the CLOCKWISE: Excellence in Quality Care Award went to ‘The Sepsis Programme – a quality improvement
Regional Hospital Mullingar to introduce a initiative’. Supporting a Healthy Community Award went to ‘Inclusion Health – A Primary Care Team
Frailty Intervention Team (MFIT) for patients with a difference’. The Innovation in Services Delivery Award went to ‘A new national Laboratory Service,
introduced in 2018, dramatically improves outbreak investigation and Public Health outcomes’.
aged over 75 years attending their Emergency Championing Mental Health across our Health Services Award went to ‘Access to Psychological Services
Department. Ireland (APSI)’. Improving our Childrens’ Health Award went to ‘Public Health Nurse Oral Health Early
At triage patients are screened for frailty Intervention Initiative’
and if found to be frail a Comprehensive
Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is completed before and after the introduction of MFIT has across the IEHG.
and appropriate priority referrals are made to enabled the team to design a programme to Congratulations to the six overall winners in
Health and Social Care Professionals in the meet the needs of their frail older patients their categories.
hospital and in the community. attending the Regional Hospital Mullingar. The Full details of the shortlisted projects can be
Feedback from patients and staff both programme has supported shared learning found at: www.hse.ie/excellenceawards
2019 spring health matters 19You can also read
