Guide Dog Eases Hospice-Friendly Pulmonary Daily Commute Hospitals Outreach Pilot

How physiotherapist Micheál Initiative to embed hospice New rural service making Gannon’s best friend helps principles in everyday an impact in Longford/ get him to work on time p7 hospital practice p9 Westmeath p22

Volume3 Issue2 Summer2007

HealthNationalm Staff Newsletterat of thet Healthe Servicer Executives Review Highlights Need to Boost Community-Based Services

n independent review of The survey was carried out in 37 HSE Director for Strategic Planning in the how the HSE uses its acute hospitals across the country. A total HSE’s Population Health, who oversaw A hospital beds has found of 3,035 acute medical and surgical the survey, said results showed that that 13 per cent of patients were inpatient patients were randomly the most important factor influencing unnecessarily admitted to hospital sampled out of a patient population whether a patient is appropriately (up to 34 per cent in some hospitals). of 8,322. placed is not the complexity of their It also found that 75 per cent The findings will enable the HSE condition but the way local health of elective surgery patients were to improve hospital efficiencies by systems are organised. “A broad range admitted to an acute bed earlier focusing on providing alternatives of community and home-based care than necessary. to admissions, where they are not options are needed to ensure patients In relation to patients who were essential, and develop facilities are placed in the most appropriate receiving inpatient care, the review and practices that can speed up setting,” she said. found that on the day they were discharges. PA Consulting Group (PA) and surveyed, 39 per cent (up to 59 per cent The survey was carried out using the the Balance of Care Group (BOC) in some hospitals) could have received Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol undertook the review and it is now their treatment in an alternative, non- (AEP), a method originally developed available to download at www.hse.ie. acute setting, if appropriate alternatives in the US but widely used in Europe. were available. Dr Marie Laffoy, Assistant National see also p5 Physiotherapists Deliver Vital Message to 20,000 Children

hysiotherapists have launched a campaign to SKIP AND JUMP AWAY, focused on the need for children highlight the need for young children to be as to participate in daily weight-bearing exercise, such as P active as possible, and in particular, to take plenty running, dancing and gymnastics, where their weight is of weight-bearing exercise. carried through their hands or feet. Strengthening bones Weight-bearing exercise is essential in the development at an early age will maximise bone strength and help to of healthy bones and for long-term bone health. Well- prevent of osteoporosis later on in life.” known sports personalities such as international rugby As part of the nationwide campaign, chartered players Brian O’Driscoll, Shane Horgan, Girvan Dempsey physiotherapists contacted schools and offered to visit and Keith Gleeson and Dublin footballer Paul Griffin and speak with children about bone health. Early figures supported the chartered physiotherapists with their estimate that this vital message was delivered to over campaign. 20,000 children. Elaine Barker, Chartered Physiotherapist said: “Each year “Research shows that active children build stronger and the ISCP organise a MOVE 4 HEALTH campaign aiming to healthier bones than inactive. Although the majority of (L to R): Girvan Dempsey, Shane Horgan, Brian O’Driscoll and Keith Gleeson with promote the role of exercise as an essential part of daily bone strength is laid down in childhood, weight-bearing Nicola O’Reilly (7), Dublin living. This year’s initiative, HEALTHY BONES – A HOP, exercise is beneficial to all ages,” said Elaine. Easy Access - Public Confidence - Staff Pride Healthmatters

Message Di ary dates

from the 7th July The 21st international First Aid Editor Convention in Europe (FACE) Competition between more than 25 European nations in lifesaving First Aid skills, hosted by the Irish Red Cross. Welcome to the summer edition of Health Matters. The last few months have been a very busy period Venue: University of Limerick for people working in the health services and in 8am - 5.00pm. this edition we highlight a number of important (L to R): Kim Hayes, HR Shared Services, Dr. Steevens’ Hospital, Martin McDonald, recent initiatives. National Director of HR, Patricia Power, Area Business Manager, Tullamore, Michele Shuttle buses will be available to take Our main story concentrates on the findings of Tait, HEP C Liaison Officer, Stewarts Hospital, Deirdre Kelly and Anita Whyte, families and supporters from Limerick City Recruitment Services Managers, Dr. Steevens’ Hospital and Fiona O’Connell, a review of acute hospital bed use. There is more Consultative Council for HEP C (Secretary) to the University of Limerick. The event is information on the review and its implications free and everyone is welcome to attend. on page 5. For further details, visit www.face2007.org Our centre pages provide an insight into the way the HSE’s Transformation Programme is making a difference in our Primary Care and Continuing Care 27th September Directorate (PCCC). We look at how Primary Care HSE Scoops Evidence-based Mental Health Teams and Networks operate and how they facilitate Practice Inter-Agency Working better access to services for both patients and clients. Second Annual Conference hosted by On the page opposite you will see an article the National Forensic Psychiatric Service, about a major HSE information campaign on the Top Award for Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum topic of parenting and why it is important to listen to our children. The aim is to remind parents and Venue: Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2 communities that one of the best ways to protect For further details contact: Shobha Rani, children and build strong family relationships is to Clinical Placement Co-ordinator, Central encourage communication between children and Advertising! Mental Hospital, Dundrum. adults. The campaign is entitled Parents who listen, protect, and is supported by the Irish Society for the he HSE was recently presented now wider sources of demand for high Tel: 01 215 7543 Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Barnardos and the with the top award in the calibre candidates of all disciplines, Email: [email protected] Irish Youth Council. T Irish Independent Excellence making creative recruitment On page 4 we provide information about the Clean in Recruitment Awards (ERA), advertising vital to attract applicants. Neonatal and Paediatric Conference Your Hands - Say No to Infection campaign, launched Medical Category. Now in its 15th Competitors for this award HSE Dublin North East, Our Lady of in March. A National Infection Control Steering consecutive year, the ERA awards set came from a range of public and Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Co. Louth Group is now leading the effort to reduce Healthcare out to acknowledge and commend private healthcare providers. The Nurturing Development in Neonatal and Associated Infection (HCAI) levels. Ireland’s most creative and innovative HSE is delighted to have been the Paediatric Nursing There are also articles about the Hospice-Friendly recruitment advertising. In this overall winner of this award as it Hospitals programme, the importance of evidence- positive economic climate, attracting is an external endorsement of its Venue: City North Hotel, Gormanston, based healthcare, the issue of accessibility and the and recruiting the best candidates ongoing commitment to excellence Co. Meath Disability Act, and how the National Physical and is a relentless challenge for human in recruitment, which begins at the Sensory Disability Database (NPSDD) is providing resource professionals. There are advertisement stage. Email enquiries: [email protected] data about those receiving or requiring specialised or [email protected] services for their disability. There is also lots of news from each of the four HSE HSE Libraries Online win areas to keep you up-to-date with the happenings 24th October in various parts of the country. I hope you find this Best Health eGovernment Conference on the Application of the edition interesting and informative. As always your Marte Meo Method in Family Work comments, suggestions and ideas are welcome. from Birth to Old Age Contributions can be sent to [email protected] Award for 2007 The deadline for the next edition is July 31st. Venue: The Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, 9.00am – 3.00pm

Public Health Nursing in Meath LHO/ NMPDU and the Marte Meo Project in Dublin North Central LHO are hosting Stephen McGrath – Editor the Conference. Head of Internal Communications Email: [email protected] While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information published in Health Matters, the Health Service Executive accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions contained herein. Also note that inclusion of an article in Health Matters does not necessarily imply endorsement of the article’s content, unless otherwise stated. Cosmetics

©2007 Health Service Executive. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, Information Day stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means Minister of State at the Departments of An Taoiseach and Defence, Tom Kitt TD, nvironmental Health Officers (EHOs) electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise without presents the Irish eGovernment Award, Health Sector, to regional librarians Nicola Fay, recently held an information day in Cork to prior permission of the publishers. Bennery Rickard, Tony Linnae, Jean Harrison, Brendan Leen, and Project Manager Aoife Lawton E share information and best practice on the Health Matters is published by Harmonia Ltd., Rosemount House, enforcement of the Cosmetic Products Regulations Dundrum Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14. he HSE Libraries Online website, www.hselibrary.ie, has won the Irish 2004. EHOs enforce this law by monitoring product Tel: 01 240 5300 Fax: 01 661 9757 eGovernment Award, Health Sector, for 2007. The site provides a variety sales and by analysis via the Public Analyst of services to HSE employees, including full text journals, nursing and Laboratory. In the recent past, unauthorised levels of ISSN: 1649-7996 T medical databases, and the Irish Health Publications Archive. Key criteria in substances found in skin creams and make-up has granting the award were the site’s efficiency, innovation and value for money. resulted in product seizures. p2 Healthmatters Summer2007 Healthmatters

HSE Achievement Awards 2007 Launched he HSE Achievement Awards are designed to > Quality and Safety Awards – a site-based award that recognise staff and locations that are providing promotes and gives recognition to sites that have T world-class services to our clients. implemented quality and safety to optimally enhance the services we deliver and the environment in which we work. This unique set of awards covers a range The Achievement Awards are sponsored by the Health Services of topics: National Partnership Forum. > Better Service Awards – for teams making a difference to Launch events are being held in each HSE area to showcase people’s lives by making a huge effort to turn around the projects that have won awards in the past and to encourage service, using innovative methods, enhancing support you to enter your service for an Achievement Award! services or contributing to the spread of good practice To find out about events in your area, or to enter the HSE > Better Place to Work Awards – creating a workplace Achievement Awards, you need to register an expression where employees are valued and developed, and where of interest by July 18th 2007. For more information or an employees are proud of the service they provide application form, visit www.hseachievementawards.ie Parents who Listen, Protect – New HSE Information Campaign on Parenting major information campaign that the child will tell someone, The campaign on parenting and why it is seek advice, and allow adults to help The campaign featured TV and A important to listen to children them if they experience any sort radio ads, showing a child who clearly was launched by the HSE in April. of bullying, risk or exploitation. A has something on his or her mind, but The aim of the campaign is to community that listens to children needs to be given an opportunity to remind parents and communities protects children. share their problem. The ad reminded that one of the best ways to protect parents to “Take time to listen to your children and build strong family Background children - they may have something relationships is good communication The campaign was conceived as important to say”. Every household between children and adults. The a recommendation of the Report in the country has received a copy campaign is entitled Parents who of the Ferns Inquiry in 2005. One of of the campaign handbook. This is a listen, protect and is supported by the recommendations outlined that practical guide for all adults – parents, the Irish Society for the Prevention a publicity campaign was required uncles and aunts, grandparents and of Cruelty to Children, Barnardos and to “assist parents in performing neighbours, outlining the importance the Irish Youth Council. their constitutional rights and duties of listening to and communicating Child protection means putting to safeguard their children”. A task with children and young people. It in place safeguards to keep children group of staff comprising child gives key contact details for additional safe throughout their childhood. It also protection, family support services HSE and other services. Response to means giving children every possible and communications reviewed the campaign has been tremendous, tool to maintain their own safety research into this area and with copies of the handbook being throughout their lives. examined a range of approaches requested in a range of different Creating a home and a community and objectives suitable for an languages from the HSE infoline by where children know they can find information campaign. Having a range of schools, pre-schools and someone who will listen represents taken on board the views and community groups nationwide. a major step in achieving that expertise of child protection protection. We can’t protect our staff nationwide, and reviewing Have your Say: children from all the ups and downs international research and We want to hear from people who of a normal childhood, but we can evidence, it was clear that supporting saw or heard the Parents who Listen, take one simple and powerful step parents in their role as primary protect advertisement, or who read by listening to them and making sure educators and protectors of children the handbook. Take five minutes to that they know they can trust and would be a powerful tool to drive a have your say about this campaign, confide in the adults in their lives. fresh approach to child protection in by visiting www.hseviews.ie before This will make it much more likely Ireland. August 1 2007.

Child protection means putting in place safeguards to keep children safe throughout “their childhood. It also means giving children every possible tool to maintain their own safety throughout their lives.

Summer2007 ” Healthmatters p3 Healthmatters Clean Your Hands - Say No to Infection he HSE launched its Clean Your healthcare associated infections by Hands - Say No to Infection 20 per cent, MRSA infections by 30 T campaign in March and per cent and antibiotic consumption announced that it had established a by 20 per cent. Tribute to National Infection Control Steering Eight Local Implementation Teams Group to take charge of reducing will support the steering group by Healthcare Associated Infection ensuring that all local facilities are Jim Kearney (HCAI) levels. focused on achieving national targets, he sudden death of Jim The public information campaign standards and protocols and by Kearney in April came as is designed to impart key messages reporting results back to the group. T a great shock to his many to the public to encourage essential This new focus, at a national and have any type of healthcare associated seeking to get across in the first part of colleagues and friends in the HSE. hygiene standards in all hospitals and local level, mirrors the successful infection and 99.5 per cent of people in our information campaign. In tandem, Jim began his career in the healthcare settings. approach adopted during the Winter hospital do not have MRSA. Healthcare we will be seeking to reduce and alter health services in 1983 and joined The campaign, which is also targeted Initiative Programme, which has infections have been around for antibiotic use, support the development central purchasing in 1990. His at healthcare professionals, will led to substantial reductions in the decades, rates of infection in Ireland of better infection control capabilities inimitable personality was immediately highlight that good hand hygiene is numbers of people and waiting times are relatively low compared with many and promote better local infection apparent – no one was safe from the single most effective way to reduce experienced in emergency departments other countries. control governance and performance his humour! the spread of healthcare associated for hospital admission. It is an example “What we need to do in healthcare management.” His tireless work with the Irish infections. of how a unified and very focused facilities, like hospitals and nursing Dr Doorley stressed that while Institute of Purchasing and Materials The Infection Control Steering Group approach can effect real change within homes where people are generally hospital hygiene is clearly important, Management (IIPMM) enabled him is chaired by Dr Pat Doorley, National the health service. more vulnerable, is limit the transfer of “evidence shows that hand hygiene to build a network of like-minded Director, Population Health, and is Dr Doorley emphasised: “Without infections from people who are carrying is the single most effective defence individuals throughout the country. responsible for reducing infection understating the importance of it harmlessly on their skin. against the spread of MRSA.” He also worked closely with the levels in Ireland’s healthcare facilities addressing these infections, it is “The single most effective way to stop The HSE has published a five-year NIGP, the USA’s version of the by reducing the spread of infection and important that we put this issue in this transfer is for everyone who passes action plan – Say No to Infection – IIPMM. Jim was the proud holder reducing and altering antibiotics usage. perspective and patients and their over the threshold of a healthcare which has been distributed to hospitals of many academic and professional Over the next three to five years families are not unduly alarmed. Ninety facility to clean their hands properly and and community facilities nationwide, certifications through his the steering group aims to reduce per cent of hospital patients do not regularly. This is the message we are and is available on www.hse.ie procurement work. He was a passionate supporter of Everton Football club and pioneered the establishment of the Irish Toffees supporters club, developing close links between members of the club Staff Briefed and Everton F.C. He was also involved with a local soccer team, Ballyoulster United, on Critical and was the driving force behind the Everton in Ireland initiative, which sees Everton working closely with Role in Ballyoulster United and offers soccer training and education to the local youth. Tributes to Jim have been Responding posted on the official Everton website and various supporters’ websites throughout Ireland and the UK. to Oireachtas We also remember Jim for the love and pride he had in his family. His wife Ann, sons Owen and Feidhlim Members’ and daughters Ellen and Roseanne are very much in our thoughts. We are diminished by his passing and will Requests miss him enormously. May he rest in peace. (L to R): Ann McKenna, Tallaght Hospital, Jacqueline McNulty and Orla O’Connor, National Hospitals Office

orkshops for senior managers and training and information sessions Subsequently, sessions were held for staff in Kells, Tullamore, Cork and Dublin for staff were held recently to increase awareness about the work throughout spring and were well attended. This provided a unique opportunity Clarification W of the HSE’s Parliamentary Affairs Division (PAD). The programmes for PAD to engage directly with colleagues nationally and use their contribution A few words of extra text were specifically designed for staff dealing with information requests from to improve the service. appeared underneath contact Oireachtas members on a regular basis. In 2006 PAD dealt with more than 3,500 Parliamentary Questions and over details for Breege Kelly at The purpose of the training was to raise awareness of the importance of the 4,000 Representations and provided briefing material in connection with the bottom of our article on information provided to Oireachtas members. It also highlighted the important hundreds of Dáil and Seanad debates. Providing a quality service to the Employee Wellbeing and role that staff play in ensuring the quality of the parliamentary process and to Oireachtas and assisting the CEO in discharging his accountability to the Welfare (Spring 2007 edition, share the experience of the PAD and Department of Health and Children. Oireachtas is a critical role for all HSE staff. page 32). This was due to a Initially, a workshop for senior managers was held to outline the current For more information or details on the parliamentary process contact Denise typographical error. system and to seek their input in how the quality of our service could be Melia, email: [email protected] for Parliamentary Questions or Shane enhanced to Members of the Oireachtas. Shannon, email: [email protected] for Representations. p4 Healthmatters Summer2007 Healthmatters

Patients presenting with multiple conditions: (Types and %) Key Review Findings: (a) Patient Profile Highlights Sixty-two per cent of patients were 65+. In addition, 52 per cent were on multiple medications. A high proportion had one or more co-morbidities on admission; Opportunities hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease being the main three. The majority of patients (76 per to Reduce cent) were admitted from their own home. The principal referral source was a GP (36 per cent) with 30 per Admissions cent self-referring. (b) AEP Review – Day of Admission At a national level, 13 per cent of patients were outside the AEP criteria and Speed-Up on admission. There was variation across the networks with the highest rates in the North East (19 per cent) Alternatives identified to admission for patients outside and the lowest rate in Dublin South (8 Discharges per cent). AEP on admission Intravenous therapy (medication national review of how the HSE uses its acute beds highlights the need or fluids) was the only AEP criterion to focus on strengthening non-acute healthcare services and improve met for 12 per cent of all surveyed. A hospital organisational factors that influence length of stay, bed Professional opinion suggests that occupancy and bed utilisation. many could receive such therapy It found that improving the planning and management of discharge and outside an acute location. patient review and assessment would maximise the utilisation of existing beds. It also highlighted the importance of access to non-acute beds and community Elective surgical patients supports for some patients who are ready for hospital discharge Of the elective surgery patients Detailed analysis of the review shows that the most important factor surveyed, 75 per cent were admitted to influencing appropriate placement of a patient is the system of care delivery hospital earlier than necessary and 31 rather than the patients themselves. per cent were both (a) admitted to the acute hospital earlier than necessary (timeliness criteria) and (b) could have Hospital AEP Results for Admission and Day Care had their surgery on an ambulatory basis if an alternative were available (location criteria). (c) AEP Review – Day of Care Thirty-nine per cent of patients It is not the complex nature of the patient condition or the fact that the patient is surveyed were outside the AEP criteria old or lives alone, but the way local health systems are configured to treat and and could have been treated in an care for that patient that results in admissions to, or inappropriate occupancy of, alternative setting, if appropriate an acute bed. alternatives were available. This varied across networks, ranging from 47 per Alternatives cent in the North East to 36 per cent in By far the most significant alternative to admission identified was access to Dublin North. assessment and diagnostics. This was followed by non-acute bed and therapy The key alternatives to acute care and GP visits in their own home. A range of options based at home featured identified were, in order of priority: consistently across the networks. > Access to assessment/diagnostics However, a definite capacity gap with regard to non-acute beds was identified, > Access to a non-acute bed with particularly in Dublin North and South. therapy support Consideration of this issue in light of international best practice confirms > Home-based patient care including the need to think about a varied spectrum of non-acute care, with a strong GP support, therapy, specialist focus on the ultimate return to independence of most patients, rather than nursing continuing to meet demand by increasing the volume of non-acute beds, which > Community nursing and home care is an unsustainable option. packages Discharge planning was in evidence Illness Prevention from the notes for 40 per cent of The review highlighted that the resource impact of chronic disease is high all patients surveyed. 17 per cent – these patients use over 60 per cent of hospital bed days. It is estimated that of patients had the predicted five per cent of patients, many with a complex chronic disease, account for 40 discharge date. per cent of bed days. Analysis of the factors affecting The growing volume of literature links prevalent multiple conditions, such as discharge for patients outside the heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension to a AEP criteria shows that 43 per cent handful of personal health behaviours. This emphasises the role of prevention in are linked to ongoing review and current medical practice. assessment by clinical staff. The emergent picture of the patient population – over 65, on multiple Of the 43 per cent awaiting review medications, and likely to have multiple conditions – underlines the importance or assessment, 61 per cent were of strategies to prevent illness and manage chronic disease, which in turn will waiting to see one or a number of promote independence and reduce demand for acute care. clinical staff.

Summer2007 Healthmatters p5 Dublin North East Healthmatters Healthmatters

Icelandic Visit to Local Health Office

Noel Mulvihill, Local Health Manager, Dublin North Central, with colleagues and Icelandic healthcare visitors group of healthcare professionals from a health centre in Gardabaer, Iceland, recently visited the Primary Care Team in Dublin North Central, A based in Ballymun. The Icelandic group consisted of four doctors, seven nurses and midwives, one social worker, six secretaries, one laboratory assistant and two nurse practitioners. The group had contacted the Dublin North Central team in order to find out about primary care developments in Dublin, maternity services, infant/childcare and general practice. The group were welcomed by Noel Mulvihill, Local Health Manager, who gave a presentation to the group. Presentations were also made by Phil Dunne, Primary Care Developments, Angela O’Malley, Child and Baby Service, Anne Fahey, Family Support Services, and Catherine O’Reilly, Home Support Services. A comprehensive discussion and comparison between health services in Dublin North Central and Gardabaer ensued and the meeting concluded with an (L to R): Maria McMahon and Marina Healy, Care Assistants, watch as Aileen Convery and Vimal Rajasekaran, Senior Community enthusiastic invitation for a return visit to Gardabaer! Physiotherapists, take clients through the hydrotherapy exercise programme Cavan Day Surgery Community Initiative Gets Award avan General Hospital recently held its annual Celebration Cof Nursing and Midwifery Physiotherapists Day. The event highlights and shares This gives initiatives that have improved patient care and developed quality care in patients the nursing and midwifery. This year the Elaine McCluskey “opportunity Make a Splash! Nursing Award, an annual bursary that is presented by the McCluskey family, to get welve clients with a chronic programme upon completion of the hydrotherapy club has also started was presented to the Day Surgery Ward illness recently benefited course for future independent use. for those who have completed the for its Multidisciplinary Pre-assessment information T from a pilot hydrotherapy Vimal Rajasekaran, Senior programme to return and exercise in Initiative. The award is given to the programme in north Dublin. Community Physiotherapist, carried the pool with the same equipment and initiative that has demonstrated the about their Fifteen arthritis patients, in ages out pre- and post-hydrotherapy their laminated exercise sheet.” best potential for improving healthcare ranging from 34-66 years, were assessments for each participant “Two care assistants were practice and patient care. surgery identified from the physiotherapy so that an objective measure of their invaluable to us during the pilot The Multidisciplinary Pre-assessment waiting list for the north Dublin area as progress could be made. He also and were in attendance at the for Day Surgery Initiative involves possible participants. Twelve passed made at least one domiciliary pool again this spring,” explained patients being assessed by a nurse ” the screening process. visit to each client to carry out an Vimal Rajasekaran. “We also have prior to coming in for day surgery. If the Promotion Department’s Smoking The group was divided in two, each environmental check, address a lifeguard, provided by the pool patient requires further medical Cessation Programme. This pre- attending the pool for six sessions of equipment needs and make onward committee, present during the assessment they are referred to an assessment helps to streamline the hydrotherapy. Aileen Convery, Senior referrals as necessary. sessions. Two more senior community anaesthetist for further assessment. patient’s admission, thus improving Community Physiotherapist, devised Aileen Convery said: “Following physiotherapists have recently This gives patients the opportunity to efficiency in the surgical service and the exercise programme having the pilot scheme a report attended a foundation course in get information about their surgery and the patient’s experience. completed postgraduate training in was compiled outlining 18 hydrotherapy and both are involved in hospital admission, and to discuss any The late Elaine McCluskey was a hydrotherapy. recommendations for the provision of the programmes being run this year.” fears or anxieties they may have. nurse at Cavan General Hospital, and Empowering the participants and an ongoing hydrotherapy programme “If the results of last year’s Client The nurse can also ascertain the her family fund and support the annual teaching them how to manage their in north Dublin. The programme is Satisfaction Survey are anything to patient’s lifestyle prior to their award in her memory. The management condition was one of the main aims now ten weeks long; the first roll-out go by, our clients are as pleased with admission and can provide information and staff at Cavan General Hospital are of the programme, and each was of it this year finished in April and it the programme as we are!” said Jane on other services that are available in delighted to be able to honour her given a laminated copy of the exercise will be run again in the autumn. A Hourihan, Physiotherapy Manager. the hospital, such as the Health memory in this way.

p6 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p7 South Healthmatters Healthmatters

Overcoming Disability Challenges eople with disabilities must often overcome a variety P of challenges before they can fully participate in their local communities, an analysis of the National Physical and Sensory Disability Database (NPSDD) reveals. The weather, physical environment, income and transport can all pose significant challenges to people with disabilities, according to the preliminary analysis of information relating to more than 5,000 adults registered on NPSDD. NPSDD provides detailed information on those receiving or requiring specialised services for their disability. The high quality of the information is assisting the HSE to plan and target therapeutic services, personal assistance and support services, and residential and respite services for people with disabilities. A bulletin highlighting the main findings of the report is available from the Health Research Board. Big

(L to R): Micheál Gannon, Senior Physiotherapist with his guide dog Sarge Response to Disposal of Old Guide dog “Sarge” Medicines Campaign Eases Daily Commute ore than 2.5 tonnes of unused or out-of-date icheál Gannon and his guide dog Sarge do a six- M household medication mile round trip every day to get Micheál to and was safely disposed of following a M from his job as senior community physiotherapist campaign in the south. in Cork city. The Disposal of Unused Medicines “For Sarge this is equivalent to a four-year-old child taking Properly (DUMP) campaign was the trip so he is happy to rest under my desk for the day,” says organised by the HSE South with the Micheál. co-operation of pharmacists in counties Micheál was born with a vision impairment but despite Cork and Kerry. this has qualified as a general and psychiatric nurse and as a More than 200 participating physiotherapist. He worked for the HSE in the late 1990s but pharmacists actively encouraged having found the commute to work increasingly difficult, he left their customers to return unwanted to operate a private practice. However, in 2004 he was able to medicines for safe disposal over a return after getting Sarge. two-month period. Louise Creed, While the guide dog helps him to get to and from work Community Care Pharmacist, HSE Micheál has no difficulties in carrying out his daily duties. He South, said: “We are delighted with has adapted his computer to make it easier to type documents the success of this pilot campaign, and communicate by email and he uses drawings to explain (L to R): Majella Cunningham, Specialist PHN, Mary Guider, Assistant Director, Public Health Nursing and and we hope to extend it in future. conditions to patients. “Patients themselves often find it easier Brenda Conway, Assistant Director, Public Health Nursing This campaign has raised awareness to understand their condition from pictures rather than written of how medicines in the home can text,” he explains. pose a hazard.” Medicines accumulate He is fully up-to-date in the latest physiotherapist techniques Value of MMR Vaccine Stressed in the home for a variety of reasons, and uses many Australian practices in his work. “Community he importance of the MMR vaccine was stressed by Carlow/Kilkenny community unfinished courses of antibiotics or a physiotherapy is essential for our clients,” says Micheál. “It services during European Immunisation Week 2007. condition that is no longer a problem, means easier access to treatment, leading to a higher rate of T The senior public health nurse for Carlow/Kilkenny, together with public health nursing for example. Older people or those attendance, an increased chance of success and a reduction in colleagues, facilitated immunisation health promotion stands for four days in the area. with an ongoing illness can often have the need for outpatient appointments in hospitals.” The HSE’s Regional Child Health Development Officer, Valerie McGrath said: “There were lots large amounts of medicine at home. Micheál added: “Sarge can be helpful from time to time of laughs as parents participated in an immunisation quiz. Local hospitals participated where Storing this medication can pose a risk with, for example, a new patient who may be nervous about possible, and all new babies received a towel displaying the Irish immunisation schedule. of accidental poisonings – particularly their condition and treatment. He can provide a starting Children loved the yellow balloons with the message: Protect your child, immunise. in children, overdose attempts, point for conversation. Other patients don’t even notice he’s in “The HSE welcomed the tremendous level of participation from parents/guardians with inappropriate sharing of medicines and the room.” regard to discussions on protecting their children with immunisation.” environmental damage. p6 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p7 Dublin Mid Leinster Healthmatters Healthmatters Ireland’s First Big Motorway Pile-up Tests Major Emergency Plan Planning for an Emergency

(Back L to R): Sylvia Lawless, Telephonist, George Little, Consultant, Emergency Department (ED), Fiona McDaid, CNM3 ED, Hugh O Rourke, Attendant, Cathy Greene, Staff Nurse, ED, (Front L to R) Michael Knowles, General Manager, Barbara Fitzgerald, Director of Nursing, and Ann O Shea, General Services Manager

aas General Hospital serves the catchment area of Kildare and West Wicklow with a population of approximately 200,000. The hospital has 243 beds which includes 13 Carnage on the M7 motorway due to heavy fog N day-service beds. An important aspect of the hospital’s role is the uesday, March 27 is a day the emergency team in the ED, and from the accident was deemed to provision of a 24-hour emergency department. which will stay etched on the patients there were moved to the require theatre. However, the second A very active Major Emergency Planning Group (MEPG) exists in Tmemory of those working in Observation Unit. The first patient theatre remained on standby in case the hospital and, following on from a review of the hospital’s Major the Emergency Department (ED) at presented to the ED at 10.15am, of a change in any patient’s condition. Emergency Plan (MEP) in 2005, the group has been educating hospital Naas General Hospital for many 15 minutes after the activation of At 12.44pm 28 patients had been staff and other service agencies about the plan. years to come. the plan. treated in the ED. In 2005, the hospital took part in the Bond Bridge exercise, a joint Dense fog on the M7 and M9 By 11.01 there were 12 patients in At 13.25pm the hospital stood down exercise involving Gardai, Ambulance and Fire Services and seven led to a number of road collisions, the ED. Fourteen beds were vacated in its emergency response. High level acute hospitals in the region. Following on from this exercise, the group resulting in the activation of the two wards, ready for admissions. monitoring was maintained as the updated the MEP for Naas General Hospital. Major Emergency Plan (MEP) of the The day hospital was cleared, OPD Pathology and Radiology Departments In 2006, the hospital initiated two testing exercises. The Music State’s services, including the HSE clinics cancelled and this area cleared were now experiencing increased Festival Exercise was developed by the hospital in June 2006, with the Ambulance Service and Naas General for relatives and staffed by medical demand. Of the 28 presentations close co-operation and assistance of the HSE Emergency Planning Hospital. Sadly, there was one fatality, social workers, patient services and from the incident, five were admitted, Office in Phoenix Park. This exercise was designed as a test model but all involved agreed it was a miracle senior nursing staff. Two emergency one was transferred and 22 were for other acute hospitals who wished to test their emergency plan. more fatalities or serious injuries did telephone numbers were provided discharged with follow-up arranged The test was a simulated major incident at the Punchestown Music not occur. to the local KFM radio station for over the following fortnight. Festival, which has an attendance of more than 100,000 and is one Ann O’Shea, General Services relatives to contact the hospital. The hospital’s MEP worked very of the hospital’s big major emergency risks. Again, the exercise was Manager, relives the hospital’s There was regular contact with the well and this is attributed to the successful and 18 modifications were made to the MEP as a result. response: On that morning the communications department given outstanding staff who had taken The second test exercise was a night-time communication test which hospital was undergoing its Irish the high level of national and local part in the test exercises and briefings simulated an out-of-hours major emergency and audited how many Health Services Accreditation media interest. Media interviews over the previous two years. An staff were contactable and in a position to report for duty. Board survey and, by coincidence, were conducted with the hospital internal status exercise was carried Also in 2006, a major educational programme was initiated by the the emergency team was being manager, emergency department and out the evening of the incident and group and delivered by the consultant in emergency medicine and interviewed between 9am and communications staff. an ED debrief was carried out on assistant director of nursing. By March 2007, more than 200 hospital 10.30am. At 10am the questions At 11.08am the scene was stood the following Thursday. A full staff had attended the 30-minute briefings on the Naas General were focusing on the hospital’s down, but the hospital remained debriefing exercise was carried out Hospital MEP. preparations for emergency active as patients were still presenting. on April 19th involving all parties On March 8th, the first of the 2007 test exercises was carried out. planning when the MEP was By 11.52am there were 21 patients from the hospital who had played a This involved a simulated explosion in the hospital’s kitchen area activated due to a multi-vehicle in ED and 28 beds available in the part on the day. with the subsequent evacuation of one of the adjoining wards. One incident on the nearby motorway. hospital. Three ventilators were Hospital management and the element in this exercise was to test the ED and Pathology Department’s By 10.05 the hospital Emergency staffed in the Intensive Care Unit Major Emergency Planning Group handling of blood specimens from unidentified patients who require Control Centre was set up and the (ICU) with an additional two would like to thank the staff, the blood transfusions. communication cascade to all staff ventilators in Theatre Recovery. emergency services and other Again, this provided another learning curve for the group and a had been initiated. The consultant At 12.10pm one theatre resumed hospitals who volunteered their further update of the MEP was issued on March 16th 2007. in emergency medicine had briefed its operating schedule as no casualty support during this time.

p8 Healthmatters Summer2007 Healthmatters p9 Healthmatters Healthmatters

President McAleese Launches Hospice-Friendly Hospitals Programme

President Mary McAleese chatting with Philip Fitzpatrick, a patient at St. Mary’s Hospital, following the launch of the HfH Programme Union resident Mary McAleese Development co-ordinators have Communication: launched the Hospice-Friendly been employed to assist hospitals in Communication breakdown is where P Hospitals Programme (HfH) improving services and in organising a patient’s care often founders. Campaign at St. Mary’s Hospital, Phoenix Park, additional supports such as: Families can be told abruptly, and Dublin. > Communication skills training with little privacy, about terminal > Development of information and illness. Staff, too, will need to be The programme aims to embed general education strategies around end of informed about a patient’s dying or hospice principles in everyday hospital life issues death, and administrative processes Highlights Work practice by: > Specialist advice to help improve the regarding billing informed to > Developing comprehensive patient- physical environment prevent inappropriate and hurtful centred standards regarding death, Crucial to the success of the correspondence. dying and bereavement programme are comprehensive of Health Staff > Developing the capacity of acute and patient-centred standards regarding Design and Dignity: community hospitals to introduce dying, death and bereavement to be Hospital facilities and systems are MPACT trade union has launched a campaign to highlight the important and sustain these standards implemented by 2010. not often designed with the needs of work of Ireland’s health workers and other public servants. > Changing the culture of hospitals Focused around four core themes, the dying and their families in mind. I The union’s campaign aims to debunk myths about the numbers, regarding dying, death and the programme aims to make it possible Facilities need to ensure dignity, performance and pay of public servants, and demonstrate how they are bereavement for hospitals to facilitate a ‘good death’. privacy, confidentiality and a sense of delivering more and better services as the population expands and changes. The HfH programme arose from an The four themes are: sanctuary for people who are dying. It also takes on the bureaucracy myth, pointing out that back-of-house award winning pilot project undertaken administrative staff comprise just 3 per cent of all staff. It shows how public at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Integrated Care: Patient Autonomy: servants have delivered higher outputs and substantial work practice changes Drogheda. It is informed by a detailed Organising services and support Patient’s needs are paramount. Patients since benchmarking was introduced. review of the international evidence from the point of view of the service are entitled to accurate information Research from the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development relating to end of life care, and research user. This approach aims to link the about their condition, so that they can (OECD) and Ireland’s Institute of Public Administration have shown that Irish public into Irish perceptions of what matters clinical, administrative and support make informed healthcare choices. servants’ performance and quality compare well internationally. And the number of most to people at the end of life: functions of a hospital and provide a For more information visit Irish public servants is proportionately smaller than in many other countries. > To be surrounded by people you love supportive context within which local www.hospicefriendlyhospitals.net or Speaking at the campaign launch, IMPACT general secretary Peter McLoone > To be free from pain integrated care pathways and patient contact The Irish Hospice Foundation, said: “We don’t attempt to paint a picture of perfect services or uniformly high > To be conscious and able to and family care initiatives can be 32 Nassau St., Dublin 2 quality. But we want to introduce some balance into a debate that too often communicate developed. Tel: 01 673 0068 focuses on occasional failure, and then characterizes all public services and all public servants on that basis.” IMPACT member Niamh Moore, who works in medical records in a busy Dublin maternity hospital, said she and her colleagues were fed up with being New HSE Print and Design Brochure characterized as a burden. “The language has become so callous and insulting SE Print and Design are delighted to introduce their new brochure. HSE Print and Design provides supported to ordinary staff, who are called “bureaucrats”, “pen pushers” and “bean employment for people with mental health and learning difficulties, and all revenues are reinvested back into the counters” by people who have little understanding of what we actually do. H HSE, so it makes sense to use our service. “I work hard to provide a very high quality service, my hospital would not work A wide range of services from print management, design, printing and print finishing is available with nationwide without my contribution and that of all my colleagues, clinical and clerical.” Get delivery. For copies of the brochure tel: 01 626 3447 or email: [email protected] more information from www.qualitypublicservices.ie p8 Healthmatters Summer2007 Healthmatters p9 West Healthmatters Healthmatters New CT Scanner News brief Art Therapy for Women at Roscommon Hospitalised During Antenatal County Hospital Period

(L to R): Barbara Hartigan, Artist, facilitates an art therapy session with antenatal women An Antenatal Art Therapy Programme has been introduced in Regional Maternity Hospital, Limerick, one of the first of its kind. The programme provides art therapy for women hospitalised during the antenatal period. It is helping to minimise anxiety and inspires women to learn new skills and connect with staff. Patients found the art therapy very relaxing and productive. The pilot programme was very successful and some suggestions for other initiatives for the new 16-slice CT Scanner was recently launched at Roscommon County Hospital. The new scanner, which cost €750,000, was installed and commissioned future include flower arranging, last December and staff training began in January. The first CT Scan was performed at the hospital in January. Roscommon County Hospital has also manicures, hairdressing A appointed a new CT clinical specialist who will operate the CT scanner with support from a radiographer and nurse. The availability of an onsite CT service and beauty. will lead to faster diagnosis for patients and reduce the length of hospital stays. Brian Cowen, TD, Minister for Finance, officially launched the CT scanner. Picture includes Dr. Declan Sheppard, Consultant Radiologist (far right), Minister for Finance Brian Cowen TD, and a number of local representatives with the new CT scanner Ard Aoibhinn Student Nurses Go Techno

(L to R): Dr. Pat Nash, Consultant Cardiologist, University Hospital Galway, Claire A new Alzheimer Unit to cater Robinson, Co-ordinator, Dr. Aonghus Flavin, GP Facilitator, Roundstone, and Sue Hennessy, Project Manager, University Hospital Galway for the needs of people with Alzheimer’s disease within the Inishowen peninsula was Pre-hospital Care opened recently in Carndonagh, Co. Donegal. The Ard Aoibhinn Alzheimer Unit is a purpose-built for Connemara Heart 16-bed unit built at a cost of 2.7m. John Hayes, Local Health Attack Patients Manager, Donegal said: “The new project in Connemara injection for the treatment of heart aim of the unit is to provide the is providing patients who attacks. Patients who receive the highest quality of person-centred have recently suffered a injection as soon as possible after care. This is a welcome addition A (L to R): Louise O’ Grady, 3rd Year student nurse, Sheila Duffy Staff Nurse heart attack with the highest possible suffering a heart attack have improved to the range of services for older standard of pre-hospital emergency outcomes and survival rates. number of students have received laptops to enhance their studies people in Donegal and will be a cardiac care. The Primary Care Department, HSE on the nursing degree programme as part of a collaborative research focal point for the co-ordination of HSE West, Primary Care Department, West, provided GPs with immediate A project between HSE West and Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT). assessment, day care, continuing the Cardiology Department at UCHG cardiac care training and thrombolytic The project is helping the two agencies work together to improve student nurse care and home-based services. It and the Ambulance Service have come training through the Centre for education and bedside patient care using up-to-date technology. will also mean that people from together with a number of Connemara Immediate Care Studies in Dublin. Project Officer Paula Kavanagh sees this as an exciting venture that will enhance the Inishowen area will no longer based GPs to develop the Connemara Emergency equipment required student’s ability to access up-to-the-minute research and evidence for best have to travel 50–60 miles to Pre-hospital Thrombolysis Project. for delivery of the service such as practice in the ward environment. Stranorlar for Alzheimer services.” Thrombolysis involves the defibrillators and thrombolytic kits were John O’ Raw, Director of Information Services at LYIT, over-saw the installation of administration of a clot-busting also supplied to practices. rapid access points giving student nurses direct access to the college.

p10 Healthmatters Summer2007 Healthmatters p11 Dublin North East Healthmatters Healthmatters

Daughters of Charity Intellectual Disability Service Seeks Volunteers hen Alice died, the chief mourner at her funeral was a volunteer. This statement is a poignant reminder of the impact of volunteers in W organisations such as the Daughters of Charity Service. As one of the largest providers of care to people with intellectual disability on the northside of Dublin, the charity acknowledges the importance of volunteers in their work. The service aspires to involve volunteers in all aspects of the lives of the service users; from befriending to driving to socialising. No particular qualifications are necessary, only a willingness to make a commitment and a desire to make a positive impact on the life of a person with an intellectual disability. Contact Rhoda Judge, Volunteer Co-ordinator, St Vincent’s Centre, Navan Road, Tel: 01 824 5449, or email: [email protected] Keeping in Touch With Families

(L to R): Roisin Maguire, Assistant Group Manager, Louth Hospital Group, Deirdre Murphy, Chairperson, North East Regional Planning Committee on Violence Against Women, Conor Kelly, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Hilda Fay, Actress, Theresa Wood, Training and Development Officer, Drogheda Women’s Refuge

(Back L to R): Alice O’Halloran, Family Support Worker, Pam Lifely, Family Support Worker, Emma Clare, Research Officer, Catherine McGlone, Family Support and Child Welfare Manager, Tracey Monson, Regional Manager, ISPCC, Finbarr Marsden, Section Officer. (Front L to R): Alexia McKenna, Family Support and Child Welfare Manager, Sylda Domestic Abuse Langford, Director General, Office of the Minister for Children, Rosemary Boyle, Family Support Worker, Briege Byrne, Childhood Support Worker, ISPCC, Rose McCaffrey, Assistant Director of Children and Family Services, Fiona Kearney, Family Support and Guidelines Drawn Child Welfare Manager, Mary McAleese, Assistant Staff Officer eeping in Touch with Families, a user satisfaction survey of the This KHSE Family Support Worker Service, was recently launched in research will Up for Staff Monaghan. Research for the survey was carried out by the Irish Society for “assist the ilda Fay, the actress who plays staff and members of voluntary are in an abusive relationship. the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Tracey in RTE television’s Fair organisations who provide a service According to the National Crime on behalf of the HSE in Dublin North Family Support H City, was a special guest at in the area. Council Report (2005) one in East. The resulting document, Keeping the recent launch of Domestic Abuse Health professionals have a key seven women, and one in 16 men, in Touch with Families, gives a detailed Worker Service – Guidelines for Hospital Staff, a role in identifying potential victims experience severe abusive behaviour report of the research findings document drawn up for hospitals in of abuse and the guidelines enable of a physical, sexual or emotional and gives recommendations for in facilitating the north east. them to provide appropriate and nature, so the new guidelines are set improvement to the service. During the launch Hilda read an confidential help and support at the out in a non-gender specific way. Parents and children who use the the active excerpt from Roddy Doyle’s work, The first point of contact. The guidelines The guidelines also take into HSE Family Support Worker services in involvement Woman Who Walked Into Doors, a play offer practical advice and information account new information regarding Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath in which she has performed. to staff and detail the possible signs domestic abuse, and changes in participated in focus groups, helping of parents and The guidelines were drawn up by of abuse and the many different practices and the law. As part of their to design the questionnaire. Fifteen a subgroup comprising an extensive forms of abusive behaviour that can introduction ongoing training will be randomly selected families were then children range of key agencies and personnel. be experienced. In addition, useful made available to staff. surveyed and each family member was Members included representatives questions are suggested which may Copies of the guidelines are given the opportunity to fill in their own from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, help the patient make the decision to available from the Social Work questionnaire. This research will assist and family services within the HSE and Drogheda, Women’s Refuge, the break their silence, and clear Department, Our Lady of Lourdes the Family Support Worker service in the other agencies, including” the voluntary Regional Planning Committee on information is given on what to do Hospital, Drogheda, Co. Louth. north east and elsewhere in facilitating sector. Families who took part in the Violence against Women and the when a person discloses that they Tel: 041 987 4685 the active involvement of parents and research also attended. The highlight of Dundalk Rape Crisis Centre. children in reviewing and planning the morning was a video presentation The guidelines, which are services, and incorporating those views showing parents, children and family gender neutral, are designed to into ongoing improvements. support workers talking about taking assist staff in recognising and A leaflet informing families about part in the research and their personal responding to victims of domestic Health professionals have a the role of the Family Support Worker experience of the Family Support abuse. They were developed following Service and how to contact the services Worker Service. a review of existing guidelines which key role in identifying potential accompanies the survey. Copies of the survey are available were introduced into Our Lady victims of abuse The launch of Keeping in Touch from the Regional Office for Children of Lourdes Hospital in 2001. The “ with Families was attended by a cross- and Family Services. Tel: 01 825 0907 or review was carried out by HSE ” section of people working in children email: [email protected] p10 Healthmatters Summer2007 Healthmatters p11 South Healthmatters Healthmatters

Palliative Care Unit for Kerry

Midwife Denise O’Driscoll with baby Kevin, porter David O’Donoghue, and mother Maureen Barry

(L to R): Mr Tom McCormack, General Surgeon, Kerry General Hospital (KGH), Jimmy Deenihan TD, Dr Patricia Sheehan, Palliative Care Consultant, KGH, Dick Spring, Patron, Kerry Hospice Foundation (KHF), Tom Leonard, Local Health Manager, Kerry, Mary Prof. John Higgins, Consultant Harney TD, Minister for Health and Children, Cllr Ted Fitzgerald, Mayor of Kerry, Margie Obstetrician Gynaecologist and Nora Lynch, General Manager, KGH, Cllr Norma Foley, Mayor of Tralee, Ted Moynihan, KHF Michael Flatley and his wife Niamh with their new-born baby Geary, Hospital Manager he Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD, officially opened the Palliative Day Care Unit for Kerry in Tralee recently. The unit, which is the Tfirst of its kind in Ireland, is managed by PCCC in Kerry and is attached to More Than 7,500 Kerry General Hospital (KGH). The building was completed at a cost of €3.8m, €3m of which was provided by the Kerry Hospice Foundation (KHF) through local voluntary fundraising. The aim of the Palliative Care Unit is to ensure that patients remain out of hospital Births Expected for as long as possible, enabling them to remain at home with their families and in their community, in comfort and free from pain, safe in the knowledge that help and advice is only a phone call away. A consultant-led palliative care team that includes € nurses, a physiotherapist, doctors, an occupational therapist, a social worker and Annually at New 75m administrative support runs the unit. Tom Leonard, Local Health Manager, Kerry, thanked the KHF for their generosity and said: “The unwavering support of the Kerry Hospice Foundation and their spectacular fundraising efforts have enabled the ongoing development of palliative Cork Maternity Hospital care services in Kerry. This unit marks another significant milestone in the provision of palliative care services in Kerry and, along with the KHF, our colleagues in Kerry he €75m Cork University light and views of Cork city – canopied collect statistics on all births in Ireland. General Hospital have worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition. This unit Maternity Hospital (CUMH) entrance and lush interior finished in This will allow for unusual traits to be demonstrates what can be achieved through a partnership approach in developing T opened in March providing a maple and walnut. quickly identified and acted on. BUPA and delivering services.” brand new maternity, women’s health Reflecting Ireland’s multicultural Ireland has donated 2.5m to fund a and special-care baby-unit facility. society the first baby born at the research centre into women’s health. More than 300 staff and 150 hospital was to Polish parents and the More than 7,500 babies will be patients, including pregnant women, last babies born at St Finbarr’s and the born at CUMH each year making Modernising and new mothers and babies, transferred Erinville were to French and German it one of the largest maternity to the new hospital from HSE South parents respectively. Parents of the last hospitals in the country. The hospital Quality Assuring maternity hospitals Erinville and St. Bons baby were from Cork! offers a full range of maternity and Finbarr’s and the private Bons Secours Since the opening Niamh Flatley, wife gynaecology services including an Maternity Unit. Gynaecological of entertainment star Michael Flatley, intensive and special-care baby unit Medical Card Services services were also transferred from gave birth to Michael Flatley junior. The for newborns, which, with 50 cots, Cork University Hospital. Flatley’s have generously donated a will be one of the biggest in Europe. The hospital design has already large sum to develop a special garden There are 12 individual labour rooms, picked up an award from the Royal for patients and visitors. including a home-from-home room for Institute of Architects of Ireland for its The hospital also houses the National those who want a less clinical birth, as curving façade – designed to maximise Perinatal Epidemiology Unit which will well as a water-pool room. The Journey ernice Glavin, a nurse, has published a book on how she survived breast cancer. Bernice was diagnosed B with the disease a week after she ran the Dublin City Marathon in 2005 and the book traces her journey through the illness. The book is on sale for €10 from: MUH, Cork, Options Hospital Shop, University College Cork bookshop, Supervalu, HSE South staff involved in planning new processing guidelines in south east counties: (Back L to R): Ceppie Burke, Project Officer, Breeda Feeney, Senior Systems Analyst, Carrigaline, The Treasure Chest, Mitchelstown, Midleton John Power, Systems Analyst, Steve Connors, Systems Analyst, Joan Kavanagh, and Kinsale bookshops, Easons and Porters nationwide. All Medical Cards, Wexford, Tara O’Sullivan, Project Manager, Primary Care Unit, Catherine Kavanagh, Medical Cards, Wexford, Assumpta Carthy, Medical Cards, Wexford, Carmel proceeds go to the Cork Cancer Research Centre. Farrell, Medical Cards, Carlow. (Seated L to R): Louise Wade, Medical Cards, South Tipperary, Patricia Dowling, Medical Cards Kilkenny, Rosemarie Carroll, Medical Cards Waterford

p12 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p13 Dublin Mid Leinster Healthmatters Healthmatters

300 Staff Avail of Stress Management Programme lmost 300 staff participated in a stress management training programme in Dublin Mid Leinster last year, and more are availing of courses A throughout 2007. An evaluation of the programme showed that the majority of participants felt that the training was of benefit to them. Funded by Partnership, the programme is designed to help increase knowledge and understanding of stress management and provides participants with practical skills to help prevent and combat stress in the workplace and at home. Delivered over a full or half working day, up to 20 people can avail of any one workshop. Core concepts include: > Stress identification > Signs of prolonged stress > Effects of stress > Sources of stress > Dealing with stress > Managing work and family commitments > Stress and the workplace > Achieving work/life balance > Dealing with change > Goal setting and time management The Clinical Audit and Research Service based in Tullamore evaluated the programme, and participants rated a high level of satisfaction, with 69.3 per cent saying that they had enjoyed the workshops. As the programme developed, and the appropriateness of the materials and approaches were improved, levels of satisfaction increased. Sixty-five per cent said they were ‘a lot’ more knowledgeable, and 31.5 per cent ‘somewhat’ more knowledgeable, as to the causes of stress. Almost half of the respondents stated that they would use ‘a lot’ of the information and ideas presented in the workshop, and 43.7 per cent would use ‘some’ of the information (Back L to R): Susan McDermott, Michael Maher, Aoibheann O’ Connor Front (Front L to R) Antoinette Van Gurp, Emma Duggan, Helen presented. Sixty-three per cent of participants said they had gained a greater Ryan, Fiona Moloney understanding of the impact of stress. Launched in February 2006, the Stress Management Programme, as part of the overall Quality of Working Life strategy, was developed by the Work Life Balance Group and is co-ordinated by the Employee Assistance Service (Laois/ Offaly/Longford/Westmeath), with the assistance of the Performance and New Three-Week Development Unit. Those who wish to attend a Stress Management Workshop can book a place with Helen Moloney, Performance and Development, Dublin Mid Leinster: email: [email protected] Tel: 057 935 9853. A copy of the evaluation report is Menu Plan for also available on the local HSE intranet. 43 Years of Public Pre-Schools Service Celebrated re-schools nationwide are Reynolds, Health Promotion Functional Reaper-Reynolds. set to benefit from the launch Manager, HSE Dublin Mid Leinster, the Dr Fiona Moloney, Senior Pof an innovative three-week resource was developed to assist pre- Community Dietitian with the HSE menu planning resource designed to school providers implement the Food Health Promotion Service in Tallaght ensure that pre-schoolers receive all and Nutrition Guidelines for Pre-School said that pre-school staff will be given their daily nutritional requirements. Services published by the Department the opportunity to attend a food and The resource was developed by of Health and Children in 2004. nutrition training session facilitated the HSE’s Community Nutrition “Between 2004 and 2005, pre- by their local community dietitian. and Dietetic team in Tallaght in school providers and childminders “An evaluation of the resource will be consultation with pre-school in south Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare carried out later in the year, and this officers and environmental health were invited to attend local training will help us to continue to produce professionals, and has already been sessions on the food and nutrition resources suited to the unique needs piloted in seven pre-schools based in guidelines. The sessions indicated of the pre-school setting,” explained south Dublin and Kildare. that participants would welcome Dr Moloney. The menu plan gives suggestions recipe cards, menu boards or menu The work of the following for breakfast, lunch, tea and snacks. planning resources to help them contributors was acknowledged A full selection of tried-and-tested implement the guidelines, and the by Dr Moloney at the launch: The child-friendly recipes is included. The idea for the 3-week menu plan was Community Nutrition and Dietetic menu plans have been analysed to born,” Ms Reaper-Reynolds said. Team at Tallaght, the National Health ensure they meet the recommended In the pilot, the resource was rated Information Project, Pre-schools who daily amounts of key nutrients for pre- with respect to ease of use, popularity engaged in the pilot, local Pre-school school children aged 18 months to of the menus with children, wastage, and Environmental Health Officers and (L to R): Leo Stronge, HSE Head of Procurement, Brendan White, Seamus McLaughlin, John O’Donovan and John Swords three years. value for money and availability of Image Management Graphic Design. The menu resource was officially ingredients. For further information on the menu eamus McLaughlin retired recently from the post of Regional Materials launched in March by Sylda Langford, “Feedback from the pilot has helped resource contact the HSE Health Manager, HSE Dublin Mid Leinster after 43 years in the public service. Director General at the Office of the ensure that this resource is a practical, Promotion Service, Tallaght at S A large number of his former colleagues from the midlands area, and Minister for Children. user-friendly addition to any pre- 01 463 2800 or your local Health from the procurement function from around the country, attended his retirement According to Sheilagh Reaper- school kitchen,” concluded Sheilagh Promotion Service. function in Mullingar. p12 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p13 Healthmatters

Safetynet – a New Primary Healthcare Service for the Homeless afetynet, a new primary healthcare service for people Swho are homeless was launched in May by the Homeless Agency. The launch was chaired by Alice O’Flynn, HSE Assistant National Director for Social Inclusion (Office of the CEO). The aim of Safetynet is to offer a comprehensive primary healthcare service targeted at homelessness in Dublin, making medical and social support services more accessible by locating them in the places where homeless people attend for support. Dr. Austin O’ Carroll, Chair of the Safetynet Steering Group said: “The launch of this service is the first step in breaking the cycle of homelessness and poor health. It is a very welcome and innovative first step taken by a Cork Dental Nurses Graduate partnership between the HSE, voluntary agencies and private general practices.” The service is currently operating The National Dental Nurse Training Programme of Ireland (NDNTP), Institutes of Technology. Academic sessions are delivered in over ten locations throughout which meets the requirements for registration with the Dental Council of simultaneously through the use of video conferencing. Dublin in voluntary, statutory and Ireland, is a joint initiative between Cork University Dental School and Videoconferencing technology is utilised to create a blended learning general practices. Hospital and Dublin Dental School and Hospital. Since 2004, 335 environment that has created wider access to dental nursing education. Cathal Morgan, Director, Homeless students have graduated from the programme. Pictured here are some Cork and Dublin are the delivering centres, and with the use of Agency said: “The Homeless Agency recent graduates. videoconferencing, web-based learning and a course website the welcome the introduction of Safetynet, Students can attend the Cork or Dublin Dental School or one of the programme gives students in six centres across the country access as it moves us closer towards the outreach centres located in Carlow, Galway, Limerick or Waterford to learning. removal of barriers for people who are homeless in accessing mainstream primary healthcare services.” Supporting the use of Evidence -Based Healthcare (EBHC) vidence-based Healthcare > A cquiring the best current its website which is regularly updated. > Workplace-based and e-learning Knowledge Brokering (EBHC) is the practice of using evidence Further developments will include an > Innovation and improvement in The brokering method enables E the best available evidence, > A ppraising the evidence A-Z list of Open Source journals, direct healthcare decisions makers, care practitioners research and expert opinion when > A pplying the evidence in links to Cochrane reviews by subject, and researchers to have access to making healthcare decisions such conjunction with professional links to grey literature catalogues and CHAIN has more than 4,000 members each other. This facilitates knowledge as the best place to locate services judgement and patient or guidelines on carrying out EBHC worldwide and offers a rich source of transfer and enables evidence- and facilities. population values research activities. contacts through an online directory informed decision making. This is particularly relevant at a time > A uditing the outcomes Visit www.healthintelligence.ie and method that ensures members only when the issue of transparent look out for these new developments receive email messages relevant to 3. Developing Skills in EBHC decision making is of paramount In 2006 a group was established in the this summer. their designated interests. An A one-day EBHC workshop has been importance, and being able to Health Intelligence sub-directorate of independent evaluation has shown that developed to equip people with demonstrate the evidence base for Population Health to enable health 2. Connecting People the network is highly valued and knowledge and skills in EBHC. It healthcare decisions is essential. For service personnel to (1) make effective. To join CHAIN visit http:// focuses on the five steps of EBHC example, evidence shows better decisions, (2) develop policies, and (3) CHAIN chain.ulcc.ac.uk/chain/index.html with particular emphasis on how to outcomes for cancer patients when deliver healthcare based on the best Health Intelligence recently became ask an answerable question, acquire they are treated in specialist units. available evidence. co-sponsors of CHAIN [Contact, In the Room Facilitation the evidence and appraise it. When faced with the option of The group has developed services Help, Advice, and Information A facilitator helps a group develop a convenience or a better outcome, based on the following three areas: Networks] in Ireland. CHAIN is a shared understanding of a challenge A Connected Approach most people believe the outcome is > Providing easy access to web-based service that provides a they are addressing. The group agrees The team provides a range of skills more important. information direct connection to a multi- on a desired solution and decides what and expertise designed to enable > Facilitating connections between disciplinary group of professionals. might hinder progress in reaching this health service personnel to (1) make Evidence-based practice people The aim of CHAIN is to break down solution. Finally, the facilitator helps decisions, (2) develop policies, and (3) is based around five key > Developing EBHC skills barriers and facilitate sharing of the group develop an action plan to deliver healthcare based on the best steps (the five A’s): knowledge and experience relevant to address any barriers to progress. The available evidence. 1. Access to Information the following areas: approach pulls on six ways of thinking: The team members are contactable > Identifying a knowledge gap and The Health Intelligence website has a > Healthcare research and evidence- logic, analysis and facts, together with through www.healthintelligence.ie or Asking an answerable question central source for EBHC information on based practice creativity, passion and imagination. by email at [email protected] p14 Healthmatters Summer2007 Healthmatters p15 West Healthmatters

Mind Your Alcohol Forum Mouth Spring School Campaign Launched in Mayo by HSE West Margaret O’Malley, Dentist, who has produced a dental first aid kit for mouth injuries pictured with Tommy Marron, Mid West Radio

argaret O’Malley is well activities. As part of the campaign, because when children get older they placed to observe the state a dental first aid kit for mouth find it difficult to get used to one. In of our children’s teeth injuries will be distributed to primary rugby and Australian football, the (L to R): Kathyrn Collins, Gerry McGeady, Josephine Stewart, Bridgeen Doherty, Donal M Kavanagh, Cora McAleer, Denis Bradley, Moira Mills, Dot Meehan, Loman Conway – she is a Dental Health Promoter schools and sports clubs in the players are not insured unless they for Mayo. Margaret launched the county. The first aid kit contains wear a mouth guard.” n Alcohol Forum Spring School was held earlier this year by HSE West in Mind your Mouth campaign after gloves, a sterile swab, a sample bottle The campaign ultimately aims to Bundoran, Co. Donegal. researching the number of children and saline solution and provides persuade all children and young A The two-day event brought together national and local treatment who have been treated in Mayo clinics immediate first aid – helping to people to get into the habit of wearing experts in the field of alcohol and drugs. Delegates discussed successful strategies for repair to their front teeth due to save a tooth in the event of a sports- mouth guards when they are involved to minimise damage caused by harmful drinking and drug misuse, with a focus on sports-related injuries. The campaign related accident. in sports. Parents, teachers and children and families. The event showcased voluntary and community supports for was launched in April on the Tommy However, to prevent a tooth being coaches should be aware that athletes parents, families and children who live with harmful drinking. Marren Show, Mid West Radio. cracked or knocked out in the first have a one in 10 chance of suffering a The Mind your Mouth campaign place, Margaret says mouth guards facial or dental injury during each aims to increase awareness of the should be worn during most sporting athletic session and the proper use of ISO Certificates importance of wearing mouth guards activities: “The earlier a child starts to a mouth guard can prevent many of to protect teeth during sporting wear mouth protection the better, these expensive dental injuries. Presentation SO registration certificates were recently presented to Ithe Communicable Disease Surveillance and Control Unit HR Services (CDSCU) and the Environmental Health Service, in HSE West. The certificates were presented at the Healthy Populations seminar in Centre Opens Limerick in April. The CDSCU in the Department of he Human Resources Services Centre for the HSE was way for the recruitment of senior occupational therapists and Pubic Health, HSE West, was Chris Thomas, NSAI, Martin Nestor, formally opened recently in Áras Sláinte, senior speech and language therapists. Many other grades presented with its Certificate of Environmental Health Department Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim by Minister for Health and have also been recruited centrally, for example, Registration of Quality System to I.S. (EHD), Dick Fitzgerald, EHD, Orla T Hanrahan, and Dr Tessa Greally, Children Mary Harney, TD. physiotherapists, emergency medical technicians, regional EN ISO 9001:2000. The original Department of Public Health, Annette Áras Sláinte is also a home to Finance, ICT and other staff drug task force co-ordinators and assessment officers. registration for the CDSCU was Fitzgerald and Lorcan O’Brien, EHD who provide support to HSE West. The HR Services Centre achieved in September 2004 and has already begun work in a number of areas, such as a The development of the HR following a successful re-registration based in Limerick, Clare and North Centralised Garda Vetting Unit (GVLO), a National HR Services Centre provides many benefits audit the CDSCU quality system Tipperary was also presented with a Transfer Unit and a number of national recruitment initiatives. to the HSE such as: continues to comply and achieve this re-registration certificate, a Many aspects of recruitment are now in operation from > Standardisation of processes high standard in the field of recognition of their efforts towards Manorhamilton, such as an international nurse recruitment > Reducing duplication management and communication of seeking continuous improvements in drive in which over 800 specialist nurses have been recruited > Concentration of expertise infectious disease notifications. the field of delivery of food control into all areas of the health service. A similar project is under > Increased value for money The Environmental Health Service services. Baby Emma Fund

Pictured in Mayo General Hospital (MGH) at a presentation of a cheque for n25,000 for the Paediatric Unit by Deidre and Frank Browne, parents of Baby Emma (RIP). Money was raised from various fundraising events that took place for The Baby Emma Fund. Staff and service users of Croi Sona Day Care service based at Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon, pictured with their new seven seat (L to R): Dr. Gay Fox, Consultant Paediatrician, MGH, Deidre Browne, Tony Canavan, vehicle. Seventy-five clients are availing of the service and the average attendance is 25 clients per day. A second vehicle was required which General Manager, MGH, Carmel O’Malley, Paediatric Nurse, MGH, Frank Browne and Dr. now enables service users to spend a full day in day care rather than half a day Michael O’Neill, Consultant Paediatrician, MGH p14 Healthmatters Summer2007 Healthmatters p15 Healthmatters Healthmatters

HSE Transformation Want to be at the heart and PCCC Programme of delivering A PCCC Steering Group, chaired by Laverne McGuinness, National Director for the HSE’s PCCC, governs the PCCC Transformation Programme. Bernadette Kiberd is Programme Manager Four-Year Transformation he objective of this Programme clinics. Validation of waiting lists, audit strategy and required actions > Extended team members will be is to ensure that by 2010 of equipment/infrastructure > Implement local projects such as involved as required and may also Programme? Tpatients and clients will be able (including voluntary sector), sharing Primary Care Teams and service service other PCTs within the same to easily access, as close to home as facilities will mean increased value enhancements through local Primary and Social Care Network. Expressions of possible, a broad spectrum of care for money. resources Extended team members will services through their local Primary > Collaborate with central support include specialists (dietetics, Interest Now Care Team. They will experience Location of 2007 Primary and other Local Implementation dental, orthodontics) integrated services across all stages Care Teams Groups to ensure national > Each PCT will be part of a Primary Being Sought of their care journey with provision of It is hoped that by year end 50 per consistency and Social Care Network, which required expertise as needed. cent of the population (2,100,000) will > Work with LHO Partnership links 3-5 teams with responsibility xpressions of interest are Primary Care Teams (PCTs) are be covered by PCTs involving 1,260 Committees for the community-based now being sought from capable of providing more than 80 per GPs nationally. > Capture learning and share the healthcare needs of populations Estaff who would like to cent of the care patients and clients lessons from 30,000 to 50,000 people work directly in supporting the need. At an early stage in the Local Implementation delivery of the Transformation establishment of the HSE, Teams National Mapping of Criteria defining when a Programme, either within SPRI development of Primary Care services Each of the 32 Local Health Offices Primary Care Teams and Primary Care Team is in or in a programme/project was identified as a cornerstone to established a Local Implementation Networks operation management role within a reforming service delivery. To date, Group to drive the identification of To support service reconfiguration, In order to identify when a Primary specific directorate. €22m has been made available for potential Primary Care Team Sites mapping of existing services is taking Care Team moves from being a To submit an expression of the development of 200 PCTs. and the transformation programme place. This work is scheduled to be Primary Care Team in development to interest, please email: The benefits of the PCTs are that in their area. These groups are completed in June. Spatial maps for a Primary Care Team in place the [email protected] they facilitate people’s access into, chaired by the Local Health Manager. the entire HSE, outlining Primary Care following have been identified as key The HSE’s four-year through and out of the system and Membership includes: Heads of Teams and Networks supporting components. Transformation Programme ensure quality care is provided in a Disciplines, GPs, National Hospitals profiling at LHO level, identify over > Identification of PCT boundary involves delivering on more than manner that maximizes convenience Office representatives and other 500 PCTs and approximately 130 > Mapping of current population, by 100 individual and for patient/clients. This will involve local professional and community Social Care Networks . identifying population sizes, interconnected projects. When improving the availability of current representatives. A PCCC locations of proposed centres, road complete, we will be closer to services through the provision of extra Transformation Development Officer Criteria for Location systems, public transport, GMS our vision of providing easy health professionals, reconfiguration (from within existing PCCC resources) of PCTs patterns, natural GP affiliations, access to health and social care of existing health professionals and supports each group and is fully The identification of locations for availability of GPs, social, cultural services that the public has providing services, currently restricted dedicated to delivering results in Primary Care Teams takes into and service links confidence in and that we are to hospital, within local communities their Local Health Office area. The consideration Spatial Factors, GP > Primary Care Team staff in place, proud to provide. (such as hospital in the home and Group responsibilities include: Populations and Community Integrity: additional resources appointed As part of the Strategic minor injuries). GPs will have direct > Develop and gain agreement > Population sizes as per PC Strategy > Establishment of Local Planning and Reform quicker access to services such as for an overall implementation > Existing travel patterns Implementation Team meetings, Implementation Process, a diagnostics, and local access to plan > Existing social, cultural and service where guidelines/protocols have range of supports have been existing and new services, shifting > Promote interest in and explain to links been agreed and implemented put in place to assist individual care from hospital to primary care, relevant stakeholders the > Availability of GPs in local areas > Referral Process/inter-referrals directorates, who are and reducing DNAs (do not attend) to transformation implementation > Natural GP affiliations > Management meeting frequency responsible for delivering the > Existing GMS patterns > Information Sharing transformation projects. > Public transport system > Enrolment process/criteria > Existing and future road system agreed These supports fall > Location of existing and proposed > Commencement of clinical into 5 main areas: centres meetings, attended by multi- > Portfolio Management > The Regional Planning Guidelines/ disciplinary team members, > Programme and Project Future development proposals where a patient’s needs require Management > Areas of high deprivation including two or more inputs from > Process Development RAPID professionals > Corporate Performance Measurement Criteria defining a core Partnership Process > Decision Support Primary Care Team Under the auspices of the PCTs, serving populations of Health Services Partnership Forum, While many staff are currently approximately 7,000, are intended to in line with the implementation of delivering on the transformation be the first port of call for persons the National Partnership Agreement, of our health and social care needing access to the health system, Towards 2016, the HSE and services in their day to day and will be able to draw the necessary Unions have established a national work, additional support is expertise from their PCCC network to working group to oversee the work needed. meet the needs of people in their of Partnership in supporting the enrolled populations. PCTs comprise PCCC Transformation Programme. multidisciplinary professionals: Work will be done in national task > Core minimum team members are groups on agreed issues, and local typically: GP, practice nurse, OT, partnership committees have been PHN, physiotherapists, speech and set up to work out local language therapy, social workers, implementation issues. and home help p16 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p17 Healthmatters Healthmatters

Primary, Transformation Community and Programme Update he HSE’s Transformation Programme 2007-2010 is gathering pace and there are now more than 100 T projects across all areas of the organisation (see poster insert for details). Continuing Care Many HSE staff are already involved and opportunities Services will be provided by: are increasing for many more to play their part in this A Model that Aligns Service Primary Care Team: ambitious programme. Developments with the Core team members will provide the To date a lot of important activity has been taking place vast majority of services. This is why behind the scenes to ensure the right elements are in place Transformation Programme teams are developing on the basis of to maintain the momentum for change. agreed population focus and in The HSE’s Leadership Team, comprising the senior partnership with local communities. management team of the organisation and advisors, now Integrated meets once a month to review progress and recently held its Services Team and Network first Quarterly Review. expertise: Much of the responsibility for the success of the Child Protection Based on a common assessment, Programme will be shared by the National Directors who lead when the team forms the opinion that the HSE Directorates and they will be supported by SPRI, the

PCT ‘A’ a patient or client has a complex set dedicated HSE unit assisting the Transformation Programme. MULTI of needs requiring input from more Managers have been appointed for the 13 programmes HOSPITALS Counselling Orthodontics AGENCIES specialised staff, these are provided within the overall Transformation Programme. Together with to the team (on behalf of the client) by representatives of SPRI they have now formed a Programme Local PCT ‘E’ PCT ‘B’ Private Providers the Primary and Social Care Network. Managers Group. The PCT key worker on behalf of Actively managing the critical dependencies of each Primary and Social Care the client navigates the system project within the Transformation Programme will be a prime Network ensuring continuity of care. Intra-and responsibility of this group. Area Voluntary Psychiatry Dietetics inter-professional referrals are the

PCT ‘D’ PCT ‘C’ responsibility of the key worker, not the Appointment of Programme Managers client. The emphasis on the provision In the period February to April the following Programme Support Specialist Groups of care is on the service or professional Managers have been appointed for 12 programmes of and their accountability in the care plan, Transformation: not on complicated referral processes Home Help Other or boundaries between services. Willie Reddy Programme 1

Alternative Care Bernadette Kiberd Programme 2 The Hospital Network: Fionnuala Duffy Programme 3 Such services are usually of an John Curry Programme 4 investigative, acute or emergency Mark Turner Programme 5 nature. The sharing of resources Sile Fleming Programme 6 PCT : Primary Care Team between hospitals, networks and teams Anthony Travers Programme 7 is part of a local operational plan. Vivienne Tegge Programme 9 rimary Care Teams should be in the community Michael Redmond Programme 10 the first port of call for people This new model of service delivery Other Agencies and Gerry McNamara Programme 11 P who need to access the health in the community, based on Primary Service Partners: Ruth Langan Programme 12 system. It is intended that they will Care Teams and Primary and Social All service providers are clear about Anton Murphy Programme 13 facilitate access into, through and out Care Networks, is the agreed strategic their role in meeting the particular of the system and ensure quality care direction for the HSE. The model needs of a given population. For more information visit www.hse.ie/en/transformation is provided in the most convenient will guide our change management Primary Care Teams and Networks manner. This will involve improving programme over the next few years. will operate together to make the Expressions of Interest the availability of current services Key stakeholders, particularly staff, best use of existing resources and Staff participation in the Transformation Programme is through the provision of extra health have welcomed the broad concept of work in an integrated way around the critical and Expressions of Interest have been solicited (see professionals, reconfiguration the model and detailed engagement service user: advertisement on page 16). of existing health professionals is currently taking place at local and > The Primary and Social Care Network There has been an encouraging response to this and providing services, currently national levels. provides services within an area major change programme and opportunities for staff to restricted to hospital, within local where there are 3 to 5 Primary participation will occur on an ongoing basis. communities. A Common Set Care Teams Each Primary Care Team will be part of Principles > There will be designated links SPRI Transformation Support of a Primary and Social Care Network An examination of the values and between Primary Care Teams and SPRI established a support function to concentrate on linking 3 to 5 teams. The network will principles that underpin both other services in the network, for Portfolio Management and Programme/Project support have responsibility for the community- the strategic objectives of the example, dedicated early intervention in February. based healthcare needs of a population Transformation Programme and services for disability, mental Portfolio Management is a process for managing major of 30,000 – 50,000. legislative and policy developments health services, child protection, change initiatives that the HSE prioritises. The initial focus shows that there is total common rehabilitation, and nursing care has been on the 100+ projects of the Transformation Key Roles of the Network ground between them. > When complex needs are identified Programme, putting in place monthly reporting routines and Will Be to: that require further assessment and an ongoing approval process for new projects. > Facilitate the integration of Primary Structural Model of intervention, expertise/specialist In addition, a small group has been established under Care Teams within the Networks Teams and Networks work together with the Primary Care SPRI to support project and programme management with to support each other and patient Primary Care Teams need to be able Team to implement care provision. a particular initial focus on the Transformation Programme. journeys as needed to draw the necessary expertise from In this way a particular network This is primarily field-based support working. The group has > Provide and manage the pool of their PCCC network to meet the needs service will have clear responsibility been assisting programme/project managers in establishing multiple specialist services required of people in their enrolled populations. for working with the 3 or 5 teams in business cases for each project by supporting planning, by complex patient pathways, They also need to be able to draw on its area, with staff clear about their training and project prioritisation. through the PCTs additional expertise and resources designated role to work with the > Facilitate the enhancement from the wider network of hospital and Primary Care Team and their key and development of services voluntary services. worker in providing care. p16 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p17 Healthmatters Healthmatters

HSE Sudden Cardiac Death Community Report to be Implemented Games

he HSE is to oversee the implementation of 75 recommendations produced and exercise by a special task force report on sudden cardiac death (SCD). There are > Ensuring early information for families of unexpected deaths under 40 so that Tapproximately 5,000 SCDs in Ireland every year. first degree relatives can avail of an SCD risk assessment > Informing the public of the symptoms which indicate increased risk of SCD while What is SCD? emphasising that exercise is beneficial Sudden cardiac death is defined as death due to natural causes within an hour Youngsters who participated in the of the onset of symptoms, and, in the absence of any other, is assumed to have Other activities to date are: HSE Community Games a cardiac cause. The majority of SCDs occur from late middle age onwards as a > Extending of the MERIT programme to enhance first response by GPs and result of coronary heart disease. A minority occur in people under 40. paramedics SE Community Games > Consultation with voluntary organisations concerned with services in this field launched their 2007–2010 Why is it in the news? > Communication with clinicians and organisations providing cardiology services, HStrategic Plan in March. The There has been an increasing public awareness of sudden death in young adults, and lobbying for resources plan, which sets out the goals for the including high profile athletes. Most of these younger SCD deaths are due to pre- For a copy of the report or further information, please contact: HSE Community Games over the next existing cardiac abnormalities, along with infection, blunt trauma and drug use. 3 years, aims to promote social and Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD, launched the report Reducing Brendan Cavanagh, Project Co-ordinator, SCD Strategy cultural inclusion and tackle health the Risk: A Strategic Approach, in March 2006. The report was the result of work Tel: 021 492 3530 or Email: [email protected] inequalities by implementing a national carried out by a task force set up in the autumn of 2004. recruitment programme for volunteers Membership of Implementation and actively encouraging more children What progress has been made? Steering Group to participate in the games. The HSE were charged with overseeing the implementation of the Dr Siobhan Jennings, Chair “This is an exciting and progressive recommendations. Key players were brought together from the Irish Brendan Cavanagh, Project Co-ordinator plan and I’m positive that both the Heart Foundation (IHF), Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) and within Frank McClintock, Assistant National Director, Ambulance Service HSE and the Community Games will the HSE to oversee the implementation. Priority tasks for the first six months are: Wendy Keena, Development Manager, HSE South benefit children, young people and > Promoting early response to collapse by developing a guide to provide Dr Brian Maurer, Medical Director, IHF their families by providing opportunities information to communities and organisations Michael O’ Shea, CEO, IHF to improve their health, both physical > Developing a risk assessment questionnaire for those involved in sports Dr Geoff King, CEO, PHECC and mental, through the spirit of participation and good fun,” said Donal comprehensive Employee induction designed to guide the Buggy, CEO, HSE Community Games. Resource Pack, developed staff member and their manager “We look forward to implementing the HR Resource Aby the Human Resources through the process plan, which has been developed in the Directorate for staff, was launched > An Employee Handbook which best interests of the children of Ireland,” Pack Now Available in March by Professor Brendan explains the structures of the HSE, he continued. Drumm, CEO of the HSE. employment policies and learning Research conducted by the National The resource pack is part of and development opportunities Health and Lifestyles Surveys, (SLÁN), the HSE’s new National Induction > Sections reserved for future has shown that only 35 per cent of Programme and is packed with Personal Development and Team- 15-17 year olds exercise regularly. information for new employees and Based Performance Management The HSE Community Games plans to staff transferring to new posts within Plans develop a programme specifically for the organisation. The new National Induction young people over 16 to address the The new pack, in a user-friendly Programme will ensure that induction growing trend of inactivity amongst binder, contains a guide to the is consistent and standardised this age group. staff induction programme and an throughout the HSE. “On behalf of the HSE, I would like Employee Handbook and is designed As part of the programme new to take this opportunity to congratulate to assist new and transferring staff and transferring staff will be asked the Community Games for their and their line managers during the to participate in an online Corporate commitment and vision in developing induction process. Induction Module available at a comprehensive strategic plan,” www.tohm.ie/learningcentre said Catherine Murphy, Assistant It contains: New and transferring staff can National Director, Population Health, > Information about the obtain a copy of the Employee Health Promotion, HSE. “The HSE and induction process outlining the Resource Pack from their line the Community Games have similar Ollie Plunkett, Corporate Learning and Development Manager, Dublin Mid Leinster, Mary Gorry, Head of Employee Policy and Standards, Professor Brendan Drumm, CEO of responsibilities of the staff member manager. objectives in fostering the development the HSE, Pat Kenny, eLearning Project and Martin McDonald, National Director, Human and those of their line manager For further information contact your of healthy communities and improving Resources > Checklists for all stages of local Human Resources Department. individual health and well-being. The points set out in this strategic plan will enable us to increase awareness of the games and to highlight health New Policy Facilitates County to promotion issues such as obesity, nutrition, positive mental health and County/Grade to Grade Transfers physical activity,” she continued. Over 500,000 young people new National Transfer a contract of indefinite duration these requests. preferences of employees compete annually in the games, which Policy to facilitate HSE who have been in their substantive The new policy will have a number The policy will not affect the operation emphasise participation rather than A employees wishing to grade for a period of 12 months. It is of benefits for staff and HSE which of existing location promotional competition and give young people transfer employment across counties anticipated that this facility will in time include: and transfer panels. Transfers on the chance to have fun, make new was launched in April by Martin be extended to other HSE employees. > Personal development compassionate grounds/exceptional friends and experience new and McDonald, National Director for Following the launch of the policy > Transfer of special skills/ circumstances will continue to be exciting activities. Human Resources. more than 280 employees applied for aptitudes/qualifications and dealt with by line managers, and Community Games is a voluntary Initially, the transfer scheme national transfers, resulting in panels ability across areas outside of this policy on a case-by- organisation operating through is available on a pilot basis to all being formed for these grades across > Improving staff retention and case basis. local communities at area, county, permanent HSE employees in most counties. reducing time and costs of filling Further information and an online provincial and national levels with management and administration/ A new Central Transfer Processing vacancies application form can be found on over 20,000 volunteers and 1.3 million clerical grades, including those on Unit (CTPU) is currently processing > Accommodating special location www.careersinhealthcare.ie supporters annually. p18 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p19 West Healthmatters Healthmatters New 29-Bed Short-Stay Ward News brief

Mental Health in Letterkenny General Hospital Service Users new 29-bed short-stay ward Visit France has been officially opened in A Letterkenny General Hospital in Co. Donegal by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, TD. The new ward was built at a cost of €1.7m and additional funding of HSE West’s East Galway Mental €1.4m has been provided to staff the Health Service users depart for trip to France unit in 2007. Commenting on the new facilities Nineteen east Galway mental and highlighting the benefits to health service users recently patients, Sean Murphy, General visited Chalonnes-sur-Loire Manager, Letterkenny General in France. HSE West staff Hospital said: “This new facility and representatives from the will accommodate the increasing Ballinasloe Town Twinning amount of emergency admissions organization accompanied and prevent the need to use the day them. This project has been surgery and outpatient areas whilst ongoing for two years and awaiting the development of the continues to ensure mental health new emergency department and service users are enhanced accompanying wards. and empowered to represent “As a result, the clinicians in the themselves and others. hospital will be able to resume Brian Howard, CEO of Mental appropriate elective activity levels Health Ireland, said: “This is a and our patients will see an fantastic project and is very improvement in access times for much in keeping with the treatment at the hospital. The new recommendations of government ward also meets the new infection policy - A Vision for Change. control guidelines which allow for The hard work, commitment an enhanced area of 2.9m per bed and tremendous community space to minimise the risk of the (Back L to R): Paddy Rooney, Assistant General Manager, Letterkenny General Hospital (LGH), Denis Harkin, Patrick Martin, Paddy Murray involvement by the people of spread of infection.” (Front L to R): Loretta Kinsella, Sean Murphy, General Manager, LGH, An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, TD, Alan Moran, Hospital Network Manager Ballinasloe is something that should be highlighted nationally and other communities could replicate the project.”

Health Screening for Farmers at the Mart

James Reilly, Cavan having blood sugar tested with Terese Diskin, Cholesterol nurse

An information and screening day was held at Roscommon Mart recently for farmers. The initiative was part of the Farmers Have Hearts project to reduce the likelihood of people (L to R): Priya Prendergast, Local Health Manager, HSE West, Prof. Jim Browne, Registrar and Deputy President, NUI Galway, Dr. Martina Prendergast, Development Manager, Maurice considered to be at a high risk of Mulcahy, Principal Environmental Health Officer, HSE West and Prof. Katherine Hammond, Professor of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California cardiovascular disease suffering policy in the area of environmental from the condition. Screening on Developing a Research Culture health through the successful the day included cholesterol, blood collaboration and co-operation pressure and glucose checks and between the academic community, written results were provided. Within the Environmental Health Field environmental health practitioners and The screening included he importance of developing country’s first ever international environmental health officers to policy makers. a nutrition assessment and a research culture within the conference on reducing environmental participate in research initiatives that More than 100 environmental measurement of height, weight T environmental health field was risks and protecting public health. assess exposures and risks associated health officers from Ireland and the UK and waist. A physical activity emphasised during the recent New Maurice Mulcahy, Principal with environmental factors couldn’t attended the conference held in March, assessment was also given and Horizons in Environmental Health Environmental Health Officer, HSE be ignored. where a prominent theme was the role health promotion information Conference in Galway. West, and the driving force behind the The conference helped bridge the of environmental research in informing offered. All screening was HSE West and NUI Galway brought conference, said the potential benefits gap between academic research and health policy and in evaluating health accompanied by follow-up advice. together a range of experts for the to public health of empowering the development of relevant research intervention strategies. p18 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p19 Dublin North East Healthmatters Healthmatters

News brief

Free Friendly Call Service for Older Persons

A Friendly Call service in Finglas and Cabra was recently launched by Minister Noel Ahern, TD, Minister of State, Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The service offers a range of services such as: > A friendly telephone call five days per week to check that people are well > A reminder to clients of hospital and doctor appointments, medications > Information on services available in the locality > Social events, held periodically to introduce people to call centre staff A similar service has been operating in Blanchardstown since 2005. It was agreed early in 2006 to expand the service to local health office areas in north and north west Dublin with the support of Finglas Cabra Partnership. The service is free and is aimed at supporting people in the community, who may feel alone or vulnerable. Register for the service by contacting Friendly Call directly on 01 824 7342 or by referral.

(L to R): Professor Patricia Casey, Consultant Psychiatrist, Mater Hospital, Elaine Martin, Senior Psychologist, HSE, Professor Neil Frude, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, NHS, Aodhan O’Riordain, Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin and Margaret Hayes, Deputy City Librarian, Dublin City Public Libraries ENT Fun at Monaghan Hospital

GPs Prescribe High Fun and games were provided for children who attended a dedicated children’s ENT outpatient clinic recently at Monaghan Hospital. This new ENT service was Quality Self-help Books established in November 2006 and had seen 180 patients by April he HSE North Inner City Partnership in Primary Care, in association with this year. Dublin City Public Libraries, recently launched the North Inner City Book The service is a cross-border T Prescription Scheme at the Central Library, Ilac Centre, Dublin. Studies have demonstrated initiative between the North East The book prescription scheme is the first of its kind in Ireland and is similar to Hospital Network and the Western schemes in Britain. The scheme gives GPs and other professionals working in that the best books can Health and Social Services Board mental health the option of prescribing high quality self-help books to people produce results comparable in Northern Ireland. The initiative with mild or moderate psychological problems. Studies have demonstrated “ is supported by Co-operation and that the best books can produce results comparable to those of drug therapy to those of drug therapy or Working Together (CAWT). or psychotherapy. The service is provided by one of The scheme will give a large number of people easy access to an psychotherapy a team of seven ENT consultants effective form of psychological treatment, and will offer real treatment with a sub-speciality interest. It choice to those with symptoms of depression, anxiety and other includes outpatient consultations psychological problems. The use of self-help books, known as bibliotherapy, can be highly effective at for both adults and children. GPs in the North Inner City Partnership in Primary Care and other interested when used as the main source of help,” or in addition to prescribed medication Adult ENT day procedures and professionals will be given a Prescriber Pack. This includes the selected booklist, or counselling. The list was compiled by a team of psychologists who selected surgery are now also provided in a prescription pad, a supply of patient information leaflets and a prescriber books with an evidential base for the treatment strategies. The books cover Monaghan Hospital. information booklet which outlines the scheme and gives summaries of the many of the common emotional problems people experience, including ENT procedures for children are books. Dublin City Public Libraries have purchased the books and placed them depression, eating disorders, anxiety, social phobia, panic, anger, stress, low delivered in Tyrone County Hospital in several local library branches, the Central Library in the Ilac Centre, Charleville self-esteem as well as issues such as parenting difficulties, bereavement and the in Omagh, Altnagelvin Hospital, Mall, Drumcondra, Marino and Phibsboro. aftermath of child abuse. Derry and complex adult cases are The patient will receives the book when presenting the relevant prescription to For further information on the scheme contact Elaine Martin, Senior facilitated in Altnagelvin Hospital. the library and will automatically receive library membership. The scheme will Psychologist, HSE North Inner City Partnership in Primary Care at also operate in Mountjoy prison. [email protected]

p20 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p21 South Healthmatters Healthmatters Adolescents Get Easier Access to Health Information he organisation Squashy Couch opened its doors to The café is strictly smoke, alcohol and drug free and the teenagers in Waterford City in March 2004. Funded code of conduct advocates respect for all those who use T by the HSE and the Crisis Pregnancy Agency, the service. The café is staffed by health and childcare the overall aim is to reduce the number of teenage professionals, childcare and health promotion students pregnancies in the area. and trained volunteers who take the time to get to know Young people often find it difficult to discuss their the young people and who can chat about everything concerns on sexual health with the same GP who treats from the newest CD, to the benefits of healthy eating or to their parents and has known them since they were commiserate when relationships go wrong. children. As a response to this Squashy Couch sets out Squashy Couch provides sexual health education, to create an atmosphere that encourages them to get counselling, nursing services, addiction counselling, information in relation to their sexuality, their nutritional dietician services, a clinical nurse specialist in self-harm needs or how to manage stress during exam times. Young and a GP service. It is hoped that delivering targeted health people can call into Squashy Couch to read a book, take services to young people should realise a higher uptake of part in drama or confide in one of the staff. other relevant health services. Most young people’s introduction to Squashy Couch is the café. The space is reserved exclusively for their use and they have a direct input into the design and interior of the building. This ensures that they have a sense of ownership The café is strictly over the service and are empowered to take control and smoke, alcohol and ensure its successful operation. It is a safe place for teenagers to meet their friends, listen to music and display “drug free and the code their talents, be they literary, musical or artistic. The café is open 25-35 hours per week with extended opening of conduct advocates hours on Friday and Saturday evenings, and its non-profit making status means that the food is cheap, but there is no respect for all those obligation to buy. Healthy food options are promoted, but who use the service other choices are available. ”

(L to R): Denis Fenton, Former Personnel Manager, HSE South, Seán Nevin, Noel Cahil, Porter Seán Nevin, R.I.P. t was with great sadness that staff at HSE South’s area office in I Aras Sláinte, Wilton Road, Cork learned of the death of Seán Nevin. Seán managed the HSE South area office building for 26 years until his retirement last year at the age of 81. Originally from Belfast, he left his native city in 1945 and spent 40 years (L to R): Patient Stephen McCarthy, recalling his life and work in Skibbereen with student Donal O’Brien and staff nurse Mary Callanan with Sutton’s Coal, before joining the HSE. A true gentleman in every sense of the word, he cared for the Life Memory Art Exhibition building in the same way as he would his own house. It was a pleasure to n arts project entitled Cuimhne Clonakilty Community Hospital in gap. Ranging from 65 to 92 years of The whole group benefited have worked side-by-side with Seán an tSaoil (Life Memory) saw west Cork. age, patients recalled their life stories greatly from the project: the students for nearly five years. Seán’s vast Astudents, patients and staff For two-and-a-half hours each week, for the students. These memories learned from the patients’ stories knowledge of a host of different topics create a permanent art exhibition at the varied group met and worked were reflected in artwork and a book and gained a wider insight into the and stories from times gone by would Clonakilty Community Hospital earlier together. Initial signs of reservation containing the stories has become the world, hospital staff deepened their have me hanging on to his every word. this year. soon gave way to easy conversations project’s legacy. understanding and empathy towards On behalf of all the staff here I wish to For more than four months, Sarah and friendships began forming. The project culminated in a patients, and partnerships were formed extend our sincere sympathy to Seán’s Dobbs, Project Designer, Facilitator, Through interviews, collaborative permanent art exhibition and with the school, patients and their family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. and Artist, worked with ten students, a artworks and writing, students and presentation of the books and families. Preconceived notions of age Noel Cahill, nurse, a nurse’s aide and six patients at patients were able to bridge the age certificates to all who participated. and cultural barriers were broken down. Porter p20 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p21 Dublin Mid Leinster Healthmatters Healthmatters

Relapse Prevention Programme

Hanora Byrne, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Addictions, and Katarina Timulakova Psychologist n innovative relapse prevention All patients completed an educational treatment programme for programme of eight sessions. Six A patients with dual diagnosis patients graduated on successfully in a forensic setting produced its first completing the programme. graduates recently at the Central The first part of the programme Mental Hospital in Dundrum - the focused on risk factors and involved first time such a programme has been talks, exercises and discussions around undertaken within the forensic services. five modules, covering areas such Hanora Byrne, a newly appointed as strengthening motivation, high Clinical Nurse Specialist in Addictions risk situations, coping with cues and at the Central Mental Hospital, and cravings, triggers and lifestyle changes. psychologist Katarina Timulakova, The second part of the programme delivered the programme. focused on social, communication The term ‘dual diagnosis’ can be used and life skills, such as finding help in when substance abuse or dependency the community. is diagnosed alongside mental illness. Individual assignments where (Back L to R): Ann Tooher, Respiratory CNS, Marian Wyer, Professional Development Co-ordinator for Practice Nurses and Project Lead Professor Des Corrigan, Director of patients reflected on their own Nurse, Dr Aidan O’Brien, Consultant Physician, General and Respiratory Medicine, Sheelagh Canavan, Physiotherapy Services Manager, Katherine Kenny, Divisional Nurse Manager Midland Regional Hospital at Mullingar, (Seated L to R): Rosie Hassett, CNS for Outreach the School of Pharmacy, Trinity College experience of substance abuse were Programme, P McNerney, and Sheila Farrell, Physiotherapist, Midland Regional Hospital at Mullingar Dublin, attended the ceremony and an integral part of the treatment presented certificates to the graduating programme. The programme also patients. Professor Corrigan said: “It incorporated five review sessions with was a truly historic occasion and not 1:1 counselling follow-up sessions. just for those who had completed the Individual participant evaluations were First Rural Pulmonary programme but also for those who used at the end of each session. organised it.” The findings of research evaluating John O’ Donovan, Hospital Manager, the effectiveness of the programme Paul Braham, Director of Nursing on participant’s risk of taking drugs Outreach Pilot Making and Dr. John Ferguson, Principal and alcohol in the future will be Psychologist, addressed patients, presented at an International Forensic family members, friends and colleagues Mental Health Conference in Montreal an Impact during the event. this summer. rural pulmonary outreach The original Early Discharge of stay for COPD patients with an service for patients, Programme for over 65s offers patients exacerbation in Ireland is 8.6 days St Columbas Receives A established in Longford/ leaving hospital within 96 hours of (Costello 2003). From March 2006 Westmeath as a pilot project, has seen admission a comprehensive two-week to January 2007, 62 patients were the average length of stay for patients home care package. This includes admitted to the programme. Using Award for Artwork with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary objective monitoring, education about 2005 figures this equates to 26 Disease (COPD) drop significantly in their chronic illness, medication per cent of patients admitted to (L to R): Brian Burke, both the Early Discharge Programme, management, early detection of the Midland Regional Hospital at Professional Artist, Mary Proudfoot, and the Assisted Discharge exacerbation indicators and the Mullingar with a primary diagnosis Catering Supervisor, Programme. The reduction greatly necessity of early GP intervention. of COPD (Hospital InPatient Enquiry Eileen Doyle, Artist, Denise McShannon, reduces patient risk of acquiring An Assisted Discharge Programme scheme). Since the initiation of this Art Teacher, Maire a hospital-based infection, offers was initiated following an interim programme the median length of Moffet, A/Director patients a choice of care, supports the analysis of the project at four months. hospital stay for patients on the of Nursing, John Brazil, Artist, Dena integrated care pathway of the patient This review highlighted how the Early Discharge Programme was two Hayden, Healthcare and has significant cost benefits. discharge time and age restrictions days and the Assisted Discharge Assistant, Margaret This is the first time the service has prevented some patients from Programme was 5.5 days. Wilson, Clinical Nurse Manager II, been offered in a rural location in this entering the programme. The Worldwide COPD is the fifth most Prof. Brain Maguire country. The focus of the programme Assisted Discharge Programme offers common cause of death and is N.C.A.D is to facilitate the safe early discharge patients the same care package but expected to rise to the third by 2020. of patients with uncomplicated with less home visits. Among all European countries, Ireland esidents and staff at St Columbas High Support Hostel in Crumlin have exacerbations of COPD. The Personal home exercise ranked third for age standardised been honoured with a Centre of Excellence Award by the Lundbeck Art programme is clinically supported by a programmes and pulmonary death rates from respiratory disease in R Awards for their art project Against All Odds. respiratory consultant at the Midland rehabilitation classes, together 2001 (WHO 2006 European Health for Funds for this project were procured from the Kimmage, Walkinstown, Crumlin Regional Hospital at Mullingar. Both with the above care package are all Database). and Drimnagh Partnership and the HSE Health Promotion Unit, Tallaght. These Acute Hospital Services and Primary key elements of this programme. While a full patient evaluation has funds will allow for future ventures, including physical activities programmes, Community and Continuing Care International evidence advocates the to be carried out, anecdotal evidence facilitated by Crumlin Boxing Club. have embraced the programme, and use of these interventions to improve indicates great satisfaction with the To date two art exhibitions have been held at St Columbas, allowing families and the team work closely with local GPs, quality of life and reduce readmissions programme. It is envisaged that the friends to view the artwork of residents. The High Support Hostel was shortlisted public health nursing services and to hospital. model will be replicated in the region from 29 centres throughout Ireland. other allied healthcare professionals. The average inpatient length and by other disciplines.

p22 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p23 Healthmatters Healthmatters Staff Involvement Key to Success of Beaumont Hospital’s Dignity in the

Workplace Initiative Cross-border ll employees have the right ways of engaging their colleagues. Emergency Exercise to be treated with dignity and The key focus was on prevention A respect in the workplace. and self-responsibility rather than he response of ambulance services and hospitals to a major medical But how can you ensure that this equipping people with the tools to emergency taking place on the border between Northern Ireland and the national policy is fully understood solve problems after the event. T Republic of Ireland was put to the test recently. and consistently implemented in One of the most creative ideas A major cross-border emergency exercise was held in the coastal area of the complex, multicultural and often to emerge was the use of fictional Magilligan in Co. Derry in April, the first of its kind. hectic environment of a large acute stories to describe real experiences The exercise was sponsored by Co-operation and Working Together (CAWT), teaching hospital? of how dignity and respect might the cross-border partnership for the health authorities located along the border When Beaumont Hospital’s be breached. This experiential between Northern Ireland and the Republic. Dignity and Respect Initiative Project methodology has been developed It was the culmination of a series of practical training events, which brought Team first met in 2005 its members into a series of rolling workshops that together the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Republic’s National immediately recognised that the have become fun ways of stimulating Ambulance Service, in order to help foster a common approach when dealing real challenge was about creating discussion and promoting awareness jointly with a major medical incident. a positive cultural shift in the way in a safe environment. The whole Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Colm Donaghy, Chief Executive of that staff relate to each other and approach is strongly underpinned the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and Director General of CAWT, understand their rights, roles and by senior management’s active emphasised the importance of this ground breaking cross-border event. responsibilities at work. commitment to rolling out the project “Major emergency management is a challenge for both jurisdictions and this It quickly became clear that, with throughout the hospital. (L to R): Kate Costelloe, Head of exercise has tested the cross-border response by the ambulance services, with all their practical experience of the Beaumont’s experience is that, with Learning and Development, Patricia the support of the military and the police in the unfortunate event of a serious workplace, staff involvement and appropriate support, the practical Owens, Director of HR and Anne incident. I want to commend the ambulance services from both jurisdictions McNeely, Head of Organisational leadership at all levels was essential knowledge of staff can be a real Development for their active participation in the exercise and I also want to acknowledge the from the outset, so the project team resource in providing impetus for a medical and aviation co-ordination and support provided by the Royal Airforce developed an approach designed to policy enactment that goes far beyond participation and involvement. But that (RAF), the Territorial Army and the Irish Army Air Corps.” maximise their engagement in the the conventional circulation of a simply leaves the project team with With the assistance of both the Territorial Army Medical and Signals whole initiative. document exhorting change. the challenge of dreaming up yet more regiments, two simulated scenarios involving significant casualties were staged Staff from a wide variety of Inevitably, what is new and ways of engaging with staff, customers at the same time. Ambulance services from north and south responded to both disciplines and functions were stimulating today will become tired and consumers to create conditions incidents in order to test their co-ordination. Such was the scale of the simulated brought together to pool their and jaded tomorrow, reducing for the provision of excellence in incidents that arrangements were made to airlift some of the casualties by knowledge and ideas and to identify both the impact and enjoyment of healthcare at Beaumont Hospital. military helicopter to the nearest hospitals. The RAF transported casualties to Letterkenny General Hospital and the Irish Army Air Corps conveyed casualties to Altnagelvin Area Hospital. This enabled both sets of military personnel to undertake valuable air evacuation training with the ambulance services. Therapy Project Office Supports Both hospitals found the exercise valuable in enabling them to partially test vital aspects of their own major emergency plans. Frank McClintock, Assistant National Director, National Hospitals Office of Student Practice Education the HSE stated: “This simulated major emergency exercise has provided an invaluable platform for a multiplicity of agencies to work together and this was Therapy Project Office has Language Therapy (2004). The appointees are Aine Clyne, OT not always possible to achieve. The input from all of these agencies has enabled been established in Dublin The NIG is organising a nationally Manager, HSE Mental Health Services, fantastic skills development and learning experience and one that the Republic A to further develop student co-ordinated approach to providing North Central Dublin, Vanessa of Ireland National Ambulance Service will continue to strive to improve and practice education and continuing quality clinical placements to students Hamilton, Senior Physiotherapist, build upon.” professional development in in the three professions. Beaumont Hospital, and Charlotte occupational therapy, physiotherapy A number of key areas have been Mc Coubrey, Senior Speech and and speech and language therapy. identified which require further Language Therapist, The Adelaide and Three project managers attached to development: Meath Hospital, Dublin incorporating their respective professional bodies > Student practice education The National Children’s Hospital. (ISCP, AOTI and IASLT) have been > Processes to support continuing The Therapy Project Office is based appointed to work in the office. professional development (CPD) in Stewart’s Hospital, Palmerstown. These posts were created by the > Quality information for the public Contact details are as follows: National Implementation Group (NIG) The project managers will work in [email protected] to implement some of the actions close collaboration with professional (AOTI) 01 620 1809. outlined in the Report of the National groups, universities, therapy [email protected] Planning Group on Clinical Placement managers, and the HSE to build on (ISCP) 01 620 1824 Provision for Occupational Therapy, the previous work and to drive these [email protected] Physiotherapy and Speech and projects forward. (IASLT) 01 620 1637 p22 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p23 West Healthmatters Healthmatters HSE West/Travellers News brief Outreach Midwifery Initiative to Repair Aids and Clinic Opens in Appliances in Tuam Project Oughterard joint HSE West and employees. HSE West envisages Community and Continuing Care According to Brian Murphy, Tuam Travellers initiative, the items such as wheelchairs, walking (PCCC), HSE West, who initiated the concept has significant A first of its kind in frames, crutches, beds, hoists, the concept and approached the potential for expansion in other Ireland, could result in at least six shower chairs and other key medical Tuam Travellers group, believes that HSE services in Galway and outside jobs being created for travellers equipment being refurbished at the the proposal has the potential to the county. With HSE West’s in Tuam town. The joint initiative, Tuam premises. deliver enormous savings for the increased emphasis on facilitating University College Hospital, which involves the repairing and Cllr. Martin Ward, Manager of the taxpayer, while providing real jobs more patient care at home, there Galway, has opened an outreach refurbishment of HSE aids and Western Travellers and Intercultural and local service to patients. Brian will be an ever-increasing need midwifery clinic in Oughterard, appliances, is expected to save Development Centre at Brú Bhride, Murphy plans to have the initiative for such a service. Brian Murphy Co. Galway. A clinical midwife HSE West thousands of euro, as says premises in the town are operational by the summer. He says initially envisages up to six traveller manager will staff the clinic along equipment, which had been discarded currently being assessed, and a that in the PCCC department in Co. employees being involved, but with a qualified staff midwife. in the past, can now be reused after business plan will soon be presented Galway alone, over half a million euro believes that the project has the The clinic will provide full being sterilised, sanitised, stress to the HSE for approval. Brian worth of medical equipment could be potential to expand and diversify antenatal care for women in west tested and refurbished by traveller Murphy, General Manager of Primary, refurbished every year. considerably. Galway and offers flexibility and convenience to pregnant women by giving them the option of having their antenatal check-ups closer to home.

Programme to Provide Hygiene Education to Food Workers

HSE West’s Environmental Health Department, Roscommon, presented Food Hygiene Certificates to 68 food workers from the food industry across Co. Roscommon. The event was part of a programme to provide hygiene education to food workers and is provided by the Environmental Health Office Association. The course covers a broad range of subjects, including an overview of basic microbiology, food contamination, food hygiene law, personal hygiene, cleaning procedures and hazard analysis critical control points. These subjects are geared towards Vital Role of Infectious enabling food workers to see and understand where problems could Disease Surveillance Stressed arise in the preparation, handling, storage or service of food.

(L to R): Former Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children,Tim O’Malley,TD, with Dr Brenda Corcoran, Dr Joan O’Donnell, Dr Mary Horgan and Dr Stef Bronzwaer

he vital role of infectious disease surveillance in maintaining a good public approved vaccine against some strains of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and Healthy Eating health response was stressed at the recent Healthy Populations seminar where and how a vaccination strategy is being implemented. While external Pack for Theld in Limerick. genital warts, the most common STI in Ireland, is the common manifestation of Primary Schools Almost 80 delegates from the fields of environmental health, medical HPV, its role in cervical cancer in women was reiterated. Launched microbiology, food safety, veterinary and public health disciplines attended. The Dr Joan O’Donnell, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, Health Protection seminar was held by HSE West, together with safeFood, and supported by the Surveillance Centre, Population Health Directorate, spoke about the active Regional Zoonosis Committee in the mid west. epidemiology of tuberculosis in Ireland. Possible reasons for the recent rise in Galway hurler Alan Kerins The seminar was opened by Tim O’Malley TD, former Minister of State at the the incidence of TB nationally were discussed, and the necessity of good officially launched a new Healthy Department of Health and Children, who outlined the vital role of infectious surveillance data emphasised. Eating Pack for Primary Schools. disease surveillance in maintaining a good public health response that utilises the The guest speaker Dr Stef Bronzwaer from the European Food Safety The Community Nutrition and expertise of a multitude of professional bodies across different public sectors. Authority (EFSA), Parma, Italy, presented data on salmonella and campylobacter, Dietetic Service in HSE West Dr Mary Horgan, Consultant in Infectious Diseases, Cork University Hospital, comparing rates in EU member states from baseline studies, recently published developed the pack, which gave an overview of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in modern Ireland. on the EFSA website. The data, collected under the EU Zoonosis Directives, includes information about National and regional data were shown and some of the reasons for the combines data from human, animal and food sources. The remit and work of nutrition and encourages healthy increase in the incidence of STIs in Ireland was discussed. The role of travel EFSA was also outlined. The information proved interesting and illuminating, eating habits in primary schools. and vaccination was highlighted and particular emphasis given to the recently provoking much discussion and collaboration after the meeting.

p24 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p25 Dublin North East Healthmatters Healthmatters

New Autism Secondary School Unit in Louth new autism secondary school unit has been A established in Louth thanks to the joint efforts of the National Council for Special Education, Louth Autism Team and Ardee Community School. The unit opened in September 2006 and is working well. The educational package for each child who attends the unit has been tailor-made, and includes maximum integration into mainstream school. The Louth Autism team remains on hand to assist the teacher and special needs assistants in the unit. Louth Autism Team identified the need for a post-primary class for children with autism spectrum disorders. Many children who have been attending special autism classes in primary school are now reaching secondary school age, and have specific needs and difficulties (L to R): Willie Rattigan, HSSCU, Tom Carroll, HSSCU, Deirdre Purcell, Author, Shay Torsney, HSSCU, Marie McBryan, HSSCU, Eugene Murray, IHF, John Kane, HSSCU, Dr. Susan Delaney, IHF but also huge academic strengths and abilities. These children would benefit from a secondary level education that New Resource caters for their unique profile. Many want to attend their local secondary school and it was agreed that a special class in a mainstream school would be the best solution. for the Bereaved The special educational needs rish Stories of Loss & Hope, a resource for another is contracts manager for the National Madden and many more. They share their organiser for the area, Miriam Hilliard, bereaved people in Ireland, was recently Hospitals Office. This diverse group all work experiences in the hope that they will resonate was notified of the numbers of Ilaunched. The book includes personal together to ensure a quality service is given by for the bereaved and their carers. It demonstrates these children reaching secondary contributions by many well-known Irish the credit union. how individual grief is and offers comfort, hope school age and she in turn contacted personalities and its publication was made possible This year, a committee made up of six HSSCU and companionship on the journey of grieving. potentially appropriate schools within with the support of the Health Services Staffs Credit directors chose to sponsor the Irish Hospice The HSSCU is delighted to be in a position the region. The principal of Ardee Union (HSSCU) and its members. Foundation (IHF) in their production of a new to support this work in the health services Community School expressed an The HSSCU Board of Directors comprises 15 resource bringing hope and comfort to the community and indeed the larger community in interest and discussions began. health service staff from various locations. The estimated 300,000 people in Ireland affected by Ireland. In addition, the IHF wishes to express its The Louth Autism Team HSSCU President is a medical scientist in St. grief every year. Contributors to the book include enormous gratitude to health services staff and has played a key role in supporting Michael’s Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, two directors Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney, journalist Nell members of HSSCU for the continued support the educational services in a are environmental health officers (one retired); McCafferty, broadcaster Joe Duffy, artist Anne of their work. range of ways. The team shares information about evidence-based educational interventions, proven to be effective with children with autism spectrum disorders. Dr Olwyn Consent Guidelines Finnegan, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Louth Autism Team said: “With Launched in the parental involvement, we have shared information from our assessments that will facilitate personalised North East educational planning for individual children and we have offered ospitals in the North East recently launched a publication entitled training and consultation for teachers Guidelines in Relation to Obtaining Consent to Clinical Treatment in at the school.” Han Acute Hospital Setting. The experience has been hugely The evidence-based set of guidelines was produced following an positive for all concerned. The examination of current practices. sharing of information and Patients have a fundamental legal and ethical right to determine disseminating of research has what happens to them and their bodies. Valid consent to treatment is meant that a state-of-the-art service therefore absolutely central in all forms of healthcare, from providing is provided. Teachers feel more (Back L to R): Dr Rory Page, Consultant Anaesthetist and Chair of the Consent Steering personal care, to giving medication or other forms of physical investigation competent and feel confident that Group, Caroline Crowley, Partner, Hayes Solicitors, Ciaran O’Rorke, Partner, Hayes Solicitors, Cornelia Stuart, Area Quality and Risk Manager, HSE, Gerry Clerkin, Risk Advisor, and treatment. Seeking consent is also a matter of common courtesy. when difficulties arise they have the Cavan/Monaghan Hospital and Project Lead for Consent Guidelines The importance of having detailed guidance in relation to consent for support of the Louth Autism Team. (Front L to R): Ruth Shipsey, Consultant, Hayes Solicitors, Anne Marie Oglesby, Clinical clinical treatment was therefore identified as a priority within the hospitals The project is a great example of Risk Advisor, State Claims Agency, Dr Mary Hynes, Assistant National Director National Hospitals Office Quality, Risk and Customer Care, Dr Ailis Quinlan, Head of Clinical in the North East. how multi-agency working together Indemnity Scheme, Siobhan Coleman, Solicitor/Clinical Claims Manager, State Claims A copy of the guidelines is available by emailing can provide a more comprehensive, Agency [email protected] holistic service to children. p24 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p25 South Healthmatters Healthmatters New 21-bed Extension Opens at Wexford General ary Harney TD, Minister increased demand on our services. for Health and Children, I’m also pleased that the extra space Mofficially opened a new and bed resource will better enable 21-bed extension to Wexford General us at Wexford General to deal with the Hospital recently. The Minister also isolation requirements of a modern officially opened an Admissions health service. Lounge, which now complements the “The Admission Lounge has been emergency department facilities at built to the highest standards of the hospital. care accommodation. I salute the Hospital Network Manager, Department of Health and Children, Richard Dooley, welcomed the the HSE, the construction company, additional 21 beds, known as the St. our own staff and the public for their Bridget’s Ward Extension. He said co-operation over such a short space that the additional beds resulted in of time. improved provision of both isolation Mary Harney TD, complimented and single room accommodation for the hospital’s dedicated staff, and patients. The extension to the medical said there had been big in-roads in ward also provides a dedicated four- addressing the issue of waiting bed stroke unit. times in the Emergency Department Speaking at the official opening through concerted efforts by Teresa Hanrahan, General Manager management and staff and the of Wexford General Hospital, said: opening of the new facility. “I’m delighted the Minister is here “International research has shown today to open the 21 extra beds. that the outcome from such dedicated (Front L to R): Rebecca Pierce, Surgical Nurse Manager, Bernard Finnegan, Director of Nursing, Mary Harney, TD, Minister for Health and I have no doubt they will address inter-disciplinary facilities greatly Children, Teresa Hanrahan, General Manager, Paul Kelly, Consultant in Emergency Medicine. (Back L to R): Dr. Colm Quigley, Medical difficulties encountered in recent enhances the recovery prospects for Clinical Director, Colm O’Gorman, Philomena Roche, Mayor, Paul Kehoe, TD, Kathleen Creamer, CNM2, ED years by patients and staff due to these patients,” said the Minister. New Senior Waterford and St. Patrick’s Hospitals Citizen Centre Get Images from Annie Brophy Collection he Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Michael Ahern, officially opened The centre T a purpose-built centre providing healthcare and social services for older people in the Glen area of Cork city. has given me For 32 years, the voluntary the chance organisation St. Brendan’s The Glen “ Senior Citizen’s Ltd has offered the to engage area’s older people a diverse range of activities. For some it represents their in social only opportunity to mix with the outside world. According to local activities user Mrs. Cotter “the centre has given me the chance to engage in social activities in my local area and to mix the building. HSE South financed the with new people”. necessary furniture and fittings” and The new building is a vast now employs a co-ordinator to work improvement on the former facility, with St. Brendan’s to ensure that a which was a two-roomed flat. A large comprehensive programme suitable for single story building, it has a reception older people continues. area/office, a room for chiropody, Dave Drohan, Local Health Office reflexology, and hairdressing sessions Manager, said: “The HSE is delighted Mary Grehan, Arts Co-ordinator, Waterford Healing Arts Trust, Cllr. O’Neill, Mayor of Waterford, Eileen Power, St. Patrick’s Hospital, Donal and a main hall for dancing and social to support the work of St. Brendan’s Moore, City Archivist, Ann Kennedy, Director of Nursing, St. Patrick’s Hospital, Breda McGrath and Mary Baxter, Waterford Healing Arts events. There is also a kitchen and a in promoting the well-being of Trust quiet room for individual counselling older people in the community. The and discussions. There is a landscaped organisation has a strong track record aterford Regional and St. Patrick’s Hospitals therapist Eileen Power. City archivist Donal Moore will also garden to the rear of the building. of providing appropriate, enjoyable have been presented with a collection of 20 be giving a special talk on the photographs for patients at St. Cork City Council provided funding for activities for older people in The Glen.” W photographs of old buildings of Waterford Patrick’s Hospital shortly. from the Annie Brophy collection. The photographs have The HSE’s director of nursing for St. Patrick’s Hospital, been donated by Waterford City Archives to the Waterford Anne Kennedy, thanked the mayor and the city council Healing Arts Trust. for what she called a very appropriate gift. The director of The Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. Laurence “Cha” O’Neill nursing said that the items would prove very valuable. Lón Le Gaeilge recently made the presentation to representatives of the Anne Kennedy also paid tribute to the Waterford Healing An Irish language awareness event, the Irish lunch (Lón le Gaeilge), was organised in HSE and Waterford Healing Arts Trust at a ceremony in St. Arts Trust for its contribution to therapeutic activities. The April, in collaboration with staff who provide health services to the Muskerry Gaeltacht Patrick’s Hospital. Waterford Healing Arts Trust is Ireland’s leading hospital arts area adjacent to Macroom. Five photographs will be displayed in the Medical 5 ward programme. Based primarily in Waterford Regional Hospital The event took place at Macroom Health Centre. Great food was served in an for older people at Waterford Regional Hospital and a further since 1991, the trust promotes the role of the arts in healing atmosphere of comhrá, music and song. The event was designed to encourage HSE staff to use a little Irish. 15 will be displayed in St. Patrick’s Hospital, where they will and well-being through a multi-disciplinary programme of be used as a resource for reminiscence therapy by hospital arts activity and an extensive collection of art.

p26 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p27 Dublin Mid Leinster Healthmatters Healthmatters

Public Preview of new Tullamore Hospital

Paddy Slattery, Musician, Amy Lynch and Paula Hickey, Edenderry Youth Club, Rita embers of the public were able to view the new lots of light” and “a big improvement on the old hospital”. Kelly, Suicide Resource Officer, Nick Foley and Tessie Doyle of Oak Partnership Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore prior to Information stands were manned by members Mits opening. of the Project Team, Maintenance Department, More than 1,000 people were delighted to get the Equipping Department, Hospital Accreditation, opportunity to view the facility at a public open day at the Health Promotion, Radiology Department and Friends end of April. Peter Waters, Hospital Manager, and members of the Hospital. Community of hospital staff were on hand during the day to meet the The Garda Siochana, who work closely with HSE public. Tours involving 20 people at a time were led every on security, also manned an informational stand. The ten minutes by hospital staff. catering department provided refreshments. A separate Those who took the tour seemed to be very happy with evening was held for retired members of staff, who also Takes the the new facility saying it was “inviting”, “very spacious with enjoyed their visit. Initiative on Mental Health and Suicide bout 40 people from the community of Edenderry, Co. Offaly and surrounding areas including the Gardai, clergy, nursing, teachers, A community workers and parents, recently completed a five-week Gatekeeper’s course covering various topics relating to mental health and suicide. The weekly sessions were a joint initiative between the HSE and Edenderry Community Development Project. Issues explored included mental health as distinct from mental illness, the nature of addiction, and issues around suicide, depression and adolescent psychological development. The programme presenters were Finola Colgan, Development Officer, Mental Health Ireland, Joan Tierney, Health Promotion Services, Rita Kelly, HSE Suicide Resource Officer, Karl O Reilly, Development Officer, AWARE and Dr. Jonathan Egan, HSE Director of Adult Counselling Services. (L to R): Eimear Sweeney, Manager of Services for Older Persons, Dublin West, Concepta deBrun, Reform Development Officer, Dublin “This initiative came about when a young local man, Paddy Slattery, contacted West, Jim Breslin, Assistant National Director, PCCC Dublin Mid Leinster, Bernice Keatley, Occupational Therapy Manager, Dublin West the Suicide Resource Officer wishing to donate the proceeds of his recent CD and Brigid O’Donovan, Principal Social Worker, Cherry Orchard Hospital to suicide prevention. Paddy is well known in Edenderry and Tullamore for his musical talent, and his gesture shows a great willingness on behalf of someone who has experienced loss through disability, yet is positive in his outlook and concerned of the welfare of others,” explained Rita Kelly, Suicide Resource Primary Care Teams Officer HSE. Paddy presented a cheque to the youth club, one of a number of community hree Primary Care Teams have (population 10,816) and Ballyfermot/ HSE Dublin Mid Leinster initiatives run by the Edenderry Community Development Project. The funds are been established in the Dublin Drumfinn/Cherry Orchard B/Kylemore Administrative Area has received likely to be put towards purchasing musical equipment for use by young people TWest LHO Area. Nine new HSE (population 8,916). funding to develop Primary Care engaged with the club. frontline posts were allocated to this The core services available in Teams in each of its Local Health “Nick Foley, Co-ordinator, Community Development Project, which is hosted by development. Seven staff are already these three Primary Care Teams Office areas. Oak Partnership, was the driving force in organising this group of participants and in place and are currently taking are physiotherapy, social work, Any enquires concerning the very enthusiastic about bringing this programme to Edenderry,” added Ms Kelly. referrals from persons living within the occupational therapy and speech and street index or how to access Ms Kelly presented certificates to the course participants. She praised the team boundaries. language therapy. services can be made to the community for their “willingness to engage with this difficult and sensitive issue, The three teams are located An information booklet for each of Primary Care Teams, Administrative one, which we know, has touched the lives of so many”. within electoral division boundaries, the three teams has been published Offices, Ballyowen Medical Centre, It is hoped that the combination of the awareness gained by participants on and cater to all of the public living detailing how the teams will work. Ballyowen Lane, Lucan, Co Dublin, the course, together with the networking opportunity that it provided will add in these areas. These include It includes information on team or to the Primary Care Project to the already worthwhile community development work taking place in the Inchicore/Bluebell (population members, referral and enrolment and Manager, Concepta de Brun, email: Edenderry area. of 9,588), Clondalkin/Deansrath policies and protocols. [email protected] p26 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p27 West Healthmatters Healthmatters

Champions 500,000 for Health FETAC Promotion Awards Help Make Issued HSE Staff the ETAC held an award ceremony in Croke Park in celebration of the F 500,000 awards which have been issued to date. Healthiest To mark this milestone John Boyle, Healthcare Assistant, was chosen to represent students who undertook Workforce! the Healthcare Support Certificate Course nationally. John’s course was ncreasing physical activity levels provided at the Centre for Nursing and among overweight and obese Midwifery Education, St Conal’s Hos- clients is one of the aims of a pital, Letterkenny and co-ordinated by I Roisin McLoughlin, Healthcare scheme supported by HSE West and Support Programme Co-Ordinator the University of Limerick. The Primary Care Exercise Referral Scheme is one of a number of projects John Boyle, Healthcare Assistant, Falcarragh Community Hospital, Co. Donegal, receiving his FETAC Level 5 award in Healthcare Support being supported by a partnership from Mary Hanafin, TD, Minister for Education and Science between the Health Promotion Department of HSE West and the Physical Education and Sport Sciences Department at the University. The partnership was formed in order Referrals Ease Pressure to promote physical activity in the community and the expansion of the scheme into North Tipperary, Clare, West Limerick and Limerick city on Emergency Department is now under review. irect patient referrals to Merlin GPs are now able to refer medical to be followed. Patients for This creates a much smoother Park University Hospital admissions directly to Merlin Park admissions within the agreed criteria admission system for many The three D in Galway have eased the University Hospital on the days that may go directly to Merlin Park with a patients who would normally pressure on Galway University the hospital is on-take during the referral letter from their GP within the have to go to the emergency schools are Hospital’s (UCHG) Emergency hours of 9.00am to 5.00pm. The aim agreed time frame. Outside of this, department at UCHG, queue to be currently Department. of this service is to give patients easy patients will attend the emergency seen by a doctor and then wait to “ A new pilot system of direct patient access to hospital, to reduce waiting department as usual. be transported to Merlin Park implementing referrals to Merlin Park, introduced times in the emergency department To date, the direct admissions University Hospital. late last year for a period of four at Galway University Hospital and service is working very successfully Direct access to hospital has their year two months, has proved successful and is to reduce the need for ambulances with a total of 20 per cent of acute greatly reducing waiting times. set to continue. transporting patients to Merlin Park medical patients admitted directly. Patients are pleased with this service goals The Direct Admissions Service, for admission. If this trend continues it is anticipated and find it less stressful, and GPs a joint initiative between Galway When GPs in Galway city and that over 650 patients will avail of advise that it is an excellent initiative Primary Community and Continuing county need to refer a medical the service in 2007. The average to improve hospital access. This Another project under the scheme aims Care (PCCC) and Galway Regional admission, they call a designated admission time, from receiving initiative is especially helpful to to implement a” whole-school approach Hospitals, was introduced to reduce phone number, held by a registrar. notification of expected admission older people and their contact to physical activity. The objective is the pressure on Galway University An information leaflet was circulated at ward level to actual admission of with the health services is a more to advise a primary school on how to Hospital’s Emergency Department. to GPs, which outlines the procedure patient, is approximately two hours. positive experience. adopt an active school programme, by providing an environment encouraging healthy physical activity rather than just promoting sport and competition. Three pilot schools involved in the Bosnians project are receiving support with their PE programmes and extra- Briefed on curricular physical activity. Focusing on physical activity has also resulted Food Control in the schools adopting a healthy eating policy. The three schools are Systems currently implementing their year two goals, identified from the review group of Government Officials from Federation of Bosnia and of their overall physical activity A Herzegovina, Republic of Srpska development plan. and District of Brck recently visited Ireland. The Active Communities project The visit provided participants with a is a Limerick City Sports Partnership thorough understanding of the system of initiative. The aim of this multi-agency inspection, administration, procedures and practices in Ireland. programme is to initiate, support and The delegation spent a full day in evaluate the implementation of two Roscommon where they were introduced pilot active community initiatives, to the Food Control Systems in the Market Place by John Hanily, Assistant geared at enabling local communities Principal Environmental Health Officer, to develop and implement locally HSE West. Joan Walsh, Environmental Health Officer spoke to the visitors about relevant strategic sport action plans. the daily inspections in the market place It comes under the goal of Active from the perspective of a newly qualified Limerick in the Limerick City Sports Environmental Health Officer. Partnership Strategic Plan and intends to focus on low participation groups.

p28 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p29 Dublin North East Healthmatters Healthmatters

Former Director of Finance, Seoirse, Big Response Retires After 46 Years in the Health Service to Got a Solution? eoirse O hAodha, former Director of Finance in the north east has retired after 46 years in the health service. He began his career in Louth County Council in 1961, moving to Central Stores in St. James Hospital in 1967. He then S joined the internal audit service in the former Eastern Health Board before moving to internal audit in the North Campaign Eastern Health Board in 1973. After 11 years as Financial Accountant he was promoted to Finance Officer in 1988 and Director of Finance in 2003. Seoirse was joined by past and present work colleagues at his retirement presentation held here has been a big response to a recently in Kells. campaign in Cavan and Monaghan Tinviting staff to contribute practical ways of improving PCCC Cavan/ Monaghan services. A Leadership Advisory Group (LAG) was established by the local health manager to identify significant areas for change within PCCC. The group devised a campaign entitled Got a Solution? Posters were displayed in all healthcare settings and members of staff received information on the campaign. Heads of service and discipline were encouraged to discuss Got a Solution? at their team meetings. More than 60 submissions on areas for improvement were made in writing, by email or in person to the LAG. The submissions were wide-ranging and included: > Improving the PCCC physical environment benefiting both clients and staff > Developing and implementing a PCCC Communication Strategy > Publication of health information > Training and development for front line staff > Improving recycling and energy efficiency > Developing and implementing a PCCC standard for email communication > Developing a PCCC local induction > PCCC Services to collate user perspectives of service delivery

The finalised projects were compared against the organisation’s leadership priorities and form a large part of the Transformation Agenda for the PCCC. The LAG has now set up a number of teams using performance management principles to implement the projects. Every opportunity is taken to invite other members of staff to become involved in implementing these projects. Leo Kinsella, Local Health Manager Cavan/Monaghan, said: “We want to encourage staff to continue to work together constructively so as to provide constantly improving services to the people of Cavan and Monaghan. The projects provide the framework for staff at all levels in that effort.” Late last year staff from the PCCC, including administration and clinical staff, heads of discipline and service managers from mental health, children and family services, elderly services, disability services and primary care services, attended a workshop entitled “How can we help each other do our best work”. The communication of the Transformation Programme formed an integral part of the agenda. One of the most striking outcomes was the identification of (L to R): Therese Boylan, Staff Officer, Management Accounts, James McNally, Financial Accountant Administration, Paul Duffy, SAP Financial Accounting/Controlling Specialist, Seoirse O hAodha, Brenda Cosgrove, Management Financial Accountant, Tony Reilly, respect as a high priority for staff. In response, a staff recognition event will be National Projects Director and Kevin Lombard, Implementation Manager SAP Financials held which will highlight services that have consistently excelled. Alcohol Liaison Project at Cavan General Hospital new Alcohol Liaison Project There is extensive evidence to suggest safe levels of alcohol consumption. session offered to outpatient staff The next stages of has been established at Cavan that nurses may assist patients in Those who agreed to participate were was recently presented as an the initiative are: A General Hospital which aims addressing their alcohol use during given a comprehensive assessment example of evidence-based practice > Extension of project initiative to reduce the frequency of repeat these hospital admissions. Patients by the liaison nurse to help them at an international Health Promotion to the Emergency Department admissions and increase awareness of who receive information and advice to establish a connection between Conference held in Vienna. within Cavan General Hospital alcohol as a health issue. The project from healthcare professionals are their hospital presentation and their The pilot project was completed > Introduction of the project has been initiated by two specialist significantly more likely to address alcohol consumption. The patients and the initiative has now been to Monaghan General nurses in addiction from their alcohol use. were then given a leaflet outlining a offered to all the adult units within Hospital the Cavan/Monaghan Mental As part of the pilot project all menu of options. These include brief Cavan General Hospital, excluding > Ongoing training and evaluation Health Service. admissions to two units at Cavan intervention, referral to community- the Emergency Department. To date, opportunities of generic staff Alcohol related admissions General Hospital were screened based addiction services or to a total of 860 patients have been > Proposal to include an alcohol constitute a large percentage of for alcohol use with the Audit PC residential rehabilitation services. screened and 216 have been offered screening tool as a standardised all presentations to general hospitals. Screening Questionnaire (World In conjunction with the clinical an intervention. part of the nursing admission Research estimates that 30 per cent Health Organisation 2005). All initiative, an educational programme This work has been complemented procedure of all male admissions may be related patients who scored five or more facilitated by liasion nurses was by two research-based studies at to excessive alcohol consumption on the instrument were offered offered to general nursing staff. Masters level conducted in Cavan For further information (Hearne et al 2002). In accident the opportunity to engage with A series of informal education General Hospital. contact Martin Sheridan or and emergency departments the the alcohol liaison nurse. Patients sessions have also been offered to The findings from both studies John Mohan. Tel: 049 437 6461 figure may be as high as 60 per cent who declined were offered health nurses at ward level. The alcohol are currently being used to enhance (Bleep 250) or email: (Luke 2003). promotional literature relating to education training and awareness service provision. [email protected] p28 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p29 South Healthmatters Healthmatters

Dance Classes for Drugs Awareness Autistic Children

ance classes which provide a leisure activity for children Initiative DVD Dwith autism are proving popular in Cork. The classes began when a parent approached dance teacher Jo Nichols Distributed Nationally seeking a leisure activity for children. In association with other parents, Jo subsequently set up Dance Connect and has received funding from HSE South and Cork City and County Councils’ arts offices. HSE South also funded a photographic exhibition to support and celebrate the work of Dance Connect and to assist the group in highlighting the need for Eoin Cambridge exploring new moves, more creative approaches to providing supported by dance teacher Jo Nichols activities for children with autism. at the Wilton Dance Connect class in According to dance teacher Jo the S.M.A. Hall. Nichols: “Dance Connect involves children in a social setting, enabling them to express themselves physically and freely in a fun and positive way. The class is unique in that the parents stay and join in all the activities with their children on a one-to-one basis, giving them a time and a place to focus on the positive aspects of their child’s abilities. Ann O’Connor, Co-ordinator, HSE South Arts and Health Programme said: “The beauty of Dance Connect is that it provides an opportunity for mutual support and networking between parents, while also focusing on what children with autism can do, be and create, which is a significant break from the usual challenges and frustrations that many of these children and their families face.” For further information contact Jo Nichols: Mobile: 087 778 7320, website: www.jonicholsdance.com, or Ann O’Connor: Email [email protected] Patient Information Leaflets Developed In April, Mary Hanafin, TD, Minister for Education and Science launched a new drug awareness campaign and DVD for primary school students called Empower Óg. Pictured at the launch was Cian O’Donoghue, age 6, from Sandymount, Dublin 4 sychiatric nursing students in delivery of their care and to give their fourth year at the Institute them the opportunity to express their mpower Óg is a campaign to educate families and the DVD from their local library. P of Technology, Tralee, Co. Kerry, individual needs. generate family discussion on the important topic Sinéad O’ Mahoney, Drugs Education Office with have developed information leaflets for A daily ward planner leaflet outlines Eof drug awareness. The campaign is based around the HSE in South Tipperary, said: “The Empower Óg patients in the Acute Psychiatric Unit, key activities helping to orientate a new family drug awareness DVD, developed by the HSE team wishes to educate families and generate family Kerry General Hospital. Mentors and patients and visitors. It also provides and the Tipperary Regional Youth Service, and supported discussion around the topic of drug abuse. This transition the practice development team at Kerry staff with a communication tool for by Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals (Ireland). phase can be an intimidating and daunting experience for Mental Health Services supported use with individuals with sensory It will encourage parents, teenagers and the community children, and can lead to vulnerability and insecurity. them in the initiative. difficulties, literacy or learning at large to educate themselves about drug addiction in How parents, teachers and the wider community deal The leaflet entitled Boundaries disability or non-native English Ireland, and to empower themselves in a positive way in with this vulnerability can determine the direction that and Expectations has two purposes: speakers. the struggle against drug abuse. a young person’s life takes. Copies of the new Empower guiding visitors, staff and patients on This project has shown how The DVD identifies the problems children can encounter Óg DVD have been distributed to each of the primary their expected behaviour while at the joint working between the practice – from primary to secondary school – such as smoking, schools and every public library in Ireland. Families, acute psychiatric unit, and indicating development team, preceptors and drinking, marijuana, amphetamines and inhalants. parents and students will be able to learn more about drug what patients should expect to receive student nurses can improve and Principals and teachers are encouraged to show the DVD addiction and to “empower” themselves against abuse in terms of high quality care. enhance patient information. to their students, while parents and pre-teens can borrow with education. Another leaflet encourages patients For further information contact: PJ to become involved in daily one-to-one Harnett, Mobile: 087 685 3785, Cathy structured therapeutic conversations O Sullivan, Mobile: 087 797 7126, or New Guide for Teens with to involve them in the planning and Mary Myers, Mobile: 087 685 3835 Dyspraxia and Their Teachers New Director book for secondary school teenagers and teachers on how to deal with dyspraxia has been published of Nursing for A by the Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Association in Cork. According to the booklet, students with dyspraxia/DCD Dunmanway have various difficulties in the transition to second-level school. The booklet is packed with practical guidelines Community Hospital and tips for both teenager and teacher on how to atherine White has recently been appointed Director of Nursing at overcome these. Dunmanway Community Hospital. Catherine was previously a clinical At the launch Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Cnurse manager in Macroom Community Hospital and also worked at Employment, Micheál Martin TD, paid special tribute to Bantry General Hospital. Cara Webster, 21, who lives with the condition and is now Catherine holds a BSc. Honours degree in nursing studies, a diploma in studying at UCG. management and a postgraduate degree in gerontology. (L to R): Dr. Pat Henn, Elaine Kelly, Jim Wall, Alice Lyons, Minister Micheál Martin, Siobhan O’Sullivan, Copies of the booklet can be downloaded from She is looking forward to the challenges ahead, especially the building of a new Dr. Josephine Kidney, Margaret Lyons www.dyspraxiadcdcork.ie or call 087 656 3121 hospital adjacent to the existing building, which will provide vital new services.

p30 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p31 Dublin Mid Leinster Healthmatters Healthmatters

Social Work Student Training Initiative Expanded

student development and practice placements programme in childcare service in the midlands is proving so successful that it has been A expanded to include mental health services. The programme was introduced to address the issue of staff shortages in the social work area. “In 2001 the National Social Work Qualifications Board, in partnership with the Department of Health and Children, undertook an audit of practice placements in preparation for the planned increased intake to social work courses. Their findings set out the need for a national placement strategy in order to formalise and resource social work placements, as this was key to resolving the shortage of social workers,” explains Mary Meehan, Practice Placement Coordinator, HSE Dublin Mid Leinster. The social work departments in Laois/Offaly and Longford/Westmeath co-operated enthusiastically in the programme and a number of social workers took up training to become practice teachers. “Practice teachers are fundamental to maintaining a good supply of well qualified social workers, thereby ensuring the long-term survival of the social work profession,” added Mary. The programme has been a great success with 40 social work students having practice placements in the midland region. A number of students have (Back L to R): Pat Deegan, Longford Community Resources, Joe Whelan, HSE, James Hennessy, Westmeath Community Development, Bregeen Hegarty, Barnardos, Conor Owens, HSE, Eamonn Farell, HSE. (Front L to R): Reidin Dunne, Longford County Childcare Committee, now returned as qualified social workers. Virginia Pye, HSE, Dr. Phil Jennings, Director of Public Health, Christine Farrell, Barnardos Aidan Waterstone, Director of Childcare Services said: “This programme works on a number of levels; it helps us to fulfil our corporate responsibility as the largest employer of social workers in the country; it supports effective recruitment by encouraging and enabling social workers from the region to work in the region; it promotes staff development by creating opportunities for Parent Education learning and development and it is a driver of quality in service provision.” and Training Strategy strategy to reduce the prevalence of childhood anxiety related problems by promoting positive family emotional and behavioural problems, levels of relationships. Subsequently, children are less vulnerable A parental stress and depression, and to increase to developing emotional problems such as depression or effective parenting has been developed by the Local conduct disorders. Health Office in Longford/Westmeath. Triple P incorporates five levels of intervention for The Parent Education and Training Strategy is parents of children from birth to age 16. evidenced-based and linked with community and voluntary organisations. It was developed under the Interventions operate on the following Longford/Westmeath Parenting Partnership, comprising levels: the HSE, Westmeath County Childcare Committee, > Parenting information campaign Longford County Childcare Committee, Westmeath > Brief parenting advice Community Development, Longford Community > Narrow focus parent skills training Resources, Barnardos, Foroige, and Longford and > Broad focus parent skills training Westmeath VECs. > Behaviour family interventions This strategy is the first of its kind in the country due Interventions target everyday social contexts that to its population health and interagency approach. influence parents, including the media, primary The Triple P - Positive Parenting Programme -has healthcare services, pre-school, childcare and school an international evidence base. This evidence has systems, work sites, religious organisations and the (L to R): Maura Seabrooke, Senior Case Worker, LHO Longford/Westmeath, with repeatedly shown that Triple P reduces early conduct and political system. Sara March and Kristin Murphy, Senior Case Worker, LHO Dublin south west

ecreased muscle strength and flexibility, poor balance, New Elder Abuse Dinappropriate footwear, and impaired hearing and vision are some of the risk factors that increase the Service in Dublin chances of older persons falling. These were outlined during a presentation entitled Avoiding Slips, Mid Leinster Trips and Broken Hips given by arah Marsh has been appointed designated point of contact where Mary Elliott, Senior Physiotherapist, Elder Abuse Officer in the HSE allegations can be investigated, cases Maynooth Community Care Unit at the SDublin Mid Leinster area. She monitored and interventions provided Carbury Health Centre. Actions that is the first dedicated officer for elder to stop and prevent abuse,” explained older people can take to reduce falls abuse in this administrative area. Ms Marsh. were highlighted, such as keeping Sarah will work with Kristin Murphy, The dedicated officer will be a active, making sure the home is Senior Case Worker, LHO Dublin resource to all practitioners in the properly equipped and kept clutter free, south west, and Maura Seabrooke field in terms of policy development, regular eye checks and the right shoes. Senior Case Worker, LHO Longford/ implementation and training, and Advice was given on what people Westmeath. advice and information. should do if they have a fall, and the The service is dedicated to Elder abuse can take many importance of having a personal alarm. implementing the HSE’s policy on forms, it can be physical, sexual, In addition, the importance of exercise elder abuse, including training and emotional, psychological, financial and nutrition were emphasised as ways evaluation, and promoting the welfare or institutional. of keeping hips strong. Guidance on and protection of older people. For further information about (L to R): Dolly Donohoe, Nan Malone and health co-ordinator Kathleen Dunne at a the availability and use of hip protectors “Older people, and the practitioners the service email: presentation on Falls Prevention in the Carbury Health Centre was also given. working with them, now have a [email protected] p30 Healthmatters Summer2007 Summer2007 Healthmatters p31 Healthmatters HSE Message Fast Facts > The number of people awaiting admission in emergency from the CEO departments down by up to 60%. 93% patients believe Easy Access – Public Confidence – Staff Pride they were treated with dignity and respect > Number of day procedures last he past few months have been programmes and projects. processes and build our capacity to year increased by 9% a challenging time for all of As they gather momentum these treat people within their communities > The HSE plans to recruit 1,500 Tus. Thousands of you went the projects will create many new and homes. more consultants extra mile to make sure that, during opportunities for staff to become Adding more acute beds and > Site for the new regional hospital the recent industrial action by nurses more actively involved in the expecting greater efficiency is like in north east to be selected and midwives, the inconvenience to Transformation Programme. adding more carriages to a faulty shortly patients, clients and their families National Directors are looking railway track and expecting travel > Capital investment plan 2006- was minimised. closely at their areas of responsibilities journey times to automatically improve. comment publicly he/she should do so 2010 totals €3.5 billion It has also been a learning and identifying staff redeployment It will not happen, no matter how in a personal capacity and have regard > Hospital hygiene improving opportunity for us, with opportunities by slimming down or committed we are. to patient confidentiality. significantly; in 2006 two many traditional boundaries stopping projects and initiatives that Given the commitment shown by hospitals were rated as poor, between hospital and community are no longer consistent with our Consultant Contracts all who have participated in these compared with 26 in 2005 services evaporating and many of current priorities. Until mid-April we had made negotiations and the agreement that > 5,300 more people received you quickly adopting new ways of I would encourage you to consider significant progress in agreeing exists on many issues I am hopeful that Home Care Packages last doing things. redeploying to these transformation a new contract with consultant we will get back to talking and find an year, which included public I want to thank you for this projects so that you can take on new representative bodies and we agreeable way forward. health nursing, home help, commitment and dedication – it challenges and develop your skills as were naturally disappointed when physiotherapy and occupational reflects very well the positive spirit opportunities emerge (see page 16). talks stalled. And finally therapy, enabling them to of community service that exists This has been a challenging Last year we faced a particular stay in their own homes within the HSE. I also want to thank How we use our process but it is important that we challenge in relation to our emergency for longer. Long-stay care those who worked hard to find a way acute beds stick with it. We all have a major departments. While we still have a provided for an additional through the impasse. Details of a recent study of how responsibility to first and foremost do long way to go in this area of our 1,050 people The agreed solution is fair and we use our acute hospital beds are what we can to improve services for service, I want to thank everyone who > Work progressing with the balanced. While implementing it will published in this edition. The findings patients and clients. has been focusing on addressing the development of Ireland’s first be complex and at times challenging, are significant. I think it is fair to say that up to issues that have seen the number of world-class Tertiary Children’s it will be worthwhile for patients, It shows that, on average, 13 per this point general agreement has people waiting reduce by more than Hospital clients and staff alike. It will include cent of inpatients (up to 34 per cent in been reached on the principles of 50 per cent. Of particular significance > New 200-bed €70m cardiac and rostering and skills mix changes along some hospitals) could have avoided the new contract; consultants could is that we are now experiencing renal unit (150 cardiac beds, 50 with greater work practice flexibilities. admission and, on average, 39 per have either a public only contract difficulties in around just 3 emergency dialysis) due to be built at Cork It is important that we move forward cent of inpatients (up to 59 per cent with no private practice or public departments whereas last year we University Hospital shortly together, supporting and encouraging in some hospitals) could have been contract where they could have an were experiencing problems in up to > 80% of the population can now each other, and focus solely on the treated in an alternative and more 80/20 public/private mix. For existing 20. We will remain very focused on access a GP out-of-hours service needs of the people we are here appropriate setting on the day of care. consultants who choose to move to this area and hopefully will be able to > In north Dublin (pop. 500,000) to serve. Of the elective surgery patients the new contract, they could have a report equally strong improvements there are five state-of-the-art surveyed, 75 per cent were admitted public contract, where they could this time next year. out-of-hours treatments centres Transformation earlier than necessary. have a 70/30 public/private mix. with no waiting times In May our Leadership Team carried The evidence is now compelling: Regarding the important matter > Construction work completed out the first quarterly review of our full more public acute beds will not make of patient advocacy by consultants, at: Breastcheck Units in Cork list of Transformation Programmes. our health system more efficient. our view is that advocacy should, in and Galway, Ballymun Primary As you will see from the insert in They will not address the high level of the first instance, take place through Healthcare Facility, St John’s this edition of Health Matters, we inappropriate admissions and hospital a consultant’s clinical director. If, Professor Brendan Drumm Community Hospital, Wexford are taking on an ambitious menu of stays. We must improve our hospital after this, a consultant still wants to CEO, Health Service Executive and Thurles Community Hospital > First triple bypass procedure performed on 9th May in Contributions Wanted! University Hospital Galway. Accessibility for all – Why not write or suggest an Service will be fully operational article or feature for the next by June edition of Health Matters and > Ennis General Hospital planning Implementing the Disability act keep us updated on what’s permission sought for new €40m happening in health around the redevelopment he Disability Act, 2005 provides a statutory Act lies within all the functions of the HSE so it is vital that country? If you are interested > New €1.7m ward in Letterkenny framework for the implementation of government we adopt a unified and consistent approach. in a service, development or General Hospital provides 29 Tpolicy on the promotion of the rights of people with An internal HSE Implementation Overseeing Group has initiative being highlighted additional beds. Additional disabilities. Central to this is the right to access services, been established to mirror the National Disability Advisory contact any member of the funding of €1.4m provided to information about services and to the buildings in which Committee (NDA). The group is currently working to HSE’s Communications team for staff the unit services are provided. Yet, recent research has found that develop guidelines which will address six key dimensions assistance. You can also write > Cystic Fibrosis patients to benefit inequalities in access exist across a vast range of services, of accessibility: to us at Health Matters, Internal from almost €7m in investment including those in health. > Disability awareness training Communications, Health Service Part 3 of the Disability Act is quite specific in relation > Customer relations Executive, 2nd Floor, Parkgate Highlights of 2006 to actions that the HSE and other public bodies must > Information provision Business Centre, Parkgate Street, > 594,059 inpatients treated undertake to comply with access: > Infrastructure and buildings Dublin 8. Alternatively you can > 542,671 day cases treated > Information and services provided by public bodies must > Equipment and devices email us at: internalcomms@ > 1,268,991 emergency be made accessible > Procurement hse.ie. Please make sure to department attendances > Goods and services supplied by public bodies must be provide your name, work address > 2,778,602 outpatient attendances accessible The HSE will shortly appoint a national specialist in and telephone number in any > 62,745 births > Access officers must be appointed and trained accessibility, a vital resource that will offer guidance, correspondence. Articles may be > 11,430,570 home help hours > Public buildings must be made accessible advice and strategic support in the promotion of access edited or cut. The deadline for the delivered activities. For further information contact: Tom McGuirk on next issue is July 31st, 2007. Send us your Fast Facts to: The job of ensuring that we meet our obligations under the [email protected] [email protected] p32 Healthmatters Summer2007