Health matters magazine Spring 2007

Item Type Report

Authors Health Service Executive (HSE)

Rights HSE

Download date 28/09/2021 15:10:49

Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10147/45209

Find this and similar works at - http://www.lenus.ie/hse Out of Hours Call for Platelet Occupational GP Service Donors Therapist

D-Doc service launched for Irish Blood Transfusion Aoi Shibahara on why she the 500,000 people who live Service and Irish Cancer enjoys working in Mercy in north Dublin p11 Society call for more donors p14 University Hospital Cork p21

Volume3 Issue1 Spring2007

HealthNationalm Staff Newsletterat of thet Healthe Servicer Executives ‘Your Service Your Say’ Consumer Service Goes Live

ollowing the launch of service will follow a nationally Affairs said: “We welcome the “Your Service, Your Say”, consistent approach. It provides views and experiences of those who F a new HSE consumer service a comprehensive process for the use our health services. It is through programme, it is now much easier management, informal resolution and their comment and feedback that we for anyone to make a comment the investigation of complaints. can best learn how to modify or complaint about any aspect of our services in order to provide a our service. People can have their say system which best meets the needs The programme went live on in a number of ways: of its users. January 1st last and will enable the > Speak to a member of staff HSE to respond more rapidly and with > Post – comment forms are available “A lot of what we do is very good greater consistency to concerns raised from local HSE services or can be but when we are providing so many by patients, clients and their families. downloaded from the HSE website services to so many people there A complaint can be made about > Email – [email protected] are going to be issues that may need something that was not done correctly, > HSE infoline – 1850 24 1850 to be resolved. This process will or something that should have been > Web – www.hse.ie ensure that the voice of consumers done but was not. Where services do is loudly heard and enable us to not operate as well as they should, the All staff have a responsibility to resolve tackle unresolved issues helping to HSE is committed to pinpointing the a complaint at the point of contact or ensure that they do not occur on a reason why, and setting right refer it to a Complaints Officer who regular basis.” any wrong. will respond to the complainant. The comments and complaints Mary Culliton, HSE Head of Consumer continued on p2 3 out of 4 Satisfied With Emergency Department Experience

hree in every four patients (76%) were satisfied examined by a doctor. with their experience of the Emergency Department Following their initial assessment 50% of patients who T during 2006, a national survey has shown. needed to be examined by an Emergency Department doctor The patient survey was commissioned by the HSE and were examined within one hour of their initial assessment. A carried out by an independent organisation, the Irish further 25% were examined within three hours. A total of 2% Society for Quality and Safety in Healthcare, in partnership of all patients did not need to see a doctor and 2% left before with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Ipsos being examined by a doctor. MORI, Ireland. The survey’s primary aim was to capture an The survey involved detailed telephone interviews impartial national profile of the perceptions people have with 1,600 people around the country who attended of their Emergency Department experiences. an Emergency Department during 2006 and an analysis The majority of patients (86%) who said they had a choice of their responses. The results also highlight areas of services from which to attend would choose to go back to where improvements can be made and where further the same Emergency Department if needed in the future. research is required. Further patient surveys are Patients who reported that they received less planned for 2007 and their results should contribute information, advice and pain relief were more likely to be towards planning and implementing ongoing service dissatisfied. These patients were also more likely to have improvements. A full copy of the report is available on experienced longer waiting times with half (51%) waiting the HSE website www.hse.ie. more than three hours following initial assessment to be see also p17 Our Vision: Easy Access - Confidence - Staff Pride Healthmatters

continued from p1 ‘Your Service Your Say’ Message Consumer Service Goes Live Di ary dates art 9 of the Health Act 2004 > Complainant to request a review of from the outlines the legislatory investigation within 30 working days P requirements to be met by the > Review Officer to be assigned within 16th April HSE and relevant Service Providers in 5 working days of request Safety in Numbers Editor the management of complaints. The > Review to be carried out within 20 Fourth National Immunisation conference statutory instrument (regulations) for working days 2007 Croke Park Dublin 3. the implementation of Part 9 of the Act > Complainant to be informed at all To register contact: Mary Dowling National was enacted in January. times of the right to an independent Immunisation Office In Health Matters we have introduced a few changes. As review of their complaint by the Email: [email protected] you turn the pages you will see that the four HSE Areas The key elements of the Ombudsman/ Ombudsman for Phone: 01 868 2942 now have their own pages. statutory instrument Children. You may have noticed that in the last edition we include: A two day mandatory training course tagged some stories with the name of the HSE Area they > The designation of Complaints for Complaint Officers was developed 16th April originated from. This time we have gone one better and Officers and Review Officers by HSE Consumer Affairs. The roll- National Conference decided to introduce Area pages. It’s all part of the on- > The development of procedures by out of this training commenced in Learning Disability Services going development of Health Matters as your national the HSE and Service Providers for December 2006 and will continue Sligo, Leitrim, West Cavan and staff newspaper. the management of complaints throughout 2007. Donegal Health Matters is co-ordinated from our offices here in > Complaints to be acknowledged In addition, information sessions Dr Steevens’ Hospital in Dublin but its production would within 5 working days will be provided to all staff over the Venue: Clarion Hotel, Sligo not be possible without the substantial editorial content > Informal resolution to be attempted coming months in the key elements For further information, please contact: generated from the four HSE Areas and professionally where appropriate of the Complaints Management Teresa O’Malley, Regional Nurse Practice reviewed in our Area Communications offices around the > Complaints investigated and processes by the Office of Consumer Development Co-ordinator, Intellectual country. completed within 30 working days. Affairs in conjunction with local Disability Services. It is important that writers generating stories from the Where this deadline cannot be met Complaint Officers. Staff handbooks E-mail: [email protected] HSE Areas work with the Area Communications offices the complainant will be informed outlining the key processes for the Phone: 074 91 88371/9188372 or to ensure that photographs, captions and content are as and kept updated every 20 days management of complaints have also 087 9912645 or professional as possible before they reach the desks of > Complaints Officer may make been developed. the editor and our graphic designers. recommendations post investigation John Truelove, Project Officer, Learning Generally a full page article in Health Matters with a > Executive/Service Provider to For further information, please Disability Services, Sligo/Leitrim, West photograph or two should be no more than 800 words in outline measures to be taken to contact Consumer Affairs at Cavan length. A half page no more than 300 – 400 words while implement recommendations 057 93 57618 or [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] a quarter page no more than about 200 words if there is Phone: 071 9155179 or 087 9181303 a photograph with the item. We have found that as Health Matters has become more established the quantity of material submitted has 25th April continued to grow. In order to include as much material Leadership For Every Day Leaders as possible it is therefore often necessary to edit down articles which run to thousands of words in length. Bunratty Shannon Shamrock Hotel, Please bear in mind also that it is not possible for us Bunratty, Co. Clare. to use photographs when they are pasted into word 8.45am - 4.30pm documents. The best way to send us a photograph 4th Annual Conference organised by is to email a .jpg file attachment with a caption also NMPDU HSE West (Limerick, Clare, including your name and contact details. In most cases Tipperary Nth) photographs without captions cannot be used. Phone: 091 591222 In this issue we have further highlighted the HSE Email: [email protected] Consumer service programme “Your Service, Your Say” which went live in January. We have also highlighted the important recent national survey on the experience 27th April of patients who used acute hospital Emergency The ORAL HEALTH PROMOTION Departments during 2006. RESEARCH GROUP - Irish link 2007 I hope you find this edition interesting and informative. conference, Tullamore Court Hotel, As always your comments, suggestions and ideas are Tullamore, Co Offaly. welcome. The email address to send your contributions to is [email protected] The deadline for the next edition is April 30th next. 28th August - 1st September ‘World Congress on Suicide Prevention - Preventing Suicide across the Lifespan (L to R): Maria Lordan-Dunphy, Health Promotion Development Manager, HSE and Norma Cronin, National Smoker’s Quitline Manager, Irish Cancer Society, pictured in Dublin at Irish National Events Centre - Killarney Stephen McGrath – Editor the recent launch of the HSE “Stop Smoking Campaign” urging smokers to contact the Web: www.iasp2007.org National Smokers Quitline on 1850 201 203 for advice, encouragement and support. 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 Chlamydia Cases Jump 20% article’s content, unless otherwise stated. he HSE campaign to combat There has also be a sharp rise in syphilis compared to 144 in 2004. Gonorrhoea is ©2007 Health Service Executive. sexually transmitted infections (STIs) notifications. also on the rise – up by 26.6% to 342,” said All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, T is working to educate people about “Though syphilis only accounts for about Dr O’Hora. stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means the risk of contracting an STI. 3% of reported STIs, it is an important While overall, more than 10,000 STI cases electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise without The campaign takes place as the HSE marker of risk, particularly for men who were reported last year, the real figure prior permission of the publishers. Health Protection Surveillance Centre have sex with men,” said Dr Aidan O’Hora, could be “much greater than this”, said Health Matters is published by Harmonia Ltd., recently reported that while the overall rate Specialist in Public Health Medicine, at the Brian Neeson, HSE Health Promotion Clanwilliam House, Clanwilliam Place, Dublin 2. of STIs has fallen by 5%, chlamydia cases Health Protection Surveillance Centre. Functional Manager. Tel: 01 240 5300 Fax: 01 661 9757 have jumped by almost 20% to 3,353 cases. “Syphilis infection increases the risk of “The figures around a disease like This means that chlamydia now accounts transmission of HIV. Syphilis notifications Chlamydia can be misleading because ISSN: 1649-7996 for one-third of all STIs in Ireland. almost doubled, with 282 recorded in 2005 many cases go undetected”. p2 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p3 Healthmatters Update on the HSE’s Transformation Programme taff engagement with the Transformation priorities. Challenges HSE’s Transformation If you have not yet been invited to SProgramme, unveiled last an engagement session you should > Motivating staff for continuous December, is now well underway request one from your line manager change across all areas of the organisation. or send an email message to > Places responsibility on staff to Your feedback so far indicates that [email protected] contribute to change there is very strong support for If you have already attended an > Developing capacity and resources change, although there are many event and you wish to provide any for change challenges to overcome. additional feedback, feel free to email > Need for local empowerment to The overall objective of each us with your views. support programme success engagement is to create full To assist you with the process > Support each other – prevent a understanding and meaning for of engagement details about the blame game culture emerging each member of staff of the Programme were made available importance of the Programme in the December issue of Health How can we bring this to life? including the HSE’s mission and Matters and a copy of the Programme vision. The engagement sessions Booklet is available on the HSE > Improved team-working are also an opportunity for you to give website: www.hse.ie > Take responsibility – ‘its up to me’ your feedback and enable you to commit to the Programme. Examples of quotes from the Examples of Engagement To date there have been excellent Engagement/Feedback events to Date examples of engagement sessions include: The Transformation Programme was where all staff were encouraged endorsed by the HSE’s Leadership Board members in some HSE areas. Programme work to give their views and discuss the Reactions: Team (Management Team and Many more events are planned > The areas that staff and teams feel meaning of the Transformation Advisors to the CEO) and the Board of across all areas of the HSE. The are most important in terms of how Programme from their perspective > Very positive – need to ensure the HSE last December. detailed feedback which will be we work together. with their managers. that it is followed through Following a commitment to gathered from all of these sessions There are also examples of cases at all levels of the organisation communicate and engage with staff a will be analysed by the Organisation A workshop has already been held where the necessary leadership > This is welcome on the basis that significant amount of Transformation Development and Design Unit (Human with HR managers from across the has been missing and little or no something is happening – not just Programme engagements and Resources), so senior management of voluntary hospitals and agencies, and engagement has taken place to date. being talked about workshops have now taken place the HSE can fully assess: further briefings are either underway It is important that all staff have the > Motivating for staff - all staff across all areas of the HSE. > Staff and team reaction to the or planned with the voluntary opportunity to engage fully with the involved not just managers For example, in the Primary, Programme hospitals and agencies. Professor process so that everyone is included. > Encouraging for staff morale Continuing and Community Care > The Challenges that staff and teams Brendan Drumm, CEO of the HSE, This first series of engagements > A very good initiative, positive and Directorate, by mid-February, 108 have identified which must be also briefed members of the Health is due to finish at the end of March focused on delivery of services team workshops/briefings had taken addressed in the implementation of Services National Partnership Forum 2007 and should be part of a series > Acceptance that change is needed place. In the National Hospitals the Programme in January. He has also discussed the to highlight how you and your > Need more recognition of good Office briefings were given to CEOs, > The proposals that staff and Programme at the recent four HSE colleagues can contribute to the HSE’s work underway Directors of Nursing and Hospital teams have identified to make this Area Team meetings. Vision and Transformation Programme Values Project o achieve our ambition during the next four years, the HSE will focus on 13 different Transformation Programmes. Programmes 1-6 will impact directly Vision and Values Project is on services that patients, clients and carers receive while Programmes 7-13 will improve our infrastructure and capability to provide and support these being planned to support T services. Within these programmes will be a series of individual projects and sub projects which will have specific objectives, measures, milestones and A Transformation Priority 6 accountabilities. Collectively the projects should involve virtually all of us who are directly employed by the HSE and HSE-funded agencies. which is to ensure all staff engage in transforming health and social care in Programme Number Transformation Programme Titles Ireland. Direct service The Project will: Programme 1 Develop integrated services across all stages of the care journey > Draft the HSE’s stated Values which Programme 2 Configure PCCC services to deliver optimal & cost effective results will be based on feedback from the Programme 3 Configure hospital services to deliver optimal and cost effective results current staff communication process Programme 4 Implement a model for the prevention and management of chronic illness and/or further consultation. Programme 5 Implement standards based performance measurement and management throughout the HSE > Continue to provide guidance as to Programme 6 Engage all staff in delivering transformation of health and social care in Ireland how the Transformation Programme Enabling/ Infrastructure can be communicated throughout Programme 7 Finance: Budget allocation model and finance systems the organisation so that every Programme 8 Shared services strategy and implementation employee will have the opportunity Programme 9 Human resource strategy and delivery to hear and comment on what they Programme 10 ICT have heard. Programme 11 Facilities/ estates strategy and implementation > Collate the feedback gathered from Programme 12 Board, Corporate stakeholder and relationship management staff during the Communication Programme 13 Procurement Process and present it to the HSE’s Management Team, Leadership Team and Board. p2 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p3 Healthmatters Healthmatters

Members of the Beaumont Hospital OPD Task Group (L to R): Maura O’Brien, Staff Nurse OPD, Joan Boardman, OPD Project Facilitator, Joanne Keegan, Clinical Secretary, Frances Sullivan, CNM3 Project Manager OPD, and Derek Darbey, Patient Services Manager. “Out Patients Department in Beaumount Hospital Waiting Times Have Dropped by 80%” quiet revolution in services is for co-ordinating the project. “This scheduled appointment. It means that emergency slots in clinics. It has also increase overall capacity and increase underway in the Outpatient is about improving convenience for for the vast majority of patients the been possible to ensure that each flexibility. Reflecting the progressive A Department of Dublin’s the patient, with a big focus on the days of waiting an hour or more to be major specialty is available each day approach being adopted, a healing arts Beaumont Hospital. The process is provision of a one-stop shop service.” seen are over. Patients now have the to see patients directly from casualty. colour consultant was brought in to designed to improve significantly Beaumont’s OPD Task Group opportunity to choose appointment Much more detailed discharge advise on appropriate colour schemes patients’ journeys through the produced three key recommendations times which suit them. planning is also undertaken now. for each clinic. Department while also optimising in 2004: the extension of the clinic day Careful planning has ensured The piloting of new processes has By adopting a more holistic approach the use of clinic space, diagnostic from 8 am to 6 pm, the introduction of that as far as possible services such been accompanied by a n1m capital Beaumont’s OPD clinics are now services and everyone’s time. three clinic sessions per suite per day as diagnostics and various therapy investment in outpatient facilities, identifying patients earlier and ensuring As part of one of the country’s and the introduction of an individual inputs are available precisely when funded by the HSE. This has involved treatment before conditions become busiest acute hospitals with a number appointment system. These have they are needed. There is closer both refurbishment and reconfiguration chronic. Many procedures which would of regional and national specialities, been piloted successfully with four liaison with GPs and local hospitals of existing suites and the creation of previously have required admission as the Department handles 125,000 specialties and have been extended to and an increase in the availability of a seventh suite, due to open soon, to a day patient can now be treated within patient visits each year, or over 2,400 a further three since early December an OPD clinic – alleviating pressures on each week, in six suites. last year. other parts of the busy hospital. In 2003 an OPD Task Group, The results, which have been closely Implementation has required supported by external consultants, monitored, have been exceptional. Many procedures which significant organisational change identified key areas to be addressed. Weekly auditing will remain a feature of and flexibility. Patients, too, had to be It found, for example that 30% of clinic the Department and it is intended that would previously have required educated about how the new system space was not utilised, that over one in all clinics will adopt the new approach would operate. five patients booked for clinics did not within the next 12 to 18 months. “admission as a day patient can “This has been by far the most attend and that many clinics neither One of the most significant benefits exciting and rewarding project started nor finished on time. There from the patients’ perspective is the now be treated within an OPD I’ve ever been involved in and I were also problems of both over and reduction in the average waiting look forward to seeing further under booking of patients and less time to be seen. While individual clinic – alleviating pressures improvements in patient services in than ideal discharge planning. waiting times can still vary quite coming weeks and months. Great “Change in such a complex area widely, the average for the pilot group on other parts of the busy credit is due to all the staff across requires a very structured and planned has dropped by over 80%. Large hospital. all disciplines who have helped approach,” says Frances Sullivan, the proportions of patients are now being translate the concept into reality,” Clinical Nurse Manager responsible seen “on time” or within 15 minutes of ” says Frances Sullivan. p4 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p5 Healthmatters Healthmatters

Working to Major Emergency Address Obesity besity is now emerging as one of Ireland’s most serious health problems with one in two adults and one in four children in Ireland Exercise at the Obeing overweight or obese. Being overweight or obese contributes to health impairment, reduction in quality of life and increased health care costs. The report of the National Taskforce on Obesity (2005) set out a number of recommendations to address obesity. The HSE has established a national group to Curragh Camp address these recommendations and to work with other sectors to implement the recommendations. The Population Health Directorate is leading this work. In 2006 the HSE developed a number of strategic partnerships to progress work on obesity in the following areas: Health Promotion > Progressing Physical Activity through Local Sports Partnerships with the National Sports Council > Research on Marketing of foods to children (Irish Heart Foundation) > Obesity prevention project with National Youth Health Programme & Irish Heart Foundation > Physical Activity in Pre-Schools and at Community level > Integration of Health Promotion into the Community Games Strategic Plan to address health promotion topics. > Advocating strongly to HPPU for a whole Government approach and a multi-sectoral forum to address obesity > Development of SPHE and Health Promoting Schools (Department of Education & Science). > Provision of additional funding to consolidate existing health promotion activity > Implementation committee on breastfeeding established Research & Surveillance > Obesity research and surveillance studies are underway with the Irish Universities Nutritional Alliance, the National Nutrition Surveillance Centre, University College Dublin and the National University of Ireland, Galway. > National Guidelines for Community based Practitioners on Prevention and Management of Childhood Overweight and Obesity were developed > Research report on ‘Measuring Height and Weight in School Children as a Public Health Indicator’ was published. Clinical Services > Expansion of clinical services in Loughlinstown, Cork, Crumlin and Galway hospitals Developments planned for 2007 > Progress the development of obesity action plan > Appoint four Clinical Specialist Dietitians and Four Physical Activity Participants in action at the major emergency exercise held at the Curragh Camp, Co Kildare last November. Co-ordinators > Develop an ‘Obesity Campaign’ and a North-South conference on obesity ore than 140 people impact of the accident caused one safe of some unexploded devices, > Develop national database of growth measurements for children and adults participated in a major of the devices being carried by the the preservation and collection Memergency exercise at the terrorists to explode and the chemical of evidence, the assessment of Curragh Camp in County Kildare in involved was discharged over both the the situation from a Public Health Keep Safe This Winter November. terrorists and the passengers from the perspective, the provision of advice to Called “Exercise Silent Echo” it other vehicle. worried residents from nearby houses, “Keep Safe This Winter” was the first to be organised since The ambulance, fire, Garda and the decontamination of all responders The fourth and final phase of the the launch by the Government in Defence Force responders, who who had been in the “Hot Zone”, and Keep Well This Winter information September of A Framework for arrived at the scene, were faced the decontamination of the vehicles campaign, was launched recently. Major Emergency Management. with a road traffic accident, made and the site. The participating organisations complex by the presence of armed In parallel with the above action, a “Keep Safe This Winter” were the Defence Forces, An Garda terrorists (a Kalashnikov was Site Coordination Group, consisting Focused on fall prevention in older Síochána, the HSE and Kildare recovered at the scene) and the of representatives from the four people. Though falls and fractures Co. Council. The HSE participants fact that some of those involved responding agencies, met, at a can be prevented, the problem is included EMTs and officers from the had obvious clinical symptoms of safe distance from the incident, to increasing in Ireland. It results in a Ambulance Service, a Consultant and distress and all involved had been coordinate the response. poorer quality of life and a social and a Specialist Registrar in Emergency contaminated by an unknown The exercise was successful financial burden for people. Medicine, and two specialists in hazardous substance. in illustrating the many problems In response to the growing problem Public Health Medicine. There As the exercise commenced all which CBRN incidents can pose, of falling and fractures the HSE, in were also observers from the Acute relevant responders donned their both for individual services and for association with the Department of Hospital, Ambulance, Population PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), the co-ordination of the responses Health and Children and the National Health, Communications and Major cordons were established, of different services and organisations. Council on Ageing and Older People Emergency Management functions. decontamination facilities were A report has been prepared by the (NCAOP), is producing a Strategy and The exercise scenario involved a set up and the tasks in hand were inter-service group which organised an Action Plan to prevent falls in older road traffic accident, where one of undertaken in a structured and the exercise and this recommends people and to promote bone health in the vehicles was being used by a coordinated fashion. These tasks action in a number of key areas. all age groups. gang of international terrorists, on included the rescue, decontamination, Hopefully the implementation of The clear message of “Keep loss of mobility and fear of leaving the their way to another country to carry triage and transport to hospital of these recommendations will lead Safe This Winter” was that, as home. Many falls can be prevented, out a CBRN (Chemical, Biological, the casualties, the processing of to a better response if we should we get older, a fall can result in broken and by making small changes we can Radiological & Nuclear) attack. The a contaminated body, the making ever face a real CBRN incident here. bones, but also in loss of confidence, lower the chances of falling. p4 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p5 Dublin North East Healthmatters Healthmatters

Louth Teen Parent Support Programme

Pictured (L to R): Bernadette Flannagan, CMM2, Alan Stuart and Eibhlin Connolly Stuart with Baby Chloe, Marie McCusker, Director of Women’s and Children’s Services, Anne O’Reilly, Ward Attendant and Eileen Grace, MLU Secretary.

(L to R): Orla Neary, Noya Eunede and Kayleigh Mulligan, Teen Parents at the launch of Birth of 100th Baby the Teen Parent Support Programme Evaluation Report 2004-2006 Teen Parent Support within the community. Programme, working with The programme allows the A teenage parents in Co. Louth, teenage parents discuss their recently launched an Evaluation options and plans with someone at the Midwifery Report 2004-2006. The report who is independent and with outlines the work which has been whom they can build a trusting undertaken by the programme since it relationship. It allows them to was established. continue their education and develop Led Unit, Cavan The Teen Parent Support parenting and life-skills, helping Programme was set up with funding them to build their confidence from the Crisis Pregnancy Agency and self-esteem. after the the high number of births Referrals to the service come from to teenage mothers in Co. Louth a variety of sources including General Hospital was highlighted maternity services, schools, PHN’s One of the key findings of the and self referrals. anagement and staff at Feedback from women who have There are two MLUs in the region, report is that almost 100% of The Teen Parent Support Cavan General Hospital used the MLU service is very positive, one each in Cavan and Drogheda, teenagers who gave birth in 2004 Programme has been a huge success Mhave recently celebrated with many commenting on the sense and they are the first of their kind in and 2005 engaged with the Teen in Co. Louth with excellent referral the birth of the 100th baby in the of calmness and privacy in the unit. the country. The midwifery led Parent Support Programme. To date rates and uptake of the service and Midwifery Led Unit (MLU). There has been extensive praise for services were set up on a pilot basis the service has worked with 237 has become a model of best practice In November Eibhlin Stuart from the facilities and the homely feeling and are the subject of a research teenage parents and 250 children with representatives from a number Threemilehouse, Co. Monaghan it offers women and their families. study, the MidU study, in conjunction who have benefited either directly or of organisations, including newly became the 100th woman to give Appointments for antenatal clinics with Trinity College Dublin. indirectly from the programme. established Teen Parent Support birth in the Unit. are on time and therefore there Recruitment of women to the study The aim of the Teen Parent Support Programmes visiting the service Baby Chloe is Eibhlin and Alan’s are no long waiting times. Women commenced in July 2004 and finished Programme is to provide a range of in Co. Louth to learn more about second daughter and a sister to have also appreciated the home in November 2006. It is expected that support services for teenage parents the programme. Jade. The service differs from the visits after the birth as they find the all the women in the study will have to maximise their potential and reduce regular maternity service in that reassurance invaluable, particularly given birth by July 2007 and the study the risk of poverty, isolation and social Copies of the Teen Parent the midwife is the lead professional with breastfeeding. report will be finalised later in the year. exclusion. The programme aims to Support Programme Evaluation caring for the woman in labour and The MLU in Cavan is located within However in the meantime the MLUs respond in a supportive manner to Report 2004-2006 are available care during the pregnancy is shared the Maternity Unit. There are two will continue to offer midwifery led teenage parents and to provide an from Tina McEvoy. Telephone: between the midwife and the large, bright and airy birthing rooms, care to all women who are eligible accessible, integrated service which 041 9875295 Email: woman’s GP. each with ensuite facilities. for the service. connects to supportive networks [email protected]. Domestic Violence Awareness Training partnership project has been The new project will mean that, showed that 29% of women who had seek medical help rather than legal or partner. The survey also reported that: developed to promote training following the development of resource ever been subjected to domestic psychological help. General practice, in > 18% of women had been abused at A for GPs and practice nurses on material, trainers within the ICGP violence disclosed to their family doctor. particular, has enormous potential to some stage of their lives domestic violence issues. and the IPNA will be equipped to After family and friends, women offer help to women experiencing > 10% had experienced physical The Health Promotion Department, deliver joint training to GPs and are likely to make a first disclosure domestic violence. In the UK, 36% of violence HSE Dublin/North East, the Irish Practice Nurses. of intimate partner violence to GPs battered women seek help from their > One-third of these reported violence College of General Practitioners (ICGP), There are many reasons why GPs or practice nurses, as they are GPs while only 25% seek help from during pregnancy the Irish Practice Nurses Association and practice nurses should be aware of readily accessible and there is no the police. > More than one-third reported (IPNA) and the Department of Justice, intimate partner violence. particular stigma attached to a visit One survey revealed that 7% of attempts to strangle and choke them; Equality and Law Reform are involved The Irish National Survey of Violence to the surgery. women had been abused in the but multiple forms of abuse were in the project. Against Women: ‘Making the Links’, Victimised women are more likely to previous year by a partner or ex- common.

p6 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p7 South Healthmatters Healthmatters South Tipperary Acute Hospital Services Merge

Food Glorious Food at St. Stephens Hospital ongratulations to the Catering Department of St. Stephens CHospital in Glanmire, Cork who won first place at the recent National Quality & Excellence Awards. St. Stephens Hospital is a Psychiatric Hospital within the North Cork Acute Hospitals Group. This award is well deserved as the catering department, who provide a quality catering cervice for both clients and staff, have worked hard over the years to improve their standards and In May 2001 were the Winners of the Gilbeys Gold Medal Award for Excellance in Catering. This was added to in January 2005 when the department achieved the Excellance Ireland Quality Association Sapphire An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD meets Majorie O’Flynn (Staff Nurse, STGH) and Louise Langton (Staff Nurse, STGH) during his visit to South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel in February. Hygiene Mark with an overall Grade South Tipperary Acute Hospital Services merged on a single site in South Tipperary General of A. Hospital Clonmel in January. St. Stephens Hospital Catering Department have an ongoing project he creation of this new on the planning and the actual department, a 5-bed palliative care people. Some acute services will also to develop better quality food and specialist centre in Clonmel, physical implementation of logistical unit for people who are terminally remain in Cashel including: radiology, service to both clients, visitors and staff T where extensive building work plans. We are delighted with this ill, a 15-bed convalescent care unit, physiotherapy, minor injuries, some updating with new food trends, healthy has been completed to provide a advance and I pay tribute also to the a 25-bed specialist rehabilitation outpatient clinics and laboratory options, choice and customer service. modern hospital campus, involved the Cashel Hospital Action Committee unit and a day hospital for older warfarin clinics. Recently they have achieved a Salt transfer of emergency and surgical in working with us in partnership Reduction programme which is a services from Our Lady’s Hospital on behalf of their community. Our pilot scheme introduced as part of Cashel, to South Tipperary General arrangements have had due regard the All Ireland Salt Challenge by the Hospital, Clonmel. to the 1996 High Court Agreement Food Safety Authority of Ireland and These services will include – underpinning the transfer of services. Catering Management Association of amongst others – emergency services, “At the end of the day, the provision Ireland and have also introduced a very the treatment of minor injuries, an of acute services on one site is best successful micro cleaning system into oncology day service, breast and practice and much safer for patients the department as part of their initiative general surgery, medical treatment in South Tipperary.” to cut down on the use of chemicals. and surgery for children and for the Cashel will also benefit greatly. The department has put a system in elderly, outpatient clinics to care for Currently nearing completion on place where a Catering Officer will go diabetics, specialist nursing for chest the grounds of Our Lady’s Hospital, to the wards on a regular basis to talk pain, cardiac, oncology and palliative Cashel, is the equipping of a new to patients about their food preferences care for the terminally ill, an obesity 20 bed Alzheimers Unit, a 12-place and complaints. clinic, physiotherapy and speech supervised community residence, Catering Officer, Helena O’ Brien said: and language therapy and antenatal day hospital and day centre, 12 “We are thrilled with this award and the classes for expectant mothers and independent living units and a recognition it gives to all the hard work their partners. day care centre for people with by everyone in the catering department. Speaking on the day of the physical disabilities. Extensive Over the past year we have done a lot transfer, Breda Kavanagh, General redevelopment of the Cashel of work with our clients with regard to Manager of South Tipperary General campus will accommodate a range customer care, diets, special reguests Some of the Human Resourses team who worked on the transfer of hospital services Hospital said: of community health services, from Cashel to Clonmel. (L to R): Barry O’ Brien, Assistant National Director of HR HSE and have tried to make their stay in “The HSE thanks staff from both including a 20-bed GP assessment South, Lily Burns, Regional Employee Relations Manager HR-South, Adrian Tennant hospital from a catering prospective a hospitals who have worked tirelessly and rehabilitation unit, an outpatients and Richie Dooley Hospital Network Manager good experience.” p6 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p7 Dublin Mid-Leinster Healthmatters Healthmatters

Advocates Developments at Midland to Assist Development Hospitals on Schedule of Family Welfare he brand new state-of-the- art hospital in Tullamore is Conference Tentering the final stages of the commissioning work and is expected to Service in be open for its first patients in April 2007. Longford and New services, such as acute palliative care, rehabilitation/stroke, and urology Westmeath will be developed in the vacated hospital, which is based on the panel of advocates has been same site. established, and more family- Built at a cost of €150 million, the A friendly self referral documents new hospital will have 298 beds, developed, to enable easier access including 65 day-patient places, for families to the Family Welfare representing a significant increase in Conference (FWC) Service operating in capacity on existing facilities. Longford/Westmeath. Funded under the National The Family Welfare Conference, Development Plan, services provided operational since January 2005, at the hospital will include surgical, strives to provide a flexible, responsive medical, regional orthopaedic, regional service which is tailor-made to work ENT, coronary care and intensive care. with and meet the individual needs The hospital will also accommodate a of the families it serves. It brings regional dialysis unit and a dedicated family and professionals together in oncology/haematology day ward. a uniquely family-led way in order A significantly larger Emergency to make safe plans for children and Department is also part of the young people in need or at risk. development, as is a new Rehabilitation “It enables the early use of family Department. support services to address difficulties Meanwhile, significant progress has and to meet the needs of families taken place in developments at the before a crisis occurs and a more Midland Regional Hospital at Mullingar, serious intervention is needed. The This latest stage of development key message for families within this includes the fit out of existing ward model is: “no blame/no shame and shells to provide a new paediatric equal participation in planning and ward on Level 0, a new day surgery/ decision-making,” explains Mo Smith, gynaecology ward on Level 1, a new FWC Service Team Leader. obstetric ward on Level 2 and a new The Advocate Panel includes medical ward, incorporating an acute practitioners from a range of HSE and stroke unit, on Level 3. non HSE community –based services At the end of this development, in the Longford and Westmeath area. known as phase 1 stage 2b, the Most of the families who come to number of beds at the hospital will have the service have been referred by increased from 215 to 260. practitioners from the Social Work and The new Accident and Emergency Public Health Nursing Teams. The Department in the Midland Regional service has also received self referrals Hospital in Portlaoise is due to become from birth parents and extended operational shortly, and the hospital family members, as well as other non- recently installed a new CT Scanner to Pictured in the foyer of the new Midland Regional Hospital at Tullamore are from (L to R): John Bulfin, Hospital Network Manager; statutory allied agency members. deliver a new service. Joe Martin General Manager Acute Hospital Services and Peter Waters, Hospital Manager. “The careful use of advocacy in the FWC process enables the “voice of the voiceless” to be heard in matters which concern children, young people Consumers to Input into Development and vulnerable adults. The specific preparation of all parties involved by the Family Welfare Conference Co- of Primary Care in Laois and Offaly ordinator is also a key factor in the he Primary Care Team in Portarlington is undertaking an ambitious project process, as all the feedback is being collated and analysed and will help our process,” Ms Smith added. to map the health and social needs of the people of the town. group to address the issues identified, whether they are social or health issues,” A Service Evaluation and Clinical T The project, known as Patch (Portarlington Acting Together for explained Carol McCann, manager of Primary Care Teams, Laois/Offaly. Audit are planned in the near future Community Health), also includes representatives from Cúl le Chéile, the local It is hoped the approach will form a new model of consumer participation for to critically examine outcomes and County Councils and the Portarlington Community Development Association. future Primary Care Teams in the region and beyond. service provision. This will then The project will develop a comprehensive area profile, including the inform the further development of geography and history of the area, demographics, socio-economic information, the service, so that the FWC Service population health status, health and social services, voluntary and statutory can work more effectively with other services, educational services, and development planning for Portarlington. The aim of PATCH is to work allied services working with children Already, a questionnaire has been delivered to every fourth house in the with individuals and local and families in the Longford and town’s housing estates asking for people’s views on health, and the social, Westmeath area. economic and health status of the town. Focus groups have also been “groups to identify community conducted. For further information about the “The aim of PATCH is to work with individuals and local groups to identify needs FWC service contact Mo Smith. community needs. This community needs assessment is a vital step in that Email: [email protected]

p8 Healthmatters ” Spring2007 Healthmatters p9 Healthmatters Healthmatters

Post-Registration Nursing and Midwifery Review Regular Surveys he post-registration nursing will form an integral part of the work and midwifery education review being undertaken. Tgroup established by the Health The public expect and rightly so, that Service Executive had its inaugural they receive care from practitioners meeting in January. who are up-to-date in their knowledge, Help Rotunda The aim of the review is to prepare thinking and skills. Nursing practice a comprehensive strategy for the has developed to reflect societal development, delivery and evaluation of expectations of a more informed post-registration nursing and midwifery consumer of healthcare services. Hospital Improve education. The strategy will support the Nurse education is a process of overall transformation programmme of lifelong learning that meets the needs the HSE. of patients, delivers the outcomes of Professor Tom Collins Head of the the Health Services Transformation Education Department at National Programme and enables professionals Services University of Ireland, Maynooth, has to expand and fulfil their potential. been appointed as independent chair. This strategy will result in the Professor Collins has had a lengthy publication of an overarching involvement in local development and framework for the development of education planning in Ireland, including future post-registration programmes work on the introduction of the under- including a preferred model for graduate nursing degree programme the development and delivery of in 2002. He is a member of the board of these programmes in line with Pobail and chairs the National Council emerging service need. A list of group for Curriculum and Assessment. membership and terms of reference are The group comprises various available from the project officer. stakeholders in nursing and midwifery with representatives from service For further information contact: providers, the Department of Health & Mary Wynne , Project Officer Children, Higher Education Authority, Post-Registration Nursing and Higher Education Institutions, Midwifery Review Regulatory and Professional bodies. Phone: 01-6201731 Email: Formal consultation with stakeholders [email protected] Development of Nursing Roles in the Community

(L to R): Loman Cusack & Rita Hunt, Senan & Ria Cusack, Aaron & Susan Philpott, Tara & Michelle Waldron, Peter & Helen Heaney, Heather & Avril Sweeney, Brian & Denise Carey at a Rotunda Hospital Baby Friendly Hospital event in 2006

atient satisfaction surveys or family/friend, and questions are testament to the enthusiasm, (L to R): Siobhain O’Halloran, Nursing Services Director, HSE, Eithne Cusack Assistant Director, NMPDU and Liam Doran General Secretary INO at the launch of Changing are being conducted at cover all stages of the hospital dedication and hard work of all Models of Health Service Delivery – A Public Health Nursing Service Response. P Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital experience; interaction with staff; the Rotunda staff. The greatest to assist the hospital to continually the care/treatment provided; endorsement of their commitment he Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Unit (NMPDU) improve the quality of care accommodation; accessibility and is that consistently over 96% of for counties Dublin, Kildare, and Wicklow, at the request of senior nurse patients receive. convenience; information and our patients would recommend the Tmanagers of public health nursing services, undertook a research project The hospital conducts a patient communication; inpatient care ; Rotunda to a friend”. to inform future role development within public health nursing services. A range survey every six months that overall impression . Kate O’Mahony from Co. Meath of nursing roles may be developed to support greater responsiveness to the needs measures the experiences of patients With three rounds of the survey agrees. All three children of Kate and of the community. The NMPDU report identifies the opportunities that exist within and the services they receive, and now complete, the Rotunda is her husband Gary were born at the public health nursing services to develop roles and focus services so far the survey results show high finding consistently high ratings in Rotunda, and were impressed with in a number of areas. patient satisfaction. the important areas associated with the combination of professionalism The report concluded that the skills of the nursing workforce could be utilised Fintan Fagan, Secretary/General patient care. and friendliness in the hospital. further. The specialist knowledge of public health nurses, and the range of Manager said: ‘The Rotunda is With regard to hospital ‘When that culture of quality and qualifications, skills and experience brought to the service by nurses who are not delighted with the impact of this accommodation, nearly all participants attention to detail is visible at every public health nurses, are not being utilised to their full potential. There is significant initiative, and of course with the rate the cleanliness of the hospital and level, it really shows that their priority scope to align the qualifications, skills and experience of nurses with nursing needs strong positive feedback from our safety and security aspects as very is to completely look after you, and in the community. Potential also exists for the Public Health Nursing Service to patients, and we remain determined good or good. your family.’ develop and implement a range of health promotion and public health programmes to constantly improving our services, Fintan Fagan congratulated and services. based on the voice of our clients.’ all Rotunda staff, saying that Further Details: Copies of the report are available from the Nursing & Midwifery Planning & The questionnaire can be “the consistently impressive results www.rotunda.ie Development Unit, HSE, Mill Lane , Palmerstown, Dublin 20. completed by a patient, a partner achieved in the satisfaction surveys “Patient Satisfaction Surveys”. p8 Healthmatters Spring2007 Healthmatters p9 West Healthmatters Healthmatters Case News brief Sligo General Co-ordinator Hospital Wins - Links Clients National Awards to Services

Primary Community and Continuing Care in (L to R): Sheila Mulderrig, Galway has recently appointed Denise Donlon Mary Gillen, Madeleine Munnelly, Angela Taheny, Ciara Taheny, to the newly created position of Disability Catriona Moriarty, Barbara Kelly Case Co-ordinator. This role is one of the first and Barbara Fallon of its kind within the HSE. Health Matters Sligo General Hospital (SGH) Denise Donlon newly appointed Disability Case Coordinator spoke to Denise. was honoured with two Health Promoting Hospitals (HPH) What exactly does a Case While most people have no difficulties individual and/or their family have the in Galway. Quest is a Rehabilitative Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Co-ordinator do? in accessing services, there are option of focusing their efforts and Training Programme for individuals (BFHI) awards recently. It I am effectively the central point of occasions when it is easier for a person attention on the person as opposed to with an Acquired Brain Injury. I have achieved the Silver Award for contact for a person with a physical with a disability and their families to seeking services and information. a history of working in Training & being a Breastfeeding Supportive or sensory disability or their family. I have one contact person who can work Development and worked with APSO Workplace and a Certificate of accept appropriate referrals from or on on their behalf What other agencies do you for three years in Central America. I Commitment Award for its Baby behalf of people with these disabilities, work with? have a BA in Business Management Friendly Hospital Initiative. residing in the community, up to the age What advantages does it bring While a large part of my work involves and a MA in Rehabilitation Studies. The awards were presented by of 65. I advocate on behalf of service to the service user? working with internal HSE Departments Professor Luke Clancy, Chairman users and their families and respond to The advantage for the service user and I do operate on a needs basis, therefore Do you get satisfaction from of the Irish HPH Network and enquiries and representations from and their family is that they can liaise with any of the voluntary agencies could be your work? Genevieve Becker, National Co- on behalf of people requesting services. one key individual who will assist them involved. Depending on the need of the I find my role very fulfilling. The variety ordinator of BFHI in Ireland at the Sometimes I work with individuals and to negotiate the various services that person I can find myself engaging with of people and needs I encounter and recent National HPH Conference. their families for a defined amount of they may require and provide them with commercial providers also. the matters arising result in no two days Only three other hospitals time, while others require longer term any information they might need. In being the same. I get an opportunity in Ireland have achieved Silver supports. my experience both the individual and Where did you work before / to get involved in peoples lives at their Status - Rotunda Hospital, Dublin; their family generally find the system what is your training? invitation and it is always rewarding University College Hospital Why did HSE West feel it was we operate in, difficult to navigate. Prior to taking up this post I was Co- to see what can be done when people Galway and Portiuncula Hospital, important to establish such a role? By availing of Case Co-ordination the ordinator of Quest Brain Injury Services work together towards a desired end. Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. The Breastfeeding Supportive Workplace Initiative recognises Promoting the value of staff members, who are also mothers, continuing to breastfeed. This recognition Wellbeing is shown by the support of the personnel department, for Young management and work colleagues who facilitate time People and space for breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is important for the health and well-being of both mothers and children. The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global project initiated by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF internationally in 1991. The initiative recognises that implementing best practice in the maternity services is crucial to the success of promoting etting It Together is a new resource pack aimed supporting and protecting breast at increasing awareness by young people of their feeding. SGH became part of G emotional and mental wellbeing. this initiative in 2001 by agreeing It is the result of a six-month project in the north west (L to R): Annette Kennedy HR, Community Care, Mary Horan, Dental Clinic Boyle , Mary McDermott Physhciatry to implement the ten steps to and Carmel Shanagher, Home Help Castlerea at the Roscommon PCCC Strategic Plan 2007 – 2011 which involved young people on both sides of the border in “Development of integrated services in County Roscommon”. successful breastfeeding and in operating as a team on the creation and production of eye- doing so received a Certificate catching and informative materials designed to appeal to a of Membership. Since then as a number of different audiences. result of the commitment of staff John Meehan, Mental Health Officer, HSE West, said the Westdoc Expands working with mothers and babies initiative was an innovative way of highlighting the benefits the hospital has been awarded a of emotional wellbeing, and one that will make a significant to Westport Certificate of Commitment at the contribution to recognising the importance of positive mental recent Health Promoting Hospitals health for all. estdoc, the Out-of-Hours Emergency GP Service commenced operations in Westport at the Conference. The project was initiated and managed by the Co-operation end of November covering patients registered with GPs in Westport, Newport, Louisburgh and Working Together’s (CAWT) cross-border mental health W and Mulranny. The Westport service is based on Altamount Street. Richard Broderick, Acting sub-group, with funding support from the European Union Manager of Westdoc said: “This is a welcome development in the provision of Out-Of-Hours GP care PEACE II programme. and is an expansion of the service in Mayo. Centres already exist in Ballina, Knock and Ballinrobe.

p10 Healthmatters Spring2007 Healthmatters p11 Dublin North East Healthmatters Healthmatters

News brief

Border Regions Poor Road Accident Record Highlighted

The border region, both North and South collectively, has a higher proportion of fatal and serious road traffic collisions than the rest of Ireland, a new study has found. The recently published ‘Steering to Safety’ study provides for the first time a clear picture of the factors that contribute to road traffic collisions. The most common age category for all those responsible for fatal collisions from 2001 to 2004 in the border counties in the Republic and Meath was the (L to R): Bernadette Kiberd, Local Health Manager, North West Dublin, Professor Brendan Drumm, CEO of the HSE, An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD, Laverne McGuinness, National Director of Primary, Community and Continuing Care and GP Dr John Delap at the official launch in Ballymun Civic Centre of D-Doc, the new north Dublin Urgent GP Out of Hours Service. 20 to 24 year age bracket. This age bracket was also the largest category responsible for fatal single-vehicle collisions. Over the years 2001 to 2004 in the border counties of the D-DOC GP Service Republic and Meath, alcohol was the main contributory factor in fatal single-vehicle collisions (57.3%) and in fatal collisions Launched in North Dublin involving a pedestrian (42.9%). Speed (42.2%) was the main Out of Hours Services Facts contributory factor in collisions > 90% of the national population covered > Approximately 20,000 people treated nationally per week > New North Dublin service treating 1,100 people per week involving two vehicles. Lack of observation was a -DOC, the first comprehensive the innovation reflected in the D- such as this are practical examples of The D-DOC Service is free for significant factor in two-vehicle urgent out-of-hours GP service DOC service such as the provision our commitment.” Medical Card or GP Visit Card fatal collisions (20.2%) and those Dfor the 500,000 people who live of a single easy to remember lo-call Dr John Delap, speaking on behalf holders. Other patients are charged a involving a pedestrian (24.3%). in the Dublin north city and county was number for the whole of north Dublin of the GPs involved explained that GPs consultation fee when they are seen For the majority of fatal officially launched by An Taoiseach, where callers can have their problem welcomed the new initiative because by the D-DOC doctor. Telephone collisions a combination of Bertie Ahern TD, in February. assessed immediately on the phone “it represents a significant milestone advice from the D-DOC nurse is free. factors was present such as D-DOC is a partnership between by trained staff.” in the development of GP services for Details of any contact with D-DOC are alcohol and speed or in the the HSE and north County Dublin GPs. Professor Brendan Drumm, CEO North Dublin. passed to the patient’s regular GP the case of pedestrians, alcohol and The service operates from 6pm to of the HSE said the project reflected If a person urgently needs to see day after their D-DOC consultation – pedestrians wearing dark clothes 8am on weekdays, and on a 24-hour a good example of partnership a doctor outside normal surgery a measure that is designed to facilitate or on the wrong side of the road. basis on Saturdays, Sundays and between the HSE and GPs, where the hours, they can telephone D-DOC on both continuity of care and any Across all collisions types, bank holidays. real winners were patients. 1850 22 44 77. Staff may then either necessary follow-up action. the majority of drivers who had The five D-DOC treatment centres “ I would like to thank all the arrange for the patient to be seen by a consumed alcohol were under 34 are located in Hartstown, Swords, Northside GPs involved in setting GP at one of the five D-DOC Treatment years, with the 20 to 24 year old North Strand, Coolock and Ballymun. up this service for all their hard work Centres, or they may arrange for drivers being the largest group. Welcoming the new service, the and commitment. medical advice to be given Most collisions involved a car. Taoiseach said: “The establishment of “For too long our community health over the phone by a nurse. Where a pedestrian was involved, D-DOC provides not only a welcome services have suffered from an over- If necessary, a doctor will 15.8% of vehicles were HGVs or alternative to long trips to an acute emphasis on hospitals as the cure visit the patient at home, trucks and 11.4% were vans. By hospital, but also offers a very efficient for everything and everybody. supported by a fully comparison HGVs were involved and effective urgent care service. The HSE is setting out to address equipped D-DOC car and in only 3.5% of fatal single vehicle “What really is impressive is that imbalance and new services dedicated driver. collisions and 4.6% of fatal two- vehicle collisions. Similarly, vans were involved in only 2.6% of fatal Parents Programme for Carers of single vehicle collisions and 9.2% of fatal two-vehicle collisions. The study, which was partly People With an Intellectual Disability funded by the EU, was initiated by the health authorities in the he Louth Adult Intellectual Disability team issues parents were experiencing with their children. relationships, managing challenging behaviour, border area through the Co- recently ran a six week parents programme for Parents were able to participate in each of the leisure/recreation, future needs including housing operation and Working Together T carers of people with an intellectual disability sessions, particularly in the small group discussions and making a will, and nutrition. (CAWT) partnership. in Co Louth. and this helped the parents by allowing them to A number of guest speakers were invited, including The main purpose for running the programme highlight their own concerns and how in some a parent from another support group, a nutritionist was to offer support to parents and to provide circumstances, they had resolved a problem. and a Garda liaison officer and each member of the them with a platform where they could share their The programme, “Parenting Adults with Intellectual team presented a specific topic from the programme. own experiences and expertise with one another. Disability: Managing the Challenge” was held The sessions allowed for participation by the parents, Another function of the programme was to offer in Dundalk. through small group discussions, questions and some suggestions around dealing with some of the The topics covered were: stress management, answers sessions and direct feedback. p10 Healthmatters Spring2007 Healthmatters p11 South Healthmatters Healthmatters Area Development and Consultative Committees Palliative Care Services, HSE South

Michael Madsen and Mark Maron pictured with some of the staff in the Childrens Unit at Cork University Hospital Strength and Honour Film Crew Donate €2,000 to Childrens Unit ichael Madsen, actor. and Mark Maron, Producer and Director of ‘Strength & Honour’ presented a cheque for €2,000 to the Childrens Unit at Cork University Hospital. The film which also stars Richard Chamberlain and MVinnie Jones was shot in and around Cork and University Maternity Hospital Cork was used for some of the scenes. The crew also made a donation to the Friends of Cork University Hospital. Video- fluoroscopy Back Row (L to R): Alacoque Farrell, Finola O’Sullivan, Irene Murphy, Bernard Finnegan, Rosemary O’Connell, T.J. Dunford, Michael Ahern and Donal O’Donovan. Service Front Row (L to R): Paula Brophy, Dr. Jane Fleming, Dr. Marie Murphy, Una O’Mahony, Eithne McAuliffe and Joan Collins.

he inaugural meeting of of the two committees will feed into the newly formed Area the strategic planning of the services. TDevelopment and Consultative Dr. Tony O’Brien, Chairman of the Committees for Palliative Care National Council on Palliative Care Services, HSE South was held in informed the membership on the role Dungarvan, Co. Waterford in January. of the council. The committees were established in The membership was very response to the need to reconstitute interested to hear Irish Hospice Pictured Launching the “Going Home” information leaflet for patients at St. Luke’s the former health board committee Foundation CEO Eugene Murray’s General Hospital for Carlow/Kilkenny were (L to R): Anne Slattery (General Manager, structure, in order to reflect the new presentation which explained the SLGHK), Cllr. Walter Lacey and the Minister for Health & Children, Mary Harney TD. area structure in the unified national role and function of the Foundation organisation of the HSE. and how it supports advocacy and (L to R): Finola Casey, Dr. E. Fitzgerald, The committees have capacity building in order to make a Úna Ní Shúilleabháin and Tara Friel, Stroke Unit & Bone pictured with the Digital Swallowing multidisciplinary representation from difference to patient and family care. Workstation. specialist palliative services, acute Progress on developments to date hospital services, community / district was given by Wendy Keena and T.J. Density Scanner for ccess to a new service in hospitals, primary, community and Dunford, Development Managers, Cork’s Mercy University continuing care, service advocates, Palliative Care Services. The vision AHospital’s (MUH) Speech and voluntary agencies and strategic for the future palliative services in the Carlow-Kilkenny Language Therapy Department allows development. South was also outlined. more comprehensive assessment and The aim of the full day programme Prior to the committees undertaking new Acute Stroke Unit which will offer emergency medical treatment, treatment of Dysphagia in-patients. in Dungarvan was to provide their separate workshops, Finola management and early rehabilitation to victims of stroke from the In November 2006, the Department, the opportunity to lay down the O’Sullivan, Director of Nursing, St. A Carlow-Kilkenny area is complete and fully operational. The new unit, in conjunction with the Radiology foundations for building a solid Patrick’s Marymount, Cork and Chair which is based at St. Luke’s General Hospital, Kilkenny, was officially opened by Department, began a new service area process for the development of the Area Consultative Committee Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney TD. -Videofluoroscopic Evaluation of of palliative care services in the gave a joint presentation with Ann The Acute Stroke Unit will see victims attended to by a multidisciplinary team, Swallowing. This service is a valuable HSE South. Following a welcome Kennelly to outline the role and including dedicated stroke physicians, specialist nurses, speech therapists and tool in the assessment and treatment address by Ann Kennelly, Local Health function of the committees. occupational therapists. of patients presenting with swallowing Manager, North Cork and Chairperson The afternoon session provided Whilst at St. Luke’s Hospital, Minister Harney officially ‘cut the ribbon’ on a new disorders. of the Area Development Committee, the opportunity for the two DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) scanner which is used to measure bone The assessment allows the Speech various presentations were given by committees to meet individually density; the most accurate and reliable way to assess the strength of bones and & Language Therapist to analyse the interested stakeholders who set the and consider the strategic service their risk of breaking. The DEXA scanner and funding for a half-time Radiographer procedure in detail, and make patient- scene for the future work of the development issues and key priority to operate the scanner were financed by the Friends of St. Luke’s General Hospital specific recommendations. new committees. delivery areas that will need to be Carlow-Kilkenny. The service brings benefits to both Pauline Bryan, Local Health addressed in 2007. The output from In addition, on the occasion of her visit, Minister Harney launched a new “Going patients and to the hospital through Manager, Wexford opened the the committee’s deliberations will be Home” leaflet developed by the HSE with practical advice for patients being timely detection of aspiration, thereby meeting with a presentation on the translated into a work programme discharged from hospital; on topics like healthy eating, managing stress, and reducing length of hospital stay and HSE structures and how the workings for the year. safety at home. preventing further hospital admission.

p12 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p13 Dublin Mid-Leinster Healthmatters Healthmatters

News brief

Teaching the Teachers

A HSE teacher training course on managing classrooms and dealing with student social and behavioural problems is showing significant results in classrooms throughout Longford and Westmeath. Feedback from teachers who attend the HSE programme has been very positive, and analysis of teachers’ pre-post responses on a standardised measure of their pupil’s emotional and behavioural difficulties showed statistically significant improvements. Teachers commented that their confidence in managing current behaviour problems had significantly improved, found that when they used the strategies they worked, and said they would recommend the programme highly to others. The Psychology Services in Longford/Westmeath began delivering the evidence based Teacher Classroom Management programme in response to the large number of children presenting to the service with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Enhanced Mental “This initiative is part of this service’s commitment to early intervention and prevention programmes for children and Health Services families. TCM is one part of the ‘Incredible Years’ series of programmes that have been developed by Professor Carolyn in Tullamore Webster-Stratton,” explained Conor Owens, Senior Clinical Pictured in the new sensory garden at the community mental health centre Tullamore were from (L to R): Mick O’Hehir, Assistant Director of Nursing, Mental Health Services Laois/Offaly, Psychologist for Longford/ Jacinta Dillon, Staff Manager, Lily Doolan, CNM3 and Carrie Byrne, CNM Workshop Manager. Westmeath Community Care. lients of the Community oasis of calm where clients can go to the expansion of the service, new and individual art psychotherapy. “We decided to deliver TCM Mental Health Centre in seek refuge from their worries, to sit therapies have been introduced which The purpose of the Attic Centre, set in response to an increase in the CTullamore are benefiting from in a peaceful utopia, surrounded by provide the clients with options to up in 1992, is to offer service users numbers of referrals of young a recently completed new sensory nature, to get in touch with their inner participate in a variety of classes, meaningful occupation during the day. children with social, emotional garden and workshop facility at the self, to muse, to ponder and replenish. groups and sessions. Clients are The guiding principle is to provide and behavioural difficulties to Attic Centre. The work was carried out over the assisted by staff in identifying the motivation and support for service our service, and in response to The Sensory Garden was facilitated past year by the clients attending the programme that would be most users, enabling them to regain a sense requests for advice in managing by funding from the National Lottery. Attic Centre. suitable and beneficial to their needs. of self worth and confidence, perhaps these difficulties by teachers,” he Based on the five senses – smell, The workshop initially provided A member of staff who is registered as forgotten or lost through the course of added. touch, sound, taste and sight - it is an a craft based programme. With an Art Therapist facilitates both group their illness. The TCM course provides proactive strategies for the classroom, and introduces positive methods to deal with inappropriate Improving Service for Stroke Sufferers behaviours. he Stroke Service and Accident and Emergency Department at the Midland Regional Hospital To date, 95 teachers from 31 at Mullingar in collaboration with the Midlands Ambulance Service has introduced a new policy National Schools have participated T which upgrades the speed of response by the Ambulance Service for acute stroke to the highest in the programme, giving a level. Speed of access to organised stroke care for patients in the early few hours following acute potential reach of approximately stroke is known to have a major impact on patient outcomes. 1,500 National School children. Since November 2006, all requests for ambulance transport in the catchment area of the The courses are being Midlands Ambulance Service for patients thought to have acute stroke, have been dispatched on delivered by Niamh Clarke, Senior a ‘hot pursuit’ or blue-light emergency basis. In addition, all of the Midlands Ambulance Service Psychologist, Dr. Siofradh Enright paramedical staff have undergone training in the rapid recognition of acute stroke symptoms in the A/Senior Psychologist & field using the validated Face-Arm-Speech Test (FAST). Conor Owens, Senior Psychologist. The Midlands Ambulance Service is the first ambulance service in Ireland to introduce a policy giving the highest priority response for transport of acute stroke patients to hospital as well as to For more information re the TCM train its entire paramedical staff to rapidly recognize stroke symptoms in the field. Gordon Smith, Lead Paramedic, National Ambulance Service contact [email protected]. (Midlands), conducting Arm’s section of the FAST Test: (Face, Following completion of stage 1 of phase 2B at the Midland Regional Hospital at Mullingar, there Arm, Speech, Test) on Elizabeth O’Connor to aid the early will be a dedicated 4 bed stroke unit at the Hospital. recognition of stroke. p12 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p13 Healthmatters Healthmatters

makes the patients prone to spontaneous bleeding. Cancer patients, Award Winning especially leukaemia patients often First for therefore depend on platelet Information Available Online transfusions while they are undergoing chemotherapy. A leukaemia patient for Congratulations to the HSE Library Online Website instance, undergoing chemotherapy, which won a national E-Government award in February IBTS and may need between four and 10 platelet transfusions per week. A patient All of the resources listed below are now available to all HSE staff on undergoing a bone marrow transplant http://www.hselibrary.ie. If you have not yet registered for an Athens may need up to 60 units of platelets. account to access these resources, please register using our new Irish Cancer There are approximately 375 new cases self-registration form on the Home Page by clicking on the link of leukaemia diagnosed every year. “Register Here”. To meet the demand for platelet transfusions in Ireland the IBTS collects EBSCO’s A-to-Z is a comprehensive listing of the electronic journals Society platelets in two ways; pooled and subscribed to your local HSE Library Service. It is a quick and efficient apheresis. Pooled platelets are way to access all the titles in our online collections. processed from whole blood donations. It takes four whole blood donations to The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) is a weekly general produce one dose of platelets for medical journal that publishes new medical research findings, review patients. Apheresis is a special type of articles and editorial opinion on a wide variety of topics of importance to donation which separates the platelets biomedical science and clinical practice. from the rest of the blood during donation. An apheresis donation The BMJ online provides access to scientific studies, review and collects the same amount of platelets educational articles, and papers commenting on the clinical, as those pooled from 8-12 whole blood scientific, social, political, and economic factors affecting donations. health. (New – January 2007) “The IBTS is endeavouring to limit patients’ exposure to many donors; Mosby’s Nursing Consult provides access to nursing electronic books, therefore collecting platelets through journals, patient education material, news updates, and apheresis is preferable to provide the drug information via a single source for nursing professionals. safest possible product for the patient. (New – January 2007) The shelf-life of pooled platelets is also only five days and the shelf-life of MD Consult provides access to the Clinics of North America, electronic apheresis platelets can be extended books, full text articles of medical journals, drug information, news, from five to seven days. At present, only patient education material into a single source for medical approximately 40% of platelets supplied professionals. (New – January 2007) to Irish hospitals are collected by apheresis and it is the aim of the IBTS Global Health is a specialist international public health database in association with the Irish Cancer for academics, researchers, public health practitioners, NGOs, Society to recruit about 2,000 new policy makers, clinicians, healthcare professionals and students. platelet donors in order to supply 100% (New – January 2007) apheresis platelets within the next three years,” said Dr William Murphy, MEDLINE provides authoritative medical information on medicine, National Medical Director of the Irish nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, the health care system, pre- Blood Transfusion Service. clinical sciences, and much more. Created by the National Library of Medicine, MEDLINE provides access to citations from over 4,800 Platelet Facts current biomedical journals. Designed for doctors, research scientists, > A platelet donation is a special type students, clinical specialists and managers, this database provides of blood donation nearly 900 full text journals, including nearly 850 peer-reviewed > Platelets are small cells that help publications, covering virtually all areas of medical study. Journals ‘Platelets recipients Morgan Hackett and Alison Balfe with Kirsten Huysmans, age 6 from Ranelagh your blood clot available in full text in Biomedical Reference Collection: Comprehensive and Ben Middleton, age 6 from Killester with IBTS Mascot Buddy Blood Drop.’ > Platelets are used for cancer patients Edition are indexed in MEDLINE. undergoing chemotherapy, patients he Irish Blood Transfusion in order to meet this demand. undergoing cardiac and liver Designed for nursing, allied health professionals, students, researchers Service collects, tests, processes Speaking about the newly formed surgery, newborn babies & people and teachers The Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature Tand distributes blood and blood Irish Cancer Society/ Irish Blood who have been in serious accidents consists of citations with abstracts, and full text articles in nursing, products to hospitals throughout the Transfusion Service platelet awareness > Platelets last for just 5-7 days, so it is biomedicine, health sciences and the allied health disciplines. country. The IBTS is dependent on the campaign, John McCormack, Chief essential that we have a regular goodwill and tremendous generosity of Executive, Irish Cancer Society said: supply everyday For further information on accessing any of the above resources, please donors who make this possible. Over “This is a vital partnership. There are > More than 20,000 platelet donations contact your local HSE Library Service or Nicola Fay Phone: 3,000 donations are needed every week approximately 22,500 new cases of are needed each year in Ireland with 057-9358755 Email: [email protected] to maintain the supply and the health cancer diagnosed in Ireland every year demand increasing all the time service owes a great deal to those who and a large proportion of these patients > The current platelet panel is just give the gift of life by giving blood. need platelets as they progress through 1,200 donors, and we urgently need As well as supplying red cells for their cancer treatment. So in a lot more donors treatment in emergencies and for association with the IBTS, we will do elective surgery, the IBTS also provides everything in our power to appeal to the How to become a platelets for treating cancer patients. public to consider becoming platelet platelet donor For the first time ever the Irish Blood donors to meet this ever increasing While not everybody makes a suitable Transfusion Service recently joined need. We also very much see this as a platelet donor, we urge people who are forces with the Irish Cancer Society, the long term partnership as the incidence interested in finding out more to national cancer care charity, to call for of cancer continues to increase and > Text “PLATELET” to 53377 more people to become platelet we look forward to the support of the > Email ann.o’[email protected] donors. The demand for platelets in Irish media in communicating this > Calling the Platelet Clinic on Ireland has increased by 50% over the important message”. 01 432 2833 past five years largely because of the Platelets are a component of blood If you are concerned or have been number of new cases of cancer and and are essential to enable the blood to affected by cancer, call the National Pictured (L to R): Ruaidhri O’Connor, CEO, Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) , the numbers of people undergoing clot properly. Chemotherapy often Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 Tom Sullivan, Policy Officer, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, Northern Ireland and Diarmaid chemotherapy. The IBTS needs at least damages the patients’ bone marrow 700 (week days 9am – 5pm, Tuesdays Fitzgerald, Chartered Physiotherapist and Tipperary hurler who attended the ISCP annual 22,000 donations of platelets per year cells where the platelets are made and until 9pm). conference at Croke Park in November. p14 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p15 Healthmatters Healthmatters National Pandemic Influenza Plan Published he HSE together with the currently being finalised in the 2007 advice and guidance and for this Department of Health and Business Plans and associated reason you should be as informed as T Children published the National documentation of each directorate. possible. Pandemic Influenza Plan and the Over the next few months work in During a pandemic, the healthcare advice of the Pandemic Influenza your location will commence, if it has system will have to deal with an Expert Group in January. These not already done so, to prepare for a unprecedented surge in activity levels. documents are available on www.hse. pandemic. Not only will there be far more people ie and www.hpsc.ie It is important that all health care needing care, but there will be fewer Over 200 senior clinical and workers read the plan and familiarise staff to deal with them due to managerial staff across all parts of themselves with its contents. Firstly, it absenteeism. The entire health the HSE has been involved to date is critically important that the public services will be re-organised to in planning for a Pandemic and work are informed about pandemic. All manage the pandemic and traditional on implementation of various aspects health care staff can play an access routes to health services will of the plan has been ongoing for important role in providing accurate not apply. All but essential services some time. and timing information to the public will need to be cancelled or The purpose of developing a on influenza pandemic. postponed and significant numbers of National Pandemic Influenza Plan is to Secondly, all health care workers staff will be redeployed to other limit the effects of a pandemic. The need to have an understanding of the duties. Plan has been published to inform the national plan, to allow them to public about pandemic influenza and contribute to the implementation of What action should explain to them what the Health plans in there own workplace. I take now? Services are doing to prepare. It also In the coming months all staff > Familiarise yourself with the identifies areas of personal should make themselves aware of the National Pandemic Influenza Plan responsibility in managing a local workplace plan for a pandemic. > If you work in a clinical setting also pandemic. familiarise yourself with the advice The National Plan, supported by the What will my role be of the Pandemic Influenza Expert expert group’s advice, is also an during an influenza Group important internal health services pandemic? > Be familiar with your service’s or planning document. The detailed As a health services employee, you work locations plan for a pandemic actions required to implement the will have an important role to play > Consult with your line manager to National Plan in each health care should a pandemic occur. Members identify your specific role in a setting across the country are of the public may look to you for pandemic. Mothers Talking to Mothers

or the last 20 years, in parts of idea is for the parents to feel, at the and works with nearly 1,200 mothers Dublin, the Community Mothers end, like experts on their own with an annual budget of €800,000. F Programme (CMP) has been children,” says Brenda Molloy, head Adapted with permission from an working with women who have just of the Programme. article by Agnès Bardon, first given birth to their first child. The The CMP employs a dozen nurses published in the UNESCO Courier. innovation: experienced local mothers are the ones giving guidance to the beginners. Launched at the beginning of the 1980s, the CMP helps mothers who are giving birth to their first child to get off to a good start. The Programme is offered to all first-time mothers; choosing to participate or not is up to them. In some neighbourhoods, such as Ballymun, nearly 80% sign up. In 2005, more than 50% of the women enrolled in the Programme were single mothers and close to 10% were teenagers. Similar programmes exist, notably in Britain. What makes the CMP different is that it is run by mothers from the community, selected and trained by the Programme. They are volunteers, receiving a small amount to cover transportation. Once a month, over a period of two years, they visit the families. Casually, over a cup of coffee, they chat with the child’s mother about the little one’s progress or possible difficulties. “It’s working because it has one foot in formal education system and Bernie Rooney, Family Development Nurse and Siobhan Ormond, Community Mother the other in non formal learning. The Suzanne Irwin and her son Jason p14 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p15 Healthmatters Healthmatters

Pictured at the January meeting of the Health Services National Partnership Forum were (L to R): Larry Walsh, Director HSNPF; Matt Merrigan, National Industrial Secretary, SIPTU; Professor Brendan Drumm, CEO, HSE and Martin McDonald, National Director of Human Resources. CEO Meets the Health Services National Partnership Forum (HSNPF)

rofessor Brendan Drumm, CEO Professor Drumm said that a To do this we must address projects that would support the major challenges in the transformation of the HSE, met the Health great many parts of our service with urgency the challenges of Transformation Programme which process. PServices National Partnership were excellent and that it was integrating PCCC and NHO services; they believed could be addressed on a The unions further urged the HSE Forum – the national level body for essential that, when we can, we reconfiguring community and hospital partnership basis. to take a positive leadership role workplace partnership – in January. should all speak well of the health services; tackling chronic disease in in the management approach to In highlighting the added value the services and take pride in our work the population; using performance The challenge is partnership, to send a clear signal partnership process could bring to and the contribution we make. measurements and harnessing the getting it right, by from the top to all managers that they the HSE’s Transformation Programme, We should acknowledge the commitment of our staff. There is an working together. should engage fully in utilising the Professor Drumm made several progress that has been made. Despite immediate need to: Responding to Professor Drumm, partnership agreements, including key points. difficulties encountered, in 2006 we > Involve consumers directly, through, Matt Merrigan, National Industrial the Protocol on Handling Significant Emphasising his commitment, have delivered an extra 4% to 5% for example, expert advisory groups Secretary, SIPTU and Joint Chair of Change, to achieve progress on a wide and the commitment of the output over and above the service > Engage clinicians more fully in the HSNPF, acknowledged the difficult range of agreed common interests. management team, to the success level agreements entered into. management of services task facing Professor Drumm and the This approach is urgently needed if of the Transformation Programme, He said we must all work to achieve > Involve all staff in driving and in HSE management team. He pointed the enormous challenges faced by he underlined the importance of the three strands of the HSE’s stated evaluating the effectiveness to the success of the partnership all working in the health services are constructive dialogue between ambition for the future; easy access, of change approach and to the prospects for to be surmounted and the goals of management and unions in the confidence of the public and Professor Drumm urged the trade using the HSNPF as a “safe haven” for transformation are to be achieved. The health services. staff pride. unions to identify major change jointly addressing with the unions the opportunity to take these steps must p16 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p17 Healthmatters Healthmatters

be grasped immediately if goodwill is > To promote and develop agreement replaced Working to be maintained. measurement and evaluation of Together for a Better Health Service, partnership with a view to learning the health services partnership Emergency How does the partnership and sharing information and agreement which had been in process work? to develop protocols based on place since 1999. Partnership in the health services is a this learning, e.g. a protocol on Departments process in which management, trade best partnership practice in the The new agreement unions and staff work together on implementation of change; > establishes a framework for agreed areas of common interest to: > To continue to monitor relevant partnership in the reformed health - Patient Profiles, > Develop better services for patients developments at national and service, > Create a better working international level in areas within > describes in broad terms the kinds environment and outside the health services and of issues amenable to a partnership Experiences and > Achieve better value for money to develop strategic links; approach and > Improve management/staff/trade > To formally verify progress in > outlines the structures and union relationships the health service context in supports for the partnership Perceptions The partnership process is led and relation to implementation of the process in the reformed health supported through a network of modernisation programme as set service management/union partnership out in all national agreements since Incorporated in the Agreement is committees at national, area, agency Partnership 2000. the Protocol on Handling Significant and local levels. Partnership promotes Change through Partnership. This the involvement of management, The members of the Protocol was developed and agreed by unions and staff, with service HSNPF are: health service management and trade users, in planning and delivering Mr. Martin McDonald, unions and is formally endorsed by the our health services. This process is Acting National HR Director, parties under Towards 2016. underwritten by formal agreements HSE - Joint Chair > Its aim is to help managers, including; The National Agreement Mr. Matt Merrigan, trade union representatives and - Towards 2016, The Health Services National Industrial Secretary, employees working through Partnership Agreement, the Health SIPTU - Joint Chair partnership in the Health Services Services Information and Consultation Mr. Brendan Baker, to handle significant changes with Agreement. Organisation Design and confidence. The partnership process is central Development Team, HR, HSE > To achieve this aim, the Protocol to many important strands of health Mr. Gerard Barry, Chief Executive sets out a framework within service activity including, Performance Officer, HSE Employers Agency which managers and union Verification, PCCC Transformation, Mr. John Bulfin, Dublin / Midlands representatives may raise Dignity at Work and Trust in Care. Hospital Network Manager, HSE significant issues and agree on Throughout the health services a Mr. Joe Byrne, appropriate mechanisms for network of 150 partnership groups National Secretary, UCATT handling them. operates to coordinate the work Mr. Kevin Callinan, Also incorporated in the Agreement of improving service delivery and National Secretary, IMPACT is the Statement of Common Interests improving the quality of life in the Mr. Bernard Carey, agreed by the members of the Health workplace. Director Personnel Management & Services National Partnership Forum he HSE recently published a national survey on the experience of patients Development, DoHC at its meeting of 7th December 2005. who used Emergency Departments during 2006. The research was About the Health Services Mr. Terry Casey, The Agreement is signed by T facilitated through the HSE’s Consumer Affairs department and carried out National Partnership National General Secretary, MLSA all 24 management and union by the independent organisation, Irish Society for Quality and Safety in Healthcare. Forum (HSNPF) Mr. Martin Cowley, representatives, members of the The survey’s primary aim was to capture an impartial national profile of the The Health Services National Strategic Director, Mater Hospital Health Services National Partnership perceptions people have of their Emergency Department experiences. Overall the Partnership Forum (HSNPF) is the joint Mr. Walter Cullen, Forum. results were very encouraging. management / trade union steering District Officer, ATGWU A further major achievement is committee for workplace partnership in Ms. Ann Doherty, the Information and Consultation Key Findings the health service. Membership of the National Director of Corporate Agreement for the health service. Overall satisfaction HSNPF comprises an equal number Planning, HSE This agreement was put in place in > Three in every four patients (76%) were satisfied with their experience of the of management and trade union Mr. Donal Duffy, Asst Gen Secretary, September 2006 to enable the health Emergency Department. representatives. The role and purpose Irish Hospital Consultants Association service to comply with the provisions > 93% of patients reported that they were treated with dignity and respect while in of the HSNPF is as follows: Mr. Liam Duffy, Chief Executive of the Employees (Provision of the Emergency Department > To provide leadership to the health Officer, Beaumont Hospital Information and Consultation) > 95% of patients said that all, most or some members of the Emergency Team had service partnership process; Mr. Fintan Hourihan, Director of Act 2006. the knowledge and skills necessary to treat them appropriately. > To champion partnership within Industrial Relations, IMO The Information and Consultation Key influencers of satisfaction health services management and Mr. David Hughes, Deputy General Agreement sets out approaches The results show that there are three aspects of patient experience that impact within the trade unions; Secretary, Irish Nurses Organisation necessary to: most on their overall satisfaction level. They are: > To ensure that the interests Mr. Des Kavanagh, General > Ensure employees and their trade and objectives of the HSNPF’s Secretary, Psychiatric Nurses union representatives receive the 1) Staff Interactions constituent groups are discussed at Association information to which they Patients feeling they are treated with dignity and respect the partnership table; Mr. Nicholas Keogh, HSE Dublin are entitled Patients believe that staff have the knowledge and skills to provide the > To provide a national level forum Mid Leinster - IMPACT > Provide information to enable appropriate treatment within which health service Mr. Jack Kelly, President of Dublin involvement of staff and their management and trade unions can Health Service Branch, SIPTU representatives in change 2) Communications and Information agree the broad parameters within Mr. John Magner, AND processes > Patients who said they did not receive enough information, advice or pain relief which partnership is advanced at – Professional Education and > Implement arrangements were more likely to be dissatisfied with their overall experience. These patients national, regional and local level; Development that enable information and were also more likely to have experienced longer waiting times from arrival to > To support the partnership process Ms. Phil Ní Sheaghdha, IR Officer, consultation to improve decision- initial assessment and being seen by a doctor. within agencies and, if appropriate, Irish Nurses Organisation making and organisational support initiatives with service-wide Mr. Tadhg O’Brien, Assistant performance. 3) Waiting Times application; National Director, PCCC, HSE > Most patients (79%) said they were clinically assessed within an hour of their > To resource the partnership process Mr. Brian O’Donnell, CEO, National Copies of both the Health Services arrival at the Emergency Department and 75% of patients who needed to be as appropriate, including the Federation of Voluntary Bodies Partnership Agreement incorporating examined by a doctor said they were examined within three hours. provision of suitable training and Ms. Deirdre Walsh, Principal Officer, the Protocol on Handling Significant The results of this survey give us a greater understanding of what is important to facilities; Department of Health and Children Change and the Information and the people who use Emergency Department services. It informs us that the length > To assist the development of best Consultation Agreement are available of time patients wait to be assessed and seen by a doctor is not the only or indeed practice communications in the In May 2006 the Health Services through partnership committees and the main factor determining their overall satisfaction with services delivered in health services; National Partnership Forum facilitators. See also the publications Emergency Departments throughout the country. It highlights the importance > To communicate the partnership launched the new Health Services sections of the HSNPF website, www. of interpersonal relationships, communication, information and trust as key message; Partnership Agreement. This new hsnpf.ie and HSE website, www.hse.ie determinants that drive satisfaction. p16 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p17 Healthmatters Healthmatters HSE Health and Safety Advisory Group he Health Service Executive the development of the HSE’s The Health and Safety Advisors will as a public sector employer Corporate Safety Statement and also be available to assist in this T is required to be an exemplar Policy, launched in October 2006. work (find the name of your Health in the demonstration of compliance To assist with the implementation and Safety Advisor below) with relevant legislation including of the Safety Statement, the Health During 2006 significant safety, Safety, Health and Welfare and Safety Authority also launched health and welfare legislation was legislation. An Audit Tool and Guidance enacted by the Health and Safety To assist the HSE to meet these for the development of a safety Authority including: requirements, a Health & Safety management system for the health > Environmental Noise Regulations Staff from the National Ambulance Service Midland area pictured at the HSE Quality and Safety Advisory Group was established service. > Working at Heights Regulations Awards. From (L to R): Sandra Rock, Cora Brady, John Bergin, Bernie Costello, Noel Rigney, Emily Mahon, Jack Osenbrook, Robert Morton, Chief Ambulance Officer, Christy Kelly, Davey Fitzgerald in April 2006 to support the The availability of these key > Control of Vibration Regulations and Helen Lalor. demonstration of good governance documents provides the road map > Exposure to Asbestos Regulations in this area. The group reports to for the HSE to be able to develop a > Construction Regulations Edwina Dunne, Head of Quality robust safety management system, and Risk. The objective is to ensure which enables compliance with These areas of legislation apply to the Ambulance Service Wins the integration of quality and risk Safety, Health and Welfare legislation HSE in the same way that they apply management into all activities and demonstrates excellence for to the construction industry and all top Quality and Safety Award undertaken within the HSE. Irish all staff and those who come into service providers. An examination of Public Bodies Mutual Insurances contact with the HSE. the hazards arising in each of these he overall winner of the first for Dublin Mid-Leinster. Ltd is facilitating the development Each of the Directorates within the areas will be undertaken as part of HSE Quality & Safety Awards It was cited for its excellent work of the advisory group. HSE will be engaging with staff to the development of the Ancillary T was the Midland Regional in implementing and development The Advisory Group facilitated develop Ancillary Safety Statements. Safety Statements. Ambulance Service Headquarters, of its site specific safety statement based in Tullamore. within the hospital which includes 40 The awards were presented different sections. during the ISQSH Quality & Safety St Ita’s Hospital, Limerick Health & Safety Advisors Conference in Kilkenny. St Ita’s Hospital in Limerick won the Edwina Dunne Gareth Davies Healthcare Specialist Section Edwina Dunne, HSE Head award in the hospital category for Head of Quality and Risk Technical Services C/O Adelaide, Meath of Quality and Risk, presenting the HSE South administrative area. Health Service Executive HSE West incorporating the award, said the site had in According to the judges, the hospital Parkgate House Merlin Park Hospital National Children’s Hospital place very high standards of received the award for its leadership Parkgate Street Galway Tallaght, Dublin 24 systems due to strong team work and integrated work between services Dublin 2 [email protected] [email protected] initiatives. and for outstanding multidisciplinary [email protected] “I personally visited this site, team work. Bernard Lennon Ruth Ryan and can say they have excellent Margo Leddy Fire and Safety Officer Quality and Risk quality systems in place. With such Highly Recommended Regional H&S Co-ordinator Holland Road National Hospitals Office a demanding service located across Three sites were highly recommended HSE Dublin North East National Technology Park Merlin Park Hospital six different sites, it is great to see for demonstrating good practice Kells Limerick Galway they can implement such a high within their service and were Co Meath [email protected] [email protected] standard in quality and safety,” presented with certificates. They were: [email protected] [email protected] Ms Dunne said. > Meath Disability Service. Mairead Lane The service has in place parent > National Maternity Hospital in Des Pearson Allan Treacy CNM 11, Occupational Health and site specific safety statements Holles Street H&S Manager HSE West HSE West which identify hazards and risk in > Environmental Health Service, HSE National Shared Services Manorhamilton [email protected] each area. Longford/Westmeath Dr Steeven’s Hospital Co Leitrim Dublin 8 [email protected] Colette Mc Donagh White Regional Winners Poster Presentations [email protected] [email protected] Occupational Health St Joseph’s Care Centre, Longford The Community Nursing Unit in Physician HSE West St Joseph’s Care Centre for Older Birr won an award for best poster Anne Maria Mc Carthy Cora Mc Caughan (secretary to Colette) People in Longford received an presentation. Regional Health and Safety Officer Area General Manager for [email protected] award in the PCCC category, Dublin The poster was voted best by those HSE South, Quality and Risk Mid-Leinster. attending the conference out of almost Lacken Road, HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster Padraig Delaney St Joseph’s is a nurse-led service 60 entrants. It depicted the work and Kilkenny Midland Area, Unit 4 Health and Safety Inspector with a Director of Nursing and two achievements of the Unit’s Person [email protected] Central Business Park [email protected] Assistant directors of nursing in place. Centred Care Project. Clonminch, Tullamore It is a 180-bed unit. Jean Carty Co Offaly Alan Connolly The site showed exceptionally Criteria A/Regional Health and Safety [email protected] Assistant General Manager high compliance in training and Criteria for the first Quality & Officer, Irish Public Bodies Mutual record keeping. Safety Awards was developed HSE South Gordon Dunne Insurances Ltd Adult Psychiatric Hospital Meath by a national team, and evaluators Lacken Road, Chair of H&S Advisory Group 12-14 Lower Mount Street The Adult Psychiatric Hospital from throughout the country Kilkenny Dublin Academic Teaching Dublin 2 Meath won an award in the PCCC toured sites during Quality and [email protected] Hospitals Risk Management Forum [email protected] category in the Dublin North East Safety Week in October last to Cappagh Hospital, Finglas administrative area review quality and safety procedures, Michael Murphy Dublin 11 Rosemary Ryan The hospital was commended for efforts and initiatives in nominated Technical Services Officer [email protected] Risk Manager leadership, training services and the sites. HSE South Irish Public Bodies Mutual implementation of quality systems. Anne O’Brien, Director of Northern 2A South Ring Business Park Laura Breen Insurances Ltd Ireland Clinical and Social Care Kinsale Road, Health and Safety 12-14 Lower Mount Street Midland Regional Governance Support team, acted Cork Co-ordinator Honorary Dublin 2 Hospital at Portlaoise as external evaluator for the awards. [email protected] Chair of the IOSH [email protected] The Midland Regional Hospital at Almost 50 sites were entered for Portlaoise received the hospital award the Awards. p18 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p19 West Healthmatters Healthmatters

New Cross Border GP Out of Hours Service for Donegal new cross-border General Practitioner Out of Hours service for Donegal is being set up on a pilot basis. This new service will enable people A living in certain border areas of Inishowen in Co. Donegal who require a GP outside normal practice hours to attend a GP in Derry city, if this is more convenient for them. This service is a great example of effective cross-border co- operation to enable patients to obtain a valuable service closer to where they live. The project to develop this service has been led by CAWT (Co-operation and Working Together) and the arrangements have involved consultation with general practitioners and health service officials in both jurisdictions including the GPs of the NowDoc service and Western Urgent Care, the Health Service Executive, the Western Health and Social Services Board, Southern Health and Social Services Board, the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety in Northern Ireland. Teach Aisling Services, Castlebar Launches Information Leaflet

Attending the launch of Healthlink were (L to R): Catherine Duffy, Development Officer, HSE West; Alan Moran, Hospital Network Manager, HSE West; Darach Glennon, Director of Information Services, HSE West; Tony Canavan, General Manager, Mayo General Hospital, HSE West; Robert McDonald, GP Messaging Project Manager, HSE West. GPs Receive Lab Results Electronically number of GPs in the Galway, Mayo and be downloaded and integrated into the GP’s practice Roscommon area can now access Healthlink, a management system. A new HSE service which delivers patients’ lab test The new service is being rolled out to GPs across the results electronically. Galway, Mayo and Roscommon region; this follows a Benefits to patients include shorter waiting times for successful pilot project in which five GP practices were test results and earlier commencement of the appropriate linked electronically to laboratories in University College treatment for their medical condition. Hospital Galway, Mayo General Hospital and Roscommon Back (L to R): Seamus Tuohy, Margaret O’Connor and Michael Larkin Front (L to R): Ann Connolly, Kathleen Kennedy, Ann Coleman. County Hospital. Benefits to GPs include: The Healthlink initiative was welcomed by n information leaflet outlining the range of support services and > ability to spend more time dealing directly with patients Dr Eamonn O’Shea of the Irish College of General therapeutic activities available to residents within Teach Aisling, a high > less time spent on chasing up or clarifying the status of Practitioners who said that it marked a very positive A support mental health services hostel, was launched recently. laboratory test results development for general practice medicine. The launch was performed by Margaret O’Connor, Deputy Chief Executive of the > reduced time and effort spent on transcribing test results He complimented the project team, chaired by Irish Advocacy Network, and was attended by residents, families, Multidisciplinary into practice management systems Tony Canavan, General Manager, Mayo General Team Members and the general public. Teach Aisling opened in December 2003 > eliminating the potential of transcription errors at Hospital, and he also acknowledged the work of Robert and is located in a tranquil semi-rural setting within walking distance of Castlebar practice level McDonald and Vincent Jordan, Information Services town centre; it is a modern state of the art, high support hostel. This service is The GPs can view patients’ lab test results on the Department for their commitment in bringing the pilot dedicated to the provision of an appropriate level of care, for individuals exhibiting secure Healthlink website, from where they can then project to completion. symptoms of enduring and residual mental illness. First Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Diabetes Appointed at UCHG fifty percent increase in specialist in diabetes at UCHG and as years Helen has seen a fifty per cent consultant paediatrician at UCHG. type of diabetes. Based primarily in the number of people such was involved in the development increase in the numbers attending The guidelines include conducting the diabetes day centre, Helen also A attending diabetic services at of the new ANP post. The two- diabetes services at UCHG. Up to a comprehensive health history works in the paediatric outpatients’ University College Hospital Galway fold catalyst for the post was the 6,000 people with diabetes attended and clinical examination, reviewing department, conducts clinics weekly (UCHG) during the past three establishment of a dedicated diabetes the combined adult and paediatric adults attending the diabetes and takes part in a consultant’s years has led to the appointment day centre at the hospital in 2001 and services in 2005; 110 children currently day centre, managing adults and ward round every week. She works of an advanced nurse practitioner the increasing numbers of adults and attend the paediatric diabetes children attending the various clinics, closely with a multidisciplinary specifically dealing with adults and children with diabetes. service and referrals for specialist requesting blood tests and medication team consisting of Consultant children with diabetes mellitus. Helen Helen says: “My particular goals diabetes nurse education services has management. Endocrinologists, Consultant Burke is the first advanced nurse as an ANP are to facilitate the increased by thirty-four per cent. Helen deals with young children Paediatricians, dieticians, research practitioner (ANP) in diabetes in holistic care of adults and children Guidelines for the ANP’s clinical aged from 0-12 years, adolescents nurse, clinical nurse specialist, the west of Ireland using HSE West with diabetes and promote self- practice have been drawn up and young adults. She also sees staff nurses, chiropodist, podiatrist services to serve clients in Galway, care and empowerment, as well as collaboratively by the director of patients with type 2 diabetes and and psychologist and can receive Mayo, Roscommon and Clare. preventing the onset or progression nursing, other senior nurses and newly referred patients, and conducts referrals from any member of the Helen was formerly a clinical nurse of complications.” In the last three the consultant endocrinologists and review clinics for patients with either multidisciplinary team. p18 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p19 Dublin North East Healthmatters Healthmatters Manual for Childrens Residential Centres Launched

(L to R): Pat Dunne ( LHM Nth Dublin), Sheila Marshall ( Senior Manager Nth Dublin), Orla Barry, ( Director of Services Focus Ireland) & Fr. Val Collier ( Director of Services Don Bosco) pictured at launch of Model for the Delivery of Leaving Care and Aftercare Services in HSE North West Dublin, North Central Dublin and North Dublin.

(L to R): Ian Craven ( Social Care Manager), Linda McGuinness ( Social Care Manager Don Bosco) & Keith Beattie ( Monitoring Officer) pictured at launch of Standardised Policies and Procedures Manual for Children’s Residential Centres within Local Health Boost for Leaving Offices Dublin North West, North Central and North Dublin. Standardised Manual of Policies and Procedures to be used in Children’s Residential Centres within Local Health Office areas, Dublin North West, A North Central and North Dublin was recently launched. Care and Aftercare The “Action Plan for Residential Care” developed by the former Northern Area Health Board in 2003, identified the need for each children’s residential centre to “provide a coherent and comprehensive set of policies, procedures and guidance to underpin day-to-day residential care practice”. This Plan was a catalyst for a number of significant developments in residential care. The Plan was based on Services a partnership model between the statutory and voluntary service providers and he model for the Delivery of template for an aftercare financial developed for foster carers and sought to identify need, match needs to existing services, develop generic policies Leaving Care and Aftercare support package and access to the young people in their care and and procedures, review purpose and function of Centres and ensure development T Services in North West Dublin, health services. those providing supported lodgings. of best practice in compliance with national standards. Dublin North Central and Dublin > Negotiations were undertaken > In consultation with the Principal The manual details policies and procedures on a wide variety of topics covering North was recently launched. with representatives of Dublin City Social Worker Group it was agreed the National Standards for Childrens Residential Centres (2001) relevant to the The Regional Policy on Leaving Council and Fingal County Council that all preparation for young working environment of residential care professionals such as child protection, Care, which was adopted as policy by to agree protocols to access local people leaving care prior to 18 complaints, notification of significant events, unauthorised absences, safeguarding, the Eastern Regional Health Authority authority housing. years will be undertaken by the education, health etc. in May 2004, is the key source of > A pilot programme was agreed HSE, and aftercare services post 18 direction for the development of this between the HSE and Threshold years of age will be provided by the The purpose of the manual is to: model of care. Housing Access Unit, which voluntary sector in partnership with > Identify and establish guidelines for best practice in residential centres. The model which incorporates a 14 will source private rented the HSE. > Provide clear guidance to social care managers and social care workers on the point action plan, aims to achieve the accommodation. The leaving care and aftercare service day to day management and operation of children’s residential centres. delivery of appropriate preparation, > The voluntary organisations will be monitored both strategically > Clarify roles and responsibilities and to promote accountability within residential leaving and aftercare services. It is included in the provision of and operationally through Aftercare centre’s staff teams. a comprehensive multi-disciplinary, aftercare were requested and Fora on an ongoing basis from June > Support residential centres in meeting the National Standards for Children’s multi-agency approach, involving the undertook to increase their 2007, and the overall effectiveness of Residential Centres (2001) and fulfilling other legislative requirements. areas of health, welfare, education, capacity for residential aftercare the structure for service delivery will The development of the manual was overseen by a working group chaired by Mr. training and accommodation, and it programmes, with particular be evaluated, also from that date, by Ian Craven, Social Care Manager, and Mr. Keith Beattie, Social Care Worker and will be implemented for young people reference to creating capacity the Director of Services for Children involved a wide ranging consultative process with social care management and in care between the age of 16 and 18 for girls. and Families. staff from the statutory and voluntary sector, senior child care management ( Child years and young people in aftercare. > Discussions were undertaken A ‘Continued Care Register’ will Care Managers, Principal Social Workers, Alternative Care Managers), Registration The development of the model regarding services for non- be maintained by each Local Health & Inspection Service, Irish Association of Young People in Care, Irish Social Services involved working in co-operation Irish national young people Office to facilitate both the tracking of Inspectorate, An Garda Siochana, young people living in Residential Centres and with different agencies to address the with the Director of Child and young people in aftercare and service members of the Quality Assurance and Safety Committee & the Policy Research issues that affect young people when Family Services in the Reception planning for those young people. and Ethics Committee. they leave care as follows. and Integration Agency of the There is an imperative to have The policies and procedures will be reviewed after a period of implementation > The development of a needs Department of Justice, Equality and a unified, standard approach to accommodate developments in practice and changes in legislation. It is also assessment format and a Law Reform. throughout the HSE to the delivery of intended that versions of the policies and procedures will be prepared that are preparation for leaving care/ > The Child Care Training and leaving and aftercare services. This appropriate to children and their families in conjunction with the assistance of the aftercare plan template. Development Unit developed and model of delivery will be of assistance Irish Association of Young People in Care. > Negotiations took place piloted a standardised training in the development of HSE-wide The introduction of this manual will assist service providers and staff in informing between representatives of the programme for key workers in policy and guidance. In the interim policy and guiding best practice for the care of children in our residential centres. In Superintendent Community residential care on the preparation the model is being implemented in addition it is hoped that this manual will contribute to the national development of Welfare Officers and the Area of young people for leaving care. A the three Local Health Offices in the standardised policies and procedures for staff working within childrens residential Administrators to develop a model of preparation is also being former Northern Area Health Board. centres in the interest of equity and for service users.

p20 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p21 South Healthmatters Healthmatters HSE and Barnardos Highlight Innovative Model for Working With Children and Families

Front Line staff in Waterford pictured with Mark McLean,Telephone Helpline Association, Ann Nee, Health Services National Partnership Forum, Seán McCarthy, (Suicide Resource Manager with the HSE) and Dermot Halpin, (HSE Local Health Manager in Waterford). Attending a the presentation of Certificates for “Handling Challenging Calls”. Front Line Staff Complete Course in Telephone Helpline Skills number of Health Service Executive employees in the Waterford area Pictured at the launch of the Evaluation of the Family Welfare Conference Service were (L to R): Jan Cullen (Barnardos FWC Project have recently participated in a training course, the purpose of which was Leader, Wexfordf), Tony Kemp (Author of Evaluation), Fergus Finlay (CEO Barnardos), Pauline Bryan (HSE Wexford Local Health Office Manager) and John Martin (Childcare Manager, HSE Wexford Community Services). A to enhance the existing skills of key staff in responding to people at a first point of contact with the health services. n evaluation report of the Conference model from those involved juvenile justice settings. The Wexford Entiltled “Handling Challenging Calls”, this training was the beginning of a Co. Wexford Family Welfare in a service partnership in Co. Wexford FWC project is based in Gorey and is Programme delivered and supported by the HSE and the Health Services National A Conference Service – funded (featuring the HSE and Ireland’s staffed by three Barnardos personnel. Partnership Forum in the south east counties. Participants in the Waterford course by the HSE and operated by Barnardos leading children’s charity Barnardos). Covering the Wexford Local Health included front line staff from Waterford Regional Hospital, Community Care and – was recently launched at a seminar Speaking at the Seminar, the HSE’s Office Area, the primary referrers other HSE services. in Wexford for practitioners working Child Care Manager for the Wexford are social work teams but a wide with children’s welfare. Community Services Area, Mr. John referral base is maintained. The The audience at the seminar – made Martin said: intervention logic for the project is that Day up of a large group of practitioners “The Family Welfare Conference it will provide a structured and child from the HSE, schools and voluntary model operates within a wide variety centred forum aimed at agreeing a Hospital sector from throughout the country of childcare contexts from child plan whereby innovative activities and – heard about a Family Welfare welfare to child protection and responses are developed.” Provides Invaluable Why I Have a Service to Older Patients Great Occupation – Just ask ello, my name is Aoi Shibahara beds. As an Occupational Therapist, Margaret! and I am an Occupational I mainly treat clients in the 50-90 age HTherapist working in Cork. group who have difficulties in their rofessor Cillian Twomey, I first landed at Cork back in the activities of daily living due to both Consultant Geriatrician, Cork time when people were still using the physical and cognitive problems. University Hospital and St P (L to R): Professor Cillian Twomey, Irish punt. Ever since that first visit to I think Occupational Therapy is, Finbarr’s Hospital, pictured here with Consultant Geriatrician, Cork Ireland, it has called me back again and perhaps, one of the best occupations Margaret Long, a patient celebrating University Hospital & St Finbarr’s Hospital is pictured here with again – I had no idea that I would one to get to know the nature, features and her 100th birthday at St Finbarr’s Day Margaret Long day come back to work in Cork. character of a nation. One of the things I Hospital for Older People in Cork. The words I use to describe Ireland respect about Irish people is their open Margaret, who still lives at home, to my friends in Japan are – another and friendly personality. The MUH is credits much of this fact to the ongoing healthy 100th birthday. world. Everything in Ireland made such an extremely busy place to work, but support she receives from staff at the He added: “We are delighted to be an impact on me, all the amazing sights, staff never seem to forget their sense friends. There is a common expression Day Hospital which is the only such in a position to support Margaret on such as cows walking along the road of humour, creating a comfortable used when new staff are trained in unit in Cork or Kerry. an ongoing basis and were thrilled to and stopping the traffic; people smiling atmosphere for their clients and co- Japan, ‘the customer is God’. This has St Finbarr’s Day Hospital for Older have the opportunity to celebrate this – at even a stranger like me; and the workers. Needless to say, while they are successfully improved staff dedication; People provides 15 places for day very special birthday with her. This Day easygoing atmosphere. It all finally friendly, MUH staff are also supportive, however, living in Ireland has helped patients who have access to a range Hospital has a vital role in maintaining made me think about the possibility of positive and internationally well-mixed. me become aware that staff should be of facilities including a nursing team, people in their own homes. It supports living in Ireland. I also respect the way Irish people have respected as well as customers. medical team, physiotherapy, speech the acute hospital in facilitating I previously spent some time in the ability to separate their work time Adapting to a new life can be difficult; & language therapy, occupational early discharge and, in addition, Dublin, but have returned to Cork and leisure, which Japanese people however, Mercy University Hospital and therapy, dietician and podiatry. supports primary care by providing and am currently employed at Mercy are generally not good at. After work the people of this beautiful ‘Emerald On behalf of all the staff in St comprehensive follow up through University Hospital (MUH), an acute or on weekends, Irish people switch off Isle’ have helped me to enjoy the Finbarr’s Day Hospital, Prof Twomey the range of therapists, nursing and general hospital with approximately 350 to cherish private time with family and challenge. wished Margaret a very happy and medical staff.” p20 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p21 Dublin Mid Leinster Healthmatters Healthmatters

Sadie News brief Retires After 43 Midland Regional Drugs Task Force Years in the Action Plan Health Service Launched The Midland Regional Drugs Task Force recently launched its plan to tackle substance misuse in the region. Under the government’s national drugs strategy 2001- 2008, the Midland Regional Drugs Task Force (MRDTF) was one of 10 set up across the country. Its aim is to deliver a co- ordinated response in tackling the problem of drug misuse. The plan was drawn up after a comprehensive consultation process in the Region. Jack Taaffe, the Independent Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney TD recently launched a new website for stroke sufferers at the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit, Chairperson of the Task Baggot Street Hospital pictured with Niamh Gaffney, Nurse and Team Co-ordinator at the Unit. Force, said that the Action Plan identifies the needs of the Midland Region and that achieving the actions listed will New Website for Stroke adie Hogan, a lady known go a long way towards addressing throughout the midlands for her the current drugs issue. S encyclopaedic knowledge of and Aphasia Patients staff, her dedication and commitment To obtain a copy of the plan, retired in February, after 43 years. email [email protected] Providing Information and Support for patients, families and carers Sadie joined the Public Health Office, attached to Offaly County Council, he Stroke Rehabilitation Unit in bullet point format, and key words and suggestions about stroke and in February 1964, serving under the at Baggot Street Community highlighted, so that the content can be disability. County Medical Officer of Health. She Do you Have a T Hospital Dublin has launched understood by reading the highlighted The Stroke Rehabilitation Unit, the transferred to the Midland Health Board a website as an information resource words only. first out-patient service to be set up in when it was established, working for its Spare Room in for people living with or affected by Approximately 30% of people who the country, is a non-consultant-led first chief executive officer, Mr Dennis Your Home and stroke and aphasia. The site, sustain a stroke will have aphasia service dedicated to people with stroke. Dudley. She subsequently worked for Time to Give? www.strokerehabunit.ie, provides initially. “We treat stroke as a family Dennis Doherty during his term as CEO. medical information, practical help, Other features include easily concern. Obviously the person with In 1993, she transferred on promotion tips and advice on all aspects of identifiable buttons to change the stroke is our primary focus but we to the Human Resources Department, HSE Social Workers in stroke and living with stroke. size of text. It is written in plain realise that stroke has a ripple-effect where she worked up to her retirement partnership with Extern, in The website is unique in that it is English, with images and diagrams that involves the whole family and in February. Dublin South City, West and the first website in Ireland which can to supplement information. The site wider circle of friends. The stroke Sadie was held in the highest esteem South West, Kildare and West be converted to an aphasia-friendly is interactive – with one page where unit is in a position to offer services by all her colleagues and will be very Wicklow are appealing for version. This version has shorter people with stroke can give their to family members and carers,” much missed. She is wished many people to come forward who are sentences and increased spacing. narrative and a page where one can explained Niamh Gaffney, Nurse and years of health and happiness in her interested in providing supported important information is presented ask questions, or make comments Team Co-ordinator retirement. accommodation to young people (12-18yr olds). Suitable people can come from all walks of life, whether Smoking Cessation Support single or married, working or unemployed. Applicants should be in good health and have Targets Low Literacy some experience of looking after or working with young people. Financial allowances, training and he Health Promotion Tobacco designed and developed quality ongoing advice are provided as Team, Dublin Mid-Leinster, focus approved materials to meet the needs part of a comprehensive package Ton inclusively and accessibility of all smokers. of supports. as key elements in facilitating Smoking Pilot testing has demonstrated the Cessation Support Programmes. effectiveness of these new materials To find out more, contact: Experience in facilitating one to one in increasing the capacity of clients to Elaine Herlihy on 01-4600615. and group support programmes for participate fully in all sessions of the smoking cessation has identified the programme and to also effect positive need to develop additional resource behaviour change in their smoking materials to assist adults who have habit. Participants have found the difficulties with reading and/or writing. materials to be highly visual, easy to The aim of this initiative is to guarantee read and user-friendly. equal opportunity, confidence and support to all smokers regardless of For further information contact: literacy levels. Mary Desmond, A/Senior Health In partnership with the National Promotion Officer – Tobacco, Adult Literacy Agency, the Dublin Health Service Executive Dublin Mid-Leinster tobacco team has now Mid-Leinster.

p22 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p23 Healthmatters Healthmatters

Health National Hospitals Services Staffs Credit Office Project for Medical Union (Dublin, Kildare and Records Management Wicklow) All health services staff in counties Dublin, Kildare and he National Steering Committee for Medical Records Management is A Wicklow are eligible to become jointly chaired by Dr Joe Devlin, Consultant Rheumatologist, Waterford members of the Health Services Staffs T Regional Hospital and Winifred Ryan National Hospitals Office (NHO). Credit Union (HSSCU), one of Ireland’s The Steering Committee was established by the NHO in May 2006. leading industrial credit unions. So whether you’re a doctor, nurse, porter, The terms of reference of the Steering Committee are attendant, administrator or working as follows: in any other position in the health > To ensure that the National Hospitals Office has the appropriate records services sector you are eligible to join management system in place, capable of supporting a high quality service. the HSSCU. And your family members (living with you) are also eligible to This will be achieved through the following: become members. > National standards, recommended practices and key performance indicators for medical records management Why the credit union? > A national retention policy to deal with primary, secondary and archival Credit unions are part of an records. international system encompassing > Recommendations for an ongoing audit and monitoring programme for 92 countries around the world. There medical records management are over 500 in Ireland enabling 2.9 > Standardisation of the medical chart across the publicly funded acute million members here to gain access hospitals in the HSE to affordable financial services. Credit > Recommendations on training programmes for medical records management unions are for people and not for profit. The HSSCU is owned and run by its 1. Standards, Recommended Practices and Key members. The Board of Directors of Performance Indicators for Medical Records HSSCU comprises of 15 employees Management from the health services sector. Each The Steering Committee signed-off on the draft ‘standards and and every one of our 18,545 members recommended practices for medical records management’ at the end of has a right to exercise his/her vote at October 2006. This document was sent to the link people in each hospital in the AGM each year. November for consultation at local level. Each hospital was asked to provide feedback on the draft document by January 2007. Workshops were organised About HSSCU: in each of the hospital networks to discuss the project and to agree a plan for > HSSCU has assets in excess of €104 local consultation on the draft document. A similar workshop was organised million; with a number of patient groups in December 2006. The draft document has > Low interest rates - Standard rate also been sent to a number of key stakeholders (including the Department of 9.9% (10.2% APR) & Car Loan only Health and Children and the Data Protection Commissioner) for discussion 6.99% (7.2% APR); and feedback. > Does not penalise members for early In the first quarter of 2007 the standards sub-group will consider an audit loan repayment; and monitoring programme to accompany the standards and key performance > Operates Payroll Deduction Scheme indicators for medical records management. with co-operating employers; > Offers a range of accounts and 2. National Retention Policy for Medical Records insurance products; The draft retention policy was signed off by the Steering Committee in December > Offers a 24/7 access to account 2006 and was sent to the link people in each hospital thereafter for consultation information by phone and Internet; at local level. Each hospital has been asked to provide feedback on the draft > Offers financial advice and support retention policy by February 2007. The draft retention policy has also been sent to all of our members; to a number of key stakeholders for discussion and feedback. The Steering > Supports member education through Committee will consider storage options for medical records (including a cost- the Betty Noone Memorial Bursary; benefit analysis of these options), in light of the feedback on the draft medical > Provides Electronic Funds Transfer to records retention policy. account of your choice – so no need to collect a cheque! 3. Standard NHO Medical Records Folder > Sends Credit Agreements by post 2,000 copies of a draft standard NHO medical records folder have been – simply sign it & post it back to us in prepared and sent to the link people in each hospital. Each hospital received 35 the pre-paid envelope; copies of this folder for consultation at local level. The NHO Medical Records Steering Committee will be working with For further information contact the Dr Richard Greene, Director of the NPEC and the relevant NHO hospitals/staff HSSCU at: to agree a national obstetrics chart. As part of this exercise, the link people Address: 5 High Street, have been asked to submit a copy of a blank obstetric chart/record from their Christchurch, Dublin 8. hospital (including any forms normally included in the chart). Tel: 01 6778648 The Steering Committee will also be looking at the following areas – Fax: 01 6778664 Information Systems/Chart-tracking and the Unique Patient Identifier. Email: [email protected] Website:www.hsscu.ie 4. Training The training sub-group will be convened in February 2007. The group will be asked to consider induction, ongoing and undergraduate training in relation to medical records management. p22 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p23 West Healthmatters Healthmatters

News brief

Seminar for Nurses Working in Intellectual Disability

A seminar was recently held for nurses working in intellectual disability services in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, the first such seminar in this part of Ireland. The seminar was designed to give nurses working (L to R): Marie Faherty and Helen Curran in Intellectual Disability services at the official opening of the arts and the opportunity to examine and crafts exhibition which displayed the reflect on their work practices work of residents and day care service users from St Francis Community and provide a forum to share Nursing Unit, Galway ideas and innovative practices. Eighty nurses working across a variety of care settings for Synergy children and adults heard presentations from a number of Donna McCafferty, CSW with Ross Verdon, Physical Therapy Programme local service providers, including Project the Brothers of Charity and the Galway Association, who outlined Boosts their best practice development Support Service initiatives. Other speakers Continence represented disability nursing services in the North-East, St. Joseph’s Intellectual Disability Care in Service in north Dublin and Helps Children With Aras Attracta in Swinford. The Roscommon seminar was a first step in pilot programme, providing developing a regional network an IT database, has supported and a forum to help nursing A service improvements in staff articulate their role within Disabilities in North West continence care in Roscommon PCCC intellectual disability services. services. The programme is being led Further information and Support Worker Service in Sligo and Leitrim is Intervention Team, who referred the child. by continence facilitator Teresa Moore. copies of the presentations can helping children with a physical and sensory As each child’s needs are individual, so too is the plan The Synergy Project is addressing be obtained from Mary B Rice, A disability to achieve their full potential. put in place to assist the child in meeting those needs. The gaps in the provision of continence care Nursing Practice Development The service, which commenced as a pilot programme in assistance provided includes everything from support with to clients in the following ways: Co-ordinator (Intellectual January 2002, is also assisting the children to increase their personal care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and > Establishment of a database Disability), Centre of Nurse opportunities for social integration speech and language therapy programmes, to supporting (Synergy) to store and manage data Education, St Mary’s Campus, The number of children and their families receiving the the child to engage in social and recreational activities. derived from clinical assessments in Castlebar, Co Mayo. service has grown from six to 20. Positive impacts of the service for children include order to plan care and services more Telephone: (094) 9042038 A Support Worker is assigned to children assessed improved speech and mobility and enhanced confidence effectively. Email: [email protected] as requiring a service. The Support Worker’s job is to and self-esteem while parents find the assistance has a > Provision of continence management liaise with the Service Co-ordinator in delivering the positive effect not just for the child concerned but for the education and training specific supports identified by the members of the Early whole family. > Development of a continence Heartsafe Schools assessment and plan of care for all clients presenting with bowel and/or Ardscoil Mhuire and Garbally bladder problems College, two secondary schools English-Irish Phrasebook > Development of best practice in Ballinasloe, Co Galway were guidelines recently awarded “Heartsafe > Establishment of a cohort of School” status by the Irish Heart For Medical Staff continence advisors and link nurses Foundation. (IHF). They are the compilation of medical phrases in Irish to help to work within services first schools in the country to doctors and nurses to communicate with native So far, on-site education and training achieve this award. A Irish speakers has been launched in the HSE has been provided by the Centre This project was organised West Area. The English-Irish Phrasebook for Medical of Nurse Education, Mayo General by The Resuscitation Training Personnel, “Leaganacha Leighis”, was researched and Hospital and clinical guidelines and Department, Portiuncula Hospital, written by Dr Nicola de Faoite. protocols have been developed in HSE West, Ballinasloe, Co Galway Irish is the first language of a significant number the participating services. Findings in conjuction with Primary Care of patients who attend Galway University Hospitals: from the initial evaluation indicate that Galway. The project involved the University Hospital Galway, Merlin Park University Hospital, the Synergy database has supported teaching of Cardiopulmonary Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe, County Galway, Mayo the enhancement of continence Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid General Hospital and Roscommon County Hospital. care practices in the Roscommon to Teachers and Students over a Author of the Phrasebook, Dr de Faoite says: “I hope that services and has contributed to a more number of years. CROI (West of this book will enhance the ability of doctors and nurses to responsive and flexible service. Ireland Cardiology Foundation) communicate in Irish with native Irish speakers and that it donated an AED (defibrillator) will improve the availability of healthcare through Irish for (L to R): Dr. Genevieve McGuire, GP Training, Dr. Sean Conroy, Further information available from to each school following local Corporate Affairs, Cuimhin Mac Aodh Bhui, Irish Language native speakers”. Officer HSE West, Dr. Nicola de Faoite and Kevin Little HR Teresa Moore, St Brendan’s Home, fundraising. Some staff from each Copies of this Phrasebook for Medical Staff are available HSE West, at the launch of Nicola’s book “An English - Irish Loughrea, Co Galway. Telephone: school are proficient in the use of from the Regional Health Office, Health Service Executive Phasebook for Medical Personnel” of the HSE launched at the 087-9830592. Email: these lifesavers. Clinical Science Building NUIG by Senator Mary O Rourke . West, Merlin Park, Galway. Phone 091 775882 [email protected]

p24 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p25 Dublin North East Healthmatters Healthmatters

54 Catering News brief Premises in Total Inventory the North East Management in Louth County Receive ‘Happy Hospital supports direct patient Heart Catering care

Award’ Total Inventory Management (TIM) is well on its way in the five acute hospitals in Louth/ Meath/Cavan/ Monaghan with Louth County Hospital the first hospital to fully implement it in all areas. Previously nurses received deliveries from stores which they then had to pack away themselves on shelves, cupboards or any available space. It was time consuming for

(L to R): Suzanne Shevlin and Maria Gorman, Community Dietitians, HSE Dublin North East nurses and was not the best use of their skills. The TIM initiative r. Nazih Eldin, Head of Health Promotion, Dublin North East recently make it easier for parents to make eating out a healthy and enjoyable resulted from discussions presented ‘Happy Heart Catering Award’ certificates to 54 catering experience for all. between Regional Materials D premises in the north east. Speakers at the event included Professor Patrick Wall, Associate Professor Management and hospital The award is designed to encourage catering premises including restaurants, of Public Health and Population Sciences UCD School and Chairman of managers to improve the supply hotels, pubs and workplaces to promote healthy food choices in a health- the European Food Safety Authority, Anne Marie Part, Chairperson of the process for nurses in clinical promoting environment. The HSE Dublin North East in conjunction with the Environmental Health Officers Association and Maureen Mulvihill, Health areas and also to improve stock Department of Health and Children and The Irish Heart Foundation initiated this Promotion Manager, Irish Heart Foundation. management. project in 1998 when 12 premises received the award. The numbers in receipt of This project is intended to promote long lasting changes and it is important the award have steadily grown since it was first initiated. that regular monitoring and evaluation takes place. Continuity is essential and What is total inventory The most recent campaign focused on choices for children and community dietitians in partnership with the environmental health officers work management? reducing portion sizes. A recent survey of 5-12 year old Irish school children together to monitor standards strictly throughout the year. It is a system for managing produced alarming results with 22% of Irish children found to be either inventory (stocks) to the point overweight or obese. This rate is growing each year and is linked to chronic For further information on the award contact Alison O’Shea Senior of use with the use of modern diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and respiratory Community Dietitian, Health Promotion, St. Brigid’s Complex, technology. The system allows problems. By promoting healthy food choices for children catering premises can Ardee Co. Louth. Email: [email protected] nurses and other service providers to concentrate on in particular the type of food plays a satisfactory manner. And so the new patient care and be assured that major role in the health of children. canteen was born. They named it ‘The the items they need to provide Lunch Box A Focus on Health Committee Lunch Box’ after a competition was patient care will be at hand when he Health Promotion was formed in the school which held in the school to find an appropriate needed. Department of the HSE Dublin recommended: name for the revamped canteen. Great credit is due to all T North East has been working > The amount of treat type food The canteen aims to provide a involved in the implementation, with Our Lady’s College, Greenhills, available to students in school be wide variety of foods which are low supplies staff for their hard work Drogheda over the past few years to kept to a minimum. in fat, low in salt and high in fibre. and commitment, nursing staff develop a healthier population both > Fizzy drinks would be replaced by Now on offer is a wonderfully tasty for their belief, cooperation and among the students but also the staff. water and some fruit juices and nutritious menu which includes patience while the system was The school recently realised a dream > More healthy options would be yoghurts, smoothies, milk crackers being installed and management when they held the official opening of available to the students at a and cheese and a selection of fruit. for their foresight. Chef Neven Maguire pictured with The Lunch Box in the school by TV Chef reasonable cost The students can also choose from pupils from Our Lady’s College, The system offers many Neven Maguire. > Breakfast would be provided for a range of hot food including baked Greenhills, Drogheda in the new ‘Lunch advantages, not least time saving A balanced diet and one hour students. potato, lasagne, wraps, rolls, soup, Box’ canteen for nurses. An added benefit from of physical activity per day are key This whole school healthy eating pizza and sandwiches. improved stock management is factors in preventing the development initiative was very successful with very Chef Nevin Maguire, a guest at the For him food should be pleasurable, in financial savings due to stock of overweight and obesity. Children positive feedback both from students opening said that he was captivated something you enjoy. reductions. and teenagers spend up to seven and staff. However it became clear by the feeling of energy and goodwill This fantastic initiative aims hours per day in the school that facilities needed some updating if in the school. He said that it was to improve the health, wellbeing, For further information on TIM environment and therefore the the healthy options were to continue important to get young people to enjoy morale and achievements of the and how it might be applied in availability of food in the school and to be available in a convenient and food and to taste a variety of foods. whole school population. your area Contact: Barbara Kelly 0419876306 Clean Sweep! Kevin Keegan 0419876305 he overall winner of the annual Irish Contract benchmark for quality within the industry. Over recent Shay Smyth, A/Hospital Manager, Connolly Hospital Cleaning Association (ICCA) industry awards years, the contract cleaning industry has experienced congratulated Derrycourt on their achievement T was Derrycourt Company Limited for its work many positive changes as both the industry and all and stated that ‘their success can be attributed to in Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. those operating within it, strive to provide continued their attention to detail and to the close working The awards recognise excellence in the contract excellent customer service, while also consistently relationship and regular communication with the cleaning industry. Derrycourt Company Limited developing and training staff. The importance of management of Connolly Hospital’ The Irish Contract won the overall award for best cleaned health care recognising and rewarding the people working Cleaning Association (ICCA) is an affiliate of the premises as well as the overall industry award for their behind the scenes is key to the industry’s continued Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC), work in Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown success and the annual ICCA Awards are the perfect representing over 70% of the industry and employing Speaking at the awards ceremony, Greg Moore, opportunity to commend staff for their achievements approximately 20,000 staff throughout the country. Chairman ICCA commented: ‘These awards provide a during the year.’ The ICCA awards were made last autumn. p24 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p25 South Healthmatters Healthmatters

Laparoscopic Urological Oncology Programme at Mercy University Hospital

Front Row (L to R): Helen Barrett, Catriona Minihane, Judy Domingo, Mr. Kahlid Safi and Dr. Grish Nama. Back Row (L to R): Noreen Brickley O’Driscoll, John O’Connell, Dr. John Cahill, Dr. Wilpherd Ndjavera and Paul Murray. ercy University Hospital (MUH) has begun a Laparoscopic Urological Oncology Programme for advanced laparoscopic procedures on the urinary tract, like radical prostatectomy and radical nephrectomy. The first laparoscopic prostatectomy was successfully performed in January 2007 by MUH staff. It is essentially the first procedure done independently of this type in Ireland. The M procedure went very smoothly and the patient was well and ambulant on the first operative day and did not require any major analgesia. The patient was fit for discharge on the third post-operative day. This is another advanced treatment undertaken at Mercy University Hospital and extends even further the Hospital’s impressive list of Endoscopic and Laparoscopic procedures in Gastro-intestinal, Vascular and Urological procedures which are attracting referrals from across the State.

he report, “Where Do You Go When You Go Out - Young New Recovery Programme T People’s Thoughts and Views on Promoting Youth Friendly Facilities in East Cork” (available on www.hse. for Cork Heart Patients to ie) presents a snapshot of what its like to be a young person in East Cork “Take Heart” and looks at aspects of their lives, experiences, feeling and views. The new eight-week monitored report outlines feedback from more exercise and education than 700 young people aged between Aprogramme and two new 13 and 18 years. Findings indicated patient information books entitled “Take that 79% of those surveyed answered Heart” – a guide to heart surgery; and a ‘no’ when they were asked if they guide to living well with heart disease” thought there were adequate facilities are now available to cardiac patients in Dr. Carl Vaughan, Patient Ewen in their town for young people. Brenda the greater Cork area. Tubridy and Valerie O’Sullivan at Cork University Hospital Crowley, HSE South, Mental Health The eight-week outpatient Resource Officer welcomed the report programme is open to patients who completed the programme has been and said: “The report highlights how have attended either Cork University very positive. some of the issues faced by young Hospital (CUH) or the Mercy University The programme, which has been people are exacerbated by the lack Hospital (MUH) for heart disease available in Dublin and other parts of of facilities where they live. Young treatment and follow-up care. the country for some time, comes to people themselves made the link This includes people who have Cork in a unique joint-venture between (L to R): Pictured with Emily Logan, Ombudsman for children are Brenda Crowley, Mental between the lack of facilities, feelings had a heart attack, coronary artery CUH and MUH. Health Resource Officer, HSE South and report authors Mary McGrath, ECAD and Deborah Lynch, UCC. of boredom, depression, danger and bypass surgery, a valve repair or “The “Take Heart” books are given drinking alcohol. A national study replacement and those with stable to patients by their cardiac (National Suicide Foundation 2004) angina (chest pain). rehabilitation teams while in hospital,” on young people’s mental health also Explaining how the new programme explains Margaret Byrne, co-author and highlights the link that young people works, CUH Cardiac Rehabilitation CUH Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Report Highlights made between a lack of recreational Co-ordinator, Valerie O’Sullivan, said: Nurse Specialist. “They are a tool to help activities in their communities to “Patients are offered individualised, patients make positive changes to their feelings of frustration, boredom and monitored exercise training; and lifestyle and ease the transition through misuse of drugs and alcohol. This education and support sessions from each phase of recovery.” Need for Facilities report reiterates the need for all a multidisciplinary team of cardiac “The books also provide heart A new report published by East Cork Area agencies; statutory, voluntary and rehabilitation specialists, twice a week patients with consistent advice and Development (ECAD) in association with the HSE in local communities to work together for eight weeks; with family members information on cardiac support groups to ensure our young people have also invited to attend the education and useful websites and organisations Cork was launched recently by Emily Logan, somewhere safe and appropriate to sessions. that may be of interest to people living Ombudsman for Children. socialise”. Feedback from patients who have with heart disease

p26 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p27 Dublin Mid-Leinster Healthmatters Healthmatters Tribute to Former CEO - Martin Gallagher The recent death of Martin Gallagher, former CEO of the East Coast Area Health Board, has left much sadness amongst his colleagues and former staff.

artin began his career In early 1999 Martin moved to the his commitment to this role and presented with a difficulty. Martin Executive Officer to the former East in the former Eastern position of Programme Manager performed many individual tasks way was committed to advancing the Coast Area Health Board in May 2003. MHealth Board in 1984 as for the then “Special Hospitals” above that which one would normally agenda of the disadvantaged and Martin, never one for standing still, Finance Officer following a period programme of the former EHB. This expect from any person in such a it was no surprise later in his career radically changed the way the Board as a local government auditor. It was post carried primary responsibility position. Being the individual that he that he would deliver a superb mental carried out its business and employed not long before Martin demonstrated for the provision of services to was Martin would never claim credit health hostel in what is regarded as a level of graciousness and diplomacy his skill and absolute natural ability persons with mental health illness for such occurrences as it was in one of the most affluent suburbs which left an impression on every as a manager as he presided over and those who suffered through keeping with his belief to improve the in Dublin. individual who came into contact prudent financial management addiction. Martin again demonstrated circumstances of any individual who On the formation of the former with him. It was during this time that which guided the then EHB through East Coast Area Health Board in Martin succeeded in delivering a new particularly difficult times. During this March 2000 Martin moved to Bray headquarters and more importantly period he earned a reputation as a as the Asstistant Chief Executive for him, a new health facility for skilled and resolute negotiator and Martin, never one for Officer for service operations. Bray. The principles underpinning demonstrated his high level of ability It was with customary zeal that this development were flexibility, by implementing sound financial standing still, employed a level Martin took on this task where he transparency and equal treatment management while ensuring the again demonstrated his ability and for all and Martin was an example to continuous development of patient “of graciousness and diplomacy dedication. It was during this time that everyone in this regard. focused health services. During his Martin was most influential in terms of It was with absolute shock and tenure as finance officer, Martin which left an impression on his direct involvement with the public sadness that we learned of Martin’s displayed particular interest in the and service providers where his charm illness and sudden departure. One Addiction Services, the Ambulance every individual who came and personality endeared him to many, can only equate the loss to that of service and was singularly responsible particularly those in the voluntary a true friend. His former colleagues for the implementation of the central into contact with him sector where his true generous spirit and friends would wish to offer their procurement function within the was readily recognised. sincere condolences to Martin’s former EHB. ” Martin was appointed Chief family. May he rest in peace. Midland Ambulance Service Training Programme for Setting up Life-Saving Register of Professionals Working Automated External Defibrillators With Substance Misuse raining to encourage good strand of the ‘The Fine Line’ training practice and professional programme. Tstandards in issues relating The second strand consists of a one to substance misuse is being day seminar enabling those who have offered to HSE staff in Laois, Offaly, completed ‘The Fine Line’ training, the Longford and Westmeath. ‘The Fine opportunity to explore topical issues. Line’ training programme is an initiative of the Substance Misuse Staff interested in participating Education and Prevention Team should contact Kathleen Pardy (Health Promotion Service, Dublin on 1800 242 505 or email Mid-Leinster). There are two strands [email protected] to the programme. The first is a two day training programme, designed for those with a role in the provision of drugs education and prevention services, Correction or who may encounter drug-related On page 18 of the Winter issues in the course of their work. Edition 2006 an incorrect The key principles and themes caption was used in one of the underlying good practice form photographs accompanying Gerry Flannery and David Warby of the Regional Sports Centre in Athlone pictured with Gearoid Oman of the Midand Ambulance Service with the Centre’s Automated External Defibrillator. the core elements of this training our article on Health programme. The overall aim is Professionals in Management. register of clubs, businesses and organisations that shock with an AED within six minutes of a cardiac arrest. to encourage good practice and Mary Duff, Director of Nursing, have life-saving Automated External Defibrillators All ambulances in the Midlands are fitted with an AED. professional standards in the field St. Vincent’s Hospital and A (AED) is being compiled by the Ambulance Service Similarly, the presence of an AED at Athlone golf club by facilitating participants to examine Dr. Gary Courtney were in the midlands. was able to save a man’s life when he collapsed on the their attitudes around substances incorrectly identified as If an AED can be used within three minutes of a cardiac course recently. The defibrillator was used within five and substance use, increase their being in the photograph. The arrest, the person has a 70% chance of survival. At present, minutes of the man’s collapse, while the ambulance arrived knowledge of substances and caption should, of course, have the survival rate for cardiac arrest outside of hospital is 1%. just minutes later. substance use, explore theories of identified Sheila Smith, General The EU target is to administer a shock within five minutes. Sites which may have, or should look to installing an AED addiction and factors relating to Manager, Sligo General The Midland Ambulance Service cites the example of a include large offices and factories, shopping centres, hotels substance use and to reflect on their Hospital and Paul Mullaney, man attending church in Tullamore late last year who had and sporting clubs. Registering AEDs is one element in the own work practices Consultant Ophthalmologist, a cardiac arrest. The Ambulance Service was on the scene Ambulance Service’s plans to reduce deaths from Sudden To date, approximately one hundred Sligo General Hospital. within minutes and was able to save a life by administering a Cardiac Arrest. professionals have engaged in the first p26 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p27 West Healthmatters Healthmatters New System Saves News brief Staff Shadowing/ Exchange Junior Doctors 10 Programme Part of Discharge Planning Project at Sligo General Hours a Week Hospital

Acute hospital staff at Sligo General Hospital recently spent time shadowing public health nurses as they worked in the community services as part of a pilot Discharge Planning Project carried out in the Sligo/Leitrim area. The project also allowed community services staff in the area to spend time observing the bed management process in a ward in Sligo General Hospital. These days provided an overview of the role of the public health nurse and community hospital Sligo General Hospital has become the services in the discharge process first European hospital to receive the and in the implementation of ENSH ( European Network of Smoke Free Hospitals) sustained development the discharge plan including the award. The award was presented link with other members of the last autumn by Markos Kyprianou, multi-disciplinary / Primary Care Commissioner for Health & Consumer Protection of the European Union to Team and Private Nursing Home hospital representatives Pauline Kent Services. and Dolores Kivlehan in Brussels. New Healthy Eating and Cookery Tutors

Back (L to R): Lorraine Rafter, Medical Manpower Manager, Dr. Maeve O’Doherty, Specialist Registrar, Trish Ahern, Clerical Officer, Dr. David Millnan, Senior House Officer. Front (L to R): Catherine McNamara, Assistant Director of Nursing, Dr. Aamir Zaeem, Senior for East Galway House Officer, Dr. Claire Hartnett, Senior House Officer, Maura Byrne, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Breda Hayes, A/Clinical Nurse Manager II, Maire Hickey-O’Dwyer, Consultant Ophthalmologist. ealthy Eating and cookery tutors graduated with HSE/VEC certificates recently at the Ballinasloe College of Further Education. The tutors new way of fast tracking triaged by nurses and immediately Ophthalmology Junior Doctor. H have been attending intensive training with HSE West’s Grainne Green, treatment of ophthalmology referred to the on-call Ophthalmology Lorraine Rafter, Medical Manpower Senior Community Dietitian since October of this year. They are now qualified A patients pioneered by doctors Junior Doctor. A revised system Manager commented “The key as facilitators and will run cookery and nutrition courses in the areas of Tuam, and nurses at the Mid Western for streamlining access for all eye aims of the pilot were to achieve Ballinasloe, Loughrea and Ballygar. Regional Hospital in Limerick has casualty patients in the ‘out of hours’ a reduction of on-site on-call The eight qualified Healthy Eating tutors will now run courses with local groups benefited both patients and Junior (after 5pm) period was introduced hours, relief of Junior Doctors from over a six week duration and will continue to be supported by the HSE’s Community Doctors. Under the new system which reduced reliance on having the inappropriate non-medical duties Dietitian. The courses cover topics such as reading foods labels, healthy shopping patients are treated more efficiently on call Junior Doctor resident in the through the assignment of a nurse for the family, cooking healthy family meals, faddy eating in children as well as and the hospital has made substantial hospital for the duration of their on- to the Eye Casualty clinic, improved women’s and men’s health issues. progress in meeting the European call period. training opportunities for Junior Working Time Directive for Junior This involved the Ophthalmology Doctors working in Ophthalmology Doctors. On average a reduction of Department setting up an eye and a greater involvement for 10 hours has been achieved which casualty clinic for patients with nursing and junior doctors in the brings Junior Doctors working in the non-critical conditions. Junior Emergency Department. The pilot Department of Ophthalmology below Doctors and nurses were up-skilled demonstrated that hospitals can the 58 hour target. in treating eye casualty patients comply with the European Working The new ways of working and in deciding when to contact Directive, without any detrimental were devised by the Department the on-call Ophthalmology Junior effect on patient care or Junior of Ophthalmology in conjunction Doctor. Protocols were agreed Doctor training. with the hospital’s Emergency for all patients presenting to the “Equally we have shown that Medicine Department in a Emergency Medicine Department complying with the legislation is pilot project that involved the with eye complaints, they were not simply a case of merely increasing reorganisation of the current system triaged by nurses and had an initial the number of Junior Doctors. of dealing with eye casualty patients medical assessment by medical staff The approach taken was novel in presenting at the Emergency in the Department. Medical staff that it advocates a move from Medicine Department. then decided on the appropriate cover requirements defined by Front (L to R): Grainne Green (Community Dietitian and Group Tutor), Ann Cuddy, Prior to the pilot project, patients management for each patient, be it professional demarcation and grade, Peggy Lee, Maura Joyce, Sr. Helena Crehan, Ethna Ni Dhonnchadha. who presented to the Emergency discharge home or referral to eye to cover defined by competency, “ Back (L to R): Ger McDonnagh (St Berins), Bridie Dolan, Rita Coen, Mary O’Brien-Timon, Jimmy Hodgins, Mary Barrett, Mary O’Neill, Dympna Collett. Department were assessed and casualty clinic or referral to the on call she added.

p28 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p29 Dublin North East Healthmatters Healthmatters

Helping People Make Sensible Healthy Choices Edel McNamara talks about being a Community Dietitian

The report of the “Winning Smiles” Schools Oral Health Promotion Programme for 7 to 8-year-olds was launched in the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin last autumn. The “Winning Smiles” research programme is an innovative school-based oral health promotion programme, the first of its kind to embrace an all-island perspective. Winning Smiles he Dental Services, HSE Dublin easily preventable. the programme, and the Oral Health North East, the Dental Health The research programme consisted Promoters provided feedback on the T Foundation and the Eastern of a controlled trial and several pack as part of the trial. The steering Health and Social Services Board, qualitative studies. The Dental Services, committee is now reviewing and Belfast recently launched the report Dublin North, oversaw the development updating the programme in this regard. of the ‘Winning Smiles’ Schools Oral and delivery of the programme in the An Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, Health Promotion Programme for 7 to 8 Dublin trial schools. The programme T.D. who officially launched the year olds. involved a partnership between Oral report acknowledged the benefits of The ‘Winning Smiles’ research Health Promoters, dentists and school the programme and how the report programme is an innovative school- teachers to ensure the success of the represents a significant advance in based oral health promotion trial. At the end of the programme the understanding ways to improve oral programme, the first of its kind to children were shown to have increased health and reduce inequalities in oral embrace an all-island perspective. their toothpaste use as well as showing health. The programme was based in schools an increase in their oral health- A partnership approach, put in in areas of high social deprivation in related quality of life, self-esteem place by the leadership of the Dental Dublin and Belfast and set out: and knowledge and attitudes relating Health Foundation, Ireland, was used Edel McNamara, Community Dietitian with her baby Niamh > to encourage toothpaste use; to their oral health. The programme to develop and test the programme > to improve child oral health-related also investigated the children’s own in conjunction with the Oral Health n the broadest sense, Community Community dietitians also counsel quality of life and self-esteem; perspectives and feelings on tooth Services Research Centre, University Dietetics is all about educating individuals in GP Practices and Health > to increase children’s oral health- brushing habits and rules, and provides College Cork; Dental Public Health Ithe population and health centres. Having been bombarded with related knowledge and attitudes; a valuable insight into children’s and Behavioural Sciences, Queen’s professionals about nutrition. confusing messages in the media > to assess changes in reported oral beliefs regarding oral health. Feedback University Belfast; Population Health Being a Community Dietitian is a on a daily basis, staff and clients are health behaviours from those involved in the delivery Directorate, HSE; Dental Services, challenging job. I’m fortunate to work often understandably misinformed All of these actions have a significant indicated that they found the research HSE Dublin North East and the Dental with a great team of well-qualified and about nutrition. Empowering staff role in improving oral health and programme to be a positive experience Services of the Eastern Health and motivated staff. Community dietetics and clients to make sensible healthy preventing dental decay; which has and one that is feasible to implement Social Services Board, Northern Ireland. is integrally associated with Health choices because they have the correct been identified as one of the most in partnership between oral health A formal introduction of the Promotion within Population Health. information is a very satisfying part common childhood diseases, but promoters and schools. A detailed programme will now be recommended Community Dietitians also deliver of the job. Community Dietitians will equally acknowledged as being resource pack was produced for in both jurisdictions. services within Primary Community become an integral part of the new and Continuing Care (PCCC). It’s primary care teams and networks. a busy job with lots of variety, and I’m currently on maternity leave and is driven by Government and local am due back to work in a few weeks Champions for Health Promotion Help policies and strategies, particularly time. As a Dietitian, breastfeeding the Cardiovascular Health Strategy. my child was a natural choice for me, Make HSE Staff the Healthiest Workforce!! We provide education on nutrition because nutritionally it was the best throughout life, from preconception start I could give my baby. When he Health Promotion Service (HPS) Dublin North within worksites with the necessary resources for and breastfeeding to nutrition for I return to work, I will be able to East would like to invite interested HSE staff from distribution amongst their colleagues. We will work older people. continue breastfeeding as I can avail of T north Dublin to assist us in encouraging your towards helping you to make the healthier choice Helping people to make positive recent Government Legislation, which colleagues to become healthier. the easier choice for staff in your worksite. In order lifestyle changes is a slow process, and facilitates lactation breaks in to do this we need YOU to become a Champion for the effects of the job are not always the workplace. Our Goal: Health Promotion. immediate. To effect change, we work Support services for breastfeeding > Promote effective health promotion programmes with crèches, schools and centres mothers in Ireland are improving slowly > Develop collaborative relationships within What is a Champion for Health working with young people to promote and I am lucky that there are two HSE worksites Promotion (CHP)? healthy policy within these settings. Support Groups in my local area that I > Recognise excellence in workplace health The success of any workplace initiative is in part down to To help people make healthy lifestyle have access to. promotion initiatives the enthusiasm of the health promotion champion. A CHP changes, support from a variety of The HSE Dublin North East Health is effectively a link between the HPS and your worksite areas is useful. For example, a primary Promotion Service and the Rotunda How we aspire to do this! who will co-ordinate health promotion messages and school that has a healthy lunch policy Hospital Breastfeeding Committee The HPS would like to develop links with staff programmes for your colleagues. The time commitment is and also offers parents a nutrition and produce an annual leaflet detailing members who will represent the views of their about one to two hours per month. healthy cooking skills course such as Support Groups in North Dublin colleagues and act as champions for health promotion. “The Healthy Food Made Easy Course” which are available from the Rotunda Throughout the year we will highlight national and For further information contact will fare better than a school with Hospital and also GP practices in the international health campaigns and support key people Email: [email protected] or on 01 882 3405 either of these by themselves. North Dublin area. p28 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p29 South Healthmatters Healthmatters Studies Examine Tobacco, News brief

New Clinic For Alcohol and Drug Use Kidney Transplant Patients in Kerry esearch on the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs in Cork and Kerry > While there is no real change amongst men drinking to excess - this stayed and an assessment of need for drug and alcohol detoxification services more or less at one in four (26%); there is a significant doubling of excessive General Hospital R in the region was published recently by the HSE. drinking amongst woman – one in six woman drink excessively (an increase A national working group has been established to develop the HSE’s from 8% to 17 %). Women show a serious shift into more harmful patterns of A new outpatient clinic for response to drug and alcohol issues. alcohol use. kidney transplant patients is A report by Dr. Tim Jackson, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, entitled > More than one third of people in Cork and Kerry smoke. (37%). Smoking now operational at Kerry General Smoking, Alcohol and Drug Use in Cork & Kerry 2004, shows: amongst 15 year olds trebled to almost one in three (30%); especially in boys Hospital (KGH). > Drug use in Cork City, Cork County and Kerry has doubled between 1996 who showed a ten-fold increase. (The study was carried out before the ban The new specialised clinic is and 2004; with the use of Cannabis and stimulants such as Cocaine, Crack on smoking in the workplace). the first of its kind in a general and Ecstasy increasing by as much as four-fold. The use of opiates, such The second report: Drug and Alcohol Detoxification Services - a Needs hospital in Ireland. Kidney as Heroin, increased significantly but from a very low level of 0.1% to 0.8%. Assessment for Cork and Kerry 2005 by Dr. Mai Mannix, Specialist in transplant patients require Worth noting is that some city areas identified for their high drug use in 1996, Public Health Medicine, was commissioned by the former Southern Health frequent hospital visits to ensure showed a decrease in 2004, possibly due to the impact of Local Drugs Task Board’s Drug and Alcohol Committee to estimate the need for alcohol and drug that their transplant continues Force initiatives in those areas. detoxification within the region. It shows that need and demand is increasing. to function normally. Until now all kidney transplant patients from Kerry had to travel to Cork, sometimes as often as once a week, to see a Consultant Kidney Specialist. However, following the appointment of Dr Michael Clarkson as visiting Nephrologist to Kerry General Hospital, patients can now avail of this service at KGH. “This Clinic is part of an expansion of services for patients with kidney disease in the Cork / Kerry region as a whole and we’re delighted that out patients can access this service here in KGH,” said Kathleen Jordan, Deputy General Manager, KGH.

Student of the martial arts

Social worker Kieran Barrett is a Bandon keen student of the martial arts. Kieran works in Liberty Street Community House in Cork providing Services for Young People Out of Home. He has studied Aikido for more Hospital Visit than ten years and attained the grade of 2nd Black Belt in 2005. Aikido means the Way of Professor Drumm is pictured here meeting staff members Mary Crowley, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Gerontology, Sheila Murphy ,CNM2 and Dr. Martin Lane, Medical Officer. Harmony and Kieran says his rofessor Brendan Drumm, CEO of the HSE, visited Cork recently and met patients and staff at Bandon Community Hospital, a facility that provides respite, interest in it helps him to do his palliative and continuing care to the older people in the area. The staff and team in Bandon Community Hospital have made considerable progress in enhancing best at work. P the quality of life for those using their services and addressing the complex and specialised needs of older persons in their care through a number of innovative “One of the main benefits that I practices including; the appointment of a nurse specialist in caring for older people, regular visits by a consultant Geriatrician ensuring services are available locally and get from practicing Aikido is that an accredited quality assurance programme. it assists me with the demands involved in providing a social work service to adolescents who might be at risk of being out of home, Ward Reopens or separated children seeking asylum,” he says. He added that Aikido supports at Kerry General him to identify and target the stresses and strains of everyday Hospital life as well as providing practical experiences of managing he Clonfert ward reopened environment for all. While the number challenging situations in a positive at Kerry General Hospital of beds was reduced from 30 beds to and professional manner. T recently following a complete 24, a positive development for patient refurbishment. Margie Lynch, General care was the introduction of five If anyone is interested in finding Manager, said, “The refurbishment new single rooms which will provide out more about Aikido and its has been an opportunity for us to greater comfort for our patients. The health benefits, Kieran can be improve facilities for patients and staff single rooms are a vital development contacted at Email: at KGH. This necessary refurbishment as they can be used to treat patients Recent HSE South graduates of Certificate in Healthcare Management pictured in [email protected] was completed on time and the ward in isolation rooms; a crucial facility in University of Limerick. This is the second cohort of HSE South staff who have graduated has reopened providing a better any acute hospital”. on this joint University of Limerick/Performance and Development Course

p30 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p31 Dublin Mid-Leinster Healthmatters Healthmatters Equipment Recycling Initiative Saves n1.2m

Staff from the Midlands attending the retirement planning seminar. (L to R): Mary Kinnarney, Mary McDonald, Dorothy Bermingham, Eddie Dunne, Martina Egan and Maura Conneely. Planning for the Future ome people can find the employees who have five or less years prospect of retirement service remaining until retirement. S daunting. It is possibly one The course covers a number of topics of the biggest changes we will in-depth over the two days, including; encounter with regard to our personal preparing for retirement, health and and work life, but it is something we wellbeing, superannuation and can plan for. pensions, social welfare, and The Performance and Development personal finances. Department of Dublin Mid-Leinster has The courses run in various locations, put in place a number of courses to and are held on a regular basis. assist employees, in preparing for this Informal queries and application forms stage of their lives. These two courses are available through the Performance are designed to be delivered at different and Development team; via email at periods of a person’s working life. performanceanddevelopment@mailm. The Mid Career Planning Course hse.ie, or by contacting Stephen is aimed at employees who are at or other members of the team at the mid point of their career, or 045 880421 with approximately 20 years service until retirement. It is a one day Information in relation to these course that focuses on topics such and other courses can be found as personal well being, pensions in the Dublin Mid-Leinster 2007 and superannuation, and personal prospectus, through your own line The staff of the Occupational Therapy Stores in Laois from Back (L to R): Gavin von Mollendorff, Paddy Hannon, Jimmy Casey, Ken Slevin, and Anil Gupta. Front (L to R): Margaret Conway and Finola Henry. finances, to mention but a few. manager, or via the HSE Learning The second course, Retirement Centre’s website at www.hseland. n innovative service where on administrative tasks relating to the years ago, and it has continued to Planning, is a two day course aimed at ie/learningcentre. aids and appliances are purchase and provision of equipment. grow and develop year on year. A cleaned, serviced and if This gives them more contact time “The momentum of the store has necessary repaired for re-use in the with their clients, knowing that the grown and we are excited about the community is delivering benefits on Central Occupational Therapy Store years ahead. This year we hope to a number of fronts for Occupational is dealing with their requests. Having start seating clinics where clients with therapists and their clients in Laois/ all the equipment under one roof also complex needs can be assessed and Offaly. allows therapists to have a greater provided with custom seating and Occupational therapy and public choice of equipment for their clients. wheelchairs,” Mr von Mollendorff health nursing community equipment, “Dependency on medical supply added. such as profiling beds, hoists, companies and the lack of adequate Mr von Mollendorff also pointed wheelchairs and riser recliners are resources was preventing us from out that the project would not have collected and delivered all over Laois providing a streamlined, responsive been possible without the support of a and Offaly from a central warehouse occupational therapy service to the number of people and departments. location in Mountmellick, Co. Laois. community. It was this that prompted “The appliance cleaning and The service is unique in that it can us to begin the process of developing a recycling service in Mullingar for be directly accessed by any hospital central point from which all community cleaning our equipment and assisting discharging a client back into the equipment could be collected, us in getting it ready for reissue. The Graduates from the Athlone Institute of Technology and the HSE Bachelor of Science in community, preventing unnecessary serviced, cleaned, prepared for re-use drivers who have worked tirelessly Psychiatric Nursing Programme. hospital admissions and streamlining and re- distributed,” explained Gavin throughout the years and always the discharge process for the client von Mollendorff, senior occupational trying to go the extra mile with a and the hospital. therapist, Laois/Offaly. smile, the OT department and finance Other benefits of the store include A suitable warehouse for the departments, we owe them all a Mental Health Services cost savings with over €1.2 million project was found in Mountmellick, thank you and we really appreciate worth of equipment recycled through due to its ideal location on the borders their support,” Mr von Mollendorff Welcome New Graduates the store last year alone. The of counties Laois and Offaly, the two concluded. he Longford/ Westmeath and Laois/Offaly Mental Health services were centralised service allows equipment counties serviced by the store. It was delighted to welcome a number of newly qualified graduates from the to be ordered in bulk also delivering customised to suit, and is now a hub For further information T Batchelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing programme as staff nurses. Six cost savings. of activity. about the service, graduates have already taken up employment in St Loman’s Hospital, Mullingar Therapists are spending less time The Stores was first opened four Email: [email protected] and four have taken up employment in St Fintan’s Hospital, Portlaoise. p30 Healthmatters Spring2007 Spring2007 Healthmatters p31 Healthmatters Message from the CEO Towards easy access, public confidence and staff pride.

n December we finalised our four critical for our long term success and me an opportunity to meet the opportunities for people to play an year Transformation Programme. It our credibility with the Government representatives from the various important role in this engagement. Isets out our ambition for the HSE and the community at large as a high unions such as the INO, SIPTU, Secondly, I discussed among and what we need to do to get there. performing corporate body. ATGWU, IMPACT, IHCA, and the IMO. the members of the Partnership The plan is now for each National For the past two years we have met I made two points during this Forum that while I am fully committed Director to ensure that all of their our national budget and are getting to meeting. Firstly, people need to to developing our Public Health Care staff know about the Transformation grips with our employment controls. consider the implication of publicly system, we should recognise that our Programme, how it will affect them This has come about due to significant criticising the health services that their monopoly on providing public health and how they can play their part. If you effort and focus by management and members work for and are responsible care is not guaranteed. If we do not have not yet been briefed by your line staff at many levels. for delivering. deliver a quality service that people manager, please find out when this will I realise that this has been The approach of ‘outing’ and can easily access, regardless of their take place. challenging for many of you, sometimes inflating issues financial status, our virtual monopoly For my part I have been travelling particularly those responsible for through the media is damaging, could start to crumble away. making progress. Importantly around the country meeting staff delivering services while at the same particularly to the morale of members I believe that the public is not they are in addition to the many and talking about the Transformation time staying within employment levels. who are making a real difference to prepared to wait for too long for examples I have seen as I travel Programme. For example I have taken However, we are a large developing improving services to patients, this new health service. Instead of around the country where superb part in four Area meetings (Naas, organisation and discipline, local and clients, carers and their families. I increasing amounts of public money ‘business as usual’ services are Ardee, Cork and Sligo) and addressed national, is needed if we are to deliver fail to see how this public critisim being provided to the HSE to provide being provided everyday which various different groups involved in on our responsibility. benefits any of us who work for the public care, we could see it being are comparable with the best providing health care. I recognise your efforts during health service. I would like to see directed to the private sector and it available anywhere. this period; they have helped the trade unions more often involved in becoming responsible for providing There are many areas that can Central Vs Local HSE develop as a capable recognising the outstanding work by certain parts of the public care system. and will be improved. Through our At the Area meetings I have been organisation in control of its their members. In any organisation This is not a situation I would welcome, Transformation Programme this will struck by the very positive feedback management processes. of our size, and particularly one but to ignore it as a possibility would be possible. We will be supporting and genuine willingness of so many Having said this I appreciate undergoing such change, there be unwise. Managers so that they can identify to really engage in the Transformation we now must make good our will always be issues that can be We are making good progress appropriate measures, in relation Programme. intentions to devolve responsibility presented as negative, but we owe in developing our health and social to the Transformation Programme, While this is heartening and and accountability for key it to ourselves to focus on the good care system. The Winter Initiative is which they will be responsible and encouraging, it is not surprising. It management controls, particularly work we do each day. Why not an example of the improvement we accountable for meeting. simply confirms my view that people budgets and employee numbers highlight the many positives? can make when many parts I believe strongly that developing in the HSE are as anxious to meet the (WTEs) which represents more than Constructive criticism is helpful but of the service work together. We this level of responsibility is challenges, and build on the work of 70% of our annual budget. This let it come as dialogue, accompanied have almost 100 Primary Care Teams essential for us to achieve our the past, as the public is to have them will enable more local and quicker by practical recommendations and in development with another 100 to ambition which is to provide services addressed. decision making. solutions. I or the HSE management be announced shortly; our target is that embody easy access, public At these meetings, the issue of local I hope we will be ready to start this team cannot implement the 500. Hospital services in the North confidence and staff pride. Vs central control has been discussed. process later this year, when we have Transformation Programme alone. East are making real progress in My view on this is clear. Before we agreed with each local manager their It needs the engagement of every tackling the difficulties that have devolve full control locally, all our employee numbers. member of staff and we now have existed there for many years. In national and local controls must be the ideal foundation upon which December the first Out of Hours fully operational, accountable and Partnership to build this engagement. The GP services opened in North Dublin transparent. While we have some In January, I met with the National Partnership Forum and other fora serving half a million people and is further progress to make, we are close Partnership Forum, to discuss our such as Clinicians in Management, already assisting 1,000 patients a to achieving this. Transformation Programme. This Expert Advisory Groups and the week. These are just a few of the Professor Brendan Drumm The control of our resources is was a useful meeting and gave soon to be established GP Forum are many examples where we are CEO, Health Service Executive

Employee Wellbeing and Welfare Contributions Wanted! Why not write or suggest an What does Employee Wellbeing and Welfare mean to you? article or feature for the next line management support in the edition of Health Matters and Employee Wellbeing encompasses: Welfare encompasses: consultation process and the keep us updated on what’s engagement of staff as required happening in health around the > Occupational Health > Terms & Conditions of Employment throughout the consultation process. country? If you are interested > Employee Support > Family & Friendly Policies You may be consulted over the in a service, development or > Health Promotion > Sick Leave Entitlements coming months and your input is initiative being highlighted > Health & Safety > Pensions & Gratuities crucial so that issues affecting you contact any member of the > Equality & Diversity are explored. Please avail of the HSE’s Communications team These lists are not exhaustive opportunity to have your say in ensuring for assistance. You can also that we create the best possible write to us at Health Matters, here have been many initiatives HR, Occupational Health, Employee ensures that you, as an HSE employee, environment and supports for you to be Internal Communications, throughout the country to Support, Equality, Risk and Quality, reach your full potential in the a highly motivated, fulfilled and healthy Health Service Executive, Dr. T support staff but up to now there HSE-EA, Information Services, Health organisation. staff member who takes pride in Steevens’ Hospital, Dublin 8. has not been an integrated approach Service National Partnership Forum and The strategy will be informed by providing high quality care and services Alternatively you can email in their delivery. The national HR Trade Union representatives. extensive analysis of existing structures to clients. us at: [email protected] directorate has charged a steering It is recognised that staff deal with and practices, research into best Please make sure to provide group with developing an integrated many on-going challenges in their work practice, identification of gaps in Email enquiries or comments your name, work address Employee Wellbeing and Welfare and now take on additional challenges existing structures and an in-depth to: [email protected] and telephone number in Strategy. This group is being chaired in delivering the transformation consultation with all stakeholders. provision of distraction supplies correspondence. Articles may by Breege Kelly, Head of Employee programme. This strategy will provide The successful development of this (toys, music, videos) together with be edited or cut. The deadline Wellbeing and Welfare. The group the road map to ensure that our legal strategy will be greatly enhanced by training in their use in all settings for the next issue is April 30, is representative of the services: requirements are met, that the HSE maximum commitment from senior where children undergo painful 2007. NHO, PCCC, Population Health, remains an employer of choice and management in the organisation, procedures. p32 Healthmatters Spring2007