ANNUAL REPORT 2016 MAKING AN IMPACT Contents

Company Information Vision. Mission. Goals 04

Highlights in Numbers 06

Chairman: Mr Kevin O’Reilly Director: Mr Terry Fahy A message from the Chairman & CEO 07 Principal, Beechdale Consulting Principal, Yeats College Health & Wellbeing 08 Director: Dr James Crowley Director: Mr Mark Gantly (Medical Director) Managing Director, HP Health Programmes 14 Consultant Cardiologist, Galway University Hospital Director: Dr Tom Walsh Stroke & Recovery 18 Stroke Specialist Director: Ms Patricia Orme Galway University Hospital Volunteers 20 (Company Secretary) Director, KPMG Director: Dr Faisal Sharif Mayo Action on Heart Disease & Stroke 22 Consultant Cardiologist, Director: Prof. Mark da Costa Galway University Hospital Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, National Institute for Preventive Cardiology 24 Galway University Hospital Director: Mr David Toohey CEO and founder, Awareness, Advocacy & Patient Support 27 SyncroPhi Systems Ltd Director: Dr Catherine Caulfield Chief Operations Officer, Together we make a difference... 28 Director: Mr James Ward Ovagen Group Ltd Solicitor, Patrick J Durcan & Co How our work is funded 30 Director: Mr Eugene Dalton Director: Mr Paul Carey CEO, Corrib Oil CEO, Carey Developments Collaborative & Educational Partners 31 VISION. MISSION. GOALS.

VISION Our vision is to lead in the prevention, control of, and recovery from cardiovascular disease and to serve as exemplars of innovation and best practice.

MISSION Our mission is to prevent heart disease and stroke, save lives, empower and support families, communities and future generations to take control of their health and well-being.

GOALS 1. Build healthy communities through support, education and empowerment 2. Amplify the patient voice 3. Pursue the highest level of cardiovascular healthcare 4. Facilitate, participate and collaborate in vital research 5. Build capacity in preventive healthcare nationally through the National Institute for Preventive Cardiology: • Engage with policy makers and health practitioners in pursuit of excellence in preventive healthcare. • Develop innovative models of preventive care and service delivery. • Produce a new generation of scholars and leaders in cardiovascular health and disease prevention. 6. Align with the World Heart Federation’s mission and ambition to reduce premature death and disability from cardiovascular disease by 25% by 2025.

4 Croí Annual Report 2016 Making An Impact 5 Highlights In Numbers 2016 A message from the 4,000+ Chairman & CEO Individuals availed of free blood pressure checks, pulse checks and risk factor screening

Dear Friends,

Chronic diseases and conditions – such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and obesity remain the 20,000+ most common and costly of all health problems. Notwithstanding the enormous personal and family 679 impact of these conditions, the implications for our health services are clear to be seen as it creeks under Visits to Croí Heart & the weight of this burden. Individuals

Stroke Centre trained in CPR Cardiovascular diseases are the most preventable of these conditions and over the past four years across the region 109 + since the opening of our Heart & Stroke Centre in Galway, Croí has been to the forefront in pushing the 4,000 Families prevention agenda by developing and testing a range of innovative prevention and recovery programmes. Individuals supported Equally the launch of the National Institute for Preventive Cardiology affirms our commitment in this area. walked, ran or through the cycled to raise Croí Courtyard Our work is entirely funded from our own fundraising and revenue generating activities. We rely totally funds for Croí Apartments on the goodwill and generosity of individuals and organisations who value what we do. We never take this support for granted and we constantly aim to demonstrate measurable impact. Accordingly, this report illustrates the many facets and impact of our work in preventing disease, saving lives, supporting patients and their families, and promoting health & wellbeing across the community.

We are fortunate to have a highly dedicated and hardworking multidisciplinary staff whose commitment inspires us and whose collective achievements are outlined in this report. Our closely knit team was 8,000+ 1,000+ devastated to learn of the untimely passing of our former colleague, Jane Windle, who after a brave battle with cancer lost her fight in April this year. She will remain forever in our memories and we plan Individuals engaged with Medical, nursing and other healthcare to inaugurate a memorial prize for Professionalism in the MSc in Preventive Cardiology commencing in our health, training and professionals engaged in a range of 2017.

education programmes continuing professional education We hope you find this report informative and that it reaffirms your support – as a donor, partner across the region and training programmes or volunteer.

We are deeply grateful for your contribution and partnership.

131,567 3,731 8,271

Visits to www.Croí.ie Twitter followers Facebook followers Mr Kevin O’Reilly Mr Neil Johnson Chairman Chief Executive

6 Croí Annual Report 2016 Making An Impact 7 Health & Wellbeing

We are lucky To Have Croí

In 2016, Croí helped over 1,000 people to proactively manage their health through a range of healthy lifestyle programmes at the Croí Heart & Stroke Centre. These include; Excercise4Health, Walking Football, Croí MyBalance, Croí iBalance, Active Hour,Yoga and Back to Fitness.

Daily swims in Galway Bay fundraising fashion show, proving In the past year, keep octogenarian Rita Coll age is no barrier to what you can 980 people fit and healthy - that and her achieve. involvement with Croí. "I'm out of the house a lot and I availed of Croi The 83-year-old has been try to keep as active as I can so I cardiovascular attending the Croí Heart & Stroke won't be a burden to my family," Centre for five years and is one says Rita, a mother of six and risk screening of many who benefit from our grandmother of four. "I chat to health programmes. a different person every time in their Rita attends weekly chair yoga because I want to learn from workplaces sessions on a Wednesday, them and they might learn from returning the same evening for me." as part of our meditation classes. She also Rita says, "When I first came in takes advantage of talks and contact with Croí, I was struck Corporate lectures around general well- by a number of things - the Wellness being and how to manage her age range of the people who lifestyle better. "It's just so much benefit from the programmes easier to be healthy, even if my on offer, the staff who are always Programme. energy levels aren't what they “We’re so lucky to have Croí so supportive and friendly and used to be," she says. above all, the awareness and and I’m so fortunate I came into Despite her modest attitude, understanding imparted to all of contact with the people there and she still braves the water every us who avail of their services." morning in Galway Bay, regularly the programmes. I can see that goes on holiday and has recently people love attending and so do I.” project managed the renovation of a house for her daughter. If - Rita Coll that wasn't enough, she took to the catwalk as a model in a Croí

8 Croí Annual Report 2016 Making An Impact 9 Health & Wellbeing

I’m fully fit again Thanks To Croí

William Connolly describes the Back to Fitness group as being like a ‘small family’. The grandfather-of-ten­ was put in touch with Croí after undergoing heart surgery eight years ago. In the past year, upwards of 400 people availed of fitness assessments and dietetic consultations with members of the Croí Health Team at the Croi Heart & Stroke Centre.

Having returned to full fitness, “I look forward to it every time Throughout he has continued to attend Croí and that’s what everyone else exercise sessions and says he who goes to the group says. I’ve 2016, Croí is delighted with the difference met lots of other people and Croí has made to his life. my fitness has improved by 80 continued to per cent so there must be some “I thought I was as fit as a fiddle good in it,” he says. fund research because I was cycling every day but I was heavier than I am now. William, 75, a former plasterer, activity in the I wasn’t in the best of health at spent six weeks in hospital that time but I’m fully fit again in Dublin following surgery departments of now,” he says. to unblock and reconstruct the main artery to his heart. William still attends fitness On returning to Galway, he “The Croí Team are Cardiology and classes, travelling forty minutes completed a six-week Croí Back from his home each time and to Fitness programme. lovely and they make Cardiothoracic says, “It helps to meet people and you feel so welcome. Surgery, Galway talk to them and it’s a highlight of There are 17 of us in the week for me.” my group and we’ve University become like a small Hospitals. family.”

- William Connolly

10 Croí Annual Report 2016 Making An Impact 11 Health & Wellbeing “The difference I’ve seen in people’s health and movement is incredible,” she says. “What’s more, we’ve turned the classes into a social occasion and everyone is like family now.” My pupils are like - Vicky Harkin Family Now

In 2016, 230 people engaged our yoga programme, either for general health and well-being or as part of their recovery from a stroke or cardiac event.

Yoga instructor Vicky Harkin For those recovering from a In addition treats the pupils in her yoga stroke, Vicky volunteers her time classes like family and says the to teach techniques to improve to running benefits of yoga are plain to see. balance using a chair, giving people greater movement and For the past seven years, health & the confidence to go with it. 64-year-old Vicky has been well-being yoga running up to eight classes a “These classes build up people’s week for Croí, in gentle yoga, confidence. One lady told me her classes for the yoga for stroke survivors and husband can’t wait to come to armchair yoga (for those with class and that’s fantastic to hear.” limited mobility). Vicky’s classes past 7 years, As her pupils benefit, so too does are very popular and numbers Vicky and she speaks highly of attending have grown steadily Vicky has the support she has received. from as little as three to now “Croí has been fantastic, they’re twenty three per class. volunteered flying the flag for yoga and I love “Yoga is massively rehabilitating the people I get to work with,” her time so it’s such a worthwhile thing to she adds. do. With the armchair yoga, we to run free have people who have conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis yoga classes which limits their movement. They tell me that they benefit for stroke so much from the meditation and breathing exercises. When survivors. they start, they can’t stretch their arms over their heads, but as the weeks go on they are reaching further and further,“ says Vicky.

12 Croí Annual Report 2016 Making An Impact 13 Health Programmes Health Programmes

MyAction programme is THE IRISH TIMES Gold Standard Investigates

Croí has developed nationally Established in 2009, this flagship recognised expertise in community based prevention In 2016, we launched a 5-year patient outcomes report and a In 2016, 139 cardiovascular disease model has to date reached over health economic evaluation of the Croi MyAction Programme people completed prevention, through the delivery 1,200 individuals. Year on year, of the European Society of this nurse led multidisciplinary in Ireland. Together they demonstrated both the clinical and the Croí MyAction Cardiology (ESC) endorsed programme has achieved MyAction Programme. outstanding and measurable cost effectiveness of the programme. Combined, these reports programme improvements in cardiovascular The Croí MyAction Programme health which have been widely support the compelling scientific evidence for investment in showing is a gold standard intensive risk published, including in the factor management and lifestyle cardiovascular disease prevention in Ireland as shared by an measurable European Journal of Preventive modification programme driven Cardiology and the British Journal Irish Times editorial on Tuesday, October 11th 2016. by specific protocols designed to improvements in of Cardiology. their lifestyle and achieve the latest ESC Guidelines. Croí MyAction targets high-risk well-being. individuals – i.e. those at high risk About 5,000 people die from are well-established, data on cent; greater adherence to a of heart attack, stroke or diabetes coronary heart disease every the economic benefits is more “Mediterranean Diet” which is – with a 12-16 week intervention year while some 13 per cent sparse. But a recent economic directly linked to a reduction in and a 1-year follow up. of premature deaths are from analysis of the MyAction risk of heart attack and stroke; heart attacks. Coronary heart programme run by Croí, the West and an average weight reduction disease describes what happens of Ireland Cardiac Foundation, among participants of 3.7 kg. when the heart’s blood supply shows the value of structured In addition, those who met is blocked by a build-up of fatty secondary prevention delivered enhanced physical activity targets substances in the coronary in the community. can look forward to a 30 per arteries. This process is known Since the 12-to-16 week cent reduction in future cardiac as atherosclerosis and is programme was established in events. Improved blood pressure primarily caused by smoking, 2009, Croí has invested €700,000 and cholesterol readings among high cholesterol, high blood in MyAction. With the economic participants means their risk pressure and diabetes. analysis showing €4.8 million in of heart attack and stroke has As treatment and technology benefits, it is clear the prevention dropped significantly. improves, more people are programme is delivering With such impressive benefits, surviving acute coronary improvement in heart disease the Department of Health syndromes and heart attacks. But survival and significant health must ensure MyAction is they are at high risk of recurrent cost savings. implemented nationally. It is events, and are the focus of The intensive lifestyle and risk an impressive model of how lifestyle change and secondary factor reduction programme has to reshape our health service prevention programmes. produced some striking benefits by moving from reactive to Although the medical benefits for those who have taken part: preventive healthcare. of secondary cardiac prevention a smoking quit rate of 51 per

14 Croí Annual Report 2016 Making An Impact 15 Health Programmes

The journey is “I’d quite possibly be dead if it hadn’t Not Yet Over been for Croí”

- Michael Lynch In 2016, 100 people participated in the Croí CLANN (Changing Lifestyle through Activity and NutritioN) Programme. This 10-week intensive lifestyle intervention is provided to individuals referred from the hospital bariatric services at Galway University Hospital. This programme is the first and only one of its kind in Ireland.

The Croí CLANN (Changing for the first time. He credits Croí “The one-hour sessions included Lifestyle through Activity and with turning around his fortunes, exercises to work every joint using NutritioN) Programme is a though his journey is not yet over. household items so that we could dynamic 10-week intensive practice at home, starting off “I was pretty messed up when I lifestyle intervention targeting slowly and building up to increase went to Croí but the difference individuals referred from the flexibility and fitness. For me, now is phenomenal. Without the hospital bariatric services at the difference was staggering. I help I’ve had I’d quite possibly be Galway University Hospital. The couldn’t lift my arm over my head dead or at the very least, have programme is the first and only or stretch my legs backwards. I serious medical problems, but now one of its kind in Ireland based was in a pretty bad state but now I I’m moving forward.” on the principles of Croí MyAction have 100 per cent movement” says where the Croí Health Team work Michael, 47, had suffered from Michael. with participants who, with their depression since going bankrupt Michael has gone on to set up physician, are seeking lifesaving following the 2008 financial crisis his own business reconditioning changes in their weight and and his weight gain went hand- electric car batteries and lifestyle. in-hand with his mental health welcomed his daughter, Leeanne, problems. Visiting his doctor to In 2016, Croí continued its unique into the world. His life has changed discuss the aches and pains he collaboration with Professor dramatically and he says it is all had been experiencing, Michael Francis Finucane, Endocrinologist down to Croí. was told his body mass index and specialist in Bariatric Medicine score was off the chart - he was “I’m so much more active and my at Galway University Hospital more than obese - and he would mindset has changed. Now, when in delivering the Croí CLANN be in a wheelchair within two years I’m in a shopping centre I park as programme. if he didn’t take action. far away from the door as I can so There is no doubt for Michael that I have to walk further and I’m Michael signed up for the Lynch that Croí saved his life. always taking my daughter for a Croí CLANN 10-week lifestyle Depressed and obese, he was at walk on her tricycle. None of this intervention programme at the his lowest ebb when he contacted would have happened without Croí Croí Heart & Stroke Centre, a the Health Team. Since then and I’m so grateful for that.” weekly two-hour drive from his he has lost 18kgs, gained the home in Co Clare. Yet, he was confidence to set up his own always the first to arrive and the business and become a father last to leave.

16 Croí Annual Report 2016 Making An Impact 17 Stroke & Recovery Stroke & Recovery

Immeasurable Support from Croí

In 2016, over 400 people attended monthly Stroke Support Groups in the Croi Heart & Stroke Centre Galway and at various locations in Co Mayo. Additionally, 116 Stroke survivors completed the Croi MyStroke programme - a new educational programme developed by the Croi Health Team in collaboration with Stroke survivors and carers.

In the past year, Alone and afraid - that’s how Initially, Monica says she didn’t Monica O’Leary felt when her think about the care she would the Stroke Support husband Pat (pictured right) need. “I was so caught up with suffered a stroke in 2014. Now what had happened to Pat, Group in Galway she describes Croí as being like that I didn’t think about myself. actively engaged family and says the support has Their attitude was that I needed been immeasurable. looking after too because I was with occupational his carer.” “We have no family around so therapy and it was a very scary time for us The Croí Stroke Support Group but Croí were fantastic. They’ve has been so successful that a speech & language always been there if I’ve had separate support group was therapy students a problem and they’ve given set up for carers. Although it is me much more courage going called the Carers’ Support Group, at NUI Galway forward,” says 77-year-old Monica says that it is not how and Biomedical Monica. they see themselves. “I don’t feel like I ‘care’ for my husband, Pat was in Merlin Park Hospital Engineering we’re just people whose partners when he suffered a major happen to have had strokes,” students from stroke leaving him with limited she says. mobility. When a therapist told Purdue University, him about Croí he admits he “The difference both groups have Numbers attending the stroke support groups in Galway and Mayo Indiana, USA across only went to the Stroke Support made to our lives cannot be put increased steadily throughout 2016. Group because he felt he owed into words. Everyone at Croí is as a range of education it to them to attend at least one good as family to us now and we In Galway, Croí supported stroke survivors with weekly Active and research meeting. Years later, the couple realise, we are not on our own,” Hour, Yoga and Communication Sessions. are still attending. Monica adds. initiatives.

18 Croí Annual Report 2016 Making An Impact 19 Volunteer Libby Kinneen has spent five years giving Volunteers up her time to Croí. Yet she feels like she is the lucky one to have found such an ‘amazing place’. Lucky to find such an Amazing Place

In 2016, over 600 people across the west of Ireland volunteered their time to support Croi.

“When you come into Croí the Each meeting of the stroke We are first thing you notice is the whole support group is built around atmosphere of the place. Every a different topic, so the particularly time I come in people thank me, communication group gives even though I feel part of the participants a chance to practice grateful to all team now, which shows that talking around these subjects nothing is taken for granted. This beforehand so they can make a those who kind of attitude is totally unique.” contribution in the larger meeting. regularly In 2012, Libby began by running the monthly stroke support As a volunteer across both volunteer, group together with Croí nurse, groups, Libby has also found Anne Marie Walsh and soon she is able to put forward her many of found that some of the group own ideas and she is keen to get were struggling to get involved others to shape the service too. whom have due to their speech difficulties. “I’m very interested in service- Working with the HSE as an user involvement so I encourage been doing so organisational development members to give talks within the consultant, Libby is first groups, rather than us shipping consistently and foremost a speech and in experts from outside. We find language therapist. “I noticed the people who are using the over many there were some people with service want to give something communication problems back. who couldn’t participate in years. “We want to develop the stroke discussions, although they service by seeing what the wanted to” says Libby. It was participants want rather than us natural for her to then form a deciding for them,” she says. communication group as a safe place for people to practice conversations.

20 Croí Annual Report 2016 Making An Impact 21 Mayo Action Ailish Houlihan (pictured) has worked closely with Barbara Ginley, speech on Heart Disease & Stroke and language therapist (Mayo PCCC) and Niamh Murtagh, clinical nurse specialist at Mayo University Hospital to expand and develop the HSE Stroke Support Programme throughout Diverse and Dynamic Co Mayo. Initiatives

In 2016, the Croí Mayo Action on Heart Disease and Stroke programme directly impacted on the lives of over 1,500 people and engaged with over 5,000 people across a range of initiatives. The reach of the programme extended to every part of Co Mayo targeting those most at risk and those socially and economically disadvantaged.

Croi Nurse, Ailish Houlihan, In 2016, the Mayo Action on Heart Disease and Stroke programme continues to lead the Mayo delivered a diverse and dynamic range of initiatives across the county. Action on Heart Disease & These included: Stroke programme in Co Mayo. • Public talks and workshops aimed at increasing awareness of This programme is a unique heart disease and stroke and promoting cardiovascular health and well-being partnership based on a co- funding collaboration between • CPR training Croí and Mayo PCCC aimed at • Collaborating with the HSE Mayo Stroke Support Groups reducing the impact of heart • Delivering Croí weight management programmes and disease and stroke on families community cardiac risk factor screening in Co Mayo. This is a community based programme working with • Developing community based phase IV cardiac rehabilitation individuals, community groups, and Cardiac Support Groups corporate partners and the wider • Implementing and delivering a unique heart attack awareness population. campaign delivered through barber shops in Co Mayo.

A total of 19 barber shops participated in a novel Heart Attack Awareness Campaign where barbers opportunistically highlighted the signs and symptoms of a heart attack to their clients.

22 Croí Annual Report 2016 Making An Impact 23 National Institute for Preventive Cardiology

Research

• The 5-year Patient Outcomes of the Croí MyAction Programme and the Health Economic Evaluation Leadership in Prevention of Croí MyAction in Ireland were published and launched. This programme has been described as an exemplar for cardiovascular disease prevention in Ireland and was acknowledged by the Department of Public Health by being selected as Ireland’s exemplar of best practice in chronic disease management to CHRODIS, a European platform that aims to identify, exchange and disseminate good & Recovery practice on chronic diseases across EU member states.

 “Croí MyAction is an exemplar for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, In 2016, the NIPC: and not just in Ireland but across Europe and more widely. This community Our Mission: to provide • Welcomed over 100 expert guest speakers, both national and international for the MSc/PG Dip, short course, conferences and based programme unites secondary and primary prevention by addressing leadership through public health events. total cardiovascular risk for both patients and their families. The Croí Heart discovery, training and • Engaged with over 1,000 healthcare professionals, educators and researchers through the NIPC Alliance and Stroke Centre is a new and imaginative way of delivering preventive care applied programmes • Hosted the 3rd National Prevention Conference which was rather that the traditional hospital or general practice setting. Croí MyAction has to prevent and control attended by over 200 delegates at the Croí Heart & Stroke Centre become the vanguard for excellence in preventive care in Ireland.” • Delivered a suite of education and training events in locations cardiovascular disease across the country: Professor David Wood for all, promote healthier • 12 short courses, attended by 449 healthcare professionals. President Elect, World Heart Federation living, raise the • 5 conferences, attended by over 500 delegates. standards of preventive • 60 CFR/BLS/HeartSaver training courses – delivered to 679 Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, Imperial College, London participants. cardiology practice, • 12 public talks reaching over 1,500 people. and prepare leaders • Mentored students from NUI Galway, Sligo IT, Athlone IT • Phase 1 of the West of Ireland Hypertension Study, supported by a grant from the Medtronic to advance preventive and University of Limerick on work placements, internships Foundation and directed by Dr Faisal Sharif, (Consultant Cardiologist at Galway University Hospitals) and special study modules in the areas of health promotion, commenced. A total of 2,372 individuals availed of free blood pressure checks across 44 community healthcare in Ireland. physiotherapy and sports & exercise. In addition, workplace locations. From these screenings, 118 individuals with high blood pressure were enrolled in the study. learning opportunities were provided to 10 transition year Following a brief education intervention, objective changes in knowledge, reduced blood pressure students from various Galway City and County Secondary Schools. levels and weight, as well as self-reported changes in physical activity and diet were achieved. These significant findings highlight the importance of patient education for self-care and self-management and phase 2 of this study is planned for 2017.

• A post-doctoral research study 'Optimisation and first-in-man clinical evaluation of combined photoacoustic and duplex ultrasound imaging for carotid atherosclerosis and vulnerable plaques detection' by Dr Haroon Zafar, PhD, co-funded by Croí in collaboration with the Enterprise Partnership Scheme of the Irish Research Council has commenced under the academic mentorship of Dr Faisal Sharif.

• Research activity at the Department of Cardiology, Galway University Hospital was supported by way of a of a Croi research bursary. Pictured at the 3rd NIPC National Prevention Conference (L-R): Neil Johnson; Prof Kieran Daly; Dr Jenni Jones; Dr Brendan O’Cochlain; Prof Rod Jackson; Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe and Prof David Wood.

24 Croí Annual Report 2016 Making An Impact 25 Scientific papers published during the year were as follows:

Irish Journal of Perspectives in Journal of Sports and International Journal Awareness, Advocacy & Medical Science Public Health Physical Education of Medicine Lifestyle risk factors Effects of an icon- Knowledge and Attitudes to outcomes Patient Support for cardiovascular based menu labelling Attitudes of Amateur measured in clinical disease and diabetic initiative on a Sports Participants trials of cardiovascular risk in a sedentary consumer food choice Regarding the Cardiac prevention occupational group: Claire Kerins, Katie Risks Associated With M. Canavan, A. Smyth, the Galway taxi driver Cunningham, Irene the Use of Anabolic- S.M. Robinson, I. Gibson, study Gibson, Jenni Jones, Androgenic Steroids C. Costello, S.T. O’Keefe, T. Walsh, E.C. Mulkerrin, Raising awareness & William P Martin, Faisal Colette Kelly. Dr Syed Yaseen Naqvi, M.J. O’Donnell. Sharif, Gerard Flaherty. Dr Gerard Flaherty.

In addition to these scientific papers, abstracts were presented at both EuroHeart Care, in Greece and the World Congress of Cardiology in Mexico. Furthermore, our Nurse Lead, Irene Gibson wrote a chapter in the ESC Handbook of Preventive Cardiology which was published this year, Growing Support

Education & Training In the past year, the NIPC and • Knuston Diabetes Care • 11 students graduated The Croí Courtyard Apartments were in constant use throughout the year, Croí continued to provide a Counselling (4-day course) with PG Cert in Health portfolio of education and Promotion - Approaches to supporting 109 families from as far north as Donegal, as far south as Cork • National Seminar for Women training programmes in the Cardiovascular Health and with Diabetes and as far afield as Brazil, USA, UK and Europe. prevention and control of heart Diabetes Prevention. disease, stroke, diabetes and • BLS and CFR training obesity. As a training, education for community groups, Awards Croí Courtyard Apartments – Heart Failure specialist nurse care, the aim of and research hub, the NIPC HSE Carers and medical a haven in times of stress this Academy is to strengthen Our work received national and Croí is one of the founding delivered a range of short undergraduate students at the patient voice through international recognition as The three Croí Courtyard members of iHHub (the Global courses and conferences within NUI Galway. collaboration and international follows. Apartments provide a unique Alliance for Heart Patient the speciality of preventive engagement. The event served In the area of postgraduate support to the families of those Organisations). One of the cardiology as follows: • Best Student Project and to strengthen relationships education, Croí continued to priority areas of focus for iHHub Best Patient Education receiving critical cardiac or across patient organisations, • West of Ireland Integrated collaborate with the National is to raise global awareness of Project Irish Medical Times stroke care in Galway University promote best practice and Diabetes Care Conference University of Ireland, Galway heart failure. In the past year, Healthcare Awards Hospitals. The apartments are inspire organisational growth on a number of postgraduate Croí in partnership with the • A masterclass in effective made available free of charge and development. This global programmes which include the • Best Presentation 2016 medical, lifestyle and risk at those critical times when you HeartBeat Trust formed the MSc and Postgraduate Diploma (Croí MyAction Economic conference was attended by over factor management need to be near your loved ones National Heart Failure Patient 40 delegates from 15 countries in Preventive Cardiology and Evaluation Report) Alliance as the first Heart Failure • Motivational Interviewing (2- the Postgraduate Certificate in who are ill in hospital. This service namely, Canada, USA, Mexico, • NW London Research patient organisation in Ireland day courses) Levels 1, 2 & 3 Health Promotion - Approaches is a crucial support to families, Korea, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Symposium for Health aiming to amplify the voice of to Cardiovascular Health and from across Ireland and even Italy, Spain, Portugal, Czech • Demystifying ECG Professionals individuals living with heart Diabetes Prevention: around the world, when they Republic, France, UK, Belgium Interpretation – a series of failure and their carers. One of • Community Partner of have to rush to the bedside of a and Ireland. 1-day interactive workshops • 14 students graduated with Excellence Award the outputs of this Alliance was MSc/PG Dip in Preventive family member. • A masterclass in Physical the publication and launch of Cardiology Weldon School of Biomedical Activity Programming the National Barometer on Heart World Heart Day Engineering, Purdue University, • 17 students enrolled in the Failure and participation in an • A BACPR Fitness Instructor Indiana, USA. Stroke Prevention To mark World Heart Day on MSc in Preventive Cardiology EU campaign to secure a written training programme for the 2016/2017 academic Throughout the year, the Croí declaration on Heart Failure by Thursday September 29th Croí year. Health Team delivered free pulse the European Parliament. launched the inaugural ’15 minute Lunchtime Walk’ targeting checks to over 1,500 members Croí, together with the National business leaders and office of the public at various locations NIPC Advisory Council Professor Peter Kelly Professor Ivan Perry Institute for Preventive workers in Galway City Centre as National Clinical Lead for Stroke Specialist in Public Health throughout the west such as, Cardiology (NIPC), hosted the a means of promoting exercise Professor Tim O’Brien (Chair) Dr Ronan Canavan Dr Francis Finucane shopping centres, community second International Heart National Clinical Lead for Diabetes Specialist in Obesity and movement for a healthy Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing centres and workplaces. The Failure Patient Organisation heart. A 1-mile route starting and and Health Sciences, NUI Galway Professor Ian Graham Dr Diarmuid O’Donovan aim of this project was to raise Chair Council on CVD Prevention, Irish Specialist in Public Health Capacity Building Academy finishing at the Browne Doorway Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe Heart Foundation awareness of Atrial Fibrillation which took place in the Croí in attracted over National Director Health and Wellbeing Dr Liam Glynn (AFib) as a risk factor for stroke – Division, HSE Dr Nazih Eldin Specialist in Primary Care Heart & Stroke Centre on June 300 participants including the Department of Health Lead for Obesity a simple pulse check is often the 23rd & 24th. Given that heart Professor Kieran Daly Dr Gerard Flaherty , Cllr Noel Larkin. National Clinical Lead for the ACS Professor Fidelma Dunne Director of MSc/PG Dip in Preventive first step to the detection of AFib failure patients worldwide face The walk was led by Galway programme Specialist in Gestational Diabetes Cardiology which is known to be a risk factor similar challenges in terms of City’s Town Crier and the route Professor Ken McDonald Professor Martin O’Donnell Dr Jenni Jones for a high proportion of the most prevention, early diagnosis and was lined with large red hearts National Clinical Lead for Heart Failure Specialist in Stroke Executive Director, NIPC devastating strokes. access to specialist opinion and carrying healthy heart messages.

26 Croí Annual Report 2016 Making An Impact 27 The enthusiastic support and commitment of the many individuals, community groups and corporate sponsors who supported us in the past year continues to inspire us and Together we are deeply grateful to each and every one of them. We appreciate each and every gift, because every donation allows us to continue our work in providing support to individuals We Make and families throughout the region. Here are just a few of the fundraising activities in 2016. To see more, make sure to ‘like’ Croí on Facebook and A Difference... follow us on Twitter where we post great photos almost every day!

...Thank You For Your Support.

28 Croí Annual Report 2016 Making An Impact 29 Collaborative Partners How Our Work Is Funded

As an independent In the past year, we generated This year, our multidisciplinary almost 90% of our income team of 29 worked across the not-for-profit from donations, sponsorship areas of Nursing, Physiotherapy, organisation, all and fundraising activities. Our Exercise & Fitness, Dietetics total income for 2016 was & Nutrition, Diagnostics, our activities are €2.08m. We received financial Education & Training, Research, funded from our support for our work through Fundraising and Programme HSE Section 39 Grants totalling Administration. Each year, our own fundraising €170,000 staff engage with hundreds of stakeholders, from Courtyard initiatives and revenue We take very seriously our Apartment guests to healthcare obligation to ensure that all generating activities. professionals, collaborative income is used effectively partners, policy makers, We are not a state- and efficiently in support of patients and carers. We are our mission and goals. We funded organisation here to serve our community. are governed by a Board Our work would not be possible so each year we have of voluntary non-executive without the tireless support of Directors who do not to generate enough so many. receive any remuneration or revenue to ensure compensation. We adhere You – our volunteers, donors, that we can continue to the highest standards of fundraisers, corporate and governance and accountability educational partners – help to lead the fight having adopted the Code of us make a real difference and against heart disease Governance for Charities and literally save lives. Our ability the Statement of Guiding to innovate and to save lives and stroke in Principles for Fundraising. depends on the generous financial support you afford us. the region. Each year, our organisation We are deeply grateful for undergoes an independent this and we do not take it audit and we file accounts with for granted. Educational Partners the Companies Registration Office. We are also registered with the Irish Charities Regulator.

How our work is funded Your money at work For every €1 raised

4% 10% 10% 10c

25% 42%

48% 61% 90c

Total Income 2016 €2.08m 10% Cost of Income Generation, 90c supported our core mission to Management, Administration prevent cardiovascular disease, 10% Programme Grants & Governance save lives, and promote 61% Prevention and Recovery, 48% Fundraising Activity 10c was invested in income Programme Delivery & Donation generation, management 25% Research, Training and Education 42% Earned Income and governance. 4%  Patient and Family Support Accommodation

30 Croí Annual Report 2016 Making An Impact 31 Croí Heart & Stroke Centre, Croí House, Moyola Lane, Newcastle, Galway H91 FF68

t: 091–544310 | e: [email protected] | w: www.croi.ie

Registered Charity: CHY7500 | Company No: 118373 Registered Name: Croí, the West of Ireland Cardiac Foundation Company Limited by Guarantee

Croí adhere to the Code of Governance for Charities and has adopted the Statement of Guiding Principles for Fundraising. Each year the organisation undergoes an annual independent audit and files accounts with the Companies Registration Office (CRO).