Midland Health Board news: April 1999

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Find this and similar works at - http://www.lenus.ie/hse MIDLAND HEALTH BOARD NEWS, APRIL 1999 Midland 1 Health Board NEWS APRIL 1999 Minister CowenCowen AnnouncesAnnounces MajorMajor CONTENTS Healthy Development at Tullamore HospitalHospital Eating Week ...... 2 SAP Project...... 3 SECURES FUTURE OF ALL THREE ACUTE HOSPITALS IN THE REGION

Mr Brian Cowen TD new state-of -the-art Complaint and Minister for Health and hospital being built there Appeal System ...... 4 Children announced a over the next few years," major capital development he said. Alzheimers at Tullamore General Mr Denis Doherty CEO Conference ...... 4 Hospital, on Friday Midland Health Board February 19. described the The scheme, the first announcement as a Educational Survey phase of which ( in 1998 "landmark day" for the Launched ...... 7 price terms) is estimated to Board, its hospital services cost in the region of £50m and the public served by Food Hygiene overall, will provide the Board. Courses ...... 9 Tullamore will a fully up- Much progress, he said, to-day modern hospital on had been made since the the existing site. Rationalisation Plan of the Mental Health The Minister said that mid-1980s but up to now Promotion ...... 10 the scheme would involve the facilities were "well providing a range of major short of what is required". Portlaoise Hospital new facilities, including He praised the design The Project Team pictured at the announcement of the £50m capital development for the General Award...... 13 main entrance and team and the Board's own Hospital, Tullamore, (back row l to r); Mr John Cregan, Programme Manager, Hospital Care; Julie concourse, medical and staff for their dedication Henry, Day Ward Sister; Dr Paul Redmond, Consultant Radiologist. Jean O’Laoire, Architect, Minister visits surgical wards, accident and input into the project. Department of Health and Children Mr Liam Connolly, Senior Hospital Administrator; Mr Fergal and emergency department, Background Lynch, Assistant Principal Officer, Department of Health; Mr Frank Durkin, Consultant Surgeon; Ofalia House ...... 15 radiology department, The original hospital in Mr Stephen Cahalan, Equipping Officer and Mr Brendan Colleary, Technical Services Officer. intensive care/coronary Tullamore was built in (front row l to r) Mr Roy Lane, Matron; Ann Kelly, Nursing Officer; Mr Denis Doherty, Chief Arus Eoghain Executive Officer, Midland Health Board; Mr Brian Cowen, TD Minister for Health and Children; care unit, and a group of 1937 and was designed by Launch ...... 16 ambulatory day care the famous architect Miriam O’Callaghan, Deputy Hospital Administrator; Mr John Bulfin, General Manager, Acute Hospital Services and Ursula Cafferty. Nurse Planner. facilities such as out Michael Scott. patient department, day In 1984, the Midland theatre, oncology unit and Health Board adopted a renal services. policy on the re- Other support services organisation of its acute MMEETINGEETING THETHE CCHALLENGESHALLENGES OFOF including medical records, hospital services. This maintenance department involved clearly defining and catering/dining the role of Tullamore, facilities will also be Portlaoise and Mullingar THETHE NNEXTEXT CCENTURYENTURY provided. (now Longford/ The scheme also includes Westmeath) General The Bridge to the 21st most importantly that we involved in the work. The comment about the Board's the development of an Hospitals in the way that Century (Bridge) Project convert the project plan project management services. The purpose is to Education Centre and a would ensure the highest was established in 1997 in into actions to meet health approach will be used in enable the public to avail new headquarters for the possible quality service for order to facilitate the needs. the monitoring of the fully of their entitlements Midland Health Board. the people of the region. changes which are The Bridge Project service plans and in and to offer redress where Minister Cowen said he Under the plan, in- necessary for the Board to Management Unit when it prioritising needs which they have been unable to was proud to be the patient obstetric, meet the challenges of the was established in 1997 will form the basis of bids do so. Minister associated with gynaecology and paediatric next century. was virtually the only for funding from the The Corporate Team the “important initiative" services for counties Laois Project Management source available to the Department of Health & Another new and and said it underlines the and Offaly were The Board has adopted a Board of project Children for the budget for important development is government's commitment concentrated at Portlaoise Project Management management skills. Since the year 2000. the establishment of the to the people of the region General Hospital. A policy approach to managing then, the project specialists Complaints and Appeal Corporate Team, a team of and to the health services was adopted of providing change. This means in in the Unit have worked to System staff who have a significant generally. orthopaedics, ENT and effect that where we train other staff members in The Board will pilot a regional remit. The "The preferred strategic ophthalmology at identify the need for these skills. In the Complaints and Appeal function of the Corporate approach now being Tullamore General change, all alternative preparation of the 1999 System during May and Team is to advise the Chief developed underlines the Hospital as regional options are considered Service Plan, the project June, 1999. This is the first Executive Officer on extent to which new specialities, and it was before defining a plan for management approach was element of what will be a policy formation and facilities are needed on the decided by the Board that the implementation of the used by many of the wider project including a oversee the execution of site, which will result in a - Continued Page 2 most attractive option, and board's staff who were system to encourage - Continued Page 2 2 MIDLAND HEALTH BOARD NEWS, APRIL 1999 Longford/Westmeath the out-patients department The first phase will involve General Hospital should has doubled since 1984 and the great bulk of the work. service the acute hospital the number of accident and The second phase of the International speakers to needs of counties Longford emergency cases has project will include the and Westmeath. trebled in the same period. Education Centre and the Since the adoption of this Development of new headquarters. Address Conference approach Minister Cowen Hospital Conclusion said that acute hospital In approaching the task In conclusion Minister Psychiatric Nursing Where to Now, is the theme of a one day National services in the Midland the Design Team had to Cowen said such a Conference, organised by the Athlone Mental Health Services, in the Hodson Bay region have been take into account a number development requires Hotel, Athlone, on April 28. substantially developed. of factors such as: enormous work on the part This Conference will Professor Seamus Mr Laurence Ward, "Longford/Wesmeath • Minimising the of many people. provide an opportunity for Cowman, Professor of Chief Nursing Officer, St General Hospital has been disruption of services while "I would like to nurses to share and discuss Nursing, will speak on the Loman's Hospital, will the subject of major the new facilities are being acknowledge with gratitude views in relation to European Perspective of chair the morning session. development and I was built and commissioned the effort and commitment psychiatric nursing with Psychiatric Nursing. The afternoon session pleased to be able to • Providing for any shown by so many people National and International Prof. Patrick Darcy, will be chaired by Ms perform the official necessary expansion of involved, in particular speakers. Professor of Nursing, Mary Fahy, Deputy opening of Phase 2A in services given that the Denis Doherty CEO and Mr Denis Doherty CEO University of Ulster, will Nursing Officer, Athlone November. I have recently planning brief rightly John Cregan, Programme Midland Health Board, will address the conference on Mental Health Services. announced important anticipates increased Manager Hospital Care for address the conference on Psychiatric Nursing - Mr Ted Harrington, developments at Portlaoise demands upon services in their work through the Psychiatric Nursing - Generalist V Specialist Assistant Chief Nursing General Hospital, where future years Project Team and with the Perception, Reality and Nursing Officer, Athlone Mental planning is at an advanced • Preserving the integrity Midland Health Board. Vision. And looking to the next Health Services will stage for a new purpose- This will be followed by century, Professor Tony conclude the conference at built Acute Psychiatric An Overview of Butterworth, Dept of 4.30pm. Unit and work is now Psychiatric Nurse Training Nursing, University of Further information from underway to provide a new by Mr Vincent Brehony, Manchester, will speak The Continuing Education Paediatric Unit as part of Education Officer, An Bord about Physhiatric Nursing Office, St Loman’s Hospital, that development.” he said. Altranais. in the new Millennium. Mullingar (044) 40191. "Having set about developing services in - Continued from Page 1 involvement in the service best practice in their Mullingar and Portlaoise, I board policies. The planning process will discipline. feel that it is now time, in Corporate Team brings continue to be enhanced. • How to support staff in line with the Midland together those who have a One important area where validating their own Health Board's own policy public health and planning staff in some disciplines practice against these on acute hospitals, to bring function on the one hand have expressed an interest guidelines. about a much-needed and those who directly in Continuous Quality This year the Board will major capital project at manage services on the Improvement. be drafting pilot plans in Tullamore General other hand. The Board will be this area, which will form Hospital," he added SAP Project considering: the basis for projects of a Pictured at the announcement; Mr Leo Stronge, Regional Need for Tullamore A project has been • How to give staff better much bigger scale in the Materials Manager and Dr Davida de la Harpe, Development established to introduce a access to information on years to come. Under the integrated new financial system. The approach for hospital of the 1937 Scott Building. He also thanked project is known as the services in the region, Importantly, the Heritage members of the Project SAP project as SAP is the Minister Cowen said that Council has acknowledged Team who "invested so name of the software. The HEALTHY EATING WEEK Tullamore must play a this as of architectural much time to this complex current system is critical role. significance task" and the Design Team inadequate to meet with - Would you Like to be to run until National "It has been clear for • Creating a hospital that of Murray O'Laoire present needs and is not Involved? Healthy Eating Week. many years that the will be patient-friendly, Associates/Brian Year 2000 compliant. The This year national • Hospital staff canteen hospital needed, at the very functionally efficient, O'Connell, Architects; new system needs to be in healthy eating week is 8th - quiz least, substantial upgrading providing a pleasant Michael Punch and place, therefore in late 15th May and the theme is • Organised walk during right across its services. working environment and Partners, Civil and 1999. 'GO FOR LOW FAT - BE national healthy eating The number of patients which will be cost efficient Structural Engineers; JV The system will have the A HEALTHY WEIGHT'. week. seen and the level of to run. Tierney & Co., Mechanical following elements: According to a recent • Public Health Nurses services provided has Minister Cowen and Electrical Engineers • General Ledger. national survey carried out actively promoting the increased enormously over explained that the and Mulcahy McDonagh & • Payment of Accounts. for the Health Promotion message in parishes and the past 10 to 15 years. The development will be Partners, Quality • Bank Reconciliation. Unit, 1 in every 3 women schools in the Midland number of patients seen at carried out in two phases. Surveyors, for their work. • Stock Control. and 1 in every 2 men are Health Board region. The new personnel and overweight. How many of • Information stands in payroll system due to be our own staff are most of the major introduced will also use overweight? Perhaps now shopping centres in the SAP software. The SAP is the time to tackle it. boards region. system is capable of Key activities for this • Physical activity supporting many other years campaign include: student to promote the aspects of the Board's • Launch of event by Dr. exercise component of the activities including Patrick Wall, Chief theme on the ground. outcomes of intervention. Executive Officer, of the • Colouring The introduction of SAP is Food Safety Authority competitions, quiz etc. run a major project which Board in the Moorhill in conjunction with the requires the establishment House Hotel, Tullamore on media, retailers and of a dedicated project Thursday, 6th May, 1999. wholesalers. group. • Promotion of Healthy Any ideas or if you The Future Eating in the boards long would like to get involved Authority and stay and acute hospitals by contact either: responsibility will continue organising an optional self- Corina Glennon/Slattery, Mr Joe Masterson, Senior Executive Officer- Personnel; Mr Joe Martin, Acting Administrator, to be developed to middle monitored weight Tel: (044) 44877 Longford/Westmeath General Hospital; Mr Pat O’Dowd, Primary Care Unit and Ms Siobhan level managers and front management program to Kate Brickley, Tel: Keogh, Acting Director of Child Care Services, chatting after the announcement. line staff. Their commence after Easter and (0506) 46242 MIDLAND HEALTH BOARD NEWS, APRIL 1999 3 The SAP Project Team Commence Work ANOTHER NEW INITIATIVE The SAP Project Team was appointed on February 1 last, and will be working with personnel from the North Eastern Health Board and consultants on the implementation of the SAP R3 in the Midland Health Board with a go-live date of October 1, this year.

What is SAP? Human Resources of Health and Children; SAP is a world- wide (Personnel) Management Sarah McCormack, Project company, which originated area. Manager, SAP; Tony in Germany, and is the In the early to mid- Reilly, North Eastern single largest supplier of 1990s, following a number Health Board; and Seoirse Enterprise Support of externally conducted O'Haodha, North Eastern Systems for large reviews, this Board Health Board. corporations. Its systems decided that it needed to A dedicated team, has The SAP Project team seated (l to r); Kieran Madden, Leader for Hospitals; Sarah McCormack, are used by some 80% of replace its existing been set up based in the Project Manager; Gerry Fagan, Leader for the Financial module; back (l to r); Michael Lane, the Fortune 100 companies financial systems, largely Education Centre at St leader for the Controlling module; Pat Marron, Leader for Community Care; Claire Mooney, in the United States. SAP provided on a bureau basis Loman's Hospital, to work secretary; Liam McCormack, Leader of the Materials Management module Ray Nooney, MM was founded in 1972 and by Cara in Dublin, aspects with colleagues from the Support and Tom Carty, Management Services Officer. has grown to become the of which had been in place North Eastern Health world's fifth largest since the 1970s. Resulting Board to implement as Sarah will be relying decision making. implementation and computer software from ongoing discussions much of the SAP R/3 heavily upon the individual Implementation of the seeking their views as to company. with the Department of system as is needed to team players to use their SAP CO module will what they require from The computer system Health & Children since resolve the immediate Y2K own skills and abilities in involve dividing the Board SAP. supplied by SAP is that time, we have now problem we are facing. pursuance of the common into cost centres. A cost Pat Marron sees his role variously known as SAP R/ been given the necessary Current team goal. centre is a clearly defined as ensuring that the SAP 3, R/3 or just SAP. Its approval and support to members: Implementation of SAP part of the organisation system provides support covers virtually proceed with an Sarah McCormack requires change and for capable of being charged community care managers every aspect of business implementation of the SAP Project Manager this reason, the team will with costs. and SAP users at all levels management, and is being R/3 system here. This Gerry Fagan be keeping all staff SAP will facilitate the with more information on constantly developed to implementation intends to Leader for the Financial informed of the changes development of devolved line to help them manage meet the increasing use the system already Module (known as FI) expected so that fear is budgeting throughout the their units more efficiently. information and support configured for the North Michael Lane eliminated and the change organisation. The SAP CO Pat, as the Community needs of organisations Eastern Health Board as Leader for the Controlling is managed. module has sophisticated Care representative will be striving for greater the foundation upon which module (known as CO) Gerry Fagan describes and intuitive costing liaising with all relevant efficiency and we will build our own R/3 Liam McCormack the FI Module as that part components capable of community care staff to effectiveness. installation. Leader of the Materials of the system that deals providing support to brief them on the Why Change? What is the urgency of Management module with all aspects of financial budget devolution, which implications of SAP Customer expectations this implementation? (known as MM) accounting, including will be examined at a later implementation and and accountability are We have been Kieran Madden reporting of the Board's stage in the project. seeking their views and putting continual negotiating for the required Leader for Hospitals financial performance to Liam McCormack contributions to ensure its pressures on the Health support to replace the Pat Marron external agencies. It describes Materials successful implementation. Service to improve current 20- year old Leader for Community covers such areas as Management as the total of What will this system management and systems since the mid- Care payments to suppliers, all those tasks, functions, mean to the Board and performance. Various 1990s. As these systems Fidelma McLoughlin maintenance of the Board's activities and routines will you be affected? developments since 1994, are not Y2K compliant, and is providing administrative accounting ledgers, and which concern the transfer Every member of staff including the Health would require significant support for the Project. bank reconciliation. of external materials and will be affected by the Strategy, the Board's own effort to make them At various stages other For the reader with an services into the implementation of this Corporate Strategy, the compliant, the replacement staff will be assigned to the accountancy/financial organisation and their system. However, as the Accountability legislation system must be in place by project. Ray Nooney has interest, one fundamental administration until they system will be and the Comptroller & October this year. been assigned to support element of FI is the chart of are consumed or used in implemented on a phased Auditor General Act, all What are we now Liam McCormack with the accounts, which provides the process of production basis, this effect will be require a significant doing? MM area. Clare Mooney the analysis of expenditure or operations. gradual. A large amount of change in the way the The following are the has been assigned to and income so that external With the introduction of the team's role relates to Health Services 'do members of the Steering provide general keyboard reports are completed. The the SAP system, it is the communication of these business'. These changes Group: chairman, John and related support. During principal external report is envisaged that all effects within the Board. simply cannot be Cregan, Programme the life time of the project the Annual Financial purchases would be As the team develops it's supported by the existing Manager, Hospital Care; support staff for the core Statements (AFS) which handled through the thinking in conjunction systems which are not Y2K Pat Brennan, Acting- functions of FI, CO and includes reports such as the system i.e. no more with managers and users, compliant. Management Accountant; MM will be entering and Income and Expenditure manual orders. this will be communicated Why use SAP in this Tom Carthy, Management leaving the project. Statement and Balance Kieran Madden is to all staff. Board? Services Officer; Pat Sarah McCormack sees Sheet for the Department representing hospitals and The Project Team looks The SAP R/3 system was Marron, SAP; Leo Stronge, the Project Manager being of Health & Children. sees his role as ensuring forward to working with selected by the North Materials Manager, Larry responsible for the project Michael Lane (joined that the SAP system you in implementing SAP Eastern and Eastern Health Bane, Personnel Manager; being completed on time, the Board recently as provides local hospital and rely on your support as Boards to support the Denis Bergin, Finance within budget and to the Management Accountant) managers and SAP users it is your project and Financial Management Officer; Derry O'Dwyer, agreed specification. It will explains the Controlling with the systems, without your support it requirements brought about Deputy CEO and be a demanding task but CO module of SAP as that procedures and information cannot be achieved. If you by the above changes. In Programme Manager she is looking forward to part of the system that they require to enable them do have any queries addition, in 1997, Community Care; Pat the challenge of working allows one to: to make informed regarding the following a long Sexton, Financial with a dedicated, • Record the operational and strategic implementation of the SAP procurement, a wide - Accountant; Dermot enthusiastic team within consumption of goods and decisions. Kieran will be system please contact ranging consortium of Magan, Department of which each member has services by a cost centre keeping all relevant Sarah McCormack, Project Health Agencies selected Health and Children; many years of experience. • Control efficiency hospital staff briefed on the Manager who will SAP R/3 to support the Richard Nolan, Department As captain of the team, • Provide support for implication of SAP endeavour to assist. 4 MIDLAND HEALTH BOARD NEWS, APRIL 1999 Complaint and Appeal System BOARD AIMS TO BE MORE RESPONSIVE TO THE PUBLIC As part of its of consumer-oriented objectives the Midland commitment to becoming functions together under Health Board has decided more responsive to the one umbrella. The to pilot a Complaint and public the Board decided to proposed Information and Appeal system during review its complaint and Entitlements Unit will in May/June 1999. Both appeal system. future monitor performance Complaints and Appeals As part of the review of in respect of matters Officers have been the existing system the relating to: designated for each Board became aware that • Enquiries in general hospital and each although the number of • The Freedom of community care area. A complaints against the Information and Data model of the Complaint Mr Eddie Dunne, Nursing Officer, Mental Health Association, presenting the keys of a mini-bus Board is small, this may Protection Legislation. and Appeal system has to Mr Derry OíDwyer, Programme Manager, Community Care and Deputy CEO Midland Health not reflect adequately • Appeals against been developed for testing. Board. Also included in the picture (l to r) Betsy Byrne, MHA; Jill Mangan, staff nurse; public satisfaction with decisions in regard to a The model was developed Margaret Lowry, staff nurse; Finola Colgan, Development Officer, MHA; Damien Price, staff services for example: number of services. following a review of the nurse and Helen Mee, secretary MHA. There is evidence that The Objectives of the published literature and the public find it difficult Board's Complaint and consultation with members to complain and therefore a Appeal System of the Board's staff and a system must be in place • To demonstrate an number of other private National Conference that is user friendly and openness concerning and public organisations. that encourages people to services and service The purpose of the pilot is comment on services, voice delivery that will show the to test the model and on Alzheimers Disease complaint or express willingness of staff to through feedback from dissatisfaction. From the accept comment and an users on the ground to An increased awareness Scotland; Professor Mike followed by Prof. Lalor Board's point of view acceptance that on certain improve or perfect it. The of the need for the Nolan, Research Dean and giving an overview of turning a disgruntled occasions dissatisfaction pilot will provide an development of training Professor of Alzheimer's Disease. member of the public into a with services or their opportunity for all staff and initiatives in relation to Gerontological Nursing, Issues that will be satisfied one is good public delivery will exist and the members of the public to Alzheimer's Disease will Sheffield; Professor Roger addressed include; care relations. patient, client or consumer effect changes to the be provided at a National Watson, Department of practices - an insight into Learing has an entitlement to model. One Day Conference on Nursing, Dublin nursing care of a patient In addition receiving complain The model proposes to Alzheimers, at St Vincent's University; Ms Corina with Alzheimer's Disease; positive feedback about • To obviate the need for test the following: Hospital, Mountmellick, on Glennon, Community eating difficulties and performance and ensuring complaint by showing a • The complaint form May 19. Dietician, Midland Health carers concern; nutritional that the place of work has a willingness to accept • The information leaflet The Conference which Board; Ms Sheila Doyle, requirements of a patient in reputation for excellence enquiry and comment as circulated to the public will feature a number of Clinical Facilitator, St dementia and lessons learnt brings to staff a great deal part of a general outlining the system and eminent international James' Hospital, Dublin; from a resettlement study of personal reward in terms improvement in how to access it. speakers, will also provide Professor Brian Lalor, St in Scotland. of job satisfaction. On the responsiveness • The flow diagram an opportunity for nurses James's Hospital and Mr NB Please return your other hand having a system • To improve the quality outlining the processes to share and discuss views John Cregan, Programme completed application forms that monitors comment, of services to the public involved in relation to Manager, Hospital Care to the Continuing Education complaint and appeal and through improving the • The Appeal Form gerontological issues. Midland Health Board. Officer, St Loman's responds proactively and responsiveness of the MHB • Details of the services National and Ms Patricia Lane, Hospital, Mullingar. quickly to them ensures and its staff to the public for which appeal may be international speakers Matron, St Vincent's Enquiries also to Matron's that the Board learns from • To develop protocols made include Ms Beth Crossan, Hospital, will welcome office, St Vincent's Hospital, one person's dissatisfaction for dealing with enquiries, • Guidelines for dealing Research Fellow, Centre delegates to the conference Mounmellick, at (0502) and resolves the situation comments, complaints and with complaint or appeal for Social Research, at 9.15am and this will be 24211 before it escalates or appeals • The computerised recurs. • To develop a database database for registering and Evidence from the and record enquiries, monitoring progress in published literature, will comments, complaints and dealing with complaint or indicate to the staff of the appeals and which serves appeal. Board that when members to support "learning" in the The Pilot will be of the public complain they organisation launched in May and will are seeking one of three • To produce an annual be tested for a two-month responses: report on enquiries, period. The system will be • In the main they want comments, complaints and explained to line managers and apology appeals that informs the who in turn will be • Then an explanation of planning process and expected to inform their what went wrong increases public awareness own staff of the process. • Finally, most complain about the activities of the in the hope that staff will Board. The Board looks forward recognise a shortcoming • To gain a benefit for the to feedback from the pilot and respond effectively Board especially in the and encourages staff to It is rare that members areas of change engage in this consultation of the public will want to management and quality process in order to assist us progress to legal redress. assurance, in developing a practical Arising out of the review • improving staff and workable Complaint At the presentation of Positive Health and Lifestyle Certificates in the Greville Arms Hotel, of existing complaint and awareness and Appeal System that Mullingar; (from left); Finola Colgan, Development Officer, Mental Health Associaton Pat appeal systems the Board Pilot meets the needs of the McGarty, Head of Business and Social Studies, Athlone Institute of Technology; Mary Kearns and decided to bring a number To deliver on the above public and staff. Fionn Gallagher MHAI. 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8 am - 8 pm weekdays 10 am - 2 pm Saturdays 6 MIDLAND HEALTH BOARD NEWS, APRIL 1999 Midland Health Board Plays Key Role in Poetry Book Launch Graham Pearson, paid spoke about the choice the Midland Health Board, tribute to the Midland before disabled people, he mentioned in particular Health Board for the whether they remain Arus Eoghain, the encouragement provided marginalised by society or Disability Resource Centre, by its staff, at the launch of have the courage to in Portlaoise. his poetry collection, challenge this passive “Arus Eoghain opened Ursula Cafferty, nurse planner; Alice Burke, acting matron General Hospital, Portlaoise; Kate entitled My Native Place image. up immense opportunities Brickley, Health Promoting Hospitals Officer, Stephen Cahalan Equipping Officer, General by Theo Dorgan, Director “I deliberately mentioned for me. It was here that I Hospital, Tullamore. pictured at the announcement of the new capital development for the General of Poetry Ireland and my disability in the first undertook computer Hospital, Tullamore. James Ryan, the introduction to strike a studies, which proved Rathdowney born novelist. blow against passivity, and vitally important when Laois Writer in Residence. collection of that year, REMEMBER At the launch, at the to encourage others to take compiling the initial It was she who selected titled The Letterbox - An Heritage Centre, the same road,” said manuscript. It was here that two of my poems for Anthology of Laois ME Abbeyleix, Mr Dorgan Graham. I met Mary O'Donnell, then inclusion in the published Writings. This I am the shadow in your Paying tribute to staff of encouragement was pivotal sunlight - in my decision to publish a Don't forget me! representative selection of Remember me as I am: my work. The result was Not for the tubes, and for the monitors, My Native Place” he said. And for the alarms, “It would be difficult to And for the mucus over emphasise the rattling in my throat, importance of places like Remember me as I am: Arus Eoghain to people I need to love and be with disabilities”, loved - according to Graham. As you do. “Talent will not develop It wasn't my fault it in isolation, and currently happened to me, One of those things that people with disabilities are happens very isolated. Some may To the best of us, need assistance with the And to the bravest of us, technical side of expressing And to the most unwilling their creativity. The work is of us. all theirs; places like Arus My dreams didn't die Eoghain only channel and when my body did, encourage this creativity. But sometimes I wonder - Helping a person develop Is courage in fantastic deeds? confidence in their own Or here in this room, work is extremely Watching reflection track important,” he said. their way “There is a large Across the ceiling? reservoir of creative talent It would be easier if I felt among people with peace, disabilities, as great if not But let me be honest: greater than that among the Peace will never lie able bodied population. We easily on these bones. It is lonely here in this need look no further than room, Christopher Nolan's book, When I remember Under the Eye of the Clock, happier days. or to an earlier publication, I don't want to be an My Left Foot, by Christy object of piety, Brown,” he claimed. Or of social 'My poetry is in that responsibility category, driven by my I want your humanity. attempts to come to terms I want the rough and tumble of life, with disability. It has given Like the otter in some me great satisfaction to wild stream. translate my sense of loss I don't want to be the into something that may shadow encourage those who face In your sunlight difficult experiences,” To bring darkness to your added Graham. days, My Native Place is But if I am the shadow in available by post for £4.95 your sunlight, Maybe some of your plus 30p postage from sunlight will come to me. Graham, Arus Eoghain, O'Moore Place, Portlaoise. - Graham Inter Hospital Cycle 22nd - 23rd May 1999 Naas to Kilkenny Anybody interested in taking part please contact: Kate Brickley at (0506) 46242 FUN DAY GUARANTEED MIDLAND HEALTH BOARD NEWS, APRIL 1999 7 Educational survey Researched In Midland Health Board area.

FINDINGS LAUNCHED BY MINISTER BRIAN COWEN TD

The need to examine launched by Minister for environmental issues, and 58 participated in focus making educational Health and Children Mr languages, travel and groups. Thirty- two people services truly accessible to Brian Cowen TD in the pottery. were from the Midland people over 55 years of age Boardroom, Arden Road. The Marino Institute of Health Board region (24 Kay Ryan, Assistant Matron, General Hospital, Tullamore, is highlighted in a major The study found that the Education, in partnership older people and eight admires the chain of office of Chairman, Cllr Martin Rohan as survey, commissioned by educational interests of with the Midland and providers). he arrives for the launch, watched by Ms Patricia Lane, Matron, St Vincent’s Mountmellick. Age and Opportunity in people in this age group are Western Health Boards, Speaking at the launch of collaboration with the as diverse as those in any carried out the study on a the survey, Minister Brian RECOMMENDATIONS opportunities. Institute of Education and other age group. They pilot basis for Age and Cowen said that as a • That all providers of • That the approaches the Midland and Western range from computers and Opportunity on a selection greater number of people services consider ways in which have been effective Health Boards, and the Internet to of people aged 55 and over are leaving work at a which they can expand in addressing the residing in the two Health younger age, the challenge their services to cater for educational needs of young Board regions. is to make these years people aged 55 and over in people considered to be Two groups were fulfilling and active, order to offer more 'disadvantaged' be involved in the research for enabling older people to educational opportunities integrated into the the study: people aged 55 participate fully in for them. approaches used and the and over and providers of community life. • That further research be services offered to people educational services. New Challanges conducted to understand aged 55 and over who The research study was 'This pilot study reminds better the variations in experience social and funded by a grant from the us that new challenges and participation among people educational 'disadvantages'. Department of Health and learning are not just for the aged 55 and over and to see • That providers Children. young. Older people have a how individuals or undertake to examine how The sample for the study great deal to gain and to categories of people within to make educational consisted of a total of 79 give through participating this group who would wish services truly accessible to Chatting before the launch; Mr Denis Doherty CEO, Midland providers and older people. in education to achieve to be involved in people aged 55 and over. Health Board: Ms Mary Culliton, Speech Therapist and Ms Twenty-one people were qualifications, develop new educational activities can • That those in positions Louise Richardson, Director of International Year of Older to advance and to Persons 1999. individually interviewed skills or just for sheer be facilitated to do so. enjoyment,' he said. • That more educational implement policies should 'This study offers clear opportunities be offered to endeavour to promote the directions for policy- people aged 55 and over use of the skills and makers and programme and that providers take experience of old people. Central Garage Ltd. developers because it account of the needs and • That the government draws on the experience interests of older people make a commitment in and insights of people aged when developing courses. policy to address the 55 and over,'said Scott • That services and educational needs of Boldt, Marino Institute of courses be offered to people aged 55 and over. Education and author of the people within their locality • That day centres which Study. rather than being seem to be active in Ms Mamo McDonald, concentrated in towns or bringing people together chairperson, Age and cities. The feasibility and and facilitating a wide Opportunity, said she scope for mobile services range of activities, hoped the study will and travelling education including educational encourage providers of units be investigated as opportunities, should be education and policy well as ways in which widely supported and makers to target technologies can be encouraged to continue educational opportunities employed to enhance their good work. Main at older people. access to educational Nissan Dealer

Church Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly Ms Mamo McDonnell, Chairperson, Age and Opportunity, presenting a copy of the report to Mr Brian Cowen TD Minister for Health and Children. Included in the picture is Cllr Martin Rohan, Telephone: (0506) 21233 Chairman of the Midland Health Board. 8 MIDLAND HEALTH BOARD NEWS, APRIL 1999 Midland Health Board Clients Tell their Story on Video at National Forum Joe Whelan Lough Breda who is living in back to their own agencies Sheever and Breda Hussey, supported living in a flat in on ways of improving local Mullingar, tell their own Mullingar says that when policy and practice with story on a video made by she left home at first, she regard to residential service staff of the Midland Health missed seeing her family provision. Board and the Sisters of and her friends and one of Parent's Perspective Charity of Jesus and Mary, the supports she still needs Seamus Green feels that presented at a one day is to maintain contact with the 'tug at the heart strings Forum, held in the people with whom she of Joe public' in order to European Parliament lived previously. Breda get increased funding for Centre, Dublin. needs a lot of supports in needed services, is not an The Forum was organised order to live on her own appropriate approach. by the PSI Learning but is quite competent of Residential services are a Disabilities Group in doing so with such help. right for people with association with the Breda likes doing very learning disability, when Nick Killeen advisor to Mr Brian Cowen TD Minister of Health and Children, Cathy O’Grady- Department of Health and ordinary things, nothing they require them not when Reilly, Psychologist, Joseph Whelan, Lough Sheever, Breda Crehan-Roche, B.P.M.U., Breda Children and the Centre for fancy or difficult to their parents are no longer Hussey, M.R.C., Regina McGarry, Co-ordinator of Community and Day Services, Mullingar, the Study of Development organise. She shows able to cope. He asks us all Bernie Fay, Senior Social Worker at the Forum on European Disability Day. Disabilities at UCD. clearly, that people with to 'come down from our The video entitled A learning disabilities are ‘ivory towers’ and to speak to use ordinary places in his/her full potential supports. Place to Live, also features very capable of telling us out for the necessary ordinary ways. Sharing • The rights and dignity 'We must ensure that contributions from Mr what supports they need to services. community facilities, she of the individual will be these supports are easily Derry O'Dwyer, live in the community. In a very personal said, means service users respected at all times. accessible and look at ways Programme Manager, We just need to ask them. account of his feelings are doing activities with Outlining the aim of the we can influence local Community Care and Planning when learning of his people who are not paid to Board's services she policy to ensure such Deputy CEO Midland In planning the Forum, daughter's handicap, he be with them. highlighted the following: access,' she added. Health Board; Ms Breda the Learning Disabilities spoke of the emotional and “An individual can be in • Achieve the best Michel Fleming of the Crehan Roche, Project Group wished to do psychological grind that the community but not of possible quality of life for Daughters of Charity Specialist -Disability something positive and parents go through day the community. Being a people with an intellectual Services, Navan Road, MHB; Mr Pat Lynch, constructive to improve the after day and of the huge member of ones disability. spoke of some of the Director of Lough Sheever; situation of the many emotional overtones for community means that the • To ensure good challengers encountered in Mr Joe Reilly, Manager, people with learning parents every time a individual spends time and quality assessment and care relocating a large number Mullingar Resource disabilities who either have decision is made about shares activities with other management. of people to alternative Centre; Ms Cathy O'Grady no residential service, or their son or daughter. He members of the • To maximise choice housing. “What do we do and Ms Bernie Fay, of the who have a service, which very much dislikes the community, in shops and opportunity for instance, if people or Sisters of Charity of Jesus it is felt, could be terms sometimes used to leisure facilities, • To develop local their families choose to opt and Mary. significantly improved. refer to people with restaurants, etc” she said. services that are non- for a model of service Services Users The Group did not want disabilities such as 'special “Service providers need institutional and person which we consider to be Perspective the Forum to focus on the people' or 'little angels'. He to look at ways of building focused. inferior”? he asked. On the video, Joe says inadequacies of service feels that such descriptions empowerment, rights, Concluding Ms Crehan 'We must give people very clearly that he wishes position but to highlight can raise doubts for parents personal planning and Roche said the challenge is clear information as to the to leave where he has been good practice issues both about how they should be choice into the daily lives to develop and implement alternative models living for over 20 years. He here in Ireland and feeling towards their son or of service users. Service innovative approaches to available and encourage just wants a place to live in internationally daughter. leaders must ensure the provide services and them to make informed Mullingar. He is not One of the aims of the Professional Views development of local supports that are effective, choices”, he said. concerned about the model Forum was that Breda Crehan Roche services, good quality cost efficient, flexible and Kent Ericsson, of the of service or about its participants would leave gave a detailed account of assessment of needs and responsive to the service University of Upsaala, physical attributes as long the day feeling that there the strategic direction of care management and users needs. Sweden, suggested that as its our there in the were practical suggestions services in the Midland systems which will 'We are fast approaching deinstitutionalisation is a community. which they could bring Health Board. maximise choice and the 21 century. We have an wrong concept, that we She spoke about the need opportunity for service opportunity to ensure that need to define the task in users and their families,” our collective action in the much more concrete terms. she contended. coming months will make “It is not a question of Future a significant difference in closing down the Referring to the future how people with institution, the tasks only planning of services in the intellectual disabilities will begins when this happens,” Midland Health Board, Ms live in the next century' she he claimed. Crehan Roche made the added. Important points made following points. Cathy O'Grady Reilly about the supported • In order to respond to posed a number of living model of service and address the changes challenging questions were: required into the next about fundamental issues. • The person with century, the Board has “Does everyone get served learning disabilities should adopted a management by from the same basic menu own the accommodation services approach. of services or do we • People should choose • Client and family adequately intensify our with whom they live participation is welcomed efforts with high risk client • People who remained and encouraged. The aim is and their families and in residential centres to work in partnership with provide flexible and truly actually lost skills families and the voluntary individual service • People who moved to sector. options”? community housing • The Board is People moving into the showed a large increase in committed to the provision community, she said, is adaptive behaviour, choice of quality residential part of a societal change and autonomy ,number of services which are person that must be reflected in friendships and Members of staff of St. Mary’s Hospital, Mullingar, who graduated with Certificates in Social focused, flexible and the way that other supports opportunities as well as a Care from UCG (from left) Lucy Nugent, Teresa Reilly, Cullionbeg, Mullingar and Lily Little, tailored to the individual to are provided e.g. medical, large to medium increase in Great Oakes, Mullingar. enable the person to reach dentistry, psychiatric aggressive conduct. MIDLAND HEALTH BOARD NEWS, APRIL 1999 9 Food Hygiene Courses Occupational Health ORGANISED FOR CATERING STAFF Programme Midland Health Board food contamination, food Anne Gallagher, Deborah Environmental Health delivery, storage and Walsh, Aileen Murtagh, Officers, Fiona preparation, personal Mary Gorman, Gillian ROTECTING ORKERS EALTH Donnellan, Deirdre hygiene, the design and O'Reilly, Pamela P W H O'Shea and Anne Marie layout of food premises, Murtagh, Mary Walsh, The Midland Health • The affects of health Vaccine. The hepatitis B Clancy organised a series general cleaning Dolores Tormey, Oliver Board, as part of its on work. Vaccine is offered to staff of Food Hygiene Courses procedures and pest Madden, Margaret commitment to the health • Examinations relative not previously immunised for catering staff in the control. Quigley, Nancy Boyce, of its employees, to job demands e.g. pre- and booster doses are Mullingar and Kinnegad Ms Mari Greene, senior Vera Heffernan, Joan introduced a confidential placement, special hazards. offered to staff as indicated areas. environmental health Burke, Mary Hyland, Occupational Health • Assessment of by their serological Further to the officer with the Board John Duncan, Mary Service in April 1998. capacity after sickness and antibody response. presented the participants Steele, Ester Doolin, introduction of the The discipline of advice on fitness for work • Checking tetanus Maria Kerrigan, Oliver European Communities with certificates from the occupational health is task. vaccination status. (Hygiene of Foodstuffs) Environmental Health Cahill, Sadie O'Farrell, concerned with the two- • Rehabilitation and • Health supervision at Regulations, 1998, the Officers Association in Michael Quinn, Martin way relationship of work resettlement. place of work. proprietor of a food conjunction with the Monaghan and Tommy and health. • Care for special • Health education e.g. business is now required Midland Health Board, at McCauley. The main thrust of the groups e.g. the disabled, safe work practices, to ensure that food the Longford/Westmeath Philip Moran, Michelle discipline is to prevent ill- pregnant women. manual handling sessions, handlers are supervised, General Hospital. Cole, Stephanie Maxwell, health rather than to cure it. The Occupational Hepatitis B educational instructed and or trained The successful Larry Walsh and Margaret The aims of the Health Programme sessions. in food hygiene matters participants included the Mangan from the Coffee Occupational Health currently being offered to • Rehabilitation and commensurate with their following catering staff Shop, at Longford/ Service are; staff, free of charge, resettlement. work activity. from Longford/ Westmeath General • To protect the workers includes the following: • Co-operation with The basic course in the Westmeath General Hospital also completed against any hazard which • Checking the rubella outside agencies. Principles and Practices Hospital, St Loman's and the course and were may arise out of their work status of female staff, An occupational health of Good Hygiene covers St Peter's, Castlepollard: presented with certificates. or the conditions in which because of the importance database will be it is carried out. of prevention in this operational in 1999 and it • To contribute to the regard. is planned to continue to establishment and • Checking for evidence develop and expand the maintenance of the highest of previous B.C.G. service. possible degree of physical vaccination and screening and mental wellbeing of questionnaire to ensure To contact the the workers. It is clear from staff and patient protection, Occupational Health this that many factors particularly in paediatric Service, staff may do so relating to the health of the and maternity units, which by dialling employees may contribute are areas at high risk. (044) 40191ext.330 to the success or otherwise • Checking anti-body FAX No (044)44887 of an occupational health response to the hepatitis B service. It requires the joint effort of all grades of staff and not least of all those in Participants in the Midland Health Board’s Food Hygiene Course who received certificates on a supervisory/management completing the course. Back row (l to r): Fiona Donnellan, Environmental Health Officer, MHB; role and the individual Mari Greene, Senior E.H.O., MHB; Maria Kerrigan, Sadie O’Farrell, Deborah Walsh, Joan Burke, workers himself/herself. May Walsh, Dolores Tormey, Mary Gorman, Oliver Madden, Oliver Cahill, Pamela Murtagh, • To contribute towards Martin Monaghan, Nancy Boyce, Johnny Duncan and Tommy McCauley. Front row: Anne the worker’s physical and Gallagher, Mary Hyland, Mary Steele, Ester Doolin, Mick Quinn and Mary Moriarty. mental adjustment, in particular by reviewing and adapting work practices PAT SMITH RETIRES and the assignment of Mr Pat Smith, Chief clinical teaching course in workers to tasks for which Nursing Officer, Laois/ the same hospital during they are best suited. Offaly Mental Health 1971/1972 he became a The objectives of the Services retired from the clinical teacher in Friern’s Occupational Health Midland Health Board on Hospital, in March 1972. Service concern; December 31 last. Pat returned to Ireland in • Monitoring of the A native of Loughrea, 1972 to become clinical environment and Pat qualified as a registered teacher in St Brigid's development of control psychiatric nurse in St It's Hospital, Ballinasloe, and Hospital, Portrane, Dublin was assistant Chief methods. in 1965 and continued Nursing Officer in the • Identification and there as staff nurse until the same hospital to November Managers, holding the advice on hazards. following year. 1984 when he was position of secretary and • Periodic examinations Pat then went on to do appointed as Chief Nursing president and on many related to identified risks. his general training in Officer with the Midland occasions acting as a • Interpretation of law. Whittington Hospital, Health Board based at St catalyst in provoking lively • Supervision of welfare London, where he qualified Fintan's Hospital, and interesting debate. facilities. in 1968. He was later Portlaoise. Pat's other great interests in • Health education and promoted to the position of During his professional life are golf, athletics, art Occupational Health Service; Catherine Samuels, Occupational health advice. Health Nurse; Deirdre O'Shea, Health and Safety Project charge nurse in Friern's career, he took an active and Civil Defence. In 1998 • Epidemiological, Manager and Mary Dalton, secretary of the Occupational Health Hospital, London. role in the Association of he held the rank of Captain sickness absence. Service. Following completion of a Psychiatric Nurse in the FCA. 10MIDLAND HEALTH BOARD NEWS, APRIL 1999 Various Events Planned for Laois On The International Year of Older People Move County Laois was lucky Forum is driven by Laois to be selected as one of the County Council but has 37 COMMUNITY GROUPS SUBMIT PROJECTS four pilot areas for a wide representation. Recreation, Leisure and The Forum has recently Staff from the Midland Sports Forum under an appointed a Sports Officer Health Board joined with initiative of the Department (Anne Marie Maher local representatives of of Sports and Tourism. (0502) 22044 and are voluntary groups in The Midland Health Board currently embarking on a celebrating the National is represented on the comprehensive survey to launch of the United Forum, which seeks to find out what exactly Laois Nations International Year promote physicial activity people require in the areas of Older People. among all age groups and of recreation, leisure and President Mary has a strong interest in sports. McAleese attended the those groups least active ecumenical service in including older adults, If you have any ideas for Christchurch Cathedral. physically disabled, the forum or want your Prayers were led by sedentary people and staff group's needs represented leaders of all the main around the county. The contact the Laois Forum. churches, as well as popular entertainers Maureen Potter, Christy Moore and Ronnie Mental Health Delaney. This was followed by a Promotion in the formal launch of the Year by An Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern TD. One of the Offaly delegation, Mary Murphy is greeted by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD on her Midland Health Local plans arrival at Dublin Castle for the formal launch of the United Nations International Year of Older Members of the Midland People. Regional Committee now Board have plans in place for the Mental health promotion survey on mental health many projects and events £17,22 and regions. OlderPeople facilitated by is an emerging need in the promotion. This will look which will take place this recommendations have April 8: Concert by the VEC and the Arts Health Services and can at what activities staff are year. There has been great now been made regarding Golden Years Club, Resource Centre. relate to all activities currently involved with and enthusiasm and goodwill the allocation of this Edenderry for the residents April: Keyboard skills carried out by the Board what gaps are identified by towards preparing for this funding. of Ofalia House. classes for older people in ranging from support to staff. year and it is expected that Spring events April 22: Concert by Edenderry. parents to the rehabilitation A researcher Maura of chronically and mentally there will be a celebration March 26: Launch by Day Care Centre, May: Dolmen Failte Cleary will be meeting unwell patients. In brief groups of staff to complete in every area. Minister Brian Cowen TD Abbeyleix with Transition Club, Longford - 2 day arts mental health promotion is the survey. We would ask Minister for Health and Year students in Heywood crafts and musical festival Applications for funding any activity that promotes staff to use this opportunity Community college in were received from a large Children of a new study on for Bealtaine - the arts the mental well being of an to express your needs and number of voluntary the Education Needs of Heywood College, festival for older people. individual. hope you will be able to groups. People aged 55 and over, Ballinakill. April - June: Evaluatin To find out what are the give the project your full The Midland Regional researched in the Midland April: Eight week art of the forum on access to areas we need to promote support. Committee was allocated and Western Health Board classes in Mullingar for services for older people in in mental health, we are Sharon Foley the Edenderry area. currently carrying out a Health Promotion Officer PICTURED AT THE NATIONAL LAUNCH OF THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF OLDER PEOPLE ATTENTION NURSES, PHYSIOTHERAPISTS, AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS HAVE YOU SOME EXTRA TIME ON YOUR HANDS? The Midland Health facilitate safe sustained deliver programmes, as it Board Health Promotion mobility to the elderly will be in response to the Unit in relationship with groups in Midland Health market needs. Age and Opportunity Board area as well as Please get in touch with propose to develop a Community group settings. Maria Leahy for further project to facilitate The Health Promotion details on : physical activity among Unit need to recruit Nurses, Monday / Tuesday older people using the Go Physiotherapists, or on 0506 46739. for Life programme. Occupational Therapists to Or write in for an This strategy is in line train as 'Go for Life' application form to: with the Government Tutors on a part-time, Maria Leahy at the Dr Paricia Callan, Midland Health Board; Martin Moylan, Retired Nurses Association; Maura objective as set out in casual basis. Health Promotion Unit, Breslin, Retired Nurses Association; Mr Ronnie Delaney, Olympic Gold Medal Winner; Mrs 'Shaping a Healthier At this stage it is difficult The Mall, William Street, Patricia Lane, Matron St Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick; Tom Colgan, Retired Nurses Future' to assess how often the Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Association and Orlaith O’Brien, Matron, St Vincent’s, Athlone. This programme will tutors will be expected to MIDLAND HEALTH BOARD NEWS, APRIL 199911 APPOINTMENTS NAME GRADE LOCATION Ms Bridget Downey Staff Nurse St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick Ambulance Officer Mr Brendan Geoghegan Driver Attendant Central Stores, Tullamore Ms Niamh Gibney Basic Grade Occupational Therapist Phoenix Resource Centre, Longford Ms Fiona McElvaney Basic Grade Physiotherapist Tullamore Mr Padraigh Smollen Attendant Driver Central Stores, Tullamore Ms Siobhan Ryan Attendant C.N.U./Riada House, Tullamore takes Up New Position Ms Bernadette Comerford Attendant St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick Mr John Bergin Attendant St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick Dr Grainne Clyne General Practitioner Tyrrellspass Mr Ger Sweeney, was the Ms Loretta Sheridan Social Worker Longford/Westmeath Community Care first chief ambulance Ms Patricia O’Connor Staff Nurse St. Joseph’s Hospital, Longford Ms Noreen England Staff Nurse St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick officer, appointed by the Ms Donna Good Health Education Officer Primary Schools Board as part of the Ms Anne Collins Ward Sister St. Mary’s Hospital, Mullingar implementation of the Mr William Murray Asst. Chief Nursing Officer Laois/Offaly Ambulance Review Ms Gerarda Bannon Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore Ms Patricia Mullins Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore Report. Ms Elaine Whelan Attendant St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick He joined the Board's Ms Margaret Larkin Attendant St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick service in November 1994, Ms Deborah Miller Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore having served 20 years in Ms Mary Claire Griffin Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore Ms Yvonne Guilfoyle Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore the Defence Forces serving Ms Patricia McCarthy Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore in the Signal Corps in the Ms Katherine Duncan Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore Curragh, the Air Corps and Ms Carmel Condron Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore Ms Esther Dempsey Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore overseas in the Middle East Ms Sinead Boyd Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore with the United Nations. Ms Kay Hayes-Hickey Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore He retired as a Captain. Ms Julie Luttrell Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore During his time with the Ms Helen Williams Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore Ms Helen Watkins Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore Board, Ger contributed to Ms Margaret MacCabe Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore having many of the Ms Marie Spollen Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore recommendations included Ms Clare Conway Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore in the Ambulance Review Ms Veronica Treacy Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore Ms Eileen Ryan Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore implemented including the Ms Michelle Healion Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore introduction of the Ms Claire Crowe Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore command and control Ms Marie Ryan Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore Ms Yvonne McManus Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore centre, which is now Ms Brigid Stephens Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore operational with the most Ms Helen Moloney Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore sophisticated equipment in Ms Cecilia Culliton Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore this country or the UK. Ger Sweeney Ms Margaret Horan Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore Ms Christina Hanratty-Foley Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore During his period with the Ms Fidelma Sweeney Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore Board, Ger said he was 'The whole experience has with the statutory services Ms Helen Finneran Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore fortunate to be selected to given me a rounded and in order to enhance the Ms Celine Clarke Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore unique viewpoint of the health and social gain of Ms Catriona Brophy Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore act as an advisor to the Ms Mary Henson Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore Department of Health and health services,' he said. the renal family. With this Ms Carmel Gath Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore Children and to undergo an “I now look at my new in mind I look forward to Ms Angela Connolly Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore MSc (Econ) Management appointment as yet another supporting the Board in Ms Ethel Murphy Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore developing a renal dialysis Ms Evelyn Keegan Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore of Care with the University area which I can develop Ms Eileen Scully Ward Sister St. Brigid’s Hospital, Shaen of Wales. hopefully in partnership unit in Tullamore,” he said. Ms Suzanne Fairbrother Social Worker Laois/Offaly Community Care Ms Mary Palmer Attendant Community Nursing Unit, Edenderry Ms Mary O’Meara Attendant St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick Ms Louise Farrell Care Assistant Alvernia, Portlaoise Ms Kathleen McNamee Attendant General Hospital, Tullamore FOLLOW THE TRAIL TO Ms Annette Cregan Staff Nurse I.C.U. Longford/Westmeath General Hosp. Ms Lourda Kirwan Attendant St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick Mr Ivan Hibbitts Attendant St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick Mr Eamonn Troy Attendant St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick CATCH THE LEADER Ms Mary Claire O’Hara Staff Nurse St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick Ms Noelle Dunne Public Health Nurse Laois/Offaly Community Care Ms Maria Mulhare Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore A is for all your OUTDOOR NEEDS Ms Claire Costello Attendant St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick Ms Ann Kelly Staff Nurse St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick B is for BOOTS - W/P and breathable Mr Sean Cooney Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore Ms Clare Banahan Staff Nurse Longford/Westmeath General Hospital BOATS for the children Ms Marie Coyne Attendant Riada House/Day Care Centre, Tullamore Ms Aine Corcoran Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore BRIDGE DALE SOCKS Ms Elizabeth O’Sullivan Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore Ms Kathleen Corcoran Palliative Care Nurse Westmeath Community Care C is for CAMPING, CARAVANING, COMPASSES and Ms Rita Daly Palliative Care Nurse Westmeath Community Care COMBATS - 5 SELECTIONS Ms Siobhan O’Shaughnessy Staff Nurse General Hospital, Tullamore Ms Elizabeth Fox Public Health Nurse Longford/Westmeath Community Care area E is for EASY PARKING PROMOTIONS Ms Ursula Cafferty Asst. Matron L’ford/W’meath General Hospital G is for GELERT CLOTHING AND ASSESSORIES Ms Elizabeth O’Donovan Ward Sister C.N.U., Edenderry Ms Dorothy Hynes Ward Sister G.P. Run, Longford Hospitals L is for LIFE JACKETS AND LOTS MORE Ms Pamela O’Callaghan Ward Sister C.N.U., Edenderry Ms Fidelma McLoughlin Grade IV Financial Systems Project M is for MAGLITES Ms Rosemary Kearns Ward Sister A & E General Hosp., Tullamore R is for LARGE SELECTION OF RUCKSACKS and Ms Patricia Holland Ward Sister St Vincent’s Hosp., Mountmellick ROOF BOXES RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTS Ms Mary O’Brien Psychiatric Nurse Laois/Offaly M.H.S. S is for SERVICE, SMILES, SATISFACTION and Ms Mary Keogh Ward Attendant St. Loman’s Hospital, Mullingar Ms Fiona Murphy Staff Nurse General Hospital, Portlaoise SLEEPING BAGS Dr Paul Conroy Dental Surgeon Laois/Offaly Community Care Ms Martina Donovan Social Worker Offaly Community Care T is for TENTS, LARGE SELECTION AND GOOD VALUE Mr Patrick Kenny Fitter St. Loman’s Hospital, Mullingar Mr William Murray Asst. Chief Nursing Officer Laois/Offaly Mental Health W is for WYNNSTER CLOTHING Ms Marie Higgins Cook Grade I L’ford/W’meath General Hosp. Ms Betty Beaumont Attendant District Hospital, Athlone Z is to Ms Geraldine Keenan Senior Speech & Language Therapist L’ford/W’meath General Hospital Mr Michael LillisC.W.O./Acting Project Mgr. Offaly Community Care HOME LEISURE AND CAMPING CENTRE, Ms Anne-Marie McMahon Senior Pharmacist General Hospital, Tullamore Church Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly Ms Mary Brigid Kelly Ward Sister L’ford/W’meath General Hospital Ms Sarah Cormican Staff Nurse C.N.U., Edenderry Tel/Fax: (0506) 41047 Mr. Thomas Cole Boilerman L’ford/W’meath General Hospital Ms Rosaleen Mimnagh Staff Nurse Longford Hospitals Mr Bernard Morrin Senior Social Worker Laois/Offaly Comm. Care area Ms Breda Carey Public Health Nurse Laois/Offaly Ms Frances Dunne Attendant St Vincent’s Hosp., Mountmellick Open Tuesday - Saturday 9.30 - 6.00pm GIFT Ms Teresa Davenport Staff Nurse General Hospital, Portlaoise - Monday 9.30 - 1.00pm. VOUCHER Ms Bridget McGuinness Staff Nurse District Hospital, Athlone £5 off all Mr Anthony Irwin Attendant L’ford/W’meath General Hospital purchases Ms Marie Enright Senior Social Worker Laois/Offaly Comm. Care area of £50 and over Ms Catherine Cawley-Walsh Health Education Officer Secondary Schools ACCESS, VISA and LASER accepted. valid until Mr Dan Kissane Land Steward St. Fintan’s Hospital, Portlaoise Mail Order available 7th May Ms. Sarah McKane Staff Nurse Alvernia, Portlaoise 12MIDLAND HEALTH BOARD NEWS, APRIL 1999 MIDLAND HEALTH BOARD STAFF Health Promotion GRADUATE WITH DIPLOMAS On Campus

INVOLVES 3,000 ATHLONE STUDENTS The Health Promotion misuse and the treatment problem, the human misery Service in an effort to services. associated with it as well as direct it's message at the Included in the week's how to recognise the signs 3,000 students in the events was a healthy eating of suicidal intent, and most Athlone Institute of event in which Community importantly where to go for Technology recently Nutritionist, Cara Grey, help were address by Billy organised a number of held information and Bland, Suicide Resource different features and practice advice sessions. Officer. information giving sessions This concluded with a In an effort to heighten throughout Welfare Week. drug awareness in the nutritious lunch time snack Staff members of the Midland Health Board who graduated with their Diplomas in Gerontological college, an excerpt from As well as information for 'everyone in the Health, at the Athlone Institute of Technology. Seated: John Clarke, Tutor; John Cusack, Head of stands which distributed audience'. Dawn Dairies the Athlone Youth Drama Business Studies at AIT; and Larry Bane, Personnel Officer, MHB. Back row (l to r): Sinead Boyd, health promotion provided health nutritious Initiative play 'Graffiti General Hospital, Tullamore; Sr. Bridge Cummins, St. Mary’s, Mullingar; Rebecca Stanely, St. information for the drinks for this event. Wall' was performed. The Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick; Mary Dunne, St. Vincent’s Hospital; Mary Daly, Longford/ students, the Health Another specific area live drama was originally Westmeath General Hospital; Ursula Scannell, St. Vincent’s Hospital; Bridget Downey, St. Vincents Promotion Officer, Deirdre addressed was that of produced for Athlone Drug Hospital,; Margaret Collins, Athlone; Mary Young, Birr; Margaret Daly, Athlone; and Mary Tracey, Galvin was on hand to infectious diseases. Awareness Week, through a General Hospital, Tullamore. offer advice and “Meningitis are you at project partly funded by the information. Risk?” was the subject of Board. Tonta is local Teresa Nevin from the an information giving and community based group, Board's Addiction Services, audio-visual session by the designed to provide provided information and Health Education Officer. educational input through advice regarding substance Suicide, the extent of the the medium of drama.

Staff members of the Midland Health Board who graduated with their Degrees in Health Care Management, from the Athlone Institute of Technology. L to R: John Clarke, St. Lomans, Tutor; Breda Carroll, General Hospital, Tullamore; Eamonn O’Gorman, St. Lomans; and Larry Bane, Personnel Officer, Midland Health Board.

Getting out the Health Message: Yvonne Guerin, deputy president, Athlone Institute of Technology Students Union; Pat McTiernan, student services manager, AIT; Cara Grey, Community Nutritionist, Midland Health Board and Deirdre Galvin, Health Education Officer, Midland Health Board.

Staff members of the Midland Health Board who recently graduated from Athlone Institute of Technology with a Certificate in Health Care Management. Seated: Suzanne Buckley, Tullamore General Hospital; Andrea Clarke, Tullamore General Hospital; Catherine Condron, Tullamore General Hospital; Vincent Cronly, Ambulance Centre, Tullamore. Back row (l to r): James Blanc, St. Vincents, Mountmellick; Larry Bane, Personnel Officer, MHB; John Cusack, Head of the Department of Business Studies, AIT; Carmel Wallace, Longford/Westmeath General Hospital; Bernadette Cunningham, Siol Resource Centre, Mullingar; Gerald Dunne, Ambulance Centre, Ann Larkin, Primary Care Unit; Dymphna Bracken, Communications Officer; Bridgetta Tullamore; Marion Gillespie, Trainee Development Agency, Mullingar; Michael Brennan, Central McHugh, Primary Care Unit, and Dr Velma Harkins, at the National Priamary Care Seminar Stores, Tullamore; Peter McEvoy, Finance Section, Central Office; Patricia Kavanagh, General held in Kinnitty Castle. Hospital Tullamore; John Clarke, Tutor, St. Loman’s Hospital. MIDLAND HEALTH BOARD NEWS, APRIL 199913 Portlaoise General Hospital receives 'Happy Heart Pictured following the presentation of Certificates: (front l to r) Caroline Conroy, Ms Alice Bourke, Acting Matron; John Bulfin, General Manager, Acute Hospital Services; Breda O’Connell, Catering Officer; Aoibheann O’Connor, Consultant Dietican; Frank Kelly, Hospital Administator; Corina Glennon-Slattery, Community Nutritionist and Kate Brickley, Health Promoting Hospitals at Work' Officer.(Back row l to r) Kathleen Keegan, Yvonne Hennessy, Betty Brophy, Breda Guilfoyle, Mary O’Sullivan, Lucy Byrne, Phyllo Meade, Mary Anne Coyne, Breda McGrath and Kathleen Goucher. Missing from the photograph were Margaret Dunne, Catering Manager, Laois Hospitals; Mary McEvoy, Kathleen Donogher, Margaret Mulhall, Agnes Clooney Noreen Lawlor, Assumpta Bohan symbol and Elizabeth Phelan.

CENTRAL STORES PLAYS KEY ROLE

The staff canteen in the of the administration, the General Hospital, nursing personnel and the Portlaoise received the hospital staff in general 'Happy Heart at Work' that ensured success. Well healthy eating symbol from done to all! the Irish Heart Foundation. Corina Glennon, To secure this Community Nutritionist, recognition, the hospital said the achievement of the catering staff had to General Hospital, achieve the highest Portlaoise, should standards conforming to encourage the the rigorous criteria of the establishment of a Board IHF and the Department of wide and ultimately a Health guidelines. community wide ethos In this regard, towards healthy eating. achievement would not “Correct nutrition has have been possible without been shown to play an the dedication and hard important role in helping work of the Catering reduce the risk of many of Manager, Margaret Dunne, the diseases of western the Catering Officer, society e.g. heart disease, Brenda O'Connell and all raised blood pressure, of the catering staff. Menus cancer and diabetes and as had to be altered, recipes such, should be a goal had to be changed and which we should general procedures individually and modified. Here Central collectively strive for,” she Stores played a key role said. and without their “In this regard the staff enthusiasm the project canteen, at the General would have failed at the Hospital, Portlaoise, is first fence. playing its role,” she Indeed it was the support added.

Eeveen O'Connell, Irish Heart Foundation presents Happy Heart at Work certificate to Brenda O'Connell, Catering Officer, General Hospital, Portlaoise. 14MIDLAND HEALTH BOARD NEWS, APRIL 1999 TULLAMORE HOSPITAL NURSES COMPLETE CLINICAL First Nursing PLACEMENT CO-ORDINATION COURSE Students Commence Clinical Training

The first Group of achieve the maximum contributed to the course. Diploma Nursing Students outcome from clinical of the Midland Regional placements. Ensure that The aim of the course: School of Nursing nursing practice • To give the commenced their clinical assessments are fairly and participants an training at Longford/ accurately carried out by understanding and Westmeath, Tullamore and appropriate registered appreciation of the Portlaoise General nurse. Encourage the regisration/diploma Hospitals in March. application of theoretical programme. In preparation, six nurses knowledge to nursing • To explore issues Pictured following the completion of their six week course which was run by the Midland Health from within the three practice in the clinical area. relevant to creating an Regional School of Nursing, based in Tullamore General Hospital and approved by the Department of Health, (l to r): Mary Doolan, Nurse Tutor; Rosemary Kearns, Acting Assistant Matron; Kay • Involvement in environment which will hospitals have completed a Kennedy, Clinical Placement Co-Ordinator; Carmel Malone, Tutor; Aideen O’Connor, Acting clinical placement co- development of other maximise student learining Principal Tutor; and Catherine Tormey, Clinical Placement Co-Ordinator. ordinators course. grades of staff, inservice opportunities. Joining the six nurses education and training. • To develop the from the Midland Health The clinical placement essential skills to guide and Board were three nurses co-ordinator course was support qualified staff and Fond Fare-wells to former from Limerick Regional approved by the student nurses to clinical Hospital and one nurse Department of Health practice. from Tralee General commenced in November • To foster an awareness colleagues in Portlaoise Hospital. last and ran over a period of the value of research and of six weeks. its application to nursing Portlaoise General the proceedings and Ms Fitzpatrick thanked The role of the clinical The course was co- practice, and Hospital Social Club said a welcomed everyone to the everybody who helped placement co-ordinators ordinated by Ms Aideen • To gain further insight fond fair-well to eight of its party. make the night such a is to: O'Connor (acting principal into the concept of members at the annual In his address, Mr. success. Those who Christmas party Bergin called on members received the presentations • Guide and support tutor), who was assisted by professionalism. presentation night, held in to get more active in order received an open invitation nurses in assigned clinical Ms Mary Doolan (nurse The course was a the Killeshin Hotel. to ensure the continuation to join in any social areas to ensure that the tutor): Carmel Malone resounding success and all Mairead Hogan and success of the Social function in the hospital clinical placements meet (acting nurse tutor) and participants thoroughly (matron); Ann Reilly (night Club. anytime. the requirements of the nursing personnel from enjoyed their involvement. sister); Ann McEvoy “New ideas and fresh A Christmas party with a education programme with within the Board. Certificates for the course (attendant); Noreen Cahill faces are needed on the difference was organised regard to planned A number of outside were presented by Ms (attendant); Stephen committee,” he said. by the Social Club on Lynam (gardener); Jacqui In conclusion, Mr. Sunday December 20 for experience and outcomes. lectures with experience in Alice Burke, acting Evans (clerical officer); Bergin praised and thanked the children of hospital • Advise, encourage and the field of nursing and matron, General Hospital, Eithne Egan (clerical the current committee for staff. Committee members facilitate students to nurse education also Portlaoise. officer) and Elizabeth their co-operation and Caroline Overton, Bernie Molloy (attendant) were all efforts over the past year. Malone, Mary Collins and PORTLAOISE HOSPITAL NURSES COMPLETE CLINICAL CO-ORDINATION COURSE present in person to accept Ms. Fitzpatrick called on Jimmy Bergin took full their presentations. Kieran Madden, assistant charge of arrangements for Over 300 members of hospital administrator and the evening and welcomed staff and partners attended Alice Burke, assistant Santa Claus. Disco music, the function. Gerard matron, to make the face painting, treats and Bergin, chairperson, and presentations to their sweets were the order of Mary Fitzpatrick, vice- respective staff on behalf the day for a well attended chairperson presided over of the Social Club. and well organised event.

Pictured following the completion of their six week course which was run by the Midland Regional School of Nursing and approved by the Department of Health, (l to r): Aideen O’Connor, Acting Principal Nurse Tutor; Eilis Croke, Theatre Sister, Portlaoise; Mary O’Connor, Clinical Placement Co-Ordinator; Mary Gilligan, Clinical Placement Co-Ordinator; Alice Burke, Acting Matron, General Hospital Portlaoise; and Margaret O’Donoghue, Theatre Nurse.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Saying Farewell: Former members of Portlaoise General Hospital Social Club who left the hospital Midland Health Board - Golf Outing during the year who received presentations, at the Annual Christmas Party Presentation Night (l to r): Noreen Cahill, Eithne Evans, Stephen Lynam, Mairead Hogan, Jacquie Evans, Ann McEvoy, Tullamore Golf Club Elizabeth Molloy and Ann O’Reilly, pictured with Kieran Madden, assistant hospital administrator, Friday May 14th and Alice Burke, acting matron, who made the presentation to their respective staff on behalf of the See local notice boards for details Social Club. MIDLAND HEALTH BOARD NEWS, APRIL 199915 Minister Cowen visits Ofalia House

PRESENTS CERTIFICATES TO GRADUATES OF PROGRAMME OF TRAINING ON THE CARE OF OLDER PEOPLE AND OFFICIALLY OPENS SNOEZELEN/MULTISENSORY ROOM

Eleven persons who congratulated the recipients “These improvements will successfully completed a of the certificates. only be achieved through 24-hour training Important Role partnership between this programme entitled 'Carer “Carers play an government, service Front row (l to r): Mary Hanley, Rose Curley, Mr. Brian Cowan, Minister for Health and Children, of the Older Adult' in extremely important role in providers, voluntary Eilish Hynes, Lil Lynch, Mary O’Reilly. Back row: Josie Lenehan, James Gowan, Ann Flynn, Ofalia House, Edenderry, supporting older people at organisations and older Marion Delaney-Hynes, Matron, Freda Jones, Rose Killally, Annie Mooney and John Clarke, received their certificates home in dignity and people themselves”. Course Co-Ordinator. from Minister Brian independence,” he said. Directors of services rehabilitation services,” he primary senses of touch, being developed in Ofalia Cowen TD Minister for The programme of Minister Cowen referred added. taste, sight, sound and House. Health and Children. training in the 'care of the to the appointment by smell without the need for “It will greatly enhance The training programme older person', according to health board of directors or Snoezelen Room intellectual activity. The health and social gain for Minister Cowen essence of the sensory dependent older persons OPENING OF SNOEZELEN ROOM IN OFALIA HOUSE congratulated the staff and environment is to allow and their carers by Friends of Ofalia House individuals time, space and providing recreational, who through their fund opportunity to enjoy the therapy and indeed creative raising made possible the environment at their own experiences within Ofalia opening of the Snoezelen pace,” he explained. House,” he added. room. This facility, said the Concluding, Minister “This multisensory room Minister, is an important Cowen, complimented Ms here in Ofalia House is element in the range of Marian Delaney Hynes and designed to stimulate the complementary therapies the staff of Ofalia House.

Mrs. Eileen O’Connor, Chairperson Town Commissioners; Mr. Liam O’Callaghan, General Manager Community Care Laois/Offaly; Mrs. Marion Delaney-Hynes, Matron; Mr Brian Cowan TD Minister for Health and Children; Mr. Martin Rohan, Chairman, Midland Health Board. for attendants was the Minister recognises the co-ordinators of services organised to assist staff in work of carers and for older people and said it the ongoing process of attendants and increased has helped to ensure better S/N Avril Jones, S/N Joan Nicholson, Mr. Brian Cowan, Minister for Health and Children, S/N Antionette Dunne and Marion Delaney-Hynes, Matron. change from the service their knowledge and skills. liaison between primary provided by Ofalia House “In this particular course services, acute hospitals as a Welfare Home to the it also provided a forum for and long stay care thus dynamic role required of a sharing and dialogue ensuring that older people WIN A £100 PRIZE Community Nursing Unit. between attendants and get the right service at the The concept of providing carers,” he added. right time. The Midland Health Board will shortly undertake a workplace health promotion project. To get a feel for where we should be going, a staff health survey will be services on an integrated Minister Cowen In the Midland Health carried out. basis resulted in the emphasised that this Board, he welcomed the Staff will be randomly selected for the survey and will be sent a survey by post. All inclusion of carers in the government is committed appointment of Ms Teresa replies will be totally confidential and anonymous * If you are selected for the survey community on this training to improving the lives of Coman as a full time Co- you will be entered (by staff number) for a prize of £100. Please take the time to fill programme. older people. ordinator of Services for in the questionnaire as honestly as you can. Your help is greatly appreciated. The partnership and “This government Carers. The staff survey will be carried out in May. The questionnaire used will be the SLAN integrated approach at acknowledges their “I know that Teresa will questionnaire recently used in a national survey. Ofalia House, shows that contribution to his vibrant ensure that the best Sharon Foley the training and self- economy and is fully possible support services Health Promotion Officer development needs of committed to improving all will be available in the * Separate names from the questionnaire for the prize and return anonymous attendants and carers is aspects of the lives of older community to support and questionnaires. An independent researcher will receive the replies. complimentary. As a result people by focusing not assist carers. And I am the training programme for only on health issues but aware that Ofalia House attendants and carers was also giving consideration to plays an important role in Summer School in Health Promotion combined in one course. the quality of supporting the carer and The third annual Summer School in Health Promotion will be held from June 14 to Two further training accommodation, security, the dependent older person July 2, at the Department of Health Promotion, UCG. This year, the Summer School programmes are planned welfare, and all other living in the community will focus on Re-orientating the Health Services - issues of Equity and Access. for Edenderry, last this issues which affect older through its day care and Its purpose is to provide education and training and offers a short but intensive year. people”. respite programmes, opportunity to update on skills through structured tuition and workshops. Minister Cowen But warned the Minister: together with is outreach 16MIDLAND HEALTH BOARD NEWS, APRIL 1999 Critical Incident

Debriefing -A SERVICE FOR STAFF Awareness talks on impressions and emotions Formation of the Team this new service for related to the incident. Colleagues drawn from staff were conducted • The meeting is around the region in February and confidential, non- trained as Critical March throughout judgemental and there is Incident Debriefers the region. Managers no note taking. The only Further Information record maintained consists "Critical Incidents - and staff were given of the date, time and Coping in Crisis" Booklet Longford/Westmeath General Hospital Nurses who received their Training and Assessment information on the location of the debrief, Mary Dwyer Co- Certificates pictured with their Tutors; (Back row l to r) Eilish Croke, Theatre Sister, General service and its reason for the debrief and Ordinator tel. 0506-46172 Hospital, Portlaoise; Kathleen Donnelly, Acting Assistant Matron; Mairead Hogan, Matron; benefits and also the names of those who Frances Kerrigan, Lillian Rogers and Mary Doolin, Tutor. (Front row l to r) Aideen O’Connor, Tutor; Mary Lowry, Noreen Taaffe, Eileen Neary and Anna May McNamara. information on how attended. to avail of the service. • Thoughts and feelings For those who may not are expressed and listening have been in a position to and questioning skills are Arus Eoghain clients attend the awareness talks, used in the session. a summary of the Reassurance and information presented at information is also given as Handcraft Hurling Hero the talks is set out below. appropriate. Definition of a Critical • It is not counselling or The forward-looking in this exciting project.” Incident therapy and it is widely clients of Arus Eoghan, This tastefully designed • Any incident in which recognised as an effective Portlaoise, have turned the memento recalls the the circumstances are technique for dealing with energy of a very special excitement and joy felt by unusual and distressing as the effects of critical sporting occasion into an all in Offaly on that great to produce a high level of incidents on those involved idea for their own craft day, and features that immediate or delayed in the incident. based industry famous image of Joe emotional reaction that • It provides support and The singlemindedness Dooley- his hurley raised surpasses the normal deals with normal reactions shown by the Offaly high above the cheering coping mechanisms of following an incident. Hurling team in winning crowd- taken moments people • It may help to prevent their fourth All Ireland title after the final whistle. Examples of incidents the onset of Post Traumatic provided the clients of the A veteran of the game, which might be Stress Disorder centre with the idea for he received his third senior considered as major: Background to Critical their first project. all Ireland medal that • Omagh Bombing Incident Debriefing Following months of afternoon and along with The Commemorate Plate, handcrafted by the clients in Arus • Lockerbie Plane Crash • Health Care staff often hard work and dedication, his team mates continue to Eoghain Examples of other deal with particularly the clients have just be ambassadors for the incidents which may be traumatic incidents in the completed a new limited famous Offaly hurling be repeated. Eoghain is a resource major the individuals course of their work edition of a tradition. Following their win over centre for adults with involved: • Debriefing is an commemorative Each plate is individually Limerick, in Birr, on physical and sensory • Assault occupational support which handcrafted plate to mark boxed and comes with a Sunday, Joe and members disabilities who live in • Road traffic accidents is peer led. Offaly's triumph in the numbered certificate of the team were present at Offaly and Laois. • Stillbirths • It is a demonstration of 1998 final. featuring a poem written in the formal launch of the “Our aim is to provide It is not only Health our duty of care towards One of the clients and an honour of the occasion. An commemorative plate, in the staff and facilities to Service employees that can our staff ardent Offaly hurling fan, ideal Father Day gift for a the County Arms Hotel. help clients improve their be exposed to critical • It engenders a positive Edwin Foran said: “As a hurling supporter, or for Margaret Carr, quality of life and incidents, but this service is working environment fan of hurling I am somebody living abroad, it occupational therapist and maximise their potential. specifically for staff of the • It provides a forum delighted to have had the is unique in that it is co-ordinator at the centre, One of the goals of the Board. where staff feel heard and opportunity to be involved handcrafted and will never explained that Arus centre is to help clients Examples of Critical valued following an develop work skills. To that Incidents incident. end, we get involved in a • Suicide of a fellow The three F's of Critical wide range of generally worker Incident Debriefing are : craft based activities and • Violent Person • Facts sell our work to the public threatening personnel • Feelings through selected outlets People might say that as • Future and craft fairs,” she added. health care workers, we are Goal of Critical First Venture trained to deal with critical Incident Debriefing is to: This plate is Arus incidents, but research as • Lessen the impact of Eoghain's first venture in shown that a single the critical incident on customised vitrified incident, or an those who were victims of earthenware. Over the past accumulation of incidents, the event, be they primary year, potter Michael can result in stress victims, i.e. those directly Boland, a native of reactions in any individual traumatised by the event or Potarlington, has trained or group of individuals. other members of staff who the clients of Arus Eoghan What is Critical have been indirectly in the many skills involved incident Debriefing? traumatised by the in producing earthenware • Critical Incident incident. of this quality. Debriefing is a meeting • Accelerate recovery PICTURED AT THE FORMAL LAUNCH OF THE COMMEMORATE PLATE Arus Eoghain now between two trained processes in people who Front row (l to r): Edwin Foran, Arus Eoghain, Aideen Dooley, daughter of Joe Dooley and Ann intends to market debriefers and staff which are experiencing stress Foran, Arus Eoghain. Back row: Paudge Mulhare, Margaret Carr, occupational therapist and co- customised earthenware to provides an opportunity to reactions to abnormal ordinator, Arus Eoghain, Michael Duignan, Joe Errity, Billy Dooley, John Ryan, Joe Dooley and the corporate sector. meet and review thoughts, traumatic events Josephine Brennan, Arus Eoghain.