Issue 8 - March 2002 (545Kb)
Rights Eastern Regional Health Authority
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Find this and similar works at - http://www.lenus.ie/hse Newsletter 22.2.02 6/24/03 2:59 PM Page 1
ERHA TIMES www.erha.ie
ISSUE 08 - march 2002
ERHA welcomes over 300 additional beds for the Eastern Region New Director of Public Health for The Chief Executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, Mr. Donal O Shea has warmly welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Health & Children, Mr. Micheál Martin, T.D.that over 300 additional beds have been approved for the eastern region. Eastern Regional Health Authority He said they would make a significant continue to work with the hospitals in the region The breakdown of additional beds is as follows: contribution towards addressing the shortage of to ensure that the optimum use will be achieved St. James's Hospital 74 beds beds in the East and enabling the Authority to from beds and will support the hospitals in Dr. Marie Laffoy has been appointed as the carry out the work it wanted to do this year. initiatives to recruit and retain staff. St. Vincent's University Hospital, new Director of Public Health with the incorporating St. Michael's Hospital 42 beds Eastern Regional Health Authority. She He said he hoped the additional beds - which The Department of Health Beaumont Hospital 37 beds succeeds Dr. Brian P. O’Herlihy, who is will result in an increase of over 8% in the stepping down from the post of Director of Naas General Hospital 91 beds number of total acute beds in the region - will and Children has approved Public Health on the conclusion of his reduce the pressure on Accident & Emergency funding for an additional 335 Temple Street Hospital 14 beds contractual period. Dr. O’Herlihy will Departments and enable the Authority to make a St. Joseph's Hospital 70 beds continue to work in the Department of real impact on waiting lists. The Authority will beds in the Eastern Region AMINCH 7 beds Public Health for the present.
ERHA Board approves a €2.72 billion plan for services in 2002
The Board of the Eastern Regional Health Authority has approved a €2.72 billion plan for the provision of health and personal social services for the 1.5 million people in the Eastern Region of Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare.
This plan will help structure This is an increase of €560 million over last year when the sum amounted to €1.94 billion. A the planning of Healthcare in total of €181 million will be spent on the our Region in an integrated, development of new services. streamlined fashion, enabling The priority for 2002 would be to consolidate services, review the efficiency and effectiveness us to make the best use of of the existing services, ensure that information valued human resources. is utilised in a strategic way to share best practice with healthcare providers, and to advocate for an equitable distribution of
resources based on identified need in the The Regional Chief Executive of the Eastern Regional Health Eastern Region. It supports the vision of the Authority Mr. Donal O Shea, with the newly appointed Director Health Strategy by working towards a responsive of Public Health Dr. Marie Laffoy, and the outgoing Director, Dr. Inside this issue... and fair health system that supports, listens to, Brian O’Herlihy. and empowers the individual to achieve their full health potential. A native of Mullingar, Co.Westmeath, Dr. Laffoy graduated from the National University of Ireland, Ald. Ivor Callely, T.D., Chairman of the Eastern Regional Health A detailed report on this year’s Service Plan 03 There has been a drop Authority, which has announced details of its Service Plan for appears on pages 6,7 and 8. Galway. She did her higher training in public in cancer deaths in the the year 2002. health in Dublin with the Faculty of Public Health Eastern Region, Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians in according to the latest report of the ERHA’s Ireland and the former Eastern Health Board. Department of Public She received her Membership of the Faculty of Health The National Health Strategy Launched Public Health of the RCPI in 1991 and her Fellowship in 1996. She was appointed a specialist The Regional Chief Executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, Mr. Donal O Shea has 05 What the National in public health medicine with the Eastern Health said that the National Health Strategy, launched at the end of last year, would enable the Health Strategy Means Board in 1995. Authority to build on work which it has already done. She received her MBA in 1996 and became a He said the initiatives outlined in the Strategy Mr. O Shea said it has identified that with Public Health Specialist with the ERHA on its enable the ERHA to deal with issues already additional funding it is in a position to extend establishment on March 1, 2000. identified by the Authority as requiring urgent significantly the numbers currently on waiting She was a Member of the Board of the EHB and action. lists who can be treated privately either in Dublin was elected a Member of the Board of the ERHA or in other countries. 06 Services for Children He said that he was particularly pleased with the in March 2000. Dr. Laffoy’s main interests include 07 and Families are among decision to increase the number of beds. The Last year the ERHA arranged for 500 public implementation of the cancer strategy, planning 08 those which will benefit ERHA has already identified ways and means by patients on the waiting lists to have their and evaluation of acute hospital service and from funding allocated under this year’s ERHA which several hundred additional beds can treatment done privately in Dublin, and for 54 accident prevention. She has published widely in service plan quickly be brought into operation in the east. children on the waiting list for heart surgery to national and international journals on these topics. be treated privately in the United States and the These include developments in public and private Dr. Laffoy, who is married with two children, took United Kingdom to date. hospitals which have already been negotiated by up her new post on February 1st. 12 Dr. Michael Geary, new the Authority. Other details of the Health Strategy are on The Eastern Health Board Department of Public Master of the Rotunda, page 5. For a full report on the Health Since its establishment, the ERHA has been Health was set up by Dr. Brian O’Herlihy in 1995 is among the new Strategy, visit the ERHA website on appointments arranging for public patients to be taken off the when the specialty of public health was first www.ERHA.ie waiting lists by having them treated in private established. Dr. O’Herlihy subsequently went on to hospitals both at home and abroad. become Director of Public Health with the ERHA.
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Public Health Report Launch
Drop in Cancer Deaths in the Eastern Region Need for National Strategy on Injury Prevention
Research by the ERHA Public Health Department has shown that the death rate from cancer The report calls for a national strategy on injury control is required, the ERHA is urging, and it is for men living in the east dropped by over 8% and the death rate for women in the east prevention and control as well as a sharp recommending action on a number of fronts, dropped by 9.7% between 1992 and 1999. reduction in the drink-driving limits and including road traffic accidents, accidental programmes to prevent falls in the elderly. poisoning, and fall prevention for the elderly.
ERHA Director of Public Health, Dr. Brian O’Herlihy The ERHA’s department of Public Health is said there are up to 1,500 deaths due to recommending that unintentional injury in Ireland each year. In terms •Permissible levels of blood alcohol should be of years of life lost, injury is one of the most reduced from 80mg/100 mls to 50 mg/100 important causes of death. Males have a higher mls. This is most urgent and will lead to a incidence rate, hospital admission rate, and death substantial reduction in alcohol-related RTAs rate from injury than females. • Speed limits in urban areas should be reduced Death rates are unacceptably high at from 30 mph to 20 mph in keeping with 18.4/100,000 for males and 5.7/100,000 for evidence on the effectiveness of this measure females. Though mortality due to road traffic •Random breath testing should be commenced accidents in the eastern region is the lowest in the country, averaging 140.5 in the years 1993 - • The penalty point system should be introduced 1997, compared to a national average of 179.4, without further delay injuries exert a massive toll. •A review of the national strategy on RTA prevention. A national strategy on injury prevention and
Death rates from Heart Disease fall in the East At the launch of the Public Health Report were Eastern Regional Health Authority Public Health Specialists Dr. Lelia Thornton; Dr. Joan but there is still a lot of work to do O’Donnell, Dr. Catherine Hayes, Dr. Freda O Neill, Dr. Geraldine Sayers, and Dr. Siobhan Jennings.
There has been a significant drop in death rates Dr. O’Herlihy said that the very significant drop in The premature death rate from heart disease in improvements have been made in many areas: the eastern region has fallen from 54 per from the common cancers in the eastern region death rates in the east from breast cancer and •Health promotion infrastructure and campaigns 100,000 to 43.01 per 100,000 in the last decade according to the annual report of the Eastern colorectal cancer is to be welcomed. targeting smoking especially in young people. Regional Health Authority’s Department of Public according to the report. However, the much smaller drop in death rates •Aspirin training, provision of semi-automatic Health. from lung cancer among women is a cause of ERHA Director of Public Health, Dr. Brian O’Herlihy defibrillators and audit structures in the ERHA Director of Public Health, Dr. Brian O’Herlihy concern and reflects the need for all the various said that deaths from heart disease are declining ambulance service in the eastern region and that the region has said that this has come about at a time when interests to re-double their efforts to discourage • Hospital initiatives including chest pain significantly lower mortality rates compared with there has been a dramatic increase in the level young people from smoking and to promote assessment centres in a number of hospitals, Ireland as a whole. However, the region still lags of hospital treatments carried out for cancer smoking cessation. resuscitation training, improving cardiac which in turn reflects a combination of more behind the European average and much remains This ERHA has approved and funded a Health technical expertise effective treatments and earlier detection. to be done. Promotion Officer for each of the three Area •Establishment of cardiac rehabilitation in all In the case of breast cancer death rates of Health Boards in the region with specific The Region has received two years of initiative nine hospitals women under 65 dropped by well over a fifth. In responsibility for cancer prevention, particularly funding for cardiovascular health to date, and this same period hospitalisation for breast cancer lung cancer and skin cancer. treatment increased by about 45% in the region. The incidence of Meningitis C, AIDS and TB has Breast cancer is the second commonest cause of fallen in the eastern region in the past year. Cardiovascular Health Information Forum cancer death in women. Dr. Brian O’Herlihy said that the incidence of The male death rate from colorectal cancer, the meningitis C has come down by 77% in the first A one day meeting for representatives of hospitals, local authorities, community workers and voluntary agencies was held recently to second commonest cause of cancer death overall half of 2000 while the number of AIDS cases has consider the intermim report of the six subgroups of the Cardiovascular Health Strategy. An action plan is currently being developed from dropped by 10% while the rate for women went fallen by over 62% and the number of TB cases the meeting and will be launched soon. At the Information Meeting and Discussion Forum were, back row from left, Ms. Niamh O Rourke, Cardiovascular Health Strategy Project Manager, East Coast Area Health Board; Ms. Margaret O Neill, Dietitian Manager South down by over 18%. by over 19% western Area Health Board, Ms. Maureen McGowna, Dietician Manager, East Coast Area Health Board; Ger Hogan, Cardiac Nurse Lung cancer is the commonest cause of cancer He said the drop in meningitis C is attributed to Specialist, Teresa Dixon, Senior Staff Nurse, Sr. Joan Love, Cardiology, AMINCH; Ms. Helen Newton, Cardiac Rehabilitation Co-Ordinator, Beaumont; Clare Keen, Pharmacist, ECAHB; and Ms. Yvonne Milner; Middler Row, Ms. Niamh Murphy, Data Analyst, ERHA, Ray Bonner, death in the western world. the effectiveness of the national vaccination Cardiac Services, Kildare County Council, Kevin Finnan, Maureen Mulvihill, Irish Heart Foundation Carol Pye, St. Vincent's Univeristy campaign and is also reflected nationally. The death rate from lung cancer for men in the Hospital; Ms. Olivia Magee, Administrator, CVHS; Ms Bernie Clarke, Administrator, CVHS; Mr.Gerry Hanley, Operations Manager, Northern Area Health Board; Ms. Doneen Bracken, Physiotherapy Manager, James Connolly Memoiral Hospital; Ms Colma Nic Lughadha, Health east fell by over one fifth in the ten year period. While the number of AIDS cases has fallen in the Promotions Officer, Irish Heart Foundation; Ms. Karen McNeill, Information Analyst, ERHA; Ms. Leta Griffin, Practice Nurses' Association; Ms. For women the decline in death rates for this eastern region from 27 in 1999 to 10 in 2000, Sophie Charles, Cardiac Rehabilitation Co-Ordinator, Irish Association of Cardiac RehabilitationMs. Louise McMahon, Senior Commissioner, disease was disappointingly small at 5.5% in the the number of positive HIV diagnoses has ERHA; Mr. Brian Maurer, Director of Cardiology, St. Vincent's University Hospital; Ms. Bridie Kelly, ICT Adviser, ERHA; Dr. Kevin O Doherty, east.In the east 586 people died from lung increased. Nationally, there was an increase of GP Unit, ECAHB; Ms. Catherine McDaid, Deputy CEO, AMINCH; (front Row, left to right) Ms. Maria Lordan Dunphy, Director of Health cancer in 1999, of whom 158 were under the HIV diagnoses from 209 in 1999 to 342 in 2000. Promotion, Northern Area Health Board; Ms. Deborah Matthews, Crest Cirectorate, St. James's; Ms. Pauline Bryan, Director of Primary care, SWAHB; Ms. Siobhan FitzPatrick, CVHS Project Manager, SWAHB; Ms. Martina Queally, Director of Health Promotion SWAHB Dr. Siobhan age of 65. Of these, 78% were resident in the east. Jennings, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, ERHA, Ms. Bernadette Kiberd, CVHS Project Manager, ERHA; Ms. Michelle Burns, Administrator, CVHS, ERHA; Dr. Catherine Hayes, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, ERHA.
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Nurses’ Week at the Mater
The first ever Nurses Week to be held in Ireland was opened at the Mater Hospital. It was a Celebration of Nursing Past, Present and Future. The programme of lectures, exhibitions and social events - involving many departments of the hospital - ran during the first week of February.
Front row: Dr. Conor Keane, Secretary, Medical Executive; Sr. Margherita Rock, An Teaoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T. D., Mr. Frank Pictured during a visit to the Mater Spinal Injuries Unit during Nurses’ Week were Staff Nurse John Staff Nurse Seamus Hanney with An McManus, Chairman, Medical Executive; Ms. Anne Carrigy, Director of Nursing; Mr. Martin Cowley, Chief Executive Officer, & Mr. Apale; Mr. Frank McManus, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon; Sr. Breda Coyle, An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, TD., during Brian Conlan, General Manager. Middle row: members of the nursing staff, Ms. Noreen Keane, Ms. Una Marren, Ms. Vanessa Scott, Ahern, T.D., Staff Nurse Geraldine Jordan, Staff Nurse Josephine Milan, and Staff Nurse Jacqui Byrne. Nurses’ Week at the Mater. Ms. Breda Doyle & Ms. Mary Cassidy. Back row: Ms. Elizabeth Whelan, Ms. Niamh McShane, Ms. Sinead Hanley & Ms. Roisin Farrell.
National Health Strategy 2002-2011 at a Glance
The following is a quick look at some of the main points of Quality & Fairness, The National Health Strategy 2002 - 2011. A full version of the Strategy can be downloaded from the ERHA Website - www.erha.ie
PREVENTION •More support will be introduced for people in drug misusers will be advanced will be designated for public patients. Of these •National Injury Strategy will be drawn up which informal caregiving 3,000 beds, 650 will be provided by the end of will particularly target children and older people •Proposals on the financing of long-term care for MENTAL HEALTH 2002 • Action through the cardiovascular and cancer older people will be brought forward •New action programme for mental health will be •National Hospital Agency will advise the DoH&C strategies to tackle premature deaths from developed on the location of the beds and the specialties in cancer and cardiovascular disease, with particular PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES •Mental Health Service for children and which they will be provided emphasis on screening • There will be more residential care places adolescents will be expanded •Target dates for hospital admission - By end of •Programmes of screening for breast and cervical •More day, community services, respite care and • Suicide prevention programmes will be 2004 all public patients are scheduled to cancer extended nationally support services will be provided intensified commence treatment within a maximum of •Initiatives taken to improve children’s health •National policy for provision of sheltered work for •A programme of investment will take place in three months of referral from out-patient •Measures to promote sexual health and safer people with disabilities will be developed both Acute Psychiatric Units and Community Care departments. The end of 2002 target for adults is sexual practices •Complete programme to transfer people with an services, i.e. community nursing, day centres, 12 months and six months for children. The end intellectual disability currently in psychiatric hostels and day hospitals, training and work of 2003 target for adults is six months and for ENTITLEMENTS hospitals to appropriate accommodation as soon programmes and family support children three months. •Health funding will continue to be tax based as possible and not later than end 2006 •Action may be taken to suspend admission of •Maternity & Infant care scheme will be extended •Investment to provided appropriate support CRISIS PREGNANCY private patients for elective treatment if the from 2 to 6 visits and general health will also be services for people with autism •Comprehensive strategy to address crisis maximum target waiting time for public patients covered in this scheme pregnancy will be prepared is exceeded • Services will be patient centred with emphasis PEOPLE WITH PHYSCIAL AND SENSORY •A Treatment Purchase Fund established to enable on the need for all patients to be treated with DISABILITIES PALLIATIVE CARE people on waiting lists to be treated privately at dignity and respect •A programme of investment will take place in •A national palliative care service will be home or abroad subject to their agreement and •Statutory Social Services Inspectors will have the following services: Home support services, developed that of their doctors remit extended to services for older persons and respite care, day care places, residential care, •Waiting Lists will be managed by specialty rather people with disabilities. training and other multidisciplinary support REHABILITATION SERVICES than individual consultant services. • Action plan for rehabilitation services will be • Additional consultants will be provided CUSTOMER CARE • An action plan for rehabilitation services will be prepared •Minor Injury Units will be established in A & E •Statutory complaint system will be introduced prepared Hospitals and Advanced Nurse Practitioners with independent review DENTAL SERVICES appointed. •Better communications with patients whereby AIDS STRATEGY •More widespread use of private sector • Hospital Accreditation Programme their conditions and treatment options must be • Resources will be provided to support full orthodontic services from 2002 onwards •Health Information and Quality Authority will be fully explained to them implementation of AIDS Strategy 2000 established • Each Health Board will set up a Consumer Panel ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE •More clinical accountability •People will have a say in how services are TRAVELLERS •Licensing of alternative medicines will be provided •Health of Travellers will be improved examined IMPLEMENTATION •Monitoring & Evaluation introduced at national OLDER PERSONS HOMELESS PEOPLE ACUTE HOSPITALS and regional levels • Subventions for home care for older persons will •Initiatives to improve health and well-being of •Greater flexibility and specific appointment times •Implementation Team established in the ERHA be introduced homeless people will be advanced given and the three Area Health Boards in the east •Grants will be introduced to provide 2 weeks DRUG MISUSERS •3,000 additional acute beds will be provided •Wider stakeholders involvement in consultation respite care per year for dependent older people •Initiatives to improve health and well-being of over the lifetime of the strategy. All these beds process.
Primary Care - A New Direction: At a Glance
The new Primary Care Strategy was launched at the end of November. The following is a brief summary of some of the main features of the document:
• 400-600 new primary care teams will be provided and social care professionals, which will include a •Primary care teams will liaise with specialist asthma over the next 10 years Chiropodist, Community Welfare Officer, teams in the community, including those working • Support will be provided to help patients in the •Additional investment involved will be £1.5 bn Community Pharmacist, Dentist, Dietician, in palliative care, mental health, childcare, home and thus reduce the need for crisis hospital •The teams will consist of a General Practitioner, Psychologist and Speech and Language Therapist disabilities, special client groups e.g. homeless admissions Nurse/Midwife, Healthcare assistant, Home Help, • Everybody in the country will be encouraged on a people, travellers and older persons •Many primary care services will be provided in a Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social voluntary basis to enrol with a primary care team •Primary care teams will have direct access to ‘one stop shop’ setting Worker, Receptionist, Clerical Officer and • Services will be more flexible to accommodate appropriate hospital based diagnostic services •Direct telephone & internet access for the public to Administrator. those who work during the day and essential •Community based regional diagnostic centres to information, advice and triage services will be provided •Each team will serve a population of 3,000 - services will be provided on a 24 hour basis support primary care will be piloted • GP co-operatives will be extended 7,000 people, depending on region •Income guidelines for medical cards will be • There will be improved shared care arrangements • 500 additional GPs and 2,000 additional nurses • They will work with a wider network of health increased for patient with condition such as diabetes and will be required
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1000th Patient Operated on at St. James’s Women’s Health Project Marks 10 Years of Cardiac Unit Work in the Eastern Region
The Minister for Health The Women’s Health Project celebrated ten years women in prostitution became evident. The Mr. Micheál Martin, of work in the eastern region when the Minister women’s needs were also highlighted by the T.D., on a recent visit of State at the Department of Justice, Equality & Good Shepherd Sisters, the Ruhama Project and to the Keith Shaw Cardiac Unit at St. Law Reform, Ms Mary Wallace T.D., opened a the women themselves. seminar to mark the occasion. James’s Hospital with In 1991, The Women’s Health Project was heart patient Mr. John Condon, of Rathmines, Mr. Michael Lyons, Chief Executive Officer of the established in Baggot St. Clinic. It aims to Dublin, who had East Coast Area Health Board which administers promote the health and well-being of women in surgery three days the project, congratulated the members of the prostitution by providing a non-judgemental, before this picture was Project for their work over the last ten years. confidential service. taken. The Women’s Health Project grew out of a broader HIV/AIDS Prevention Strategy started by The Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Ms. Mary Wallace, T.D., with the Chief Executive of the former Eastern Health Board in 1988. During the East Coast Area Health Board, Mr. Michael Lyons, at the the course of this Strategy the particular needs of seminar marking ten years of the Women’s Health Project.
The Cardiac Surgery Unit at St James’s Hospital facility, a fifteen bed cardiac surgery ward and has considerably exceeded its target of 450 two dedicated theatres. procedures per annum for the second year. This The Unit opened in February 2000 and since then has helped to reduce the national waiting list for a full range of elective and emergency adult cardiac surgery from a longest period of five cardiac procedures have been performed on years two years ago, to six months at present. patients ranging in age from 18 to 85. It includes The unit hosted its 1000th cardiac surgery patient very advanced clinical technology and patient in December. management systems, innovative use of More than 50% of patients who have operations advanced nurse practitioners and a pre-admission wait for less than one month and many clinic. A support staff of physiotherapists and procedures are carried out within days of occupational health and rehabilitation nurses also diagnosis. The surgical Unit cost £6 million to work at the Unit. develop and includes a six bed intensive care
The Dark Horse Project Launched by ERHA Chairman. St. Joseph’s visit
Pictured at the presentation of certificates for participants in the Dark Horse Venture were the Lord Mayor, Cllr. Michael Mulcahy, and the Chairman of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, Cllr. Ivor Callely, TD., with participants Ms Phyllis Symes, Ms Breda Evens, and Ms. Pauline O'Toole. The Dark Horse Venture is an award scheme for people over 55. It aims to provide new opportunities for individual self-discovery by offering an overall framework for the development of interests, enthusiasms and involvement in certain activities. These activities include Giving & Sharing, Learning and Doing, Exploring & Exercising and Generations Working together. At the presentation, held Ald. Ivor Callely, T.D., Chairman, Eastern Regional Health in the Civic Offices, certificates were presented to Authority, Cllr. Anne Devitt, Chairman of the Northern Area groups from Crumlin, Artane, Blanchardstown, Swords, Health Board, Mr. Liam Fitzgerald, T.D., and Dr Sean O’Toole G.P. The Naul and Carlow pictured during a visit by public representatives to St. Joseph’s Hospital, Raheny. Full Out-Patient Rehabilitation should be available for Stroke Victims says ERHA
“The ERHA has taken a policy decision that full Mr. O Shea said that mortality from stroke had It is ERHA policy to develop active programmes out-patient rehabilitation should be made been falling for some decades. The death rate for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention for available for all stroke patients discharged to the among Irish men declined by 47%, while it fell stroke. The primary prevention could most community and that community services should by 52% among Irish women in the 20 years usefully be undertaken in conjunction with the be developed to encompass the full between the early 1970s and the early 1990s. Cardiovascular Initiative. interdisciplinary team,” said the Regional Chief However, most strokes occur in the over 65s. “Your research suggests that Stroke Units can Executive, Mr. Donal O Shea, when he launched a Therefore, the incidence of stroke can be reduce mortality from strokes by 25% at one Ald. Ivor Callely, T.D., Chairman, Eastern Regional Health report by the Irish Heart Foundation on stroke expected to increase in the coming years, in line year and can also result in substantial reductions Authority, Ms. Teresa Ayres, Hospital Manager, St. Joseph’s prevention. Hospital, Raheny, Deputy Sean Haughey T.D. and Dr Sean with the projected increase in the number of in the levels of dependency” he said. “The ERHA O’Toole G.P. pictured during a visit by public representatives to The report also deals with how mortality and older persons. will support the setting up of well-organised St. Joseph’s Hospital, Raheny. morbidity can be reduced in cases where people services for acute stroke patients. These services “Stroke is an illness with a very significant do suffer a stroke. should provide comprehensive care centred on personal and societal impact. It is the most an integrated multidisciplinary team which has a Over eight per cent of all deaths in Ireland each common cause of acquired physical disability and specialist interest in stroke rehabilitation. year are caused by stroke. It accounts for 6.8% of is the cause of the second most common form of deaths among Irish men and 7.6% in Irish dementia, vascular dementia” said Mr. O Shea. “The stroke unit approach places the patient women aged between 65-74. under the direct care of a team led by a It is second only to dementia as the most physician with specialist expertise in stroke. The report produced by the Council on Stroke: expensive illness in health and social care costs Acute treatment and rehabilitation should ideally and these costs exceed those of either cancer or •Outlines current best practice in stroke take place as part of a continuum. ischaemic heart disease, he added. prevention, treatment and rehabilitation “There are already 10 specialist beds for stroke There are in the region of 8,000 people admitted •Provides a consensus-derived and realistic patients in Tallaght and the Mater plans to to hospital in Ireland due to acute strokes each Mr. Tommy Broughan T.D., Mr. Liam Fitzgerald T.D., Mr. Sean basis for the development of healthcare policy establish six specialist stroke beds from so that the principles of the Health Strategy year while an estimated 30,000 people in the Haughey, T.D., Cllr. John Stafford, Cllr. Anne Devitt, Chairman of December 2001. St. Vincent’s established a the Northern Area Health Board and Ald. Ivor Callely, Chairman can be fully implemented for people with country have residual disability as a result of a stroke rehabilitation team 10 years ago which is of the Eastern Regional Health Authority pictured at a visit to St. stroke. stroke. effective” he said. Joseph’s Hospital, Raheny.
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Service Developments and Expansions in 2002
Health in the Eastern Region has never been better, but a Growing Population poses challenges for Services
The health of people in the Eastern Region has improved greatly in the last three decades and has never been better, it is revealed in the Eastern Regional Health Authority’s Service Plan for 2002, which has just been approved.
However, hospital usage is increasing due to a “Births have increased by 9% between 1989 and The pre-natal mortality rate for 1998 was 9.7 per cancers, suicide and road traffic accidents is high variety of factors such as the ageing population, 1999. In addition there has been a huge increase 1000, and is amongst the lowest in the country. compared to EU averages,“ Mr. O Shea said. the increase in the numbers in the number of births to “Strategies for reduction are essential, including Life expectancy at birth has increased by 6.9% of people with chronic non-nationals, with different implementing the recommendations of the for men and by 7.5% for women since 1970. diseases, who are now living Age-standardised cultural norms to the Irish report of the National Suicide Task Force, the However, life expectancy at older ages has not longer, better medical population,” the Eastern Cardiovascular Strategy, the Cancer Strategy and mortality rates for the increased significantly. technology and increasing Regional Health Authority the Road to Safety, published in 1997. patient expectations. The Eastern Region have Regional Chief Executive, Mr. The population of the eastern region is growing, Inequalities in health status have been identified Eastern Region accounts for Donal O Shea, said. “This and will account for 38% of the total national fallen by over one-third within the Eastern Region, he added. Large parts 41% of hospital activity needs to be addressed in the population by the year 2011. Between 1996 - of the north and south inner city, which have nationally. This activity in the east between provision of maternity 2011 the number aged 65 and over will increase high levels of deprivation, also have high levels increased by 11% between services. In addition, up to by 35,000 and those aged 75 and over will 1968 and 1999. of heart disease. Similarly, eastern and western 1994 and 1998. Day cases 80% of the immigrant increase by 10,000. The 45-64 age group is the inner city deprived areas show some of the have increased by 45% since 1994, with the population is in the 15-44 age group, which also fastest growing age group, set to increase by highest levels of lung cancer. The Regional Chief greatest increase in the older age groups. has implications for maternity and child health 90% in the period between 1981 and 2011. This Executive said that inter-sectoral collaboration is services”. increase in the numbers of older people in the Twenty per cent of hospital activity in the Eastern required to address these issues. Immunisation population will have an obvious impact on the Region involved patients living in other health Infant Mortality rates have improved in the rates fall short of those recommended and use of hospital and community services. board areas. Region, falling from 11.87 per 1,000 live births in urgent action is required to prevent outbreaks of 1980 to 5.42 in 1999. “Premature mortality from cardiovascular disease, vaccine-preventable infectious diseases.
Foster care amongst the Services for Children & Families which will benefit in ERHA Service Plan
unaccompanied by an adult. Last year in the •Continued development of family planning and period January to August, 816 referrals were pregnancy counselling services received, compared to 98 in 1999, and 520 in •Expansion and development of services for child 2000. and adolescent psychiatry. In addition to €2.920 which goes to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry from the overall Mental Health allocation, a sum of €0.953 was allocated through the disability programme for health- related support services for children with autism. This provides for health-related support services for such children, of which €0.794m will be provided to support outreach services in the region and for extra hostel staff to increase respite places.
The funding will also allow for
•Expansion of family support services • Supporting the implementation of the Youth Homelessness Strategy Children who may be seriously ill can still have fun at Barrettstown Gang Camp in Co. Kildare. Founded by Hollywood film star Paul •Strengthening existing Springboard projects and Newman in 1994, the camp is to benefit from funding from the ERHA this year. establishing additional projects The Eastern Regional Health Authority will spend €1.905m will be allocated to complete the •Provision of services for unaccompanied minors. € an additional 20.34 million on services for development of high support/special care units in •Continued implementation of the Child First children and families in 2002. the region. A total of 24 beds will be available in national guidelines for the protection and Ballydowd when fully open. Crannog Nua in €5.637m will be allocated to foster care services, welfare of children Portrane will also have a total of 24 available beds which will allow for the payment of €270.30 for •Costs of providing high support/special care in when fully operational. children less than 12 years of age, and €296.18 for Crannog Nua, Portrane children over 12 from January 1st this year. There €1.397 will be allocated for the provision of •Establishment of pilot projects in relation to Another happy shot from Barrettstown Gang Camp, which runs are approximately 1,197 children in foster care in services for unaccompanied minors - children alternatives to care for children with serious a summer initiative for seriously ill children. The initiative will the region at any one time. under 18 who arrived in Ireland seeking asylum behavioural difficulties be funded by the ERHA this year.
More Residential, Respite, and Day Places for People with Intellectual Disabilities
This year the ERHA will spend an additional Communities; enhance day and other support including new places for clients with Autistic speech and language, occupational and €16.125 million on developments for persons services in St. Joseph’s Services at St. Ita’s, Spectrum. New respite care assistants will be physiotherapy services with intellectual disabilities. Portrane and support the Special Olympics. appointed, reflecting the Authority’s • The Authority will support the provision of over commitment to develop innovative, family New developments will include: A total of 8,598 persons are registered on the 1,000 holiday and other types of respite friendly, non-residential respite programmes National Intellectual Disability Database; 2,932 breaks for children and adults • 56 Residential places: €2.54m • 227 new day places will be provided are in receipt of 5 or 7 day residential services, • Enhancement of services for ageing clients to • 35 Respite places: €1.78m •A Regional Specialist Service for clients with including foster care, and 7,996 are in receipt of ensure that age-appropriate accommodation € Intellectual Disability and Challenging • 227 Day places: 3.61m day services. and other support is established and Behaviour and/or Psychiatric Illness will be • Specialist Support Services: €0.63m maintained for them Services will be developed as follows: initiated •New rehabilitative training places: €2.43m •Continuing support for the development of • 150 new rehabilitative training places will be • 56 new residential places will be provided in Additional funding will also enhance support health-related services for children with provided and 4.4 additional guidance services in the Gheel Autism services; increase the region for clients of greatest need intellectual disabilities in mainstream and counsellors will be appointed in the Area the core budget base for the Camphill • 35 new respite beds will be provided, specialist schools including the appointment of Health Boards
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Service Developments and Expansions in 2002
Services for Young Chronic sick people receive a boost from ERHA
The Authority will spend a total of €12.69million support services, providing for an additional Royal Hospital, Donnybrook, and 2 at Peamount on new and expanded services for people with estimated 10,000 support service hours. Hospital, with potential for the provision of a physical and sensory disabilities in the region this • €0.91m on the development and expansion of further 4 beds by the Multiple Sclerosis year. Spending will include: therapy services, to be addressed primarily at Association. € • €0.63m to the National Rehabilitation Board for local level, including the appointment of • 2.30m towards addressing the under- its Aids and Appliances Initiative community support workers, speech and resourcing of various voluntary sector service language therapists, psychologists, occupational providers •A further €0.06m towards associated costs for therapists and a mobility officer and other € aids and appliances • 0.14m to the Mobility Allowance Scheme therapists in the three Area Health Boards € • €0.45m towards the continued enhancement • 0.416m to the devolution of the Community • €1.23m for the establishment and expansion of and expansion of Home Support Services, Audiology Services to the individual Area Health Development work under way at the Royal Hospital, Donnybrook, services for the Young Chronic Sick, including an € including the provision of Personal Assistance Boards, from the Northern Area, and to facilitate where 1.23million funding from the ERHA will provide an additional 14 beds for this care group at the additional 14 beds for Young Chronic Sick people this year. services, and the development of respite and capital developments.
ERHA Drugs Services to target young and binge drinkers
This year the Eastern Regional Health Authority ERHA Regional Chief Executive Mr. Donal O Shea changes to service provision and capacity to deal programmes are offered in partnership between will spend €2.32m on developments in services said that concern had been expressed about with requirements in line with compliance and Health Boards and a number of voluntary for alcohol and drug misusers, including those in significant increases in drinking among those best practice. agencies, providing a wide range of treatment prisons. aged between 20 and 29, and there has also options. Keltoi opened in 2001 as a dedicated Where opiate addiction is concerned, the been a dramatic increase in binge drinking, Rehabilitation Centre and is fully operational. An additional 784 treatment places for drug Authority is continuing to fund education and particularly among adolescents. Services are also provided by Soilse and Saol. misusers were established throughout the region prevention programmes throughout the region, in 2001. Currently, 5,844 clients are receiving In the light of this situation, the Authority aims to with education teams actively involved, methadone treatment, an increase of 15.5% develop and expand its services facilitating frequently in conjunction with voluntary, statutory since January 2001. This includes approximately treatment for alcoholism, mainly on a non- and community groups. Outreach workers in all 200 drug users in prisons. To date, 137 GPs are residential basis, using the intervention of trained Area Health Board areas are also active involved in the delivery of care to drug misusers, community personnel, in co-operation with GPs. participants in prevention programmes, as well while 169 pharmacists within the region are Services are primarily community-based, with as in treatment and rehabilitation initiatives. participating in methadone dispensing some facilities for detoxification offered at An innovative new programme, Young Adults in programmes. The mobile treatment service was secondary level. Programmes include prevention, Action, targeting young chaotic drug misusers, extended to include the Tallaght area during health promotion and a number of treatment many of whom are homeless, has been 2001. Support has been given to the 13 Local options. Life skills training and family therapy developed by the Drug Treatment Centre Board Drug Task Forces within the region; over 140 also play an important role. at Trinity Court. Drop-in Centres, respite facilities local projects have been positively evaluated and The Authority is planning a major review of and halfway houses have been found to be of over 60 have been mainstreamed within the alcohol services in the region in 2002, and when value in prevention of relapse. Aftercare and Trinity Court, where an innovative new programme for young drug health boards. this is concluded will make recommendations on outreach programmes are also offered. These misusers has been developed.
Health Services for Asylum Seekers will aim to encourage increased uptake of screening
This year the Eastern Regional Health Authority is (An additional amount of €1.397 has been experience a high level of psychosocial distress. lessening strain on acute services. Appropriate aiming to encourage increased numbers of allocated towards provision of health services for Mothers and children are particularly vulnerable. resources to facilitate management and follow-up asylum seekers to undergo health screening. unaccompanied minors and refugees.) The Regional Chief Executive of the ERHA, Mr. of clients with infectious diseases will also be put Plans for an enhanced screening service include a Donal O Shea said the growth in numbers has in place, and attention paid to improving Numbers of asylum seekers entering the country new 400-bed Reception Centre, which is being increased demand for health services, both at immunisation coverage. As health promotion is a are steadily increasing. Last year, 8,459 entered developed in Finglas. primary care level and within acute hospitals. particularly important component of service between January and the end of October 2001. provision to asylum seekers, the development of The effects have been particularly noted in This compares with 10,938 in the a peer led programme of health information and maternity hospitals, while acute hospitals have full year of 2,000. Numbers of promotion will be facilitated. reported significant services usage in Accident and unaccompanied minors are also Emergency departments and other areas. Public At all 6 reception centres in the Eastern Region, increasing. The health of many health nursing services, child health services and asylum seekers are offered general medical asylum seekers in general is community-based services have also experienced screening, as well as specific screening for compromised, and they can also increased demand. He said that in expanding diseases such as Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, TB and health screening, efforts would be made to polio. Access to GP and psychological counselling encourage greater numbers of asylum seekers to interventions are also available, as is a limited The new 400-bed Reception Centre for Asylum Seekers in Baleskin, St. Margaret’s, avail of it thereby range of interpreter services. where an enhanced health screening service will be provided with funding from the ERHA. Development of Mental Health Services Cancer Support & Screening Services will Expand The ERHA will continue to develop and expand Service developments in the current year include: services for mental health this year. An additional The Eastern Regional Health Authority will spend psychosocial counselling and support service within • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - €2.73 million €0.953m will be allocated for health-related an additional €8.46 million this year on cancer the Northern Area Board with links to statutory and € support services for Children with Autism. •Psychiatry of Old Age - 0.33m services, including symptomatic breast cancer and other voluntary providers in the area. • Adult Mental Health - €1.53m; breast screening, as well as radiotherapy services. The vision of the Authority is to provide a € Of the €0.280m allocated for counselling and Funding of 2.08m will support new consultant comprehensive mental health service, at the least • Advocacy developments and support for € support, the children’s cancer charity at Haematologists and Oncologists posts, which were level of complexity, to an excellent standard, with voluntary organisations - 0.46m; Barrettstown is due to receive €0.075m towards approved during 2001. the option for users to make an informed choice •Regional developments - €0.09m; and the cost of children’s care for the summer initiative from a range of options. •Mental health promotion and suicide prevention Data analysis undertaken in 2001 shows that there - this amounts to 50% of the total cost of the strategies - €0.12m. has been real health gain in terms of cancer The Authority will continue to emphasise the role service. survival in the Eastern Region, especially for breast played by positive psychological well being in A total of €4.29m will be spent on Adult An additional €0.220m has been earmarked for cancer, where the reduction in mortality in women contributing to overall heath and to ensure that the Psychiatry. This will include funding of projects ARC Cancer Support Centre. This will be a major under 65 years of age exceeds the target set out stigma associated with mental illness and accessing producing evidence-based approaches to suicide development in providing a comprehensive in the national cancer strategy. mental health services are continually tackled. prevention amounting to €0.12m.
ERHA TIMES - page 07 Newsletter 22.2.02 6/24/03 3:00 PM Page 8
Service Developments and Expansions in 2002
New Units and Services feature in Acute Heart Lung Transplant Service to get Hospitals Plan continuing support from ERHA
An architect’s model of Naas General Hospital, the further development of which will be funded by the ERHA this year. Mr. Freddie Wood, who heads the Heart/Lung Transplant Team at the Mater Hospital.
The Eastern Regional Health Authority will spend • €1.079m will fund improvements in acute The Eastern Regional Health Authority will spend Vincent’s University Hospital, and the Freeman an additional €56.557million on the acute haemodialysis services and the development €3.174m on the ongoing enhancement of Hospital in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. hospitals sector in the region in 2002. of other dialysis treatment programmes National Speciality Services this year, including During 2001, approximately 40 assessments for € the continued development of the Heart/Lung Among the areas being addressed are: • 1.900m will be spent on the further possible transplants were carried out, and 6 Transplant service through the Mater Hospital. development of additional cardiac surgery at heart/lung transplants were undertaken in the • €7.653 on commissioning new units and St. James’s Hospital, Our Lady’s Hospital for This involves collaboration between the Freeman Hospital. services. This includes the development of Sick Children, Crumlin, and the Mater Hospital Department of Health and Children, the Mater, St. A&E, day surgery, endoscopy, and in-patient •Funding of €13.96m will enable the Authority ward facilities in St. James’s Hospital; paediatric to purchase a total of 5,500 procedures as part haemophilia and haematology services; of its waiting list initiative. revenue costs of MRI scanners at Cappagh Carers and Community Units among services € Orthopaedic and the Children’s Hospital, •A sum of 5.818 million is being made Temple Street; and the commissioning of new available for the provision of services in the for Elderly to be developed this year facilities at Naas hospital designated hospitals for persons infected with Hepatitis C through blood and blood products. •Maternity hospital services will be developed Of this, €0.531 is going to liver units in the The Community to enable them to cope with increased activity designated hospitals; €0.381 million will go Unit for the levels and the impact on the service of asylum Elderly, Lusk, Co. on the provision of new facilities for children seekers. Dublin. This 50- with Hepatitis C at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick bedded • €4.815m to fund significant increases in Children, Crumlin; and €0.127 million for Residential/Respit charges for blood components, blood products enhanced patient support measures in the e and Day Care & related services arising from developments designated hospitals. Unit is managed at the Irish Blood Transfusion Service. by the Northern •A sum of €0.080m will be made available to Area Health Board • €3.687m for increased usage and cost of Temple Street Hospital for the continuation of and is one of the clotting factor products, including recombinant DNA-based typing of Nesseria meningitis new services for products, for persons with haemophilia. older people € • 1.534m will be provided to hospitals who being funded this • €1.905m for the development of palliative are providing cervical screening and year by the ERHA. care services. Money will be allocated to St. colposcopy services. Francis’ Hospice, Raheny, Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross, Drogheda Memorial Hospital, The Eastern Regional Health Authority will spend €23.546 Other developments to be funded include: and St. James’s Hospital. Development funds million on developing services for older people this year. •Home Help development € will also be made available to the area boards This includes 7.464 million for the Nursing Home •Grants to support carers of older people to support home care teams. Subvention Scheme, payments towards the cost of private • €0.599 million for improvement of community support •A total of €1.415 million will be provided for nursing home fees for over 1700 people. structures for the support of older people in their homes. •Developing new day care centre places Hospital and Lab Accreditation and Quality. New developments for the year include: •Increase support for Alzheimer’s Society services within • €3.105m in will be spent on the continued •A geriatrician’s post in North Dublin. the region. development of pre-hospital care and •The opening of a new Community Nursing Unit at Lusk, • The provision of rehabilitation services, increased day ambulance services. This includes €0.038m for Co. Dublin, and development of the CNU in Maynooth. care, additional aids and appliances, support to new services at the National Ambulance •Continuing support for the development programme at community and voluntary activity, and the introduction Training School including a programme on of specialist clinics for a range of conditions particularly The new scanner at Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital, the revenue the Royal Hospital, Donnybrook. Critical Incident Stress Debriefing costs of which will be funded by the ERHA this year. associated with old age.
Primary Care services to be enhanced and developed
departments, the Regional Chief Executive of the €2.891m will be provided for the incorporation In addition, there are also 429 public health Regional Health Authority, Mr. Donal O Shea said. of the Meningococcal C vaccine into the nurses; 113 practice nurses, and 389 community He was announcing that the Eastern Regional Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme. pharmacists. Other primary health care Health Authority will allocate an additional •Improvements in the ophthalmic services professionals include area medical officers, social €20.832m this year for service developments workers, community welfare officers, •The cost of providing the health and social within Primary Care. physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech needs of patients with Hepatitis C and language therapists, community psychiatric Key priorities for the year include nurses, community nutritionists, community Mr. O Shea said that the primary health care •Extension and enhancement of existing ophthalmic services, dental services, chiropody professionals with whom the patient mostly primary care such as GP co-operatives and out- services, psychology services, addiction GP co-operatives such as the South Inner City Partnership will made contact are General Practitioners, of whom be extended and enhanced under the ERHA’s Service Plan. of-hours services in the Region. counsellors, and meals-on-wheels services. there are 773 in the region - GPs operate either Between 15 and 16 million consultations in •Improved access to orthodontic services. single-handedly or in groups of two or more. “A wide range of voluntary organisations also general practice take place each year compared •The continued development of immunisation Within the Eastern Region, 64% of practices are provides valuable services to the community” Mr. to 1.9 million in the outpatient and A&E and vaccination programmes. Funding of single-handed. O Shea added.
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First National Family Based Respite Conference
The first national Family Based Respite Conference was opened by the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Dr. Tom Moffatt T.D., in November at All Hallows College, Dublin. Hosted by the Daughters of Charity Service, it attracted keen interest, and was well attended by a broad section of staff from intellectual disability & physical disability services throughout Ireland.
Pictured left: Mr. Walter Freyne, Director of services, Daughters of Charity Service, with Dr. Tom Moffatt, T.D., Minister for Food Safety and Older People at the Department of Health and Children, who spoke at the conference.
Pictured right: Mr. Des Hanrahan, St. John of God’s Services; Ms. Deirdre McTiegue, Daughters of Charity; Dr. Tom Moffat, T.D., Minister for Food Safety and Older People at the Department of Health and Children, Ms. Marion Duke, and Mr. Walter Freyne, Director of Services, Daughter of Charity Service for Persons with an Intellectual Disability, at the conference.
The purpose of the conference was to provide a made available to respite provision over the past national organisation to strengthen the voice of The conference was closed by Mr. Walter Freyne, forum for service providers to come together to number of years. However he acknowledged the all those involved in the area and that any Director of Services, Daughter of Charity Service share information and to discuss common need to support ongoing work in this area by network should be representative of all the for Persons with an Intellectual Disability. Mr. challenges, and to explore the support for setting providing adequate resources. parties including parents, carers and service users. Freyne encouraged the delegates to move up a national network. A discussion was held on how best to proceed forward with the energy and enthusiasm that The keynote speaker, Ms. Christine Lenehan, from and it was agreed that a list would be drawn up had been generated from the day. Family based respite has been in existence in the National Council for Disabled Children in the of all those interested in participating in Anyone interested in becoming involved in a Ireland since 1981. It is a service provided by U.K., stressed the importance of family based establishing a national network. The conference national network should contact: Eileen Carroll, carers in the community who are specially respite schemes, because they are cost effective organising committee indicated that they would Social worker, Child Study Centre, Navan Rd., recruited and trained to undertake the task of and provide quality support to children and facilitate the co-ordination of this group. Dublin 7. Telephone: 01- 838-3881. caring for a child or adult with an intellectual adults. She emphasised the importance of disability for short periods of time. working in partnership with families, children, carers and the community. One of the main Dr. Moffatt acknowledged the diversity and strengths of family based respite schemes is the richness of family based respite schemes around manner in which they strike a balance in the country. He welcomed the opportunity for addressing the needs of the main players in the services to come together to share information respite scenario. and to look toward the future of family based respite. The Minister spoke about the important Ms Lenehan acknowledged that family-based contribution that family-based respite has made respite complemented the philosophy of to the wider respite picture, as it offers a quality normalisation as it creates opportunities for respite service with flexibility and choice to service users to avail of respite in a non- families. He commended the exceptional institutional environment. She outlined the need commitment that carers have given, recognising to focus on the recruitment and retention of that they are the life-blood of these schemes. carers, with a view to adopting more imaginative Organisers of the conference Mr. Colman Parker, St. Michael’s House; Ms. Margaret Glacken, Brothers of charity; Ms. Eileen Carroll, The minister drew attention to the significant recruitment practices with regional and national Daughters of Charity Services; Mr. Des Hanrahan, St. John of God’s services, Ms. Kathleen Galagher, Daughters of Charity Service, and Mr. increase in resources that the government has approaches. It was felt that there is a role for a Walter Freyne, Director of Services, Daughters of Charity Service.
Senator Hillary Clinton among International Launch of the Public Access Defibrillation speakers at OHM Lecture Series Programme in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre
Senator Hillary Clinton is among those invited to deliver a series of lectures on key issues arising from the New Health Strategy, organised by the Office of Health Management.
The remaining lectures in the series take places as follows:
•People Centred Services Mr. David Begg, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, March 12th Radisson SAS Hotel, Galway, 3.30pm - 6.00pm •Organisation Development and the Leadership Challenge Dame Rennie Fritchie, Professor of Creative Leadership at York University April 10th, Great Southern Hotel, Dublin Airport, 3.30pm - 6.00pm •Healthcare and Politics Senator Hillary Clinton Mary 15th, Radisson SAS Hotel, Stillorgan, Dublin, 3.30pm - 6.00pm (To be confirmed). Reservations may be made from three weeks The Minister for Health and Children, Mr. Micheál Martin, T.D., prior to each lecture, with a closing date seven with Mr. Denis Doherty, Director of the Office for Health days beforehand. Places will be allocated on a Ms Mary Clegg, CPR Trainer and Dr. Derek Barton, Casualty Consultant of James Connolly Memorial Hospital (JCMH), Blanchardstown with Management when the Minister announced details of a lecture first-come first-served basis. The following is the series “The Strategic Challenge” which will address key issues Cllr. Anne Devitt, Chairman of the Northern Area Health Board pictured in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre at the launch of the Public emerging from the new Health Strategy. number for reservations: 01 618 8409. Access Defibrillation Programme developed by James Connolly Memorial Hospital.
ERHA TIMES - page 09 Newsletter 22.2.02 6/24/03 3:00 PM Page 10
Minister Opens New €2.54 million National Centre for Hereditary Coagulation Disorders
A new €2.54 million building to house the National Centre for Hereditary Coagulation Disorders (NCHCD) has been opened at St. James’s Hospital by the Minister for Health and Children, Micheál Martin TD. The purpose-built facility will enable the diagnosis and treatment from one specialised location of all coagulation disorders including haemophilia for adults and children.
The services the facility provides include care for outpatient services for children with haemophilia patients with severe haemophilia and other blood and related disorders, currently at the Adelaide related disorders. It also provides facilities for and Meath National Children’s Hospital at Tallaght, those on home therapy programmes, specialised will also transfer to the new building. This will service for HIV and Hepatitis infections, specialised enable entire families to be treated in an dental and orthopaedic care for haemophilia and integrated manner at one location. Children an advisory and response service to Local requiring treatment on an inpatient basis will be Haemophilia Treatment Centres, Hospitals, General treated at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Practitioners, patients and their families. Crumlin. Speaking at the opening the Medical Director of the NCHCD, Dr. Owen Smith, said: “This The new NCHCD building houses a research and centre is part of a better future for the treatment development laboratory where successful new of coagulation disorders in Ireland. This specialised treatments for patients with thrombotic and building will enable a top level of service for bleeding disorders have already been developed. patients that is highly integrated and family A number of patients who have benefited from friendly. Furthermore, we aim to play a leading treatments, for illnesses (such as septicaemia role on the world-stage in the development of arising from meningitis and recurrent better treatments and cures for patients.” miscarriages) were present at the opening. Services have been transferring from other parts Haemophilia is a genetic disorder and is believed
of St. James’s Hospital to the new building over to affect approximately one in every 5,000 to Dr. Owen Smith, Medical Director of the National Centre for Hereditary Coagulation Disorders at St. James's Hospital, with the Minister for the past 18 months. In the coming months 10,000 male births. Health and Children, Mr. Micheál Martin, T.D., at the recent opening of the Centre.
Smoking and Women - Dublin Healthy Cities A Resource Pack on Women and Smoking, among men, but a much lower drop in the designed to help women to stop smoking, was percentage of women who stopped smoking. The launched by Ald. Ivor Callely, T.D., Chairman of one year pilot project in Ireland was based in the Mr. Ray Bateson, Co- the ERHA, who said that the pack, which was Ballymun Healthy Cities project, and jointly Ordinator of Dublin Healthy Cities, with written by Ms. Angela King, would enable managed by Dublin Healthy Cities project and the Ms. Angela King, community health workers to put tobacco on the Health Promotion departments of the three Area author of the health agenda of women. It had been drawn up Health Boards in the Eastern Region. The resource resource pack within the context of a pilot European project on pack is designed to increase understanding and Smoking and Women, Smoking, Women, and Low income. The lead awareness of smoking and women and to and Ald. Ivor Callely, TD, Chairman of the partner was Dublin, and other partners were explore ways of getting tobacco onto the health ERHA, who launched Greece, Belgium, Austria, Spain and Northern agenda of women and local communities. “My the resource pack Ireland. The target group of women in areas concern is that smoking-related diseases cause with Ms. Mary Scales, where low income is an issue, was chosen such horrific illness and are responsible for so Dublin Healthy Cities. because over the last 20 years there had been a many deaths both in the country at large and in marked decline in the prevalence of smoking the eastern region,” Ald. Callely said. Flexible health care benefits
• Dental and Optical: dental check-ups and treatment, sight tests, optical appliances and eye laser treatment • Enhanced GP benefit It is easy to spend hundreds of euros each year just by regularly visiting • Hospital benefits the dentist or buying new glasses. HSF’s combined Dental and Optical benefit gives you the flexibility to split an annual allowance between • Maternity Grant the two, to suit your needs. • Personal Injury Contributing as little as €2.00 (£1.57) a week into an HSF health cash • Physiotherapy, chiropody and some complementary treatments plan not only gives you cover, but includes your partner and dependent • Specialists’ consultation fees children up to the age of 18, at no extra cost. Listed here are just a few examples of the many benefits HSF provides. • Surgical Appliances and Hearing Aids
Telephone HSF today and ask for a brochure 01-6600890 or email: [email protected]
ERHA TIMES - page 010 Newsletter 22.2.02 6/24/03 3:00 PM Page 11
Minister Martin Opens National MRSA Reference Laboratory at St. James’s Hospital
A new purpose-built National MRSA Reference Laboratory at St. James’s Hospital has been opened by the Minister for Health and Children, Mr. Micheál Martin T.D. The Reference Laboratory will monitor the presence of MRSA in Ireland, assist infection control efforts and survey rates of resistance to current and new antibiotics.
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are commonly MRSA that are being seen not only in Ireland but Disease Surveillance Centre to collect data on evidence of clinical infection. occurring bacteria. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus around the world. antibiotic resistance in bacteria. In that study The establishment of the National MRSA (MRSA) are S. aureus that are resistant to first rates of resistance to methicillin among S. aureus “Control of MRSA requires continual investigation Reference Laboratory coincided with the launch choice antibiotics and are primarily found in were 39% in the years 1999 and 2000. These to monitor epidemic strains, data on rates of of the Strategy for the Control of Antimicrobial hospitals. MRSA may colonise body sites without rates place Ireland among the countries with the resistance to current and new antibiotics and on- Resistance in Ireland (SARI) Report in 2001. That causing infection but may cause serious, even highest rates of methicillin resistance in Europe. going research to try to determine why MRSA report highlighted the need to develop a national life-threatening, infections in already seriously ill remains such a difficult and intractable problem. In 1995 the Department of Health commissioned strategy to control the development and spread patients. The establishment of the National MRSA a survey to determine the extent of MRSA in Irish of antimicrobial resistance in Ireland. The Director of the National MRSA Reference Reference Laboratory will provide facilities for hospitals and found a prevalence of 16.5 cases The National MRSA Reference Laboratory will Laboratory Professor Conor Keane described the this work and is therefore a most timely and per 1000 discharges. In 1999 this study was liaise with reference centres in other countries. development as extremely important for public welcome development,” he said. updated in collaboration with the health The advantage of such liaison was demonstrated health: “If we do not know enough about the authorities in Northern Ireland and reported a Since 1999, Irish hospital laboratories have recently when a strain of MRSA causing problems problem we cannot assess the effect of infection prevalence of 15.4 cases per 1000 acute hospital participated in a European study called the in Western Australia was recognised to be similar control procedures or devise additional strategies discharges. The 1999 study also found that only European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance to an Irish strain of MRSA. to cope with the ever increasing numbers of one in three patients carrying MRSA showed System (EARSS) in partnership with the National
Dublin Academic Teaching Hospitals Report on New Hospital Development to get Underway Hospital Nursing Recruitment & Retention Launched A new €34 million development at Our Lady's by arranging for them to have their operations At the launch of the Dublin Academic Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin will provide five new done in private hospitals in the UK and the Teaching Hospitals and St. Luke’s Hospital fully equipped operating theatres, two day United States. Nursing Recruitment and Retention Report theatres and a new day ward, according to the 2000 were left to right: (front row) Mr. “The overall waiting list for cardiac surgery in the Chairman of the Eastern Regional Health Michael Lyons, Chairman of the Report region has been reduced by over 40% this year. Group; Ms. Ann Carrigy, Chairperson of the Authority, Ald. Ivor Callely, T.D. DATHs Directors of Nursing Group; Ms. “Commissioning services abroad is basically an Ald Callely said he was delighted that the Sheila O’Malley, Director of the Nursing interim measure while we are building up and Midwifery Planning and Development Minister for Health, Mr. Micheál Martin, T.D. had capacity at home and I believe these new Unit at the ERHA: (middle row) Ms. Eileen agreed to the ERHA's request to fund the theatres will enable us to provide for children on Maher, Director of Nursing at St. Luke’s development, which the Authority felt would Hospital; Ms Mary Wynne, Acting Director the waiting list for surgery and other procedures provide significantly improved facilities at the of Nursing at the Adelaide and Meath the kind of service which they need and hospital. Hospital, Dublin, incorporating the deserve,” said Ald. Callely. National Children’s Hospital; Ms. Marie Work on the new development will begin shortly. Keane, Director of Nursing at Beaumont He added: “This year we will be able to greatly It will take 21 months to complete and should be Hospital: (back row) Ms Therese Carey, expand the number of beds in acute hospitals in open for patients early in 2004. Nurse Practitioner Development Co- the eastern region to provide treatment both for ordinator at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Ms. Maureen Lynn, DATHs Project “Through our work with the hospital over the last those within our own area and from those from Manager and Ms. Paula Phillips, Assistant 18 months we have been able to significantly outside the eastern region who come to Dublin Director of Nursing at St. James’s Hospital. reduce waiting lists for heart surgery in children for treatment.”
Honours for Mater Consultants New Millennium Building
Mr. Michael Stephens, Consultant Orthopaedic involving the Mater Hospital, University College Surgeon, has been made an Honorary member Dublin, and the Dublin Molecular Medicine of the French Society of Medicine and Surgery of Centre. Included in the award is funding for a the Foot. He is the first Irish person to be given new research centre at 49-51 Eccles Street, this honour. which will be part of a network of Genome Resource Units designed to establish dynamic Mr. Ronan O’Connell has been appointed editor research links between hospital based clinicians of the British Journal of Surgery in London. He and scientists and university-based researchers. has also been appointed Associate Editor of The ultimate goal of the programme is to Diseases of the Colon and Rectum. Mr. O’Connell harness the fruits of the Human Genome Project, has also recently been awarded an Honorary and identify new genes that drive common Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians and human diseases and are potential targets for Surgeons in Glasgow. new drugs. The development on the Mater site A €40 million award for the establishment of a will complement the new UCD undergraduate city-wide Programme for Human Genomics has education centre currently under construction at been made by the Higher Education Authority’s 41-47 Eccles Street, and ensure that the Mater Programme for Research in Third Level remains at the forefront of medical research and Institutions for ground breaking research education in Ireland.
The Minister for Food Safety and Older People, Dr. Tom Moffatt, T.D., and Mr. Henry Murdoch, Chairman of the Board of Management at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, unveiling a plaque commemorating the dedication of the new Millennium Hostel and Pre-Vocational Appointment of Accident and Emergency Training Unit at the hospital. The new hostel will provide accommodation for those clients who live too far from the unit to commute and currently have to use B&B facilities. Now they will be able to stay in specially designed and supported hostel accommodation and Charge Nurse in Mater A&E attend the training programme.
Ms. Elizabeth Whelan has taken up the post of well known in Emergency nursing circles as a Assistant Director of Nursing in the Emergency conference speaker and active member of the Appointments Department of the Mater Hospital. A native of Accident an Emergency Association. She has County Kildare, Ms. Whelan undertook her nurse published several papers on emergency nursing, Dr. Niall G. Mahon, Consultant Cardiologist, has have 4 sessions in the Mater, 4 in JCMH and 3 in training in the UK. She has held posts in several and has a keen and active interest in practice commenced duty in the Mater. St. Francis Hospice. leading UK accident units, including Whittington development in emergency nursing, which and Hammersmith Hospitals in London and more includes the training and development of staff. Dr. Peter Lawlor, Palliative Care Consultant, will Ms. Brid Cosgrove has been appointed to the recently Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. She is commence duty in the Mater in April. He will position of Financial Controller at the Mater.
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Appointments
Ms. Nicole Greenan has been appointed Waiting Ms. Thora Burgess has been appointed Accident Ms. Maria Fleming has joined the ERHA in the Dr. Michael Geary has taken up his appointment List Co-Ordinator with the Eastern Regional and Emergency Project Manager within the position of Regional hepatitis C Liaison Officer. as Master of the Rotunda Hospital for a seven- Health Authority. She completed her general Eastern Regional Health Authority. She joins the She comes to the ERHA after previously working year term beginning on January 1st this year. He nurse training in Ireland and then spent 8 years ERHA from her previous position as Senior Sister in the UK as Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist, succeeds Dr. Peter McKenna who remains on the in the United States working in Accident and in charge of the Accident and Emergency Infection Control, at the Epsom and St. Helier consultant staff. Dr. Geary has returned from Emergency. She returned to Ireland in 1997 as an Department at the King George Hospital in the NHS Trust, where she managed the provision of Mount Sinai hospital Toronto, where he was the A&E nurse and then joined the National UK. Thora qualified as a Registered General Nurse infection control advisory and educational doing a Fellowship on Maternal/Foetal medicine. Ambulance Training School where she was in the UK in 1992. She chose to specialise in services within acute hospital and community responsible for training crews in the Accident and Emergency nursing and has since NHS Trusts, public health and the private sector. Dr Joe Barry, Specialist in Public Health with the management of both medical and trauma also qualified in the US, and has worked in A&E She was seconded last year to assist the ERHA, has accepted the nomination for the patients in the pre-hospital environment. Her in Australia. She was awarded a Diploma in First department of Health with the UK national an position of Trustee on the Haemophilia HIV Trust new role is to manage the waiting list from a Line Management by the NCI in 1999, and is regional strategic review of decontamination Fund. regional perspective. This entails working with currently completing her BSc (Hons) in processes for medical devices. Maria graduated providers in both the public and private sector Professional Nursing Practice in South Bank with the Dutch Business school in Rotterdam in identifying and negotiating additional capacity in University, London. She is also a qualified October 2000 where she was awarded her order to reduce waiting times of public patients Emergency Nurse Practitioner. Masters in Business Administration (University of for elective surgical procedures. Surrey), and fellowship with the International Management Centres Association (FIMCA).
One Day Conference: Handling Complaints in the Health Services
A regional one-day conference, Handling Governance to the Department of Health, Social Executive of the ERHA Mr. Donal O Shea; Mr. having complaints dealt with and how they complaints in the Health Services, has been Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland, Martin Devine, Director of Corporate Services, fared. The Authority is currently undertaking a organised for Tuesday March 5th next in the and Medical Director of the Royal Group of ERHA; Mr. Nicholas Jermyn, Chief Executives’ comprehensive review of Complaints Procedures Grand Hotel, Malahide, by the ERHA. Hospitals, Belfast, who will speak on: Improving Group, Dublin Academic Teaching Hospitals; Ms. Protocols and Appeals in the Region. It appointed Standards of Performance and Practice in the Maureen Windle, CEO, Northern Area Health a working group in June of last year to undertake The theme of the conference is: Towards Health Service. The Ombudsman, Mr. Kevin Board; Ms. Natalie Mooney, National Rehabcare the review and an interim report was published making a quality difference to those patients, Murphy will speak on When Things Go Wrong, Advocacy Council; Sr. Catherine Mulligan, in September. clients and families using health services and and Mr. Stephen McMahon, Chairperson of the Provincial, Daughters of Charity, and Mr. Michael facilities. It will feature a number of speakers To reserve a place at the conference, please Irish Patients’ Association will speak on Quality Lyons, CEO, East Coast Area Health Board. from within the ERHA and the health service phone Emma O Shea at 01 620 1803 or e-mail Healthcare From a Patient’s Perspective. providers, as well as guest speakers. These The conference will include a session featuring her at [email protected]. Early booking is advised. include Dr. Ian Carson, Special Advisor on Clinical Other participants will include Regional Chief people who will speak about the experience of
Social and Personal Retirement Committee Notes from Maureen Wall
Your Committee continues to meet monthly.
Our holidays last year included visits to Westport and Killarney, and we are looking forward this year to our Spring Holiday in Rosslare, as well as our usual day outings.
Our Christmas Party in the Ashling Hotel was very well attended.Afternoon Tea in the Gresham 1> 2> 3> Hotel is also likely to be an annual event.
Picture 1> At a function to mark the departure of the Director College Dublin. This course is run by University College Dublin in 4> Enquiries regarding membership should be made of Nursing, East Coast Area Health Board, Ms. Leonie O’Neill partnership with Our Lady’s Hospice. Back Row (L to R) - C/O Secretary, Central Registry, Dr. Steeven’s (left) were Mr Shay Torsnay, Ms. Geraldine Morrison, Ms. Carol Therese Meehan (Tutor), Debbie Hayden (Tutor), Gemma Hospital, Dublin 8. Maguire, Ms. Barbara Menace (Assistant Director of Nursing) O’Byrne, Rosaleen Hughes, Hillary Smyth, Mary Drennan, and Ms. Olive McCusker. Leonie has now taken up a new Yvonne Keogh, Geraldine Fallon, Martina Crowley, Philip Larkin Our picture by Committee member Mary O'Neill shows one of appointment as Manager of Orthodontic Services, E.C.A.H.B. (Tutor). Front Row (L to R) - Rosemary Nolan, Frances Gallagher, the western landscapes we enjoyed on holidays. Angela Nulty, Rita Luddy, Roisin Logan, Claire Smith, Siobhan Picture 2> Mr. John Lynam, CTM., CL., of Community Care Area Hollingsworth, Sheila Kelly. (Graduates not included in the 2, Vergemount Hall, Clonskeagh, who has been elected picture - Sr. Fabiola Pak, Angela O’Leary, Bernadette Brophy) President of Toastmasters. A member of the Rathfarnham Toastmasters, he has many awards in public speaking and Picture 4> At the Institute of Public Administration Certificates communication skills. in Health Services conferring ceremony were the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Ms. Mary Picture 3> The (1999-2001) Higher Diploma in Nursing Studies Hanafin TD, with Mr. Patrick Byrne, ECAHB, Hospital Manager, (Palliative Nursing) class at the badge presentation at Our Lady’s Newcastle Hospital, and (back row) Ms. Pam Monaghan, ERHA, Hospice Harold’s Cross prior to their graduation at University Ms. Edel Kelly, ERHA, Mr. Laurence Dempsey, ECAHB.
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