Health matters: Issue 9, August 2003 (5.03 MB)

Item Type Report

Authors North Eastern Health Board (NEHB)

Rights North Eastern Health Board

Download date 06/10/2021 12:53:15

Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10147/43632

Find this and similar works at - http://www.lenus.ie/hse Issue No.9 August 2003

Minister Addresses Staff on IN THIS Health Service Reforms Over 150 members of staff turned up at about the proposed reform programme the Ardboyne Hotel in Navan at the end and make suggestions about how it ISSUE of June to hear the Minister for Health & should be handled. Further details on Children Micheál Martin and the the process are available on the Public Health Nurses Secretary General of the Department of Department of Health website Head for Hills 2 Health and Children Michael Kelly (www.doh.ie), the North Eastern Health present the government’s Health Service Board website (www.nehb.ie) and the Reform proposals. NEHB Intranet. Davnet’s Staff Raise Many others watched the proceedings Each individual staff member has also live via video conferencing from the received a four page flyer outlining w4,500 3 Regional Education Centre in Ardee. The how they can have their say. Anyone CEO, Paul Robinson, welcomed the who has not received this flyer can Minister to the region, after which the access it on the NEHB staff intranet or Staff Notice Board 4 Minister addressed staff. should contact the Communications This was followed by a 20 minute slide Department, North Eastern Health presentation from Michael Kelly detailing Board, Kells, Co. Meath at 046-9280611 Childminding Advisory the proposed new health structures and or by email to [email protected]. reasons for the reform. Questions were Launching the Health Service Reform Officers Appointed 7 then taken from the floor. Staff members Programme on Wednesday June 18th had come fully prepared and the Minister Mr Martin said: ‘’The current system was asked a range of questions. was designed in different times to meet Projects Gain From Prior to meeting with staff, the Minister different demands. After all the health Small Grants Fund 11 met with Board members to hear their structures are over 30 years old and views on the proposed reform structures. have been expanding since then. There The Minister’s visit was one step in the are now 58 agencies operating in the consultation process which the public health system. This is not Midwifery Department has committed itself to in sustainable“. Conference 12 implementing any reform. Before the government’s Health Service Reform Programme was announced the CEO wrote to members of staff advising them of the Board’s commitment to communicating as efficiently as possible any announcements or information as it comes to hand. The Department of Health and Children asked the Office for Health Management to facilitate a communication/consultation programme on the Health Reform Programme. The CEO organised a number of briefings around the region at the beginning of July and managers around the region have been asked to facilitate local briefings. Managers have been asked to be as inclusive as possible and to ensure every staff member is fully briefed and Pictured above is the CEO Paul Robinson (on left) and Physican Dr Paul Smith at a recent function given the opportunity to contribute. in Cavan General Hospital where the Friends of Cavan General Hospital presented an As it is the holiday season staff members may not be able to attend local briefings Echocardiogram machine, dialysis and outpatient monitoring equipment to the hospital. Accepting but these individuals can find out more the equipment on behalf of the North Eastern Health Board Mr Robinson thanked the Friends for their generous donation which will be used by hospital staff to further enhance patient care.

1 Public Health Nurses Head for Hills Managing Depression Group Public Health Nursing An innovative new group to help people Department staff member cope better with depression was set up Katherine Broderick in Cavan General Hospital earlier this recently organised a ‘Walk year.The group aims to teach people for Health’ for a number skills to manage their depression more of colleagues over the Cooley Mountains and effectively.The group met one morning into Carlingford village in a week for a period of 10 weeks and the north of the Cooley was open to both men and women. It peninsula. was run by Helen McCrarren, Social Worker and Nicki Morphey, The ramblers began their Occupational Therapist who are evening walk in Glenmore, members of the Cavan Community a village overlooking Mental Health Team. Dundalk Bay, in the heart of the Cooley Mountains. (L-R) Eithne Lynch, Mary Kelly, Iris Carr, Katherine Broderick. Another group will begin on September 9th and anyone interested in further A qualified walking leader information on this can contact a Ms Broderick led the walk from member of the Cavan Community Barry’s Shop to the Mountain Department and the District Mental Health Team on 086 8823170 Gate, along the Tain Trail to the Rehab Team South Louth. The ‘Goalion’ or ‘Ridge’ where the group also included two retired walkers enjoyed a panoramic members of staff. view of the peninsula and the Mourne Mountains sweeping Describing mountain walking as Training Course down into Carlingford Lough. a great ‘de-stressor’ Katherine added: ‘’This was certainly for Physiotherapists The ramblers gathered pace as evident on the night as Slieve they descended towards Slate Foy basked in glorious sunshine. Physiotherapists in the North Eastern Rock and the Wishing Well, Spirits were high and a good Health Board region recently organised some making a wish before night was had by all.’’ and attended a training course in the progressing through Mountain use of the Odstock Functional Park and down into the village. The Public Health Nursing Electrical Stimulator. department hopes to make this The event was a good exercise walk an annual or even a bi- The purpose of the course was to in team building as the party of annual event and plans are educate therapists on the use of the 19 walkers included already underway to hold a device which stimulates muscles similar event in the Drogheda representatives from electrically and is used in the treatment management, public health and area. community nurses from North of people suffering from strokes, head and South Louth. Among the injuries, multiple sclerosis and spinal walkers there were also cord injuries. representatives from the Regional Planning/Design Individuals must be mobile and primarily complain of lower limb weakness. Use of the Odstock Stimulator can improve the speed and quality of walking.This in turn will improve balance and ultimately quality of life.

The device is not suitable for everyone and screening has to be carried out by trained physiotherapists. For further details contact your local physiotherapy department.

Enjoying their walk are (Back row L-R) Anita Roddy, Yvonne Murphy, Marie Dooley, Marie McKevitt, Eithne Hollywood, Kathleen Farrell, Mary Walsh, Cathy Rabbat, Susan Kent, Eithne Lynch. (Front row L-R) Ann Marran, Maura Mathews, Iris Carr, Mary Kelly, Ann Kelly, Ita Conniton, Kay Kerley.

2 TD Officially Opens RehabCare Resource Centre

DEPUTY Mary Wallace, former Services, who provide a half-time With the assistance of staff, every Minister of State for People with Physiotherapist and half-time service user draws up their own Disabilities, officially opened Occupational Therapist to the service. action plan which maps out their the new RehabCare Resource Centre The service caters for adults with interests and requirements, as well as in Dunboyne last June. physical and sensory disabilities. the activities they would like to The Resource Centre is the first pursue. purpose built, fully accessible service The service operates Monday to of its kind in the country, and is Friday and has its own transport, A range of services are available located on the Rooskey Road at a site bringing clients to and from the including Computer Training, shared by Meath County Council and service. The centre is service user Independent Living Skills Training, the North Eastern Health Board. driven and completely flexible. Personal Development, Arts & Crafts, The Dunboyne Day Resource Centre People can access it for one or two Leisure & Recreational Facilities, is run by RehabCare in partnership hours a week, a half day or a full day Welfare Officer Service and with the NEHB’s Meath Disability or even for all five days a week. Complementary Therapies.

NEHB Staff take part in National Mass CPR Day

The biggest ever Mass CPR training event ever conducted in Ireland took place in Dublin last May when a record 850 members of the public completed CPR training. The event was organised by the Irish Heart Foundation and took place on Sunday May 21st.

This was the biggest such event ever conducted in Ireland and the North Eastern Health Board Pictured above from L to R are Gina Nicholl, Disability Services Monaghan, Kevin McKenna, Regional School of was well represented with eight instructors Psychiatric Nursing, Regina Corrigan, Monaghan General from the Board providing instructions. Hospital and Margaret Mallen, Monaghan General Hospital.

Davnet’s Staff Raise d4,500 For Charity Well done to the Catering Staff A computer was also purchased given to the local Arch Club to of St Davnet’s Hospital, Monaghan for the Day Activation Unit in assist with the purchase of disco (pictured below with some helpers) Clogher House, Monaghan and a equipment. who raised d4,500 for charity digital camera was purchased The catering staff would like to during a fundraising table quiz for Drumlin House, Cootehill. A thank everyone for their support in the Four Seasons Hotel. substantial donation was also on the night.

Over 60 teams took part in the quiz on the night. From the proceeds the staff donated d2,000 to sponsor two members of the Monaco Special Olympics Team who had stayed in Carrickmacross.

3 Congratulations The staff to Ciara Carolan Congratulations Congratulations in St. Joseph’s on the recent birth of to Lara Bourton who to Staff Nurse Breda Hospital Trim send her baby boy Oisin recently got married McCarthy on her congratulations to Ward from all in the from her colleagues in recent marriage to Staff Manager Ber O’ Leary and Superannuation the Physiotherapy Bart Rathcliff from husband Con on the birth of Section in Kells Department in Our the staff of St their son Peter and to Business Park Lady’s Hospital, Joseph’s Hospital, Notice Navan Staff Nurse Olivia Brennan Trim. and husband Carl on Well done to the birth of their Board Keeva Fenlon and Congratulations son Mark. Jessica O’Malley who to Anne Gaffney Congratulations presented papers at the A/Director, Breffni Care to Sinead Smith, St. recent World Confederation Centre and Martina All the Felim’s Hospital and Peter of Physiotherapists, in Barcelona Fitzpatrick, Catering Officer best to Tanya Reilly on their recent from their colleagues in the Services for Older Persons Bird on her recent marriage. Lots of health Congratulations Physiotherapy who recently received wedding from all and happiness to both of and Best Wishes to Department, Our Lady their certificates her colleagues in them from the Katie Kane-Hogan and of Lourdes Hospital in Health and the Health Centre, Administrative Staff, her husband Mick on the Safety. Haymarket, St. Felim’s Hospital, birth of their baby girl Drogheda. Cavan. Lucy from the staff in Congratulations the Social Work Dept, to Staff Nurse Cavan/Monaghan. AnnMarie Brady on successfully completing Congratulations Congratulations A fond her Higher Diploma in to Orlaith Buckley who to Willie Anderson farewell to Jimmy Pre-Operative Nursing sucessfully completed a (I.T. Project Manager) and Mullen who retired from her colleagues in Masters in Sports Medicine his wife Siobhan on the birth from his post as Monaghan General U.C.D and to Rosie Quinn who of their daughter Ella and to Caretaker in Railway Hospital. successfully completed a Johann Hoey (Cardiovascular Congrats to Street, Navan from all Masters in Physiotherapy U.U.J Facilitator) and her husband staff nurse Cheryl the staff of Primary from their colleagues in the Joe on the birth of their Congratulations McGauran and husband Care services. Physiotherapy Department son Padraig from the staff to Laura McDermott Matt on the birth of their in Our Lady of Lourdes of Primary Care on her recent twins, Matthew and Hospital. services. Eimear, from all the engagement to Mike staff in the Paediatric Cox from the staff of Unit at Cavan Primary Care Congratulations General Hospital. services. to Susan Wall and her husband John on A very Congratulations the birth of their successful Open to Mrs Angela Clarke baby girl Alannah The staff Day was held in the in St Joseph’s on her appointment as from the Finance Congratulations Breffni Care Centre, Assistant Director of Department in to Anne Connell on Hospital, Trim want Ballyconnell on to congratulate Joe Public Health Nursing in Kells the birth of her Thursday 10th July Well Louth Community Care baby girl Laura from and Margaret done and thanks to Dwane on the birth area. Her colleagues all in Management all who made it a wish her well in her Services. of their son success Daniel. new post.

Diabetics to Benefit from New Approach

In a new initiative which started last month Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the St.Vincent’s Declaration and best Primary Care Services began a structured the working population and end-stage evidence; approach to Type II Diabetes Care in the kidney failure in the general population. ❑ Raise the overall standard of care for region. There is unequivocal evidence that early people with Type II Diabetes in the The initiative targets a cohort of patients detection, management and treatment of region through ongoing monitoring of with Type II Diabetes and is based on diabetes can reduce morbidity and costs. many Type II Diabetes and training of recommendations included in the Department Phase One of this pilot project will involve Primary Healthcare staff. of Health and Children’s Building Healthier 13 GP Training Practices. The targets for the Programme are to cut Hearts Report. The structure of the programme is based new blindness associated with diabetes by Diabetes is a chronic and to some extent upon the St.Vincent Declaration, ICGP over one third, reduce new end-stage renal preventable condition which at present Guidelines for Diabetes Care, the ESC failure by over one third, reduce limb utilises about 10% of the total health Guidelines, the Diabetes Services amputations by over 50%, reduce morbidity budget. Most of this money goes towards Development Group Report:‘Diabetes Care and mortality from coronary heart disease treating the complications of diabetes which - Securing the Future’ along with best and improve pregnancy outcomes in are preventable if sufferers have access to evidence and resources available. women with diabetes. expert healthcare. The NEHB Diabetes Primary Care Project There are approximately 200,000 Irish aims to; Further details are available from Primary people with diabetes.They have a five fold ❑ Develop a model of care for people with Care Services at 046 9076437. increased incidence of heart disease and a Type II Diabetes suitable to the Irish three fold increased incidence of stroke. Health Care environment and based on

4 New Low Vision Clinic Opens Doors The National Council for the Blind of sight at all. The clinic is facilitated by advice, information and support from Ireland and the North Eastern Health an Optometrist who provides advice the National Council for the Blind of Board recently introduced a new Low on how to make the most of residual Ireland, which is substantially funded Vision Clinic service for people who vision and who may prescribe one or by the North Eastern Health Board. are experiencing problems with their more of the wide range of low vision Services are primarily delivered to sight. aids which the clinic stocks. Examples individuals in their own homes by the of such aids would include magnifiers six community based staff working in The low vision clinic is located in the and small hand held telescopes. the region. Bragan Unit of St. Davnet’s Campus, Rooskey, Monaghan and is held on This is the first time that this service is The North Eastern Regional Manager the last Tuesday of every month. The available to people from Louth, with NCBI, Collette Hosford said: clinic caters for both children and Meath, Cavan and Monaghan in their “European statistics indicate that adults who are having difficulties with own region. It is expected that approximately ten times this number deteriorating sight. approx 100 people will attend the of people could benefit from the North Eastern Low Vision Clinic in its services available but by assuming Some 82% of people using the first year. that they would not be eligible or National Council for the Blind of perhaps that their vision is not poor Ireland (NCBI) services have some Over 600 people who are registered enough to merit taking the time of residual vision and only 18% have no blind in the north east region receive the organisation, the vast majority do not come forward. We would encourage anyone living in the region experiencing any amount of difficulty with their sight to contact NCBI offices on 042-9332010 and make an appointment with the Low Vision Clinic or to request a referral through their GP or Ophthalmologist. It costs nothing, and will take nothing but their time“.

Thanks for all the contributions for this edition of Health Matters.The next Well done to all the staff who participated in the recent ‘Challenge Day’ in edition is out in October, please send Louth County Hospital. A number of activities were enjoyed by staff your contributions to: members including Aerobics, Treasure Hunts, Skipping and Hula Hooping. The Communications Department, Pictured above are some of the staff members after their game of football. NEHB, Dublin Road, Kells We don’t think David Beckham has any worries about upcoming talent in or email them to: the Louth County Hospital! [email protected] before Sept 19th. Exotic Fruit Tempt Staff at Louth County Staff in the Louth County Hospital were invited to try new and unusual fruit in the staff restaurant during this year’s ‘Focus on Fruit‘ week which ran from June 2nd to June 7th. There was a great response from all staff with the delicious fruit plates provided by the catering department proving very popular. Patients were also treated to fresh fruit with each meal throughout the week. The week ended with a raffle for a basket of exotic fruit, the winner was Fidelma Leahy. The week was a joint effort between the Health Promotion, Catering and Dietetics (L-R) Eilish McKeown, Hospital Administrator, Rose Byrne, Health Promotion Co-ordinator, Departments and raised the Fidelma Leahy, raffle winner and Briege Connolly, Catering Dept. awareness of the benefits of eating fresh fruit

5 Update on Nursing & Midwifery Planning & Development Unit

During a recent visit to the north east February 2003. Each programme comprises East Services and the North Eastern members of the National Council for the seven modules, encompassing three Core Health Board continually monitors and Professional Development of Nursing and Modules, three Specialist and one Clinical advises on the progress of the transition Midwifery updated nurse and midwifery Module. of nurse education into Dundalk Institute managers in relation to the potential for of Technology. future professional development within An analysis of resources is currently being all disciplines of nursing and midwifery. undertaken. This will ensure that expertise The transition has involved considerable from the areas of nursing, medicine, change which presented significant Professional Development Officer Jenny management and other members of the challenges and required commitment and Hogan updated those present on her health care team have an input into the a proactive approach from the current evaluation of the role of the provision of an effective learning stakeholders. This change of direction in CNS/CMS and organised focus groups for environment and the delivery and nurse education was advocated by the specialist practitioners and nurse/midwife evaluation of programmes. report of the Commission on Nursing and managers to review aspects of the role. has required close partnership between Staff in the NMPDU continue to work Pending the outcome of the formal the stakeholders. Ongoing communication with nurses and midwives throughout the validation process, which is set to take and consultation is essential to ensure region on a number of initiatives aimed place in September, it is proposed to effective management and delivery of at improving services for patients. A begin course delivery within the the programmes. number of these projects have received 2003/2004 academic year. funding from the National Council for Further information can be obtained the Professional Development of Nursing If you would like further information please by contacting Brid O’Neill Project and Midwifery, four of which were contact Mary McCarthy, Project Manager Manager at 041 6853206. presented at the National Council meeting. or Margaret Brennan, Assistant Project Manager @ 041 6853206 / 086 6067013 These included: ❑ Standards Procedures & Quality Update on the New Pre-registration Advanced Cardiac Life Systems in Public Health Nursing Nursing Degree Programmes (Cavan Monaghan Community Support Course Services) which was presented by Three new four-year pre-registration Cathleen Curry & Bernie Reilly; nursing degree programmes were ❑ Clinical Audit Facilitator Training introduced in Dundalk Institute of An Advanced Cardiac Life Programme (Louth Meath Hospital Technology in September 2002. The Support Course is taking place in Group) which was presented by programmes are run in partnership with Davnet Madden & Maura Ward; the North Eastern Health Board and the Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan on ❑ Clinical Nurse/Midwife Manager One St. John of God North East Services. 21st & 22nd November 2003. Initiation Programme which was Presently there are 105 students presented by Charles Barker & Bernie registered on the first year of the course For further details or to apply for McArdle; and there are positive indications an application form contact regarding student numbers for the ❑ Cervical Screening & Breast Awareness Resuscitation Training Officer Course for Practice Nurses which was September 2003 intake. presented by Teresa Short & Bridget Regina Tevlin at 046- 9078731 Clarke. A local Joint Working Group comprising of representatives from Dundalk Institute or email [email protected] Post Graduate Nursing Education in of Technology, the St. John of God North the North East Region

The Nursing & Midwifery Planning and Development Unit (NMPDU), in partnership with St John of God Regional Services and Dundalk Institute of Technology has developed a framework for programmes of education at Graduate Diploma level.

Approaches were made nationally to Institutes of Technology and NMPDU’s, culminating in agreed participation between Letterkenny, Athlone and Galway/Mayo and Dundalk Institutes of World No Tobacco Day was marked by an ‘Open Evening’ in the Louth Technology. This process facilitates County Hospital when a number of health professionals gave advice and student transfer, sharing of resources and support to members of the public who wish to stop smoking. A support synchrony of programme evaluation on group was also set up in the hospital following this. an ongoing basis. Pictured are (Back row Left to right) Heart Failure Nurse Catherine Gray, Diabetic Nurse Specialist Pauline O’Hanlon, Cardiac Rehab Co-ordinator A suite of seven programmes were Patricia Maguire and Smoking Cessation Counsellor Jane Shields. submitted to the Higher Education and (Front row Left to Right) The representative from Nicorette and Health Training Awards Council (HETAC) in Promotion Co-ordinator Rose Byrne.

6 Satisfaction with Home Based Nursing in Cavan

Home Based Nursing was introduced in the Cavan/Monaghan Mental Health Service in February 2000 to offer an alternative to people with a serious mental illness who previously would have been admitted to hospital writes Helen Bannon. A Home Based Treatment Team consists of a Team Leader, six Nursing Staff, and one The Home Base Nursing Team members include (Back row Left to Right) Liam Browne, Care Attendant. Referrals come from the Dan O’Connor, Dan McEligott, Paul O’Brien and Pat Masterson Co-ordinator of the Community Mental (Front row Left to Right) Bridie McDonald, Laura Dunlop, Claire Quigley and Martina Lavery. Health Team and clients are assessed for their suitability before being accepted for Thirty eight per cent of clients who had GP’s were generally very positive towards home based treatment. previous experience of hospital admissions Home Based Treatment with suggestion of In conjunction with the client, his/her felt that home based treatment was better room for improved communication family, the psychiatrist and home based while 14% replied that they preferred to be /feedback from the team.This study will nurses a Plan of Care is drawn up.As part of in hospital. Eighty seven percent of relatives provide the Home Based Treatment Team this Plan of Care nurses visit the clients in felt sufficiently supported by the Home with a base line against which future their own homes. These visits may be once Based Team.Both clients and their relatives performance can be measured.A study like or twice a day depending on the severity of highlighted the importance of being able to this is only worthwhile if it leads to a better symptoms. stay at home and get the support of the quality of life for the client and their During these visits the home based nurse Home Based Nurses. relatives. focuses on monitoring symptoms and All 38 General Practitioners (GPs) who minimising the possibility of a relapse by refer clients to the service were invited to Helen Bannon is a Researcher based in offering support, dispensing medication and take part in a survey of the Home Based Cavan General Hospital and can be discussing ongoing care supports. Service and 30 GPs consented to participate. contacted at 049 4376000. It was decided after two years of providing Their feedback was summarised as follows: Home Based Treatment to survey the clients, their relatives and GPs to assess the Summary of G.P. Satisfaction with the Home Based Treatment Service level of satisfaction with the service.The Rating Frequency Valid Percent two researchers who conducted the survey Feedback Excellent 14 46.7% were independent of the HBT team and conducted face-to-face interviews in the Mostly Satisfied 13 43.3% participant’s home.The 87 patients who had Mostly Dissatisfied 2 6.7% been discharged within a two-year period Terrible 1 3.3% Total 30 100% from July 2000 to July 2002 were invited to take part. Seventy-eight discharged clients, Content of Excellent 12 40% 54 clients’ relatives, and 30 GPs consented Feedback Mostly Satisfied 17 56.7% to take part in the survey. Mostly Dissatisfied 1 3.3% Overall satisfaction levels were high with 59.2% Total 30 100% of the clients describing the satisfaction Overall Very Good 20 66.7% rating as excellent while 62.3% of the relatives Satisfaction Good 10 33.3% also rated overall satisfaction as excellent. Total 30 100% Childminding Advisory Officers Take up Posts

For many working parents the preferred provide information on training and for new Mum’s from early September.The method of childcare is a childminder who recreational courses and facilitate the booklet and leaflet is available by contacting can offer a quality home-from-home establishment of local networks of any of the three Childminding Advisory flexible environment. childminders.They are also involved in Officers whose details are given below. In a bid to support childminders three setting up public information meetings. Martina McGovern Childminding Advisory Officers have been The Advisory Officers have produced an Cavan & Monaghan County Childcare appointed in the north-east since Autumn Information Leaflet for Childminders and Committees 2002.These posts are funded by NEHB and are currently producing a parent’s booklet, 049 9529882 or 047 72896 the officers are employed by the county entitled ‘Childminding - A Guide for Anita White childcare committees. Parents’ which will give parents an idea of Louth County Childcare Committee The officers offer a range of services the questions they need to ask when 041 6859912 including a support system for childminders choosing a childminder. Marina Cunningham who currently care for children in their The guide will be launched later this month Meath County Childcare Committee own home or in the child’s home.They and will be included in the ‘Bounty Bags’ 046 9073010

7 Picket Weary Public Health Doctors say ‘Thanks for your support’

The Public Health doctors in the We undertook a survey where we wearing seat belts.There may be reasons region are glad to be back at work after observed 100 consecutive entrances and for it, including that their journeys were their strike and would like to thank the 100 consecutive exits by NEHB staff at short or that they would put them on members of staff of the North Eastern Headquarters in Kells and recorded when they were out on the road. Health Board who gave them support whether seat belts were worn or not.As Neither explanation is sufficient as most during the strike, writes Public Health a comparison, 100 drivers driving south road crashes occur within a couple of Specialist Declan Bedford. through Kells and 100 driving north miles of the start and end points of through Kells were also observed. journeys. Needless to say you can pick Support came in many ways from cups up penalty points as soon as you start of tea, scones and cakes to chocolates The results were as follows; driving on the road.The use of seat and sweets. Some stopped and walked belts by healthcare workers in this study with us for a while, others smiled and 1. Use of seat belts by staff is far less than other drivers driving waved. Others honked their horns. ❑ In 40% of exits the drivers wore through Kells. In fact the recent SLÁN Some offered financial support. no seat belts; survey demonstrated that 84% of drivers Whatever it was, it was always ❑ In 22% of the entrances no seat in Ireland always use seat belts. The appreciated.Thank you again. belts were worn by drivers; NEHB region has one of the highest ❑ Males and females were equally at mortality rates from car crashes in the Whilst on the picket line, we still could fault. country, so belt up everyone! not forget that we are always interested in the health of our work colleagues. It 2. Use of seat belts by drivers driving Our recommendations are as follows: struck us one day that some of you through Kells 1. All health board staff should wear were not wearing seat belts.A very risky ❑ 92% of the drivers were wearing their seat belt for their own safety behaviour from both a health and seat belts. and as examples of healthy financial point of view with the dreaded behaviour. penalty points for those caught with no It is disappointing to note the high belts on. proportion of healthcare staff not 2. Managers of all health board premises should consider erecting signs reminding drivers to wear their seat belt and these signs should be clearly visible at the exits of all health board car parks and exits.

Staff Send Best Wishes to John on his Retirement !

Congratulations and best wishes to Contracts Manager John Management office in Drogheda. Reflecting the views of Rogers who retired recently after many years of dedicated many members of staff John’s former colleague Tony Smith service to the North Eastern Health Board. paid tribute to him and said “We will miss a gentleman”.

Many of John’s former colleagues gathered to mark the occasion Pictured above (left) John with a number of his colleagues at a function in the Round Tower, Kells on Friday 30th May 2003. celebrating his retirement. Pictured (right) is the Catering Manager in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Patricia Farrell, In recent years John was based in the Regional Materials with John.

8 Corporate Learning & Development Update

Corporate Learning and Development is PDP as outlined in the National Health process which acknowledges their part of Human Resources and plays a Strategy ‘Quality and Fairness’ was achievements and empowers them to do vital role in meeting the needs of the launched last Autumn. Seven pilot sites their jobs better. This process is now staff of the North Eastern Health Board, were set up across all disciplines in the almost complete with seventy-nine writes Joan McCabe. Board. PDP is defined as a planned and participants reaching the end of the structured process that allows NEHB learning sets. To date the department has organised employees to identify, discuss their some 278 courses including Management development and learning needs in a way We are now at the review stage with the Development, General Development, that supports the organisation and the pilot participants, the facilitators and Finance and Information Technology. individual. managers about the process.

We have also completed our first year of This framework provides a mechanism by The feedback to date has been extremely Corporate Induction days and the which corporate and individual learning positive with comments such as ‘I’m glad development of third level courses needs are linked to service needs utilising I did it’ ‘I gained an insight into myself’ including the Diploma in Health Care a proactive communications approach. and ‘It helped me to understand and Management in conjunction with Dundalk focus on objectives’ being the most Institute of Technology. It is vital to remember that personal common. development plans are not static Our mission is to expand further on our documents. They will change as Joan McCabe is a Training Specialist services to meet your needs in 2004. At objectives and responsibilities change with the Corporate Learning and the moment we are putting the final usually in response to changes in Development Unit in the Regional touches to next year’s prospectus. A large organisational priorities. Education Centre in Ardee. She can be part of our work this year, has involved contacted about the PDP process on the roll out and development of the PDP ensures that employees receive email to [email protected] or at Personal Development Planning Process. recognition for their work through a 041-6857816.

Nurses Organise Road Show to mark National Infection Control Week

Infection Control Nurses around the everybody who attends the promotion region have organised a road show to will be in with a chance of winning a mark National Infection Control Week spot prize. which runs between September 22nd The road show schedule is as follows: and September 26th, writes Sheila Monday 22nd September Donlon. Monaghan General Hospital; In conjunction with the Occupational Tuesday 23rd September Health and Health Promotion Louth County & Our Lady of Departments the infection control nurses Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; will ensure the road show visits each Wednesday 24th September acute hospital in the region during the Cavan General Hospital; week. Thursday 25th September A display area will be organised on each Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. hospital site where information on hand hygiene, standard precautions and skin Further details are available in each care will be available. Staff will have the hospital from the local Infection opportunity to test their knowledge on Control Nurse. infection control issues by completing a Sheila Donlon is the Infection Pictured above is Louth County Catering questionnaire. Control Nurse in Cavan General Department staff member Bridie Dullaghan, Staff from non-acute settings within the Hospital getting set for “Focus on Fruit” week in the Board will be very welcome and hospital recently.

9 factor in 20-25% of workplace Euridice Information Campaign accidents. A recent survey by the ERHA reported that one in 20 The aim of the Euridice and may lead to alcohol dependence. employees reported experiencing Information Campaign is to workplace difficulties because of ensure that all NEHB staff are The short term effects of alcohol can another employees drinking. more aware of the issues around result in: dependencies and are in a better N A feeling of relaxation; Recommended limits for safe position to deal with this issue. N A reduction in concentration drinking In this, the fourth article of the levels; Within safe limits, alcohol is not Euridice Information Campaign, N Lack of coordination and slower harmful. However, there is no level the Health Promotion reflexes; of drinking that can be called safe Department looks at Alcohol. N Flushed appearance; for all people at all times. Everybody N Reduced inhibitions; is different and what is safe for one Changing patterns of drinking in N Blurred vision and slurred person may not be safe for someone Ireland speech; else. Alcohol is the most widely used N Change in mood; Recommended upper limits for safe mood-altering recreational drug in N Hangovers; drinking are based on a measurement Ireland. Over the last year there has N Nausea or vomiting. called the “standard drink”. This been considerable media attention term can be used to allow people to around the effects of alcohol misuse The long term effects of alcohol can monitor their alcohol consumption on Irish society. Since 1995 there has result in: level and replaces the term “units of been a dramatic increase in the level N Poor nutritional status; alcohol” which was previously used. of alcohol consumption in Ireland. N Stomach problems; A standard drink is defined as a drink Furthermore there has been a N Liver, heart and brain damage; which contains 10 grams of pure substantial change in the drinking N Permanent brain damage; alcohol. patterns and types of alcoholic drinks N Sexual impotence and reduced being consumed by Irish people. fertility; Examples of the number of standard N Concentration and short term drinks contained in different The recently published National memory loss; alcoholic drinks: Health and Lifestyle Surveys showed N Depression; Number of that 82% of men and 74% of women N Family and relationship standard drinks drink alcohol. Currently 30% of men 1 glass or 1/2 pint 1 and 22% of women consume over problems; N of beer (284ml) the recommended weekly limits for Poor work performance; N Legal and financial problems. safe drinking. Over the past 4 years 1 glass of wine 1 there has been a high increase in the number of women aged 35-54 years Deaths from suicide and cirrhosis of the liver are common among alcohol 1 glass of sherry, 1 consuming above the weekly port or martini recommended limits for alcohol dependents. Sudden withdrawal from consumption. alcohol after heavy use produces sweating, anxiety, trembling and 1 pub measure 1 of spirits The effects of alcohol on society hallucinations. With the rise in alcohol consumption Symptoms of Alcohol Misuse A 330 ml bottle of 1.5 there has been a substantial increase 4.3% beer in alcohol related problems in Ireland include: - involving a compulsion to continue including unintentional injuries, An alcopop 1.5 personal harm, drink-driving and drinking, tolerance to the effects of mental health problems. Alcohol the drug and drinking to avoid withdrawal symptoms. 1 pint of beer, 2 misuse is estimated to cost Irish society stout or cider d2.4 billion annually. This figure includes costs such as healthcare, road Alcohol and the Workplace Alcohol misuse and dependency is a A 187ml (small pub 2 accidents, alcohol related crime and bottle) of wine1 lost productivity. Over 50% of all major issue affecting many employers alcohol related problems or mortality and employees in Ireland. The cost of loss of output due to alcohol related A 750ml bottle 7 is experienced by those who are of wine. “moderate drinkers” and not by absences from work to the Irish economy is estimated to be at d1,034 those who are alcohol dependent. 1 million a year. Reporting for work Because of the variation in alcohol content Most alcohol related problems the figures are generally rounded up and with a hangover, under the influence experienced by moderate drinkers down to the nearest standard drink. include those short term effects of of alcohol or drinking during work hours may lead to absenteeism, alcohol. Drinking a lot of alcohol In any one week, drink no more accidents and reduced productivity. regularly over time is likely to cause than Alcohol has been found to be a physical, emotional or social problems Men 21 standard drinks Women 14 standard drinks 10 Avoid drinking to intoxication On any one drinking occasion drink Dundalk West Meath no more than six standard drinks (for Ladywell Centre (Trim/ Kells/ Oldcastle) men) and four standard drinks (for 042 9326156 New Market House, Kells. women). 046 9249038/9249039 Drogheda Riverview Clinic Cavan / Monaghan ALCOHOL COUNSELLING SERVICES 041 9842368 St. Davnet’s Hospital, This service aims to provide information, Monaghan advice and counselling to individuals, Ardee 047 44700 family and concerned persons whose St. Brigid’s Hospital lives are affected by alcohol related 041 6853264 If you have any comments or problems. queries on The Euridice Project, South Meath please contact The Health Referral to the service is through the Dunshaughlin Health Care Unit Promotion Department, Railway Community Mental Health Team, 01 8024100 St, Navan, Co. Meath at 046- from a GP, other professionals or by 9076400. self referral. This service can be North Meath contacted Monday to Friday 9.30am - Clonard House 5.00pm. Market Square, Navan 046 9071648

the campaign. Small Grants Fund Aids Health Promotion Projects The Small Grant Fund Annual Fayre was held in the Regional Education Centre in The NEHB Health Promotion Small Grant with a ‘Home from Home’ experience by November 2002 and the Vice Chairman of Fund Initiative, launched in 2000, continues providing a ‘Self sufficient’ shop. The shop the NEHB James Mangan warded each to support a wide range of health allows residents to meet and purchase small Small Grant Fund Project Leader/Group promotion initiatives. personal items thereby enhancing their with a “Certificate of Achievement” for The fund was set up to assist and social interactions, their sense of their contribution to the integration of encourage individual staff members and independence and their mobility. Most of health promotion into their environment. departments to take an active role in the funding for this project was raised Staff in the Health Promotion Department Health Promotion. locally through local initiatives and the would like to acknowledge the excellent In 2002 there were 21 successful projects, Small Grant Fund was accessed to provide work carried out and inspirational embracing four categories i.e. clients, staff, the shortfall. It is expected that the ‘shop’ achievements of those who participated in breastfeeding/ parenting projects and the will fund itself from now on. this initiative last year, while encouraging environment. The Small Grant Fund was also accessed by more staff members to become involved It is not possible to include details of all environmental health officers for a follow- this year. these projects but the following are a few up survey on the sale of tobacco to minors The third annual NEHB Health Promotion examples of the range and type of projects in the Cavan/Monaghan area. The first ‘Small Grant Fund Fayre’ will be held in which received support in 2002: survey indicated that 25% of the retail November 2003, when all this year’s In Cavan General Hospital Play Specialist, premises in Cavan/Monaghan sold tobacco successful projects will be exhibited. Gillian Martin, accessed the Small Grant illegally to children. Following an awareness Project leaders and their managers will be Fund to purchase ‘Benny bear’ - an campaign, the follow-up survey indicated given the opportunity to share their interactive teddy-bear which is used to help that this was dramatically reduced by 44% knowledge and experiences, and to plan put children at ease when confronted by with only 14% of the premises tested found future health promotion initiatives. clinical procedures. to be selling cigarettes illegally to minors. In the Breffni Care Centre, Ballyconnell Furthermore this follow-up survey showed Further information on the Small Grant staff nurse Paula McShean used the Small that there was a significant reduction in Fund Initiative can be obtained from the Grant Fund to help to provide residents the number of teenagers smoking following Health Promotion Department, St Brigid’s Hospital, Ardee, Co. Louth.

Earlier this year the Nurse Education Committee held their annual seminar in the Regional Education Centre, St. Brigid’s Hospital, Ardee. The seminar was a great success with record attendance. (Front row L-R) Marion Rogers, CNM II, Frank Barkery, ADON, Dr. Fred Bereen, Chief Pyschiatrist, Pat Black, Director of Nursing, Professor Seamus Cowman, RCSI and Esther Durcan, Staff Nurse. (Back row L-R) Pat Moley, CNM II, Finian Murray, Men’s Health Development Officer, Bernie Mackin, CNM II, Mick Lennon, ADON, Ann Rock, CPN, Eugene Turbitt, Staff Nurse, Elizabeth McArdle, AADON, Brendan Murphy, Garda Valerie Campion, John McDonald, Tutor, Catherine O’Rourke, ADON and Eamon McGrath, CNM II.

11 Cavan/Monaghan Mental Health Staff Aid Albanians NEHB Hosts Midwifery Conference in Ardee The Cavan/Monaghan Project is now recognised The Albanian Minister for Health has appointed a as a world leader in the delivery of psychiatric National Steering Committee for Mental Health Midwives from Cavan, Drogheda, with a mandate to reform the Psychiatric Services care after being invited by the World Health Monaghan, Letterkenny, Sligo and Dublin Organisation to help improve psychiatric care in and develop a Community Based Mental Health recently attended a two-day education Albania. services. programme in the Regional Education Against a background of deprivation and neglect Last March the Coordinator of Services in Centre, Ardee on evidence based care in the Albanian government has declared Mental Cavan/Monaghan Martin McMahon travelled to normal labour & birth. Health to be a priority within the on-going Elbasan to assess the preconditions for the de- Researcher, lecturer and practicing midwife institutionalisation of the Psychiatric Hospital in development of the Health System in Albania. Denis Walsh gave the two-day course on Elbasan and advise on a community based evidence based care in normal labour & At a meeting in December 2002 Director of mental health approach. Nursing with the Cavan/Monaghan Mental Health birth. The programme focused on Mr McMahon, who traveled with a colleague from Service Damien Murray discussed working in empowering midwives with the knowledge the UK, described the visit as very challenging Albania with representatives of the WHO, the and skills required to deliver evidence and said he had to rely on all his experience in Albanian Government and health service workers assessing the situation there and drawing up based care in midwifery practice. from Bradford, Birmingham and Plymouth. plans of action. The Director of the Nursing & Midwifery Planning & Development Unit, Colum Following this meeting Mr Murray travelled to He returned to Elbasan in May for one further Bracken, reinforced the need for all Albania’s second largest city Elbasan to examine month accompanied by colleague Brian Clerkin. the situation on the ground. Elbasan has a Both have vast experience in de- midwifery practice to be evidence based population of 60,000 and is a three hour drive institutionalisation techniques. They said major particularly in light of the proposed over mountains from Tirana. During the strides forward had taken place during this visit. development of Midwifery Led Units in communist era it had a very large steelworks Their efforts have been highly commended by the region. employing more than 15,000 people. This is now WHO and by the Ministry of Health in Albania. The programme style was informal and closed and Elbasan suffers from high rates of unemployment and a lack of good transport Damien Murray, Brian Clerkin and Margaret interactive with group sessions to examine infrastructure. Fleming have given a commitment to return in and discuss aspects of practice.The event September to continue with this programme. provided a valuable opportunity for all delegates to network and to share knowledge and experience. Maternity Services Manager in Cavan General Hospital Patricia Hughes said: “The course provided those of us present with a ‘round up’ or even a crash course in evidence based practice in midwifery”. Patricia went on to say:“The course was enlightening for those who may feel a ‘bit Pictured above are Mental Health staff members from Elbason, Albania during their out in the cold’ in relation to evidence visit to Cavan/Monaghan last April. The Cavan/Monaghan Mental Health Service is one based care and was reaffirming and a of three Mental Health Services being sponsored by the World Health Organisation to share their expertise with the services in Albania. The other two Mental Health confidence builder for those who may have Services are based in the UK. the knowledge in isolation but who are unsure how to start changing their practice.”

It is hoped to repeat the programme during 2004. Programme Organiser Rose Lorenz, Midwife Development Officer acknowledged the support and funding received from the National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing & Midwifery and thanked the staff in the Regional Left to Right: Patricia Hughes (Maternity Services Manager, Cavan General Hospital), Linda Biesty (School of Midwifery, Rotunda), Rose Lorenz, Course Organiser (Nursing & Midwifery, Education Centre for the use of their Planning & Development Unit), Denis Walsh (Course Leader), Catherine Mulherne, Midwife excellent facilities. (Maternity Unit Sligo), Lisa Murphy, Midwife (Our Lady of Lourdes Drogheda), Deirdre Daly (Principle Midwifery Tutor, Rotunda).

12 design. Vision Design & Marketing. T. +353 42 933 0690, Dundalk, Co. Louth