C nnecting DNCC September 2022 - Official Opening of SÁNAS Respite In this Issue - September 2022_FINAL.
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
C nnecting DNCC September 2022
Official Opening
of SÁNAS Respite
In this Issue
Picnic in the Park Ronan Halpenny
Sláintecare Workshop
St. Mary's Hospital A day in the life
Contents
A Message from
04 OFFICIAL OPENING OF SANÁS IN
the Comms Team FINGLAS
Welcome to the fourth edition of the CHO 06 A DAY IN THE LIFE
DNCC Staff Magazine for 2022. It has been a
busy period since our last edition and we’ve
08 SLÁINTECARE WORKSHOP
captured much of the action here in the
magazine.
09 CUPÁN TAE MEMORY CAFE
The sun shone for much of the summer and
many CHO DNCC staff were out and about
attending openings, picnic days and awards
ceremonies among other events. We have COVID BOOSTERS FOR
11
included some really nice pictures from some HEALTHCARE WORKERS
of these events in the month's edition.
14 PICNIC IN THE PARK - ST. MARY'S
In the installment of A Day in the Life, we sat HOSPITAL
down with Disability Case Manager Ronan
Halpenny for a lovely chat about his career
15 STAFF HEALTH & WELLBEING
highlights, his hobbies and his advice for
WEBINAR
people looking for job satisfaction. There's also
lots of information regarding employee
SMOKE FREE HOMES
workshops, webinars and online courses. 14
PROGRAMME
It’s a packed edition and we hope you enjoy it.
Thank you sincerely to all who contributed by
supplying articles, pictures and information.
17 NEIC PROGRAMME WINERS
As always, if you would like to contribute to
the magazine, we would be delighted to
hear from you. Similarly, if you have any 19 PRECEPTOR OF THE YEAR 2022
ideas on how we can improve, please let us
know. You can email us anytime at:
comms.dncc@hse.ie 18 HR REFER A FRIEND SCHEME
Happy Reading!
20 ENROL FOR TRAINING COURSES
CHO DNCC Communications
comms.dncc@hse.ie
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 2
A Message from our
Chief Officer
Mellany McLoone, Chief Officer
I would like to welcome you to the latest October is Health & Wellbeing Month and to
edition of our Staff Magazine – Connecting mark this our Health & Wellbeing department
DNCC. I hope by this stage many of you have teamed with our HR department to offer
will have enjoyed a well-earned summer a range of online talks and webinars which
break and are feeling refreshed. will take place throughout the month. There
are some really interesting webinars taking
Over the summer, work continued on the place on topics that impact on our everyday
advancement of one of our key priorities for
lives. Any staff who wish to take part can do
2022; the implementation of Sláintecare. Staff
so by clicking on the links or scanning on the
in CHO DNCC will play a key role in
QR codes that are available in this edition of
delivering the reforms of care pathways as
envisaged by Sláintecare and to support this our staff magazine.
we will run a number of local Workshops
aimed at setting out our vision for the next Before I sign off, and on an important note, as
three to five years. we are now entering the winter period and
face into Flu and Covid season; I would
The first of these workshops was held on the encourage you and those close to you to
8th September in the Clayton Airport Hotel. consider getting both the Flu Vaccine and
We welcomed a broad representation of our Covid Booster, if you haven’t done so
community services, based on the network already.
model providing a real opportunity to discuss
ways to integrate care across services, meet I will end by sincerely thanking all off the staff
colleagues, strengthen and build new across CHO DNCC for their dedication and
relationships; and generate ideas on how we hard work, it never goes unnoticed. I hope
can improve our services and access to care. that you enjoy browsing through this edition of
our Staff Magazine. As always, if you have
The workshop was a great success and
any ideas or suggestions for an article, or
feedback has been very positive. What was
how we can improve this magazine, please
really evident at the workshop was the
fantastic work and initiatives that are taking let us know by emailing comm.dncc@hse.ie –
place all across the CHO. A draft action plan your feedback is always welcome.
is now being prepared and I will provide
further updates on this in the next edition. I
hope to meet more of you at additional
workshops in 2023 which will provide an
opportunity for us to engage with a wider
audience.
Recently, I was delighted to attend the
opening of Sánas, an alternative respite
service for children in the Finglas area. Sánas
provides a much needed after-school and
weekend service for children who require
additional supports – allowing their families
the respite they often need.
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 3
Official Opening of Sánas in Finglas
Staff and Families at the opening of Sánas
In July, Minister for Disabilities Anne Rabbitte opened Sánas, a new
alternative respite service for children. The service that has been
developed was made possible by the hard work of Olive Hanley and the
HSE team, and Sandra Keogh and the Sánas team. Opening this service
required a great deal of collaboration, innovation and hard work between
the HSE and Sánas, and both teams should be commended for their
commitment and ingenuity since this was first an idea only eight months
ago.
Sánas provides an after-school and weekend service that aims to
promote a stable and progressive environment to support children to
develop their strengths, while providing frequent and reliable respite for
their families. The Sánas team aims to give each child using the service
the opportunity to develop independence, learn new skills and
importantly, to make new friends.
Sánas’ first centre in Finglas is currently supporting children from over 50
families in the North Dublin area. The centre has been designed to
support children with a range of needs and interests. Indoor activities for
the children using the service are well balanced with the use of amenities
in the area such as the local shopping centre, parks, playgrounds and
other activity centres.
Since Sánas opened, families have been complimentary of the service’s
approach and the benefit that this weekly respite is giving them and their
families. While this service is still in its infancy, it is hoped that this new
approach could provide a new way to support families who have children
with special needs. To quote what some families have said “this is the
service we have been waiting for” and the service has been “life changing Sánas CEO James McGrane is
for our family”. watched eagerly by a young attendee.
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 3
Official Opening of Sánas in Finglas Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 4
Ronan Reflects on
Career Highlight
A Day in the Life: Ronan Halpenny
Case Manager
Disability Services
Ronan Halpenny still gets goose pimples as he Since returning from Down Under and continuing his
recalls the time he informed a man, who had been in education, Ronan has held a number of frontline and
a nursing home for 17 years, who didn’t leadership roles within many of the organisations with
communicate verbally, and was a similar age to which he now engages on behalf of CHO DNCC. Initially
himself, that he was finally going to be given a house as a Social Care worker in Sunbeam House in Bray, Co.
that he could call home - “Definitely one of the Wicklow, he then went on to hold leadership roles in
highlights of my career” he states – reflecting on a Clann Mór Residential & Respite, Peamount Healthcare,
career in the Disability and Social Care Sector which The National Advocacy Service for People with
has now spanned almost 20 years with the past two Disabilities, Stewarts Care and more recently with St.
as a Disability Case Manager in CHO DNCC. Michael’s House. It was in 2020 that Ronan joined CHO
DNCC bringing with him a wealth of experience.
Based in the Nexus Building in Ballycoolin, Dublin 15, he
handles cases in the North West region of CHO DNCC. Expanding on the knowledge and background he
The work of a Disability Case Manager is varied, brought to the role, Ronan said: “There’s no questioning
challenging, and involves a lot of moving parts, as he that my experience working with organisations such as
explains: St. Michael’s House and Stewart’s Care are of huge
benefit to my day-to-day work here in CHO DNCC. It has
“As a Case Manger I’m involved in providing services to enabled me to see things from many sides and also
both adults and children with disabilities. We commission allows me to draw on the network of contacts that I made
the services that people need from our office and ensure while working in those organisations.
that they are receiving the care they need and in a timely
fashion. In doing that there is a huge amount of contact
with the service user, their family members, the service
providers, agencies within the HSE and external
agencies.
“Basically any person who has a disability is our
responsibility. It involves a lot of problem solving, a lot of
sign posting, making sure people are linked up with the
right services – an awful lot of moving parts”
Ronan’s first foray into the Disability and Healthcare
Sector was 17,000KM away in Sydney, Australia where
he worked as a Care Assistant in a Disability Service. On
his return to Ireland in 2002 he had found his calling and
pursued this by obtaining a Certificate in Counselling,
Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis and followed this up by
completing a Bachelor Arts (B.A.) in Social Care Ronan during a training day for his
Practice. volunteer work at motorsport events
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 5
A Day in the Life: Ronan Halpenny
Many days as Case Manager I am trying to resolve an
immediate crisis or dealing with an ongoing complex
case so having that additional knowledge or knowing the
right person to pick up the phone to makes a huge
difference.”
Away from the office, Ronan’s caring nature continues to
shine through. Last year, his wife completed a 5K to
raise funds for the Make-a-Wish foundation which
prompted Ronan to become a volunteer in that
organisation. “A fantastic organisation who are always
looking for more volunteers” Ronan adds. A motorsport
fan, Ronan also finds time to attend rally events across Ronan attending the opening of Sánas
the country acting as part of a rescue and extrication in Finglas in July
team where his experience as Cardiac First Responder
plays an important part.
To keep fit, and for enjoyment, Ronan plays tennis
competitively in some local leagues which he really
enjoys. “I’m very much an amateur but I really do enjoy
it, it’s a great way to keep active and for socialising”.
When pressed on who his favourite tennis stars are, he
gives a nod to the future in picking Spaniard Carlos
Alcaraz, “The future Rafael Nadal,” he claims.
Ronan at his office in Nexus, Ballycoolin
However, he is quick to add that the real star of the
game at the moment is Serena Williams who is currently
taking part in her final competition before retirement
having won an incredible 24 career Grand Slams: “She’s
not only a star of tennis, she’s a legend of sport,” he
adds.
When asked for any parting words of wisdom or advice,
Ronan again goes back to his career highlight; “This
gentleman didn’t communicate verbally, we were
communicating by writing notes in my diary. I told him
verbally that he was going to get his own house and he
simply wrote ‘Are you sure?’ and I wrote ‘Yes, with a
smiley face’ – the joy in his eyes and on his face is The note that was written in Ronan’s diary
something I’ll never forget.
It’s for that reason that my parting advice to anyone, A Day in The Life
young or old, is if you want to to make a positive impact If you or one of your colleagues would
on people lives, if you like working with people, and if life to feature in A Day in The Life,
you want major job satisfaction – consider a career in the Please let us know by emailing:
Disability and Social Care sector, you won’t regret it.” comm.dncc@hse.ie
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 6
Slaintecare Workshop - 8th September 2022
CHO DNCC Sláintecare Workshop
On Thursday 8th September, colleagues from across CHO DNCC gathered in the Clayton Hotel Dublin
Airport for a Sláintecare Stakeholder Workshop. The peer learning workshop brought together staff from
across the whole of CHO DNCC for what was a very productive, informative and enjoyable day. It was so
nice to meet colleagues from across all the services and from the community - something that we haven't
done since Covid.
The day opened with a fun activity ice-breaker, followed by breakout session and finishing with a Q&A.
What emerged was really useful information across themes that included Values and Behaviors, Integrated
Care and Communications. We now intend to action the suggestions that came out of this event and will
update you all on the progress that we are making.
We will be holding events similar to this in the near future and we look forward to you seeing you there.
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 7
Slaintecare Workshop - 8th September 2022 Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 8
Cupán Tae Memory Café Opens in North Dublin
The Cupán Tae Memory Café was
established by the North Dublin
Mental Health Services for Older
Persons (MHSOP) Team, who
sought support from key
stakeholders representing the
community, voluntary agencies,
and health and social care accessible education platform and
professionals. support for people who are Brian Fenton, a local GAA star
experiencing memory difficulties brought great positivity and joy to
The vision of the café is to support and their family members. attendees. The music provided by
people living with memory difficulties the Forget Me Nots Choir provided
Without the outstanding support a special celebration that will be
to maintain their identity, resilience
and hard work of our community cherished by those in attendance
and dignity as valued members of our
committee we would not be able to
community. The mission of the café is for years to come.
function.
founded on the five pillars;
atmosphere, information, community, The Cupán Tae Memory Café is The café takes place once per
support and participation. under the governance of the month in Naomh Barrog GAA club
Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI). 2-4pm and is a space for people
The combined goal is to educate, The café is sponsored by Member with memory difficulties to receive
empower, encourage sharing of First Credit Union whose support reliable information and connect
experiences, and create a sense of has been vital to enable its with others embarking on a similar
community. development. journey.
Official Opening
There is a guest speaker each month
There was a hugely positive
providing information and attendees
reaction to the official launch on
can draw on each other’s expertise as
Wednesday 13th July with a big
well as advice from the health and
turn out on the day.
social care professionals involved in
running the café. The privilege of having the Lord
Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy in
There is a strong community focus to attendance added to the
the café and we have purposely importance of the occasion and
positioned ourselves in the heart of the attendees saw this as a huge
community to ensure that it is an honour.
L-R: Carmel Power ADON (MHS OP),
Karen Whelan, Service Manager, ND MHS
OP, Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline
Conroy, Dr. Odile Hally ,Consultant
Psychiatrist, MHS OP, Mairead Boyle,
Senior Occupational Therapist, MHS OP,
Regina Lafferty cANP MHS OP, Rose
Bennett Nurse Practice Development
Coordinator, ND MHS, Anthony Smith,
Interim ADON, MHS OP
L-R: Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy, Forget Me Nots Choir
Brian Fenton, Regina Lafferty cANP MHS
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 PPaaggee99Covid Booster Now Available for staff in CHO DNCC
2nd Covid Booster
available for Staff
Any Healthcare Worker (HCW) or staff member in
CHO DNCC aged 50 or over can access a 2nd booster
dose once it is 4 months since they had their 1st
booster or it is 4 months since they have been infected HSE Paramedic John Kelly Monica Farrell - HSE CHO
receiving his 2nd booster DNCC Healthcare Worker
with Covid.
Since September 1st, all HCWs under the age of 50
can also access a booster under the same terms.
HCWs can either use the online portal
https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-
19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/booking/ to book an
appointment at a Vaccination Centre or, if they prefer,
attend a participating GP or Pharmacy. Michelle Holmes - HSE Jennifer Junes -
Balheary Road, receives her Vaccination Co-Ordinator
2nd booster jab
If attending a GP or Pharmacy they should check in
advance to ensure that the vaccine is currently being
administered there.
Flu Vaccine
Available from
Eileen Kelly - Clinical Lead at Community Vaccination
3rd October Centre, Swords
The Flu vaccine saves lives. By getting the vaccine you not only protect yourself, but you prevent the spread of flu to
your friends, family, colleagues and service users. The free flu vaccine is recommended for healthcare workers, anyone
aged 65 or over, children aged between 2 and 17, pregnant women, as well as people with certain medical conditions
which put them at increased risk from the complications of flu.
CHO DNCC Staff can book their flu vaccine appointments at their local place of work or at the National Show
Centre in Swords from Monday 3rd October. Keep an eye out for posters, emails from your line manager and email
broadcasts for information on how to book your appointment.
All staff who receive their Flu vaccines by Friday 11th November will entered into a prize draw to win a 1 x €100 One4All
voucher, an annual leave day, a Fitbit or a beauty hamper! This year the flu campaign is partnering with Unicef and
for each flu vaccine administered to a staff member, a polio vaccine will be donated to child in need.
Please remember the following important flu vaccine facts that you can share with your patients, service users
and vulnerable family members:
Flu is a serious illness. Up to 500 people die from flu each year in Ireland.
The flu vaccine is very safe. It has been given for more than 60 years to millions of people worldwide.
Getting the flu vaccine is a simple way for us to help control the spread of flu in healthcare settings and in the
community.
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 10Picnic in the Park - St. Mary's Hospital
On Friday, 19th August 2022 St. Mary’s Hospital hosted The entertainment was kept flowing throughout the
“Picnic in the Park” for the residents of the two Phoenix afternoon by Jordan Reilly, one of our Patient Transport
Park Community Nursing Units, Teach Íosa and Teach Drivers, who was DJ for what was an extremely
Cara; the patients of the main hospital; their families and enjoyable Picnic in the Park.
all of the staff on campus. The day commenced with
musician James O’Reilly performing an array of popular
music and he greatly impressed his audience by taking
requests from a multitude of generations and different
genres!
The entertainment continued in the marquee provided by
“Dream Events” which was over flowing for “Trad 15” a
local band who brought a few friends along to join them
for some craic agus ceol. Throughout the day there were
some old fashioned sports day games, such as sack
races, potato and spoon races and hula hoop challenges Jordan Reilly, Transport Driver, with his Dad, Frank
for all to enjoy!
Patrick Gargan, General Manager, Older Persons, Mary
Conor Duignan, Stephanie McClorey, Abbie Phelan Scales, Operations Manager, Mellany McLoone, Chief Officer
and Niall Brennan, Physiotherapists and Essene Cassidy, Head of Older Persons
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 11Picnic in the Park - St. Mary's Hospital Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 12
October 2022
Staff Health & Wellbeing
Month Webinars
Health and Wellbeing & Human Resources are delighted to invite
staff to a series of online talks on wellbeing topics.
Simply click on the link or scan the QR code to book.
Tuesday 4th of October 1:00pm-2:00pm Thursday 6th of October 1.30pm-2:10pm
Dr Deirdre Lundy - Women's Health Expert Domestic Abuse Awareness
Perimenopause and the Menopause Niamh Wilson, Women's Aid
Dr. Lundy leads the menopause specialist clinic in The This session will discuss women’s experience of partner
National Maternity Hospital. Her talk will give you a broad violence, abuse and coercive control in intimate
overview on perimenopause and menopause. She will relationships. Information about domestic violence
discuss the signs, symptoms and treatment options. She will agencies will also be shared. Register Here
also explain the role of HRT. Register Here
Tuesday 11th of October 1:30pm-2:10pm Wednesday 12th of October 1:30pm-2:30pm
The Alzheimer Society, Dementia & National Screening Services
Diagnosis Pathway Aoife Collins, Senior Health Promotion Officer
Ana Dalton, Dementia Advisor, The Alzheimer Society National Screening Service, HSE
Ana will discuss the dementia advisory service which is a highly Aoife will provide an overview of the four national
responsive and individualised information and signposting screening programmes provided by the National
service. She will give advice on the dementia journey, services Screening Service. This will allow staff assist more people
and local resources available to support people living with to participate in screening. Aoife will also discuss barriers
dementia, their family and carers. Register Here to accessing screening and screening initiatives to
increase equity. Register Here
Thursday 13th of October 1.30pm-2:30pm Tuesday 18th of October 1:30pm-2:10pm
Finding Your Still Point with Mindful Self Care Heart Healthy Workplaces
Karen Brennan, Health Promotion Officer, HSE Martin Ryan, Irish Heart Foundation Health
Promotion Officer
In this session, you can experience practices for lowering stress. Would you like to learn about what you can do to reduce
Simple relaxation and self care techniques will be offered which your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke? This helpful
that can easily be incorporated into your day or weekly routine talk covers ways to manage high blood pressure and
to help you stay well. Register Here cholesterol, increase physical activity and reduce alcohol and
tobacco to live a heart healthy life. Register Here
Thursday 20th of October 1:30pm-2:30pm Tuesday 25th of October 1:30pm-2:10pm
Employee Assistance Programme Living Well Programme
Ray Moloney, EAP Manager, HSE Leah Harrington, Living Well Coordinator, HSE
Did you know that the EAP programme is a confidential and Leah will discuss the "Living Well Programme" which is for
independent support for staff? Ray will answer questions people living with chronic health conditions. Leah herself
lives with different chronic health conditions. Living Well is
submitted by staff members and share information on
a free online group programme. It can help you develop
available supports. Register Here
the skills and confidence to manage your health
condition(s). Register Here
Wednesday 26th of October 1:30pm-2:10pm
Derek Pepper, Team Leader of Regional Further information:
Services Shine All talks take place over Zoom.
Supporting people with Mental Illness Invite your colleagues to join in. If you need support to
All of us experience difficulties with our mental health from time set up a communal area where you and your
to time. This is normal. It is key to know where to look for help. colleagues can join, contact us on: hwb.dncc@hse.ie
Derek will talk about the fantastic services available from Shine Ask your most pressing questions by using the chat
for individuals with mental ill health as well as their family function.
members, relatives and supporters. Register Here Get updates of all upcoming events on Twitter
@HSECHODNCC
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 13Smokefree Homes Programme
As part of the Sláintecare Healthy Communities
project for residents of the North East Inner City, the
Dublin City Community Co-op delivered a four week
Smoke Free Homes Programme in partnership with
members of the HSE Health & Wellbeing Team, Ultan
Devery (Health Promotion and Improvement Officer)
and Cait Donnelly (Senior Health Promotion and
Improvement Officer).
The programme aimed to reduce second hand smoke
exposure in people’s home while raising awareness of
the health risks associated with second hand smoke
especially to children and young people. The L-R: Zhenyian Zhan, Melissa Molloy, Anita Pullen, Sridhar
programme encouraged households to make 3, 6 or 10 Karingula, Paul M Loughlin
promises with respect to making parts of their home or As part of the programme, a poster competition was held
Itheir whole home smoke free over the 4 week period. in the Central Model School on Marlboro Street. Students
were asked to draw what they thought a smoke free
In total, 58 households signed up to the programme. home looked like. The competition returned 100 entries
Support was provided over this time with weekly with a great buzz being generated in the school and the
information on how to keep to their promises and the winning posters featured as part of the resources used in
benefits of having fewer areas in the home for smoking the overall Smoke Free Homes Programme. The collage
or a completely smoke free home. At the end of the of the winning posters can be seen below.
programme, those who successfully completed the 4
week programme received a Smoke Free Home
certificate and were entered into a prize draw. All
participants were also offered HSE 1:1 Stop Smoking
For more information on the
Support Services and “We Can Quit”, which is a group Smokefree Homes Programme
based peer led stop smoking programme. A number of or the stop smoking service,
participants have expressed interest in attending the
Stop Smoking Service building on their achievements
please email hwb.dncc@hse.ie
during the Smokefree Homes Programme.
The information
in the
resources used
about
the chemicals in
smoke really ma
me think about de
the lingering eff
this was having ect
in my house.
It really encourag
ed
me to not smok
e.
Before
the pro
started gra
I smoke mme
outside W h e n I thou d in the
gh kitche
distrac to smoke ove t about going n.
ted by th r the 4
in we
didn’t e gs in the hou eks I got
nd up s se and
I loved m o often
having king at all.
in my h n o smoke
ouse.
Winning Posters
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 14Successfully Implementing Making Every Contact Count in DNCC
The Mental Health Services in Dublin North City and
County have seen huge progress in terms of
implementing Making Every Contact Count. To date,
439 staff (38%) within Mental Health Services have
completed Making Every Contact Count eLearning
training and have the tools and knowledge to carry
out behaviour change brief interventions with
patients or service users in relation to smoking,
alcohol and drugs, healthy eating and active living.
Shane Manton is a Clinical Nurse Specialist working in
the Mental Health Services for the past 8 years. Shane
is based in Artane working in the Rehabilitation
Services across a range of community settings with Shane Manton, Clinical Nurse
people with severe and enduring mental illness. Shane Specialist, Mental Health Services
and colleagues have been successfully implementing
Making Every Contact Count and have seen the The Making Every Contact Count programme aims to
benefits of doing so. Since taking up his role in 2014, prevent chronic disease by making brief interventions
the prevalence of smoking has reduced to 20% from a routine part of clinical care. Healthcare professionals
approximately 90%. Shane attributes this to various have opportunities in their daily interactions with
factors; including the incorporation of Making Every clients to give them the support they need to quit
Contact Count into his practice. smoking, reduce their alcohol intake, increase their
physical activity levels, and make improvements to
their diet.
The Making Every Contact Count programme includes
6-8 eLearning modules and an Enhancing Your Skills
workshop. Why not try the Making Every Contact
Evidence suggests that people with psychosis spend Count modules which are now available on HSeLanD.
almost 13 hours a day being sedentary, and that many If you have completed your online training you can
patients fall within the bottom 15-35% of activity levels book onto the next Enhancing Your Skills Workshop:
of the general population. Through Making Every
Contact Count, Shane opens dialogue around reducing
sedentary behaviour and increasing physical activity.
Programmes to support positive lifestyle behaviours
have been introduced within the service including the Date: Wednesday 28th September or Thursday
“Over The line” football group and a physical activity 10th of November 2022
and diet programme. Time: 10am-12:30pm
To book your place: Email your full name,
People with schizophrenia have a decreased life
expectancy by 15-20 years, due to poor physical health. workplace, email address for correspondence,
Being treated with second generation anti-psychotics address for postage of resources and contact
has a number of undesirable side effects, including phone number to hwb.dncc@hse.ie to book
weight-gain and an increased risk of developing cardio-
metabolic abnormalities. This is compounded by your place.
unhealthy lifestyle choices such as physical inactivity, Contact Bríd Greenan (MECC Mobiliser)
unhealthy diet, substance abuse and smoking. brid.greenan@hse.ie for further information
Therefore, the importance of these brief interventions in
supporting positive lifestyle behaviours cannot be
underestimated
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 15Open Disclosure Skills Workshops NEIC Programme Winners
The CHO DNCC Quality, Safety and Service Improvement
(QSSI) department will be rolling out Open Disclosure
Face-to-Face Training from September – December 2022.
The Open Disclosure Skills Workshop aims to increase
awareness of the National Open Disclosure programme
and to provide an opportunity for staff to practice the key
skills required to effectively manage an open disclosure
meeting. This workshop is aimed at all staff who are
involved with open disclosure discussions with service
users and their families.
L-R: Geneieve Marren, Senior Clinical
Psychologist, Shannen Gaughan, Speech and
Language Therapist, Ciara Taffee, Senior OT and
Miriam Doherty, Administration Support
In October 2020, a bespoke HSE Multidisciplinary
Team, comprising of three Occupational Therapists,
three Speech and Language Therapists and one
Clinical Psychologist, commenced working in 10 DEIS
designated primary schools in the North East Inner
City (NEIC) of Dublin. Initial funding for the team was
secured through the NEIC Programme Implementation
Board (PIB), who were established in 2017, following
the Mulvey report “Creating a Brighter Future”. The
Who: All staff who are involved in open disclosure PIB were tasked with being the drivers for change and
discussions with service users and their families. to address current & future Social & Economic
challenges. The NEIC has a high level of deprivation
Where: Ballymun Civic Centre and poor outcomes for health and children. There are
significant rates of educational drop out, children being
When: 9.30-12.30 on the following dates: exposed to or taking part in crime, addiction, poverty
neuro diversity and not enough services to support
Monday 26th September
children early in the life cycle to ameliorate the multi-
Wednesday 26th October
generational cycles of trauma and poverty.
Tuesday 22nd November
Monday 5th December The team work alongside an enhanced psychology
input from the National Educational Psychological
How: Sign up by emailing Headofqssi.dncc@hse.ie with
Service (NEPS) with a common goal to improve
‘Open Disclosure Skills Workshop’ in the subject line.
outcomes for all children in these 10 schools. This is
Please also include your name, role, area of work and the
achieved through a tiered model of support, with
date of the workshop you are interested in attending.
universal, targeted and specialist evidenced based
Open Disclosure e-learning module 1 “Communicating supports offered, depending on the needs identified. It
Effectively through Open Disclosure” is a mandatory is aimed at building the capacity of the school staff
requirement for all staff and is a pre-requisite to attending and parents and reducing long term risk thus
the skills workshop. This training is available on HSELand. supporting the children in reaching their potential in
life.
If you have any queries in relation to these Open Disclosure
workshops please contact Headofqssi.dncc@hse.ie The team recently won an Honourable Mention Award
at the Healthcare Centre Awards.
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 16Healthy Food Made Easy
A Culinary Stroll through Healthy Food Made
Easy Cookery Classes at The Bumble Bee,
Hole in the Wall Road, Donaghmede
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The Mens Shed in Donaghmede were delighted to avail of the Health Food Made Easy Course funded by CHO
DNCC Health and Wellbeing as part of a 10 week Sheds for Life programme. The Sheds for Life programme is
aimed at supporting the physical, mental and social wellbeing of Men’s Shed members. This Healthy Food
Made Easy Course attracted a great deal of interest, with 20 participants in total.
Aideen, our Facilitator and Chef Extraordinaire was brilliant, and the weekly sessions were highly anticipated by
everyone. Each week, we conquered a different dish, whether it was Bruschetta, Vegetable Soup, Chilli con
Carne, or Stir Fry, the mood was always light, bright and attentive. The 6 week course was made even more
enjoyable by the fact that the vegetables and fruit were supplied through our very own fruit and vegetable
garden: potatoes, tomatoes, onions, cauliflowers, cabbage, cucumbers, broccoli, peppers, and strawberries, all
available at our fingertips. Aideen educated us about the benefits of including this quality food in our diet.
There was a real feel good factor during the Healthy Food Made Easy Course; Aideen built a great rapport with
the group. It was a very useful course for us. These type of sessions are a fantastic opportunity for people to be
brought closer, gain new skills and take part in activities we enjoy.
I would also like to extend our greatest appreciation to HSE Health and Wellbeing, Dearbhail and Aideen from
Northside Partnership, and Lorraine Conneely, Health Promotion Officer with the Irish Men’s Sheds Association
who gave us the opportunity to take part in the cookery course as part of the Sheds for Life programme.
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 17L-R: Gonne Barry, DPHN, Rita McDonald, PDC DN, Valarie Palmer, PHN DN, Pauline McGrath, PHN DNW,
Cathy Geraghty, Interim DPHN DNW, Sarah Brownan, PHN DNC, Jackie Austin, DPHN DNC, Brenda Horgan, PDC DNC
Preceptor of the Year Awards 2022
Public Health Nursing (PHN) across CHO Dublin North City &
County came together on 24th August to both welcome the newly
qualified PHNs and also to announce the finalists and winner of the
2022 Preceptor of the Year. This award ceremony has been
running for the last 6 years and provides our student PHNs with the
opportunity to recognise the excellent work undertaken by their
Preceptors.
The awards are organised by the three Directors of Public Health
Nursing across CHO DNCC - Gonne Barry, Cathy Geraghty and
Jackie Austin. In her speech Gonne describes the awards as “a
celebration of the PHN preceptors across DNCC, who alongside
working within their caseload provide education and support to the
PHN student.”
The finalists announced were Valerie Palmer PHN Dublin North &
Sarah Brownan PHN Dublin North Central. The deserving winner
was Pauline McGrath PHN Dublin North West. Pauline was
nominated by Ciara O’Neill who described Pauline as "all times
knowledgeable, professional, caring, full of fun and laughter and a
true advocate for her clients/patients by ensuring the best nursing Pauline McGrath, Public Health Nurse,
care and evidence based knowledge." Dublin North West and winner of the
Preceptor of the Year 2022 Award
Congratulations to Pauline, Valerie and Sarah!
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 18Changing Lives for the Better - CIPC
Counselling in Primary Care “Changing Lives for the Better”
Report on the effectiveness of Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC)
The HSE National Counselling Service recently launched a national report of
the effectiveness of the Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC) service. This
report, demonstrated the effectiveness of counselling in addressing
depression and anxiety and identified key recommendations for the CIPC
service.
CIPC is one of the services provided by the HSE’s National Counselling
Service and is available across Dublin North City and County. CIPC
receives an average of 2,500 referrals each year.
CIPC provides time-limited counselling of up to 8 sessions to adults
experiencing mild to moderate psychological difficulties. Eligibility is
currently limited to medial card patients on referral from their GP or Primary
Care Practitioner.
2,824 clients took part in the study
72% of participants improved or recovered showing reductions in psychological distress and improved
quality of life after counselling, which continued a year after counselling.
92% of Clients described counselling as very effective – “Counselling has changed my life for the better, I
can handle anything that life throws at me.”
96% of clients reported that counselling was beneficial with improvements in their overall physical, mental
health as well as ability to work and engage in social activities
Counselling also helped to reduce suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Over 90% of CIPC referrals are from GPs. 80% of GPs surveyed considered counselling beneficial and a
majority recommended expansion of CIPC: ”We need more schemes like CIPC. Some of my patients
have improved beyond belief."
GPs reported that counselling is an important option when people are experiencing mental health
difficulties offering an alternative to antidepressants
Key recommendations from the research include: Counselling in Primary Care
Dublin North & North City,
Earlier identification and referral to counselling. Unit 1, 1st Floor,
Counselling is likely to be more effective the sooner St Fintans, North Street,
people access counselling Swords, Co Dublin
Eircode: K67 D663
The need to increase access to CIPC – eligibility should Tel: 01 795 7171
be expanded beyond those who hold a GMS card Email: CIPCDNC@hse.ie
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 19HR Refer a Friend Scheme
‘Refer a Friend Scheme’
Our HR department continue to promote the Refer a Friend Scheme where CHO DNCC staff
can highlight job opportunities to potential candidates working outside the organisation. Under
‘Refer a Friend Scheme’, CHO DNCC staff are invited to refer external candidates to open
vacancies / campaigns and will be rewarded for doing so, should the candidate you refer
commence employment with us.
Community Healthcare Organisation Dublin North City & County (CHO DNCC) recognise that
our employees are at the centre of our goal to deliver the right care, at the right time, in the right
place to the communities of Dublin North City & County. We also recognise that our employees
understand the type of candidates who can contribute to this goal & develop their career with us.
This scheme, which commenced on May 23, will run until 31st December 2022.
For full details of the scheme, to refer a friend or should you have queries please contact the
Human Resources team via chodncc.recruit@hse.ie
CHO DNCC now available on LinkedIn
All job opportunities in CHO DNCC are now available to be viewed on our new LinkedIn page.
For regular updates, please follow this link: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chodncc
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 20Enrol for Training Courses
There are many different excellent training courses available for staff working in CHO DNCC which
are accessed via a number of routes.
Leadership and Talent Development (LETD) offer a number of training courses which run at different times
throughout the year, these courses range from basic computer skills to HR Management a Legal Framework.
HSEland provide both mandatory and recommended training courses which are offered online and there are over
200 eLearning programmes available.
CHO DNCC HR Department also offer a number of training courses to equip line managers with additional
knowledge and skills to carry out their roles effectively for example Managing Attendance or Trust in Care.
Do you need to complete some mandatory training or are you interested in developing new skills?
If so the information below will help to signpost you in the right direction.
CHO DNCC HR Calendar of Events:
The HR Calendar of Events amalgamates a lot of this training on offer to CHO DNCC employees into one useful calendar.
To access a copy of this training calendar please contact: training.chodncc@hse.ie
To access a copy of the LETD calendar please visit the following website:
https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/leadership-education-development/leadership/prospectus-2022.pdf
To access HSeland: www. HSeLanD.ie
As part of our focus to provide a safe working environment, HR would like to highlight
some important training courses which we would like to encourage you to complete
over the next few months.
The following courses are available to access through HSeLanD.ie
Safeguarding adults at risk of abuse Covid -19 Return to Work
Managing Attendance National Training Induction Webinar
An introduction to Children’s First Hand Hygiene
Managing Violence and Aggression, Manual Handling
Coaching Skills for Managers Cyber Security Training to
Dignity at Work be completed by all staff by
Open Disclosure 31st December 2022
CHO DNCC HR Department have the following training courses available aimed at line managers:
IPA Interview Board Member training: 8th September – one full day programme
Recruitment Workshop: 13th September 2022 – 9.00am to 11.30am or 11th October 2022
Managing Attendance (local training for managers): Pre- recorded programme (approx. 1 and a half hours) on the 13th September 2022
Managing probations (local training for managers): Pre-recorded programme (approx. 1 and half hours) on the 18th October 2022
Dignity at Work (local training for managers): Pre-recorded programme (approx. 1 and a half hours) on the 15th November 2022
Grievance and Disciplinary Procedure: (Date TBC)
Trust in Care: (Date TBC)
To register or to receive further information please email training.chodncc@hse.ie
Staff Health and Wellbeing Month October 2022:
HR working in partnership with Health Promotion and Improvement have an exciting month of Staff Health
and Wellbeing initiatives planned for the month of October. Information will be provided through online talks
on a number of topics for example EAP, Menopause and Mental Health Awareness. For further information
please email training.chodncc@hse.ie
CCoonnnneecct itni nggDDNNCCCC- -SSper p
i nt g
e m2b0 e2 r2 2 0 2 2 P aPgaeg2e19Employee Assistance Programme
The HSE Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a work-based support service for staff and
the organisation. This is a confidential independent service. It supports employees with
psychosocial issues (psychological and social factors that influence mental health). These
issues may be personal or work related, affecting your job performance or home life.
The service is free and available to all HSE employees. Further information is available at:
www.hse.ie/EAPandME or you can call 0818 327 327
Inspire Workplaces are the external staff counselling partner of the HSE. All HSE employees
have access to Inspire Hub.
You can log onto to Inspire Hub at any time to access a host of online resources that may be
also helpful to you while you are awaiting your appointment with a counsellor or deciding if you
want to proceed.
www.inspiresupporthub.org/HSE-EAPandME
Share Your Stories
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 22Your Comms Team
Aoife O'Sullivan Liam McHale Darragh Gallagher
General Manager Communications and Communications and
aoife.osullivan@hse.ie Parliamentary Affairs Lead Parliamentary Affairs Lead
liam.mchale@hse.ie darragh.gallagher@hse.ie
Ursula Mannix Katherine Kellett Lorraine Timmons
Communications and Communications and Regional Communications and Regional
Parliamentary Affairs Health Office Health Office
ursula.mannix@hse.ie katherine.kellett@hse.ie lorraine.timmons@hse.ie
Share Your Stories
If you have a story or an article that you would
like to share, or example of excellence and
innovation that demonstrate our values of
compassion, kindness, trust, care, learning and
leadership, please let us know at:
comms.dncc@hse.ie
@HSECHODNCC
Connecting DNCC - September 2022 Page 23You can also read
