Pride of place Back from the brink - Cardiac arrest survivors share their stories - HSE
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Hea th
staff magazine of the IRISH HEALTH SERVICE vol. 13 | issue 15 | AUTUMN 2018
Back from
the brink
pride of
Cardiac arrest place
survivors share HSE staff take part
their stories in Pride Parade
features general news you section lifestyle
Welcome to the Contents HEALTH MATTERS AUTUMN 2018
latest edition of You Section 32 Palliative Care
Health Matters 6 Pride Parade
Needs assessment guide produced
33 Cocaine use
Milestone for HSE staff
IN this edition four people share their experiences Campaign to raise awareness of dangers
8 Restart a Heart
with out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. 34 Superbugs
Day now a global event
Footballer Cathal Joyce and camogie player A clear and present danger
12 Become an Xpert
Michelle Herbert, both young and physically 36 Health Innovation Hub
Manage your diabetes
fit, experienced cardiac arrests on the playing Linking industry with healthcare sector
13 Prostate cancer
pitches and would not be still with us if it 38 Access to Information
New GP referral guidelines
weren’t for the quick-thinking and CPR skills Healthcare technology
14 Civil ceremonies
of people nearby. 40 Drink Less and Gain More
Freedom to design your own wedding
ICU nurses Geraldine Bolger and special event at All-Ireland semi-final
16 Values in Action
Rosaleen White also shared extraordinary 42 Sexual health and wellbeing
Dublin North City and County join the
stories of cardiac arrest – one as the victim New resources for parents
movement
and one as the saviour. Rosaleen collapsed 44 HPV vaccine
18 Thank you
during a cycling tour in Mayo, while Staff playing role in major uptake
Volunteers honoured at breakfast
Geraldine was called into CPR action to 45 Operation Transformation
18 Plaudit for Jane
save the life of her husband Derek when he HBS service improvements
HBS Director wins top award
6
went into cardiac arrest in the early hours 46 Healthcare audits
67
19 Birthing pool
of the morning beside her in bed. Catalyst for good governance
New facility in UMHL empower mums
With Restart a Heart Day celebrated 46 Financial management
globally shortly, they are all hoping to raise Add it to your skillset
awareness of the out-of-hospital cardiac
arrest and encourage people to learn CPR,
Features 47 Staff doing it for themselves
Improving your workplace
maybe saving a life one day. 20 Flu campaigns 48 Positive Ageing
We also chat to registrar Louise Dodrill Be a lifesaver and protect your patients Adding years to life
about her work in the Civil Registration 22 HSE Annual Report 49 Zambia visit
Service in Dublin, which she describes Plans for the year ahead 28 Change Guide Training medical staff and equipping
as a diverse but rewarding role. She also 24 Child safety risks Help for managers hospitals
speaks about the benefits of having a civil New resources and training available 29 From dream to reality 51 National Framework for Recovery
ceremony for your wedding, including 26 Staff Records AND HSE partners with Sudan Mental health
the freedom to design and develop your Pay Programme 30 SAP platform 52 30 days to pay
ceremony and personalise it into a bespoke Integrated system boost Modernisation continues Avoiding prompt payment interest
wedding, by adding extra details such as a 27 Heart Attack Care Report 31 Schwartz Rounds 52 Smoking
hand-tying ceremony. 1,412 patients treated in 2016 Louth County Hospitals take part Still leading preventable cause of ill-health
There’s plenty more to read about inside
19 78
– including how the newest Values in
Actions (VIA) Champions got on at their
bootcamp recently. The Champions are
nominated by their peers to be the leaders
of a grass roots culture change in their
area of the health service. For many, their
bootcamp is the beginning of their personal
VIA journey.
As always, a big thank you to all our
contributors and we hope you enjoy reading
this latest edition of Health Matters.
Joanne Weston
Joanne Weston,
Editor
66 14
This magazine is produced by the
HSE Communications Division
Publishers: Celtic Media Group
www.celticmediagroup.ie
Feedback: Send your feedback to
healthmatters@hse.ie
2018 autumn health matters 
Contents HEALTH MATTERS AUTUMN 2018 online
News
53 Irish Haemophilia Society
Marking 50 years
54 Men’s Health Week
Great strides through small steps
Sites we like www.makeastart.ie
55 Hepatitis C
Online resources launched
56 Born to Change
Engaging young people in north west
57 Mental Health Engagement
Progress marked
58 Managing medicines safely
54
Everyone has a role to play
58 Survivorship after childhood
cancer
The way forward
60
59 Cancer information point
Open and accessible in public www.hse.ie/restartaheart
60 Multicultural day
UHL celebrates staff from around world
68 Primary care centre
Boost for Tuam
Lifestyle
62 Frailty Education Programme 69 Mid-summer event 72 Active School Flag
Looking after our elderly Louth County Hospital Visitors from Europe
63 Special Olympics 69 World Asthma Day 72 Bike Week
Six win medals Portlaoise hospital event New bike shelter opens
64 Teen births and abortions 70 CAMHS team 73 Start to be active
Numbers decrease New videos produced Adopt healthier habits
65 Bereavement room 71 BeLonG To 74 Steps to Health
Maternity services facility 15 years celebrated Participants get creative
66 tobacco report 76 Walk in the Woods
Plenty of achievements to date Woodlands for Health
66 Sun awareness day 77 Feel Good Together
Link-up with Roscommon GAA Healthy Ireland summer campaign
42
www.sexualwellbeing.ie/for-parents/
67 Blood clots 78 Cork Kerry event
Common after hospital stay Staff get together
33
www.haemophilia.ie
20
health matters autumn 2018 2018 autumn health matters 
You
Section
Mileston e ev en t fo r organisa tio n
Staff make a little histor y at Pride
istory was made when more
H
than 50 staff from across the
Health Service marched in this
year’s Dublin Pride Parade.
This was the first time Health
Service personnel participated, walking behind
our own staff banner. It is a very important
milestone for the organisation in terms of
implementing our Diversity, Equality and
Inclusion Plan, part of the Health Services
People Strategy.
There was a party atmosphere as staff,
accompanied by friends and family, got together
at the assembly point.
“It was great to be surrounded by your
colleagues, friends and family on such an
important day for the LGBT community.
Knowing that I am supported in work and valued
by the organisation I work in is something I value
greatly,” said Aidan Moyles, who is based in the
Communications Division in Dublin.
Ray, a psychotherapist working for the HSE,
Knowing that Network, which includes staff members from a
variety of services and locations.
said, “I took part in the Pride Dublin 2018 Parade I am supported in The Health Services LGBTI+ & Allies Network
as a representative of the HSE. My experience
was one of feeling honoured to be able to hold
work and valued by the will soon commence planning for Dublin Pride
2019 celebrations. If you are interested in
the banner with the HSE logo on it, and to walk organisation I work in is becoming involved, or have an interest in joining
through the parade route to say a public ‘Yes’
to the presence of members of the LGBTI+
something I value greatly the Network, please don’t hesitate to contact
Patrick Lynch, National Director for Quality
community within the HSE. Assurance and Value on national.qav@hse.ie
“As a transgender person, aware of some of applauding and waving rainbow coloured flags or Michele Guerin, Equality Officer,
the healthcare challenges faced by members of at us. Will we be there next year? Definitely.” michele.guerin@hse.ie
the LGBTI+ community, I felt our presence and And another NAS colleague added, “I really
mine at Pride was a small yet highly significant enjoyed the fun and inclusiveness of the day
statement that we are awake to the present day with my colleagues and all of the participants.”
reality of the lives of LGBTI+ in Ireland, including The parade in Dublin was organised by Dublin
within the HSE staff profile. I felt acknowledged, Pride and Dublin City Council, who confirmed
validated, and supported by management and that in the region of 60,000 people participated
colleagues, some identifying as allies, and felt on the day, the highest
that I can show up and still belong.” turnout at Pride.
From here onwards? The HSE has established More than 160
a Network for LGBTI & Allies to develop the companies and
organisation as a service that welcomes the organisations
whole person to the workplace in line with our were represented
policy on embracing diversity. The Network can this year, another
support local initiatives throughout the service. record. As a
Also represented at this year’s Pride Parade sign of support,
was the National Ambulance Service. NAS had the Pride flag
a large group who participated in the festivities was raised
along with other HSE colleagues. outside HSE HQ,
One NAS staff member, Brian P Byrne, said, Dr Steevens’
“What an amazing day we had, the sun splitting Hospital, Dublin
the stones and a carnival atmosphere next 8, and at the
to none. We went into the parade to support HSE’s office
our work colleagues and friends and to show at Cornmarket,
everyone that we really care about people in the Dublin 8.
gay community. Within the Health
“I have to say that the support from people Services, the parade
as we marched past in our Ambulance Service was organised by the TOP LEFT: Members of NAS joined HSE staff from Health Services LGBTI+ & ALLIES Network and the HSE National HR Division participating in the
uniforms was fantastic, they were cheering, Health Services LGBTI+ & Allies Dublin Pride March; TOP RIGHT: Mary McCarthy and Leonie Troy, members of the NAS; ABOVE: Members of the NAS at the march. Pic: Marc O’Sullivan
health matters autumn 2018 2018 autumn health matters 
You
Section
Resta rt a Heart Da y footballer Cathal battled back to active life
event now marked globally
Footballer Cathal Joyce was But he hasn’t let the major
25 and in the shape of his life. setback dictate the rest of his
He was getting ready to line life and has confounded most
out for Athlone GFC in their expectations by returning
estart a Heart Day was
The aim of providing CPR, and a chance to practice CPR club championship semi- to training and an active
R
founded with the support of on a mannequin. final against Rosemount lifestyle.
the European Parliament, and Restart a Heart Feedback from the event was GFC at Cusack Park in Cathal played his first
is held on October 16th every
year. The aim of Restart a Heart
is to raise awareness overwhelmingly positive, with 93pc of session
attendees saying the chance to hear an
Mullingar. For Cathal, that
day, September 13th 2015, was
match just six months after
his cardiac arrest and even
is to raise awareness about out-of-hospital about out-of-hospital emergency call and to practice CPR made one he would never forget – but managed to climb Croagh
cardiac arrest (OHCA) and to promote training
in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The
cardiac arrest (OHCA) them much more confident that they would
know how to react in an emergency situation.
for all the wrong reasons.
Just before the throw-in, Cathal collapsed
Patrick.
“I haven’t looked back since. I was told
event has grown in popularity in recent years and to promote training The focus for 2018 will continue to be to and suffered a cardiac arrest. initially that I should be just playing golf or
and is officially a global event for 2018.
In 2017 the National Ambulance Service
in cardiopulmonary increase awareness about the importance of
bystander CPR and increase bystander CPR
He was fortunate that he was able to be
treated immediately at the county grounds.
walking but I knew my body was able for
much more. I don’t play as much football
(NAS) ran CPR awareness sessions across resuscitation (CPR) rates. A variety of CPR awareness sessions Team physio, his brother James, started and mainly do personal training in the gym. I
17 HSE venues, which were attended by over and CPR training will be provided across HSE CPR before a cardiac nurse from the crowd know my limits,” he says.
1,000 staff. Because over 70pc of OHCA sites by NAS staff in partnership with HSE and Rosemount’s doctor took over. With Cathal feels conflicted about some of the
events happen in the home, the aim of the 20- resuscitation training officers and instructors, three rounds of CPR and one shock from the medical advice he was given for life after a
minute sessions was to demonstrate how to and Community First Responders. stadium defibrillator, Cathal’s heart restarted. cardiac arrest.
recognise OHCA, how to make an emergency Details on CPR activities and training can be But it is hard for Cathal to see any good “Before I went in for the operation, I was
call, how to follow telephone instruction in found at www.hse.ie/restartaheart. fortune in that day. told I would have a normal healthy life
“People say that I was lucky that it afterwards, but after I woke up, I was told I
happened where and when it happened but would never play sport again.
I don’t feel lucky. I did everything right in my “And I couldn’t get cardiac rehab because
teacher michelle aims to educate pupils on cpr after camogie collapse life and look after myself by keeping fit and it’s only available if you had a heart attack or
A Limerick teacher is aiming to teach her leading a healthy lifestyle and this happened are at risk of having one, so I had to do it all
entire school CPR two years after the young to me. And then I look at other people who myself,” he says.
mum of one collapsed on the camogie pitch. abused themselves and their bodies and they “So much of the advice that I was given just
In October 2016, Michelle Herbert suffered get away with it; it’s hard,” he admits. didn’t make sense. How could swinging a golf
a cardiac arrest while playing in the Limerick Cathal explains that the first sign of trouble club not put any more strain on your body
junior county final for Newcastle West against came as he was kicking the ball around that a similar arm raise in the gym?
Tournafulla. It was only the quick-thinking of her before the match. “I think doctors are being too cautious and
marker on the field that saved her life. “My legs went wobbly, my co-ordination not allowing people to get back to some kind
Michelle (pictured right with husband Jer and started going. I asked one of the lads to of normality. And I was even advised to put
son Conor; and far right with her mum) is an bring me back to the dugout and he had on weight because I was so lean.
agri-science teacher at Hazelwood Secondary to link me back. Then my vision went and I “The main reason I got back to training
College and she is now determined to get all collapsed,” he says. so quickly was simply to prove a point that
the students trained up on CPR so they could Cathal had suffered a cardiac arrest, which whatever the situation there is always a Plan
respond just as decisively if they are the first is significantly different to a heart attack. B. I have met a number of people around the
responders on the scene. She has already A heart attack happens when the flow of country who have received an ICD and are
worked with the Irish Heart Foundation to train oxygen-rich blood to a section of heart so scared to even go for a walk, nevermind
transition year students in 25 schools across She explains that there was no definitive muscle suddenly becomes blocked and the return to sports.”
Tipperary, Limerick and Clare. cause for the cardiac arrest, which saw her heart can’t get oxygen. If blood flow isn’t Cathal would not be alive now were it not
“Restart a Heart Day coincides with the two- heart stop for 26 minutes. restored quickly, the section of heart muscle for the defibrillator and the people there
year anniversary of my cardiac arrest. I think “I had loads of tests and had to go on a lot begins to die. trained to use it properly.
teaching the next generation such a vital life of medication for a good while afterwards. It A cardiac arrest is when the heart stops He now trains teachers in schools around
skill would be a great way to mark it. Our plan is took a lot out of me but I returned to work full pumping blood around the body and normal the country in CPR and helps to raise
to have every child in the school fully trained up. time after five months. It was a lot to get over, breathing stops. If people are not resuscitated awareness of sudden cardiac death (SCD)
It is extremely likely that many of them will need mentally and physically,” says Michelle. quickly after cardiac arrest, they will die. and the vital role of basic life-saving skills.
to use their skills at some stage and it could She has quit the camogie but continues to The following day, he underwent extensive His Facebook page, HeartTalk, also plays a
save somebody’s life,” says Michelle. go cycling, swimming and take brisk walks. tests in hospital and was diagnosed with massive role in spreading awareness.
She recalls the fateful day. “About five minutes “I thought it would be selfish to go back. hyperthropic cardiomyopathy, a rare heart He is involved in the out-of-hospital cardiac
into the second half, I just felt dizzy and I put my when she took off my helmet that it wasn’t a sure that there was quiet and they could actually It wasn’t fair on my family or on the players condition where sudden cardiac arrest can be arrest group who are working with top
hurley out to steady myself and then collapsed. normal situation, that I hadn’t just fainted. hear what the defibrillator was saying. There around me. I don’t think Jer would have been triggered by vigorous physical activity. cardiologists to review after-care for survivors.
I had suffered a massive heart attack and I got “So she began compressions immediately were a lot of other nurses and first aiders in the able to watch me play and I couldn’t do that to He had an implantable cardioverter “It is great to be able to give something
between six and eight defibrillator shocks and and it’s only for her quick-thinking and her CPR crowd that came and volunteered.” him. He’d be constantly worried. I got to play defibrillator (ICD) placed under his left back to the community.
about 12 rounds of compressions and then was experience that I survived. Michelle’s husband Jer, their two-year-old son until I was 32 and I can’t complain about that,” collarbone and he was released from hospital “My main aim is to make sure as many
airlifted to UHL,” she remembers. “She took control of the situation and got Conor, along with her parents Mary and James, says Michelle. “Everything fell into place that five days later. people as possible know how to do CPR and
“My marker Sarah-Jane Joy is a nurse and people to move back and give me room. Then who was her team manager, and her uncle Tom, day. If that is all that happens to me, then I’m An ICD is a miniature version of a operate a defibrillator. You never know when
the minute I collapsed, she took off my helmet, there was a lot of crying and screaming so that a team selector, all looked on from the sidelines lucky. I’m not going to spend my life worrying defibrillator which is implanted in those at you may be in a situation to save somebody’s
put me into the recovery position. She realised even when the defibrillator came, she made as Michelle battled for her life. about the what-ifs.” high risk of having a fatal rhythm problem. life,” says the Westmeath man.
health matters autumn 2018 2018 autumn health matters 
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Section
‘I needed the voice at the end of the phone’
An ICU nurse had to use all her 20 up there and keep going, keep going,
years of experience when she keep going’.” The doctor resumed
awoke in the early hours of work and about 15 minutes later
the morning to her husband he returned to confirm that
having a cardiac arrest in the Derek had finally an output.
bed next to her. He was brought to
Following the traumatic Geraldine’s place of work, St
experience that saw Geraldine Vincent’s, where he was placed
Bolger perform CPR for 30 in the ICU ward she knew so well.
minutes, she is urging people to Derek was sedated and, because
learn the technique he had been under cardiac arrest for so
Geraldine, who works in St Vincent’s Hospital long, there were concerns about the levels of
in Dublin, was asleep in her Stillorgan, Dublin oxygen starvation to his brain.
home last July when she woke up and noticed A couple of days later, a nursing colleague burst
some unusual breathing by husband Derek at in to the waiting room to tell Geraldine that her
around 12.40am. husband was awake and after he was taken off life
“I gave him a dig in the ribs and asked him was support, Geraldine went in to see him.
he okay. I got no response, so I gave him a bigger “He looked at me and asked me, ‘Am I dead?’.
dig and shouted ‘Derek are you okay?’ When I still I told him, ‘No you’re not.’ Then he looked for
didn’t get a response, I sat up and turned on my his watch on his arm and asked was he late for
bedside lamp, glanced at Derek, lifted my mobile work. But it was such a relief to see him awake and
and dialed 999. I told them I needed a cardiac talking. He couldn’t remember a thing.”
ambulance, that my husband was having a cardiac Geraldine explains that Derek had been
arrest,” recalls Geraldine. experiencing shoulder pain in the days before
“Derek was now a purple black colour with dilated his cardiac arrest. She insisted he go to his GP to
black pupils staring up and to the left. He had a get it checked out, suspecting heart problems.
good pulse though. I yanked him off the bed with He was due to be fitted with a blood pressure
a thud and started CPR. He remained unconscious monitor the morning of his attack and had had a
with foaming at the side of the mouth.” normal ECG test the previous day.
Geraldine explained to the paramedic at the end “He was a totally healthy 53-year-old who
of the 999 call that she was a nurse and knew what was very physically active. But sometimes the
nurse rosaleen airlifted to hospital after cardiac arrest during cycle to do. Despite her medical knowledge, she insists fitness can mask the heart problem. There was
Only for the fact that a fellow cyclist knew CPR, was a risk that Rosaleen could have suffered that the call-taker was crucial to keeping her calm a blockage there that doesn’t show up until it’s
Sligo woman Rosaleen White’s bike trip through one brain damage due to the lack of oxygen getting and focused on the CPR. completely blocked. Even if he had an ECG three
of Ireland’s beauty spots would have led to tragedy. to the brain. She laughs when she recalls her first “On my first thrust of compression I heard a minutes before the attack, the blockage wouldn’t
37-year-old Rosaleen, an ICU nurse, was out conversation with her dad after she came around crunch. I knew I’d broken cartilage, but I thought have showed,” she says.
cycling through Leenane in Connemara two years in the hospital. that’s good I’m in the right place and doing it hard After about a week in the Cardiac Care Unit,
ago when she went into sudden cardiac arrest “I had taken my mother’s car to the cycle and enough,” she says. Derek returned home and is now completely fine.
and collapsed. Fortunately, the cyclist behind her parked in my brother’s mother-in-law’s house. She put the phone on loudspeaker on the “He was extremely lucky. Most people would
was trained in CPR and was able to administer The first thing Dad said to me was ‘What did bed beside her and continued to do chest have just died in their sleep. And it is very rare for a
CPR and save Rosaleen’s life. you do with your mother’s car?’ I replied that I compressions for 20 minutes. The medic on the person who was ‘under’ for more than 20 minutes
“I was about 30km into a tour from Westport. had parked it outside Maureen’s house and that phone continued to encourage her and keep to survive without any brain damage. He was
My brother had been with me but he had gone I had two bottles of wine for her still in the boot. her going. When the ambulance was nearby he down for about an hour but I’ve been told that the
on ahead. Suddenly I started to feel unwell and I remember thinking that he was losing it, and instructed her to run downstairs, turn off the alarm, CPR I did helped keep the oxygen flowing to the
had this heaviness in my chest. Then I was gone,” what an odd thing to ask me in the hospital bed. open the front door and turn on the lights before brain and it was vital for him.”
reveals Rosaleen. But he was actually just checking if my memory running back up the stairs to ‘get back on the chest’. She admits that she still experienced panic
“I actually cracked my helmet with the fall. By and mind were okay,” says Rosaleen. When the ambulance arrived they took over the at the situation, despite all her training and
the time Jeanette Gray came upon me about a Rosaleen and her husband and four children job of trying to save Derek’s life and that is when experience.
minute and a half later, I had turned blue. She recently made the trip to Baldonnell on the Geraldine noticed there was ‘a river of sweat’ “It is so important that people are trained
was trained in CPR so treated me for 10 minutes invitation of the Air Corps who airlifted her to running down her face. in CPR. We need to be training our secondary
on her own. Then Therese O’Grady came past hospital two years ago. “It was absolutely exhausting but I couldn’t stop. school students in particular. The chest
and she was also trained in CPR and was able to “The kids loved getting a look around the The guy on the phone was so important though. compressions are the really important thing. I
work on me too. They were working on me for 27 helicopter and it was great to be able to thank He counted me through the compressions and didn’t do any mouth-to-mouth at all, it was all
minutes which is such a long time.” the people that had helped me,” she says. kept me focused and not panicked.” just about the compressions, about keeping the
The lack of mobile phone coverage was a “They had a defibrillator and were able to give “They explained to me that it wasn’t a plumbing Life has returned to normal for Rosaleen. After 20 minutes a doctor came down to the blood flowing to the brain,” says Geraldine, who
problem for the pair as they tried desperately to me two shocks and restarted my heart. I was then problem – there were no blockages or anything “I’m allowed to exercise and go to the gym. kitchen to speak to Geraldine. “He told me has recently been promoted to Resuscitation
send a 999 call out. One eventually had to stand airlifted from the scene but I have absolutely no – and it was actually an electrical problem,” says But it is just more controlled now and I keep an they had shocked Derek nine times, given him Consultant in the ICU.
on top of a lorry to get a signal. The cycle race recollection of that.” Rosaleen, who had an internal defibrillator fitted. eye on my heart rate. I am back at work although adrenaline and other drugs and that they had “And remember to call for help. That is vital.
had a Civil Defence team providing the medical Cardiologists told the fit and healthy mum of Because the CPR went on for a long time and it did take a full year to get over everything that ‘done everything’. It dawned on me that they were I needed that voice at the end of the phone to
support and they got to the scene as soon as they four that the cardiac attack was triggered by an nobody knew exactly how long she had been had happened and to get my confidence back,” going to stop working on him,” she reveals. talk me through it. I needed him every second
got the call. electrical issue in her heart. alone on the ground before help arrived, there she adds. “So I pointed up the stairs and said ‘well get back of the way, and I’m an ICU nurse.”
10 health matters autumn 2018 2018 autumn health matters 11
You
Section we’re building a better health service every day
Em powe r yoursel f to ch ange lifestyle conor hopes cancer diagnosis
Be X-PERT in your diabetes can help him help others
earning about his diabetes
L
has helped to empower one The most challenging issue for Tom Hope after
man to change his lifestyle he was diagnosed with prostate cancer was
and enjoy a good quality of life accepting that he had the disease.
despite the diagnosis. “I had not caused it – I don’t drink, smoke and
Dáire was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes exercise regularly. I knew it was unlikely to cause
less than six months ago. At the time he me any difficulty and was unlikely to kill me. I was
felt tired, not as focused and eyes were a bit in total shock. I had no symptoms or any difficulty
blurry. One day he noticed his breathing was with my urinary function,” said Tom.
a bit ‘out of whack’ and had pains in his body Tom has been using his own cancer experience
so he went to his GP for those concerns. The to help others and to shape the Prostate Cancer
GP did a full blood check. GP referral guidelines.
From his blood results, the GP diagnosed In 2009, on an annual visit to his doctor to
Dáire with Type 2 diabetes. Initially, he said, get his blood pressure checked, the then 62-
he felt overwhelmed, disappointed and a bit year-old has blood samples taken as part of a
shocked but he had thought Type 2 diabetes ‘normal annual NCT check’.
may have been a possibility as diabetes runs Dáire’s doctor recommended he should were covered in a session so I liked to look at “About a week later my doctor contacted
in his family. He felt he was putting things off attend the local diabetes group education the book we were given in between sessions. me and said that there were some high blood
and delaying making healthy lifestyle change. programme, X-PERT. The penny sometimes dropped after the test readings and he would like me to see an (Left to right): Tom Hope, patient representative; Dr Eve O’Toole, NCCP; Barry McGuire,
The GP did a full assessment of Dáire’s “I met the dietician Sarah in the clinic so session by reading the book. I feel more in urologist. I didn’t realise what the readings were Chair of the Guideline Development Group; David Galvin, National Prostate Cancer Clinical
Lead; and Eileen Nolan, NCCP.
lifestyle choices, including food choices, that helped to meet her before the course. control now of the diabetes.” or what they might mean,” he explained.
alcohol, physical activity, and they made The course took place in the same building He insisted that the X-PERT course has “The urologist was concerned that my PSA
a plan for what he could do to get back on as the GP practice and was very local which helped improve his quality of life. readings had jumped from 2.9 to 4.5 and
track. Dáire was sporty in school and, over encouraged me to go. I have no car so had it “We also learned from each other in the recommended a biopsy. The biopsy showed I (NCCP) Prostate Cancer GP Referral Guidelines
the years, his appetite and eating habits not been so local it would have delayed me group and often other people have the same had low grade prostate cancer.” This was an experience aim to provide GPs with information on how to
increased but his exercise reduced and work going to the course,” he said. problems and same goals. You are not on
became more and more sedentary. When asked what he learnt by attending your own. There is backup and there are
He was given the option of surgery to
remove the prostate, which carried a risk of
I really valued, refer patients with suspected prostate cancer,
to one of the eight Rapid Access Prostate
“With the diagnosis, reality struck home X-PERT, Dáire explained, “X-PERT helped positives solutions to your problems. After incontinence, or active surveillance. participating in the review Cancer Clinics.
and I felt I couldn’t put off making healthy me understand what diabetes is. I learnt a X-PERT I feel I know who to go to for more
lifestyle changes anymore and now I am lot about what to eat, healthier food options support if I need it,” said Dáire
“Active surveillance involved getting a blood test
every six months to monitor my PSA and visiting
of the guidelines over six Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer
in men (excluding skin cancer). Over 3,300 men
trying to tackle those lifestyle changes,” he and the alcohol guidelines. I increased my When asked what advice he would give my urologist every six months and getting a Digital meetings, being given are diagnosed with prostate cancer in Ireland
explained. awareness of my own food choices and to someone newly diagnosed with Type
“I had my eyes checked and was happy modified my own eating habits. I have lost 2 diabetes, Dáire replied, “Go to a doctor
Rectal Examination (DRE) to monitor the status of
the cancer. I decided to follow Active Surveillance
a chance to input the each year.
Dr Barry McGuire, Chair of Guideline
with the results. The GP discussed the weight and started the habit of walking to incorporated with a diabetes group course as I did not wish to risk incontinence. I knew I could patient’s perspective of Development Group and Consultant Urologist,
blood results and I felt that I was lucky and from the health centre. like X-PERT. The doctor does their bit and
because I knew what the causes of concern “It was a great service. I want to thank passes onto the next person who may be
always opt for surgery at a later stage if I changed
my mind,” he said.
the test, receiving the St Vincent’s University Hospital said, “The
guideline should better assist GPs in guiding
were and I am trying to address these now. Sarah, the dietician. She was a great educator the dietician and she may pass onto the next “Now nine years later after two further results, reaction, anxiety patients on whether they should have a PSA
I know I won’t be able to do it overnight. It’s and very knowledgeable and helped me person. Everyone needs to work together
not a sprint, it’s a marathon.” understand. I sometimes forgot things that with the person with diabetes.”
biopsies, both of which came back clear, and
PSAs moving in the range 2.7 -7.3, I can say I
and uncertainty test or not, and include new more detailed
groupings that specifically address clinical
am in good health.” concerns relevant to the patient’s age.
In May 2013, he was invited to join the Irish chance to input the patient’s perspective of the “As patient involvement was key to ensuring
Ballytivnan training centre host fun fest day Cancer Society’s Survivor’s Support Services as test, receiving the results, reaction, anxiety and patient needs were identified, prostate cancer
an Active Surveillance patient and received four uncertainty. patient representative Tom Hope was invited to
days’ training, and became part of their support “At the same time, I got an understanding sit on the Guidelines Development Group.”
services talking to patients who were referred of the perspective of the GPs, urologists, Eileen Nolan, Programme Manager NCCP,
from the ICS Help Desk or the Daffodil centres. pathologists , researchers and urology/oncology said they were delighted to have Tom join the
“I joined Men Against Cancer (MAC), a support nurses on the research papers and the other working group.
group for men who have been diagnosed with medical issues that were considered as part of “Here at the NCCP, we have informally
prostate cancer and became part of their the review.” adopted a motto ‘Nothing about patients,
committee back in 2014. I volunteered to be He encouraged other cancer patients to get without involving patients’. Tom’s experience
a volunteer driver for the Irish Cancer Society involved and have their voices heard. provided practical advice and unique patient
bringing patients to their hospital for their “After my experience of participating on insights that improved the guideline,” she said.
chemotherapy, which I do once a week,” said Tom. this NCCP committee, I would encourage any Dr Eve O’Toole, Research & Guideline
“In October 2016 I was invited as a patient cancer patient to participate on a committee Programme Manager, NCCP, added, “This
representative to join the NCCP committee as patient representatives or in support groups guideline integrates the best research evidence
reviewing the Prostate Cancer GP referral where they can help others by sharing their with clinical expertise and patient preferences
Special guest Ocean FM DJ and country and music star Paul Kelly with some of the participants at the guidelines. This was an experience I really treatment experience and find it a most fulfilling to allow informed shared decision making
HSE Ballytivnan Training Services Fun Fest day for adults with disabilities at the Knocknarea Arena in
valued, participating in the review of the experience,” said Tom. between the GP and the patient with regard to
Sligo IT. The day was organised by a very diligent group of services users, elected by their peers.
guidelines over six meetings, being given a New National Cancer Control Programme prostate assessment.”
12 health matters autumn 2018 2018 autumn health matters 13
You
Section
Civil w ed di ng offers more fre edo m Top tips to make
Ceremony extra special your big day run
smoothly
with mum as celebrant Getting married in Ireland can be a very
straightforward process once you know what
you’re doing! Given that marriage is something
you don’t do every day, here are some top tips.
orking in the Civil Registration
W
1. Book early! Every couple getting married
Service in Dublin is a diverse
in Ireland, are required to serve a minimum
but rewarding role, explains
of 3 months notice to the Irish State of their
Registrar Louise Dodrill.
intention to marry, this is regardless of what kind
“We cover a wide range of
of ceremony you’re having. Appointments and
services from the registration of life-events of
ceremonies fill up quickly, especially if you’re
Ireland’s citizens and residents, to officiating
looking to get married on a particular date (eg
civil ceremonies to name but a few,” she says.
New Year’s Eve).
Their office also holds the historic registers
2. Paperwork Requirements – Use our
and records of births, deaths and marriages,
paperwork checklist to ensure you’ve all your
dating all the way back to 1864.
documents for your paperwork appointment.
“We’re essentially recording history for
This can be found on our website at www.hse.
future generations,” says Louise.
ie/eng/births-deaths-and-marriages/how-to-get-
One area of her role which has seen a
married-in-ireland/
dramatic increase in popularity, over the last
3. A civil ceremony can only be officiated by an
number of years is officiating civil ceremonies.
appointed HSE Registrar between Monday and
For the second quarter of this year, (April –
Friday. For other ceremonies, make sure your
July) there were 600 civil marriages officiated
Priest or Celebrant is registered on the list of sol-
by their Registrars in Dublin alone.
emnisers. If they’re not, your ceremony won’t have
“The freedom of a civil ceremony is that
any legal standing in the eyes of the Irish State.
you can design and develop your ceremony,
4. There is a statutory fee for all couples serv-
to personalise it into a bespoke wedding, by
ing notice to the Irish State of their intention to
adding extra details such as a candle, sand
marry of €200. There is no additional fee for a
and hand tying ceremonies or other additions
Registry Office ceremony, it’s considered a free
that might suit the couple. With regard to
service, but there is an extra fee if you decide to
content, the only rule we have is that we’re
have an off-site civil ceremony.
not allowed to favour any particular religion,
5. If you’ve any further questions, why don’t
hence why there’s no mention of religion,”
you call us on 01-8638200 or visit our office to
explains Louise.
talk to a Registrar. Civil Registration Service,
Civil ceremonies can take place in your local
Joyce House, Lombard Street East, Dublin 2.
Registry Office or off-site, at an approved
venue. Your local Register’s Office can guide
you through seeking venue approval if your
ideal venue is not already approved for civil
ceremonies.
One of most popular venues for civil
ceremonies is Dublin City Hall.
One couple, Kiefer McGinn and Rachael
Hegarty, were married there on July 26th
2018, by Rachael’s mother, Julie Hegarty, a The freedom of officiate in a professional manner.
“I never imagined I’d have the privilege
Senior Registrar in the service. a civil ceremony to officiate both of my children’s wedding
On her experience officiating her daughter’s
wedding, Julie reveals, “For me, the is that you can ceremonies. My son got married in October
2015. It added something extra special, that
experience is twofold. Firstly, I was the
mother of the Bride, which associated a
design and develop your I know not everyone is fortunate enough
to experience. Both of my children loved
rollercoaster of emotions. Secondly, I was the ceremony, to personalise it that they could include me as part of their
Registrar officiating the ceremony which is my
professional role. into a bespoke wedding, by ceremony in my professional capacity as well
as their mother.”
“The challenge was merging these roles adding extra details such
together, I found this particularly difficult
when I caught sight of Rachael walking down as a candle, sand and hand Photographs courtesy of: Caroline McNally,
the aisle with her Dad. That pulled on my
heart strings and I had to remind myself
tying ceremonies or other Wild Things Wed Photography. Venue: Dublin’s
City Hall, Dame Street, Dublin 2. Couple: Kiefer
(before she got to the top of the aisle!) that additions that might suit McGinn & Rachael Hegarty. Registrar: Julie
Hegarty, Senior Registrar, Civil Registration
crying wasn’t an option, I knew if I started,
I wouldn’t stop and I had a ceremony to the couple Service, Joyce House, Lombard Street East,
Dublin 2.
14 health matters autumn 2018 2018 autumn health matters 15
You
Section we’re building a better health service every day we’re building a better health service every day
Hopeful
tweets you liked
beginning as
DNCC join the
movement
The Values in Action Social Movement
continues to spread throughout the health
service. After a successful bootcamp, CHO
Dublin North City and County is the latest of the
Health Service areas to nominate Champions
and begin their Values in Action journey.
Values in Action Champions are nominated
by their peers to be the leaders of a grass
roots culture change in their area of the health
service. Jackie Graham, a Champion working on
the St Ita’s campus, spoke about how she was
thrilled to be nominated by her colleagues. “It
made me think that they see something in me
and how I am every day that I might not have
seen myself,” she said.
Champions come from all grades and
disciplines and for many their bootcamp is
the beginning of their personal journey in
largescale culture change.
Addiction counsellor Jo-Anne Sexton
admitted to being sceptical when nominated
as a Champion but admitted to being
My experience of Values overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
There was a fantastic energy present to take
Director for Organisational Culture, closed
out the event with a message to champions
deal with the challenges we are facing right
now and importantly we also need to look to
‘pleasantly surprised’. in Action so far, is that the first steps on the Values in Action journey about the road ahead: “As a health service we the future. Values in Action is about shaping
“My experience of Values in Action so
far, is that it’s very real, very simple and
it’s very real, very simple and I look forward to seeing the activities
unfold,” said Mary.
need to find ways to learn from the past, to the future of the health service,” she said.
most importantly it’s not anybody else’s and most importantly She added, “Please be assured of my
responsibility, this is something that each of us
can take on,” said Jo-Anne.
it’s not anybody else’s continuing commitment to the Champions and
all involved, to support this social movement
Mary Walshe, Chief Officer, CHO Dublin responsibility, this is in delivering long term sustainable change
North City and County, was delighted that after
much hard work and commitment by the CHO
something that each within our CHO for both our service users and
our staff.”
DNCC Values in Action project team, the Social of us can take on After a busy two days that finished with a
Movement was up and running in DNCC. planning session where Champions worked
“I had the opportunity to speak to many of the together to figure out their next steps when
Champions on both days of bootcamp and the returning back to work, Kirsten Connolly,
a values in action story
A patient in the care of a fourth year The student nurse set the wheels
student nurse had recently been given a in motion for the ‘Welcome Home
terminal diagnosis. Transformation’ of her patient.
Her daughter, who she hadn’t seen in The husband, armed with to-do lists,
over five years, was coming home to sourced the make-up, shampoo and the
spend time with her. birthday dress at home.
The patient immediately started to The daughter was greeted by her
fret about her hair not styled, no make- mum, hair beautifully blow dried, FURTHER INFORMATION
up, her lack of nice clothes and what make-up impeccable and sporting her
www.hse.ie/valuesinaction
would her daughter think ‘when she favourite dress.
@HSEvalues #weareourvalues
sees me in this state’. There wasn’t a dry eye on the ward.
16 health matters autumn 2018 2018 autumn health matters 17
You
Section we’re building a better health service every day
Breakfas t in ho nour of dozens of volu ntee rs birthing pool empowers
a big Thank You goes out on expectant mums during labour
National Volunteers Week The new birthing pool has already become a
wonderful addition to the facilities at Maternity
niversity Hospital Limerick has Hospital Limerick (UMHL), with local mums
U
hosted a breakfast in honour of praising the sense of calm and empowerment
the dozens of volunteers working they felt during their labours.
across UL Hospitals Group to It is part of the newly opened Danu Suite
improve the patient experience. which is the ‘home from home’ delivery room for
Taking place during National Volunteers women with less complex pregnancies.
Week, the event not only recognised those One of the first mothers to use it was Sarah
volunteers who support patients week in, Dineen, from Ballina, Co Tipperary. Baby Fiadh
week out; but also those who volunteered was born in the Danu Suite on June 20th.
during Storm Emma to keep essential hospital “My hope and my expectation was that
services running. everything about my labour would be as natural
There are well over 100 volunteers working as possible. I had heard that the pool was
in a variety of different roles across the UL going to be available and I was hoping that
Hospitals Group. These include the PALS nothing would happen to delay it before Fiadh
(Patient Advocacy and Liaison Service) Pictured at the breakfast were Cathal Byrnes and Niall Boland, Irish Red Cross; Prof Colette Cowan, UL was born. Thankfully, everything worked out
volunteers who support patients in UHL, Ennis Hospitals Group; Anthony Graham, Tipperary Civil Defence; and Jos Kirby, Limerick Civil Defence. for us and it was great to have such a relaxing
and Nenagh; Irish Cancer Society volunteers environment and the support of the staff, who
in the Daffodil Centre, ‘Care to Drive’ and year, tens of thousands of hours are given Storm Emma. were fantastic,” said Sarah.
‘Thriving and Surviving’; volunteers in the freely to our hospitals by groups of people “Rescheduling outpatient appointments With memories of a previous traumatic birth
Children’s Ark; volunteers in the Cancer who make such a difference to the patients and elective surgery formed part of our experience, Limerick mum Aoife Wilmot was Mother Sarah Dineen from Ballina, Co Tipperary and one-week-old baby Fiadh pictured
Information and Support Centre, and the and families who use our services every preparation for the recent extreme weather determined that her delivery go as naturally as with Clinical Midwifery Manager 3 Sandra O’Connor at the official opening of Danu Suite at
UMHL. Sarah used the pool during her labour.
Eucharistic ministers. day. You bring skills, experience, expertise, events. But we still faced considerable possible and without any interventions.
All these groups were invited to the inspiration, friendship, companionship and business continuity challenges in keeping our “I had set out my birth plan and had hoped not
breakfast as were representatives of those leadership, something that is as keenly essential services open. to use pain relief if I could. My first labour and
organisations who assisted in transporting appreciated by the hospital staff almost as “Our staff showed huge commitment in delivery was very difficult so I did a lot of research room with labour aids and pool is very much in
patients, staff and supplies to and from much as it is by the patients. getting to hospital and working long hours and did the Gentle Birth programme, helping to But the whole experience line with the recommendations of the National
hospitals across the region during Storm “Many of us are time-poor through family, during the worst of the weather,” she said.
Emma. Volunteer agencies represented on work and other commitments, and the “And our volunteer agencies in the Mid
create an ideal labour in my head,” explained Aoife.
She hadn’t even heard about the new birthing
of the pool made me Maternity Strategy - in having an interim alongside
birth room - and is an example of UMHL’s
the day included Tipperary Civil Defence; hospital environment can appear particularly West also stepped in when they were needed pool and was thrilled when the midwife on the much calmer and in responsiveness and willingness to provide choice
Limerick Civil Defence (city and county); Clare fast-paced. Our volunteers give most most to ensure critical service areas like the
Civil Defence; the Irish Red Cross and the Irish generously of that most precious resource and Emergency Department, theatre, critical
labour ward asked her if she wanted to try it.
“I was struggling in the labour and was
the moment during the for women and deliver on the strategy in Limerick.
The name has been chosen by UMHL
Coast Guard. we are all inspired by them.” care, neonatal and the labour ward to name thinking that I wouldn’t last without an epidural birthing process staff after the Celtic goddess Danu, who is
Welcoming all the volunteers, Prof Colette Prof Cowan also paid tribute to the work of but a few had the staff and the supplies they if things didn’t progress. I was so relieved when associated with the Tuath De Danann, with
Cowan, CEO, UL Hospitals Group, said, “Every the volunteer partners who assisted during needed to stay in operation.” the midwife mentioned the birthing pool, I fertility and abundance and with water.
jumped at the chance to use it,” said Aoife. She was full of praise for the midwives who Water immersion is one of a number of
She explained that she was in the pool for at she said were all in tune with her wishes during supports provided in the Danu Suite to facilitate
least two hours during five hours of hard labour the labour. natural labour and holistic care. The room is not
HBS’s Jane takes home prestigious IT award and said it definitely helped to alleviate her pain. “The staff were so lovely and understood dominated by a bed and women are free to move
HBS National Director Jane Carolan won the prestigious “I am convinced that it made everything exactly what I wanted. And Sean is the most from the floor to leaning against the bed, to the
award for IT Professional of the Year at the annual Tech so much more manageable. It was a great content little baby. I 100pc believe that is linked ensuite shower, to using a birthing ball/labour aids.
Excellence Awards ceremony. distraction and also helped me to get into a to the way he came into the world – he had such Joan Regan, Principal Officer, Department of
The award is given to the team or individual who has good position for the labouring. The water takes a peaceful and lovely delivery. His oldest brother Health and Steering Group member, National
demonstrated outstanding management of technology. all the weight of the baby and I was able to had such a traumatic birth and was bruised and Maternity Strategy, said, “The National Maternity
The awards, which were held in the CityWest Hotel in move around more easily,” she said. cut from the foreceps and he was so unsettled Strategy represents a significant development for
Dublin, recognise excellence not only in implementing “I definitely felt like I went to ‘the other for the first few weeks.” maternity care in Ireland and aims to provide a
tech solutions, but also in the business of marketing and world’ that people talk about in labour. My The refurbishment project at UMHL includes service where women have access to safe, high-
implementing technology for business. second labour was without an epidural but it a pool for water immersion in labour and, in line quality, nationally consistent, woman-centred
Jane, in an interview with the host for the evening Sarah was a quick labour so I didn’t feel like I went with the National Maternity Strategy 2016- maternity care.
McInerney, thanked all the staff and colleagues who made to that place during the labour. But the whole 2026, provides for greater maternal choice and “Rightfully, it underlines that women should be
the achievement possible. experience of the pool made me much calmer the normalisation of labour. treated with dignity, respect and compassion and
The awards, which centre around recognising the stars and in the moment during the birthing process.” The initiative is the result of focused have choices about the care they receive. I am
Julie Ryan, Wendy
of the technology business, profiled a further HSE success Walsh, Jane Carolan She came out of the pool shortly before baby multidisciplinary teamwork at UMHL. And it delighted that the Strategy is being championed
on the evening, as the Public Sector Project of the Year and John Smith of Sean came into the world. follows significant input from service users so strongly and passionately here in Limerick. I
award was won by eHealth Ireland’s Maternal and Newborn Health Business “I was ready to come out by then. It had helped who were instrumental in choosing the colours, congratulate all concerned for their energy and
Clinical Management System project (MN-CMS). Services. me through all of the contractions and I felt facilities and layout of the room. Having the commitment to drive service improvements for
ready for the delivery,” said Aoife. newly refurbished, comfortable, low-tech birth the women and families in the MidWest.”
18 health matters autumn 2018 2018 autumn health matters 19Feature
Be a lifesa ve r 220 staff vaccinated in first day alone
Dedication drives another Rotunda Hospital
Ruth McLoughlin, Clinical Nurse Specialist at the
restaurant and a signature cake was created by our
head chef. It was a real team effort across many
Maximum spent was
€400
increase in flu vaccine uptake
Rotunda Hospital, explained how the hospital managed departments including pharmacy and porters with • Pharmacy manager
to significantly increase its uptake of flu vaccine. 220 staff vaccinated that day alone.” sent supporting email with
“We were keen to reach at least 60pc of staff, an The following was also done to ensure every staff personal stories from the
increase from 54pc the previous year. We ended member was offered the vaccine: media of how flu affected them
ore HSE staff than ever before up vaccinating 66pc of staff and many of those • Weekly clinics initially in NICU and delivery as high • Education session with certain
M
are getting the flu vaccine and
Th an k you
were vaccinated for the first time. Luckily I had risk patients key group with low attendance eg household, student
helping to save lives as well as huge support from the infection control team and • Early morning clinics to catch night staff midwives and staff midwives from other countries.
protecting themselves, their department heads,” said Ruth. • Pop up clinics daily, both in the occupational
families and their patients from
the flu, according to the HSE head of Health
Protection, Dr Kevin Kelleher.
to ev eryon e “As per Rotunda tradition, they kicked off their
campaign with a 12-hour clinic in the front hall and
were assisted by Dr Natin, our occupational health
health department and in clinical areas
• Emails, twitter feeds and posters site wide and
weekly. Update on weekly stats, plus personalised email
“We have many plans for 2018 with the aim to
increase our numbers to at least 70pc. Some of
these include working with our new flu vaccination
“In our hospitals, the overall flu vaccine physician, occupational health administration and to certain groups eg student midwives and doctors committee, training vaccinators in high risk areas and
uptake rate has risen to almost 45pc, a the infection control team. Each staff member • €50 cash vouchers given out to staff who may encouraging more staff involvement in the campaign
big increase on the 34pc the previous flu was offered refreshment from our award-winning have attended a clinic (names pulled out of hat). through poster competitions,” Ruth added.
season. Likewise in our community health
organisations, just over 33pc of us are getting
vaccinated compared to 27pc in 2016,”
explained Kevin. Pop-up clinics scheduled
“I would like to say a big thank you to all of Vaccination rates
my colleagues around the country for getting exceed expectations to suit frontline staff
the vaccine and for promoting the flu vaccine Temple Street Children’s • Campaign
and I would encourage everyone to get the jab Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, University Hospital officially launched
this year. Drogheda Temple Street Children’s University Hospital with a JABATHON
“The flu vaccine is safe and it works. The We learned so much from the previous campaign, remained one of the top three HSE-funded when approximately
Medical Council and Nursing and Midwifery which was hugely successful after a number of years hospitals and long-term care facilities in Ireland 21pc of staff were
Board and other expert bodies strongly with very low uptake of the vaccination, but we felt for its flu vaccination uptake after the 2017/ vaccinated. Staff also invited to share pictures
recommend flu vaccine for health care we could achieve even better results during our 2018 national flu vaccination campaign. of them receiving the vaccine
workers every year as the best protection 2017/18 campaign, explained the vaccination team at Temple Street was also delighted to be • Dr Rob Cunney, Consultant Microbiologist,
against flu.” the Lourdes. awarded the ‘Improving Children’s Health’ prize and Dr Siobhan Neville bravely and expertly
As a healthcare worker you are 10 times “We were ambitious and aimed to increase our rates for its 2016/ 2017 flu vaccination campaign at agreed to write new lyrics for two well-known
more likely to get the flu, which you are very from 38pc to 60pc. We ultimately exceed this level,” the HSE Health Service Excellence Awards in songs by Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift and
likely to spread to others including your family, said one member of staff. mid-December and the award offered Temple these new songs were cleverly called ‘Take
friends and vulnerable patients. “We put a huge emphasis on pre-campaign planning. Street a further opportunity to build on its To The BEd Sheeran’ and ‘The Flu Makes You
“The best way to prevent flu is by getting the We felt we should recruit a lead peer vaccinator who successful flu vaccination campaign for the Achoo – Taylor Sniffed. Dr Cunney and Dr
flu vaccine which will allow you to become would be essential to maintain effective operations 2017/2018 season. Neville then recorded the songs and staff were
a lifesaver as vulnerable patients and the and also ensure our marketing was always live The Nursing Department and OHD invited to listen to MP4 versions of the songs
elderly or more likely to develop serious and and fresh. This was Martin Smith. Without Martin, (Occupational Health Department) hosted a on TempleNet and vote for their favourite song.
potentially fatal complications of flu. Flu can our campaign would not have been as effective celebratory event for all staff to acknowledge The two artists then performed their songs
be fatal for your high-risk patients. Elderly as he engaged on an on-going basis with our staff that Temple Street had been the winning in St George’s Hall to much acclaim and the
and at-risk patients respond less well to colleagues and department managers throughout the hospital in the 2016/2017 campaign, to results of the on-line vote were announced. Dr
the flu vaccine so they rely on the immunity season. There was a major buy-in by the Director of highlight lessons learnt during the campaign Neville one the much coveted Flu Factor prize
of those who care for them to keep them reduction in patient deaths,” he said. department or from your GP or pharmacist. Nursing and our senior management to ensure that and to announce details for the hospital’s • Monthly vaccination uptake reports to
safe. Vaccinated healthcare workers protect The flu vaccine and more information is Visit immunisation.ie for more information the campaign would be effective.” upcoming 2017/ 2018 flu vaccination where a ensure the campaign and resulting vaccination
vulnerable patients which can lead to a 40pc available from your occupational health on flu vaccination. • Planned early, with strategic focus on target of 70pc uptake was announced. uptake was on track
underrepresented staff groups in past campaigns A wide-ranging and wide-reaching campaign, • Banners which were updated every week
• Communicated Clinic dates and times on a comprising the following components was then with new staff images and an update on
weekly basis on lotus notes to all departments designed and rolled out: percentage uptake were posted on TempleNet
Peer vaccinator role proved crucial and department heads, conducted vigorous poster • Nursing department in partnership with with links to more information on the merits of
Aras Mhuire Community Nursing role of the flu campaign was to give educational • Having peer vaccinator Siobhan on-site campaign. Banners were produced with images of OHD recruited 18 senior nurses (including receiving the flu vaccination, a photo collage
Unit, Tuam awareness sessions and support the peer available to administer vaccine at any time senior management being vaccinated, which received CNM2s, CNM3s, CEFs and ANPs), as peer of the peer vaccinators and dates, times and
Caroline Coen outlined how Aras Mhuire went vaccinators.” enhanced the campaign a very positive response vaccinators, who kindly agreed to staff regular locations of pop-up clinics. Overall campaign
about increasing flu vaccine uptake at her facility. The unit’s campaign involved: As manager, Caroline encouraged staff to • Clinics started at 7.30am so as to be available to vaccination clinics for the duration of the messages were also communicated via screen
“In early September, 2017, I released one of my • Education regarding the flu vaccine delivered engage in the campaign and facilitated staff to staff post night shift and peer vaccinators alternated campaign, including ‘pop-up’ clinics which savers and tweeted from @TempleStreetHos
staff nurses, Siobhan McHugh, to become peer in-house, both formally and informally. Along with attend education sessions and imparted a positive working hours to cover, evenings, nights and weekends were scheduled at times deemed suitable for • Campaign messages and clinics schedules
vaccinator and this proved to be a highly valuable promotion posters, the flu campaign became a ethos towards the flu vaccine and this helped open • Incentives were offered included resources such as frontline staff were also promoted verbally at the daily
resource to have in-house. As part of the flu daily topic and having a peer vaccinator to bust the the negative minds. pens and bags, several raffles for hampers provided • Board of Directors the first group to be nursing huddles and photo collages of staff
campaign for 2017 for CHO2 (Galway, Roscommon myths around the vaccine improved the uptake. “I also proudly donned the paraphernalia such as the by local businesses, refreshments were provided by vaccinated followed by Consultants and images holding up the ‘I’ve been InFLUential’ photo
and Mayo), there were three designated flu • Occupational health facilitated a walk-in clinic badges after receiving the flu vaccine myself for the canteen management for each clinic, and prizes were of those vaccinated were shared on TempleNet boards were displayed in public areas around
champions and Siobhan was one of the three. The on-site for all HSE staff first time. For me, it was lead by example,” she said. given to the 100th, 500th, 1,000th and 1500th client. to champion and promote role modelling the hospital and on TempleNet
20 health matters autumn 2018 2018 autumn health matters 21You can also read
