Protect our future HPV vaccine is back in schools Cervical screening changing to HPV-first model - HSE.ie
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Hea th
staff magazine of the IRISH HEALTH SERVICE vol. 15 | issue 21 | Spring 2020
Protect
our future
HPV vaccine is back
in schools
Cervical screening
changing to
HPV-first model
HPV vaccine advocate
Eoin Roche
features general news you section lifestyle
Welcome tO the Contents
latest edition of You Features
Health Matters 6 CervicalCheck 24 National Service Plan
Changes to screening Key priorities set out
Giving up the cigarettes can be tough but
7 HPV heroes 26 Corporate Plan
two HSE staff members have decided to
Vaccine uptake rises Everyone has a voice
stand up and be counted kicking the habit
8 Quit leaders 28 Sláintecare
and doing it on the public stage to help
Volunteers to kick the habit Progress update
others to do the same and quit for good.
10 Bonnie brings joy 28 Maternity Survey
Martha Clark and Shauna Strutt have
Dog a regular visitor Mums have their say
volunteered to become staff Quit leaders,
11 Injury units 30 Schwartz Rounds
providing peer support and encouragement
ANP a key role Talking can help
to colleagues and service users who have
12 In the genes 31 Perinatal mental health
also decided to give up smoking once.
John the porter Nursing role
Join Martha and Shauna in the HSE Quit
12 Steps to Health 32 Know the Score
28-day challenge this March. There are lots
Hotel break on offer Iinitiative for schools
of practical tools, tips and support to quit
13 First transplant case 33 Waterford wing
available at Quit.ie or freecall the Quitline.
Liver and double lung Huge benefits for patients
If you stop smoking for 28 days, you are
13 Gray’s Surgical Anatomy 34 Patient safety strategy
five times more likely to quit for good. Make
Pair in prestigious textbook First one published
2020 the year you quit for good!
14 Stroke saviour 36 COPD model of care
The doctors who treated a Cork mum of
Priya buys mum precious time Better quality of life
two were full of praise for her five-year-old
15 Caoimhe the hero 37 Hepatitis C
daughter Priya who Facetimed her dad to
Bravery award Eradicating disease
let him know that Mary had collapsed. An
16 Hospital initiatives 38 Irish speakers
ambulance was called immediately and
Families benefit Gathering in Dr Steevens
her mum was treated in Cork University
17 Trauma care 39 Mental health helpline
Hospital with a serious stroke. Thanks to
New clinical lead appointed Access to information
the quick-thinking of Priya, Mary defied the
18 Paintings on display 40 Mealtime initiative
odds to return home to her family less than
EVE artists Boost for patients
a week later. Dr Noel Fanning, who operated
19 Cork quads 42 National Cancer Information System
on Mary, reminded people that treatment
Birthday celebrations St Luke’s
times are critical in acute stroke care.
20 New Coombe Master 43 Physios and dementia
It’s also almost time for the annual HSE
Professor Michael O’Connell Student learning
staff Steps to Health challenge. It will
21 A world first 44 Gynaecological services
run from Monday, April 27th to Sunday,
Stroke nurses in action MN-CNS expanded
May 31st and the lucky winner can look
22 Values in Action 46 Staff engagement
forward to a relaxing two-night break in
A champion’s story Helping on the frontline
the luxurious Slieve Donard Resort and
23 Smartphone app 48 Research and Development
Spa at the foot of the Mourne Mountains.
Pregnancy diabetes Embedded in our healthcare
So start thinking about getting together
with a group of colleagues to join this
year’s challenge.
As ever, we welcome your ideas and
feedback on the magazine.
Thank you to all those who have sent in
contributions to this edition and I hope you
find plenty of interesting reading in it.
Joanne Weston
Joanne Weston,
Editor
This magazine is produced by the
HSE Communications Division
Publishers: Celtic Media Group
www.celticmediagroup.ie
Feedback: Send your feedback to
healthmatters@hse.ie
spring 2020
HEALTH MATTERS SPRING 2020
40
50 Continence care
International award for Roscommon
7
service
50 Vision for Mental Health
Document unveiled
51 Stroke support
Kerry services
52 Patient safety
Strengthening our approach
53 Digital Academy Forum
Technology on show
54 Business Excellence
Digital innovation
55 Community Networks
Manager role unveiled
56 Quality improvement
A strategic approach
19
61 69 34
2020 spring health matters 
Contents
21
67 74
News
58 BowelScreen 66 Hidden Harm
718 cancers detected eLearning programme
59 Sensory room 67 Health Sciences Academy
Mullingar hospital facility Exciting new chapter
60 Health behaviour 68 HIV campaign
Drop in use of alcohol in children End the stigma
61 Dementia-friendly 69 Cataract surgery
Tralee opens its arms Wait times decrease
62 Blood clot alert 69 HBS Estates
Card now available Driving improvements
63 Breastfeeding at UMHL 70 Communicating results
Model for whole country New guidelines
63 Innovation hub 71 Staff Records
Tallaght opening Go Live in South East
64 Seminar 71 Congratulations
53 HBS and Estates
65 Hand hygiene
100pc uptake
66 Tobacco cessation
30 teams graduate
72 Intercultural Awareness
Programme goes live
Ireland the gold standard
health matters spring 2020
HEALTH MATTERS SPRING 2020 online
Sites we like www.quit.ie
www.hsedigitaltransformation.ie
www.hse.ie/injuryunits
Lifestyle www.eve.ie
73 Double Gold
Heart awards
73 St John’s
Hard work earns silver
74 Energy awareness
Staff switch off
76 Drink less
Tips to stay on track
77 Dementia social club
Helping people live well in community
78 Healthy Ireland survey
Results published
2020 spring health matters 
You
Section
Cerv ica lCheck ch anges
Screening will
move to primary
hpv testing
PV cervical screening will begin
H
on March 30th this year. This
means the next time you come
for cervical screening, a sample
of your cells will be collected by
a GP or nurse and then tested for HPV. The way
the sample is collected won’t change. If you
have the virus, the same sample is checked for
cell changes.
If you are aged 25 to 65 you’ll be screened
every three or five years. And, if you need Dr Caroline Mason Mohan and Dr John Price.
screening more often, CervicalCheck will let you
know with your results. see your doctor if you’re concerned. These New digital content has been developed using
include bleeding between periods, bleeding the research findings, and the input of patient
How effective is HPV cervical after sex, pain during sex and a pain in your groups and clinicians (hse.ie/cervicalcheck).
screening? pelvis (between the bellybutton and the top of A suite of new printed materials have been
Cervical screening checks the health of the the thighs). developed for the public, along with a support
cervix. It is not a test for cancer. You are called for HPV cervical screening when pack for medical professionals and other
HPV cervical screening is the best way to see your test is due. To check when that is, see the stakeholders.
if you’re at risk of developing cervical cancer in register and update your details at hse.ie. Take The material includes information on
the future by identifying the greatest risk factor the time to update your details if they have the benefits and limitations of screening,
for cervical cancer the HPV virus. It can help changed. If you know your screening test is due, symptoms to look out for in between screening
identify any call changes early, making them make an appointment with your GP or clinic. appointments, access to records and open
easier to treat. disclosure.
HPV cervical screening will identify 9 in 10 cell Who’s eligible? A series of education evenings for medical
changes. This means that for every 1,000 people All people with a cervix aged 25-65. practitioners began in January. An e-learning
we screen, 20 will have abnormal cells. HPV module is also available.
cervical screening will identify 18 of these. Research A national advertising campaign will begin
You should come for screening every time you’re The new programme is informed by a 2017 on March 30. It will include radio, social media,
invited - even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine. This Health Information and Quality Authority outside advertising and digital media.
is the best way to see if you’re at risk. (HIQA) Health Technology Assessment report,
which focused on HPV. The report found that The future
What is HPV? HPV cervical screening, together with a HPV The National Screening Service recognises
HPV is a common virus which is passed by vaccination programme, was the best way to there is work to do in building confidence in
skin-to-skin genital contact. Most cases reduce the rate of cervical cancer and abnormal cervical screening in Ireland; the move to HPV
of cervical cancer are caused by human cells. This type of cervical screening is available cervical screening offers that opportunity.
papillomavirus, or HPV. HPV is a common in Australia, England, the Netherlands and Wales. Combined with the HPV vaccine, HPV cervical
group of viruses passed on through skin to A HSE information campaign on HPV cervical screening offers the best available protection
skin contact during sexual activity. screening has been developed to communicate from cervical cancer.
Most people get HPV at some time, but our the changes in screening. Neither vaccine nor screening can prevent all
immune system usually clears the virus within Research carried in 2019 asked 1,000 women cancers. We know this. But the NSS will take
about 18 months. If not, it can cause changes in about their awareness of cervical cancer, every opportunity to make its HPV cervical
the body’s cells that can lead to cancer. cervical screening and the HPV virus. screening programme as effective as possible,
The research found that awareness and saving lives and protecting against cervical
Why HPV cervical screening? understanding of cervical screening is almost cancer.
Over the last 10 years, evidence has shown that universal. It found that nine out of 10 women CervicalCheck Interim Clinical Director Dr
HPV cervical screening is a more sensitive and feel it is important to go for regular screening, Caroline Mason Mohan has paid tribute to the
effective test. and seven out of 10 women know they still hard work and diligence of CervicalCheck staff
It is a better way of identifying people who are need to go for screening after receiving the HPV and wider stakeholders in getting to the launch
at risk of developing cell changes that could lead vaccine. Importantly, GPs are the most trusted date, saying, “I would like to thank all involved in
to cervical cancer. This is why we are changing source of information for most women. This is the implementation of HPV cervical screening
to HPV primary cervical screening. followed by the HSE website, health clinics and for their hard work, diligence and continued
It’s important to be aware of symptoms and practice nurses. support of the programme.”
health matters spring 2020
To
Thank you to Facts about HPV
Facts about
The HPV
the hPV Vaccine
• The HPV virus causes 1 in 20 cancers
worldwide
• Each year in Ireland about 400 people
heroes
Heroes
will be diagnosed with a cancer caused
by the HPV virus
• The HPV vaccine now protects against
the types of HPV that cause 9 out of
he uptake of the HPV hPV vaccine in hSe National
She added, “On behalf of the HSE 10 cervical cancers. The vaccine also
T
Co Clare is now at almost 90pc Immunisation Office we would like to thank protects against most cases of vulval,
– thanksininnonosmall
thanks smallpart
parttotothe
the the school teams for their hard work in giving anal and vaginal cancers and most cases
tireless campaigning of the late the vaccines through the school programme of genital warts
Laura Brennan. and answering questions from parents, • Over 84 countries have a HPV vaccine
The Director of the National Immunisation students and schools.” programme, with more than 20 of these
Office Dr Lucy Jessop paid tribute to Laura. hSe staff are being asked to continue
HSE countries giving the vaccine to boys and
“We hope to report on the uptake for the sharing the facts about the importance of girls including Ireland, UK, Australia, New
boys and girls programme later this year but hPV vaccine through the HSE
getting HPV hSe school Zealand and Italy
we can report that the uptake for the HPV hPV vaccination programme. The HSE hSe has also • The HPV vaccine has greatly reduced
vaccine in Co Clare is almost 90pc which is developed an e-learning module to support cases of pre-cancers of the cervix
testament to the selfless advocacy of the late hPV vaccination programme. Visit www.
the HPV in young women in many countries
Laura Brennan and the continuing work of the hseland.ie to complete the module today - it including Australia, Sweden, the US and
to promote
Brennan family (pictured the importance
above) to promoteof will only take 30 minutes. the UK
hPV vaccine,”
the importance of she
the said.
HPV vaccine,” she said. “We are delighted to now be offering the • In countries where the HPV vaccine is
The school teams are now visiting secondary MenACWY vaccine to all first year students used, the number of cases of genital
schools across the country to offer the second in secondary school through the HSEhSe school warts has decreased dramatically in both
hPV vaccine and a dose of MenACWY
dose of HPV vaccination programme. Over the last young women and men
to all first year students. couple of years there has been in increase • Even if females have had the HPV
“We are very encouraged by the uptake for the in meningococcal disease in this age group vaccine, they should have their cervical
hPV vaccine for first year students
first dose of HPV so it is important first year students get the screening test (smear test) each time it’s
since September 2019. This is the first year MenACWY vaccine now to protect them,” due. This is because the HPV vaccine
boys have also been offered the HPV hPV vaccine she added. doesn’t give complete protection against
and school teams are reporting very busy clinics www.hpv.ie • @hseimm cervical cancer
across the country,” said Dr Jessop. #ProtectOurFuture #ThankYouLaura
2020 spring health matters 17
You
Section
HSE pa ir get read y to ki ck the ha bi t
martha and
shauna show
quitters that
they are not alone
iving up the cigarettes can
There was never
G
be tough but two HSE staff
members have decided that they a right time. I’m
aren’t just going to kick the habit
they are also going to help others
hoping that by putting
to do the same. myself out there, I’ll be
Martha Clark and Shauna Strutt have
volunteered to become staff Quit leaders,
too embarrassed for
providing peer support and encouragement to anyone to see me back
colleagues and service users who have also
decided to give up smoking once and for all.
smoking again. That’s the
Martha knows all about the value of support pressure I need to get
through shared experience she is a peer
support worker in the Recovery College South
through it
East in Kilkenny. Peer Support is where people
who have experienced mental health issues
offer support to service users by sharing of
their own recovery journey.
“If I can become a role model to other people myself it would be after a year in my job.
who are going through the same thing, it would There was never a right time. I’m hoping
be fantastic. People like to know that they are that by putting myself out there, I’ll be too
not alone, that their struggles are not unique. embarrassed for anyone to see me back
They see others take the plunge and it gives smoking again. That’s the pressure I need to
them confidence that they can do it too. It will get through it,” she laughed.
also help me in that I will be more accountable Tuesday, March 3rd is D-Day when the
and will have to take it very seriously,” she said. cigarettes get the boot for both Martha and
“It is also important that by chatting with Shauna. They will join throusands of other
other people you learn to overcome the smokers taking the Quit.ie challenge for 28 days.
perceived barriers the things that you think Martha said she has been preparing herself
you might struggle with but that you actually and eager to get started on her quit journey.
find that you can do easily. We are all much “I think I am ready to give them up. I have week. I am going to transfer that amount
stronger than we think.” been preparing in my head for it. Every time I each week to my Credit Union savings
Shauna, an Operations Team member for have a cigarette now I try to be really mindful account and let it build up. I think it will be
Mental Health at Connolly Norman House about it and ask myself am I even enjoying it,” a great motivator for me to see the amount
in Dublin, said volunteering to share her quit she explained. going up and up each week. It is a great way
journey will give her the kick she needs to Martha said she became a smoker when she of seeing the progress I am making and will
banish the cigarettes for good. worked in a pub and found that her smoking be an extra spur on for me,” she said.
“I took them up when I was only a kid. colleagues were getting breaks that she wasn’t. Shauna said the hardest part for her will be
Everyone was smoking and I did it to fit in and “I tried smoking when I was a kid and hated putting herself in the social occasions where
feel cool, like most people starting off. I wasn’t it. It was only when I worked in the pub and she usually had a cigarette.
a huge smoker maybe a box a week. That one day asked one of my colleagues for a “I have a night out for a friend’s birthday
probably made it harder to quit because I didn’t cigarette. I thought there must be some the Friday after I quit. I know that is going
see myself as much of a smoker, that it wasn’t benefits to them if so many people were to be really tough. Only one of my friends
a major problem. I might have a box of smokes smoking. I thought they must help you to smokes and I won’t want her to be left on
when I was out and then not look at them for a de-stress, which is a total myth. And then I her own having a cigarette outside so I’ll go
week,” said Shauna. found myself a smoker.” out with her. But I will be strong and won’t
She said there was always an excuse for her As a reward for quitting, Martha is aiming to give into the urge to have one to,” she said.
not to give up. save up enough money to buy a car. Martha will be using the Quit plan app
“I used to say that I’d finish when I left school. “I calculated on the app that I am spending to track her progress, particularly for the
Then it was when I finished college. Then I told about €10 a day on cigarettes, so €70 a health benefits she is accruing every day
health matters spring 2020
she is off the cigarettes. She said the health
reasons were her biggest incentive to kick 5 Top Tips to Quit Smoking:
the habit. • Prepare to quit: write down your reasons for quitting. Keep them close or stick them on
“I am looking forward to feeling healthy your fridge as a reminder to stay strong.
again. I want to go for a walk and feel good, • Change your routine and habits - do you normally have a cigarette with a coffee or
to know that I am no longer putting myself tea? Then change your routine have a cup of water instead or hold your cup in the
at risk of health problems. That’s a massive other hand.
motivation for me. I have struggled with • Keep check on cravings –your craving for nicotine will peak at 3-5 minutes and will
my mental health in the past and thought I pass if you deal with it. Have your heard of the 4Ds? 1. Delay at least 5 minutes and
needed the crutch of the cigarettes but I don’t. the urge will pass; 2. Drink a glass of water or fruit juice; 3. Distract yourself, move
I have all the coping skills I need. Cigarettes away from the situation; and 4. Deep breathe, breathe slowly and deeply.
don’t give me anything,” she insisted. • Get by with a little help from your friends
Join Martha and Shauna in the HSE Quit • supportive friends, family and even work colleagues could make all the difference to
28-day challenge this March. There are lots you on your QUIT journey.
of practical tools, tips and support to quit • The single best advice is to help yourself QUIT by getting support from the QUIT Team.
available at Quit.ie or freecall the Quitline on
1800 201 203 to speak to a Stop Smoking Our service is available to everyone and is free of charge. By using a support service
Advisor. If you stop smoking for 28 days, you like our makes you twice as likely to succeed. Find details of your local free HSE stop
are five times more likely to quit for good. smoking supports.
Make 2020 the year you quit for good.
2020 spring health matters 
You
Section
Bonnie
brings
joy to
Children’s
Ark on
weekly
‘walkies
rounds’
ISITING hours lift the spirits of all a smile, and it’s amazing to witness. There’s a from anxiety, and she has an assistance dog. She
V
hospitalised patients, and for the little boy who comes in for day treatment and we came in for an EEG, and she just froze when the
young inpatients at the Children’s meet him every four or five months. One time, staff went to place the stickers on her. But the
Ark in University Hospital he was refusing to do his reading homework, dog went up against the bed and buried his head
Limerick (UHL), there is one very but when I came in with Bonnie, he agreed to into the girl’s lap, and she calmed right down.
special weekly visitor who gladdens the hearts of read his story to her. Having her visit is a really The staff, who were then able to complete the
children and staff alike. positive experience for the children,” she said. EEG, had never seen anything like it before and
Eight-year-old labrador Bonnie is a therapy dog Emma has always been intrigued by dogs’ were completely amazed.”
who has been a regular visitor to the paediatric skills in acting as assistance animals, as well as She added: “Bonnie brightens up everyone’s
unit at UHL for the past two years, visiting and their extraordinary abilities in detecting cancer day. We have such a busy environment, and
playing with young inpatients and day patients, and anticipating epileptic attacks. whether it’s for staff or the children, she is just
and generally brightening the day for all. She was prompted to register Bonnie as a a happy reminder of home and normality. There
Her handler and owner is Emma Hogan, therapy dog after witnessing the heartbreak of a was one little boy in here, and he had autism and
who works at UHL as secretary to respiratory relative who was placed in a nursing home and particularly poor communication skills, with little
consultant, Dr Brian Casserly. Emma is a lifelong separated from their beloved pet. or no eye contact even. When myself, Emma and
animal lover who saw her voluntary work with After Irish Therapy Dogs assessed Bonnie’s Bonnie came into the room, the boy got down
Irish Therapy Dogs as a way of ‘giving something temperament and found her suitable, Emma from his bed, right down on the floor for a big
back’. “The children are here as inpatients, or began taking the labrador to visit the residents chat and a play with Bonnie. It was the most that
they might be coming in for day treatments, of a local nursing home, and then began making the child had spoken in about four weeks.”
either of which can involve a lot of waiting and enquiries in UHL. As it turned out, Emma was Kris expressed her deep gratitude to Emma
sitting around, which can be difficult for a child. pushing an open door. and Bonnie. “It is just lovely to see a member
But when they see Bonnie, their eyes just light Kris Buckley, the senior play specialist at of staff driving something like this. Many of the
up,” Emma explained. the Children’s Ark, explained,“I had actually staff here really do go way beyond the call of
“Many of them will hug and kiss Bonnie, and been thinking about the possibility of having a duty and we really appreciate what Emma and
really connect with her. Of course, food helps as therapy dog visit the Children’s Ark, when I was Bonnie do for us.”
well, and we give the children little biscuits to approached by Emma.
give to Bonnie as treats. “It’s one of the best things we’ve done here.
“It’s incredible what dogs can achieve, and the Bonnie makes such a huge difference to Bonnie the therapy dog during a recent visit to
connections they make. Bonnie is very good with everybody in the Children’s Ark when she and the Children’s Ark with (from left): Kris Buckley,
Senior Play Specialist and Emma Hogan and
children who have learning disabilities or autism, Emma come in for their visits.
young patients Isaac O’Meara, Adare, Co Limerick;
and those who may never talk. When they see “It’s incredible the benefits that assistance Kimberly Burke, Kilbaha, Co Clare; and Sinead
Bonnie, you can see a flicker of recognition and dogs can bring. There is a girl here who suffers Hennessey, Clarecastle, Co Clare.
double graduation for sisters
Sisters Mairéad Holland Flynn and Deirdre Deirdre, having a clinical background in
Holland, on their recent graduation from Pharmacy and Speech & Language Therapy,
RCSI Institute of Leadership. Mairead has worked more recently in the field of
is a registered ANP (Advanced Nurse Quality and Risk at Naas General Hospital.
Practitioner) in Occupational Health, currently Both sisters graduated with honours in the
working as RANP and Business Manager degree of Msc in Leadership, and were
in the Occupational Health and Wellbeing supported by the Meath Foundation, TUH
Department in Tallaght University Hospital. and HSE respectively.
10 health matters spring 2020Ad va nced Nu rse Pra cti tione r plays key role
Every day brings something
different to injury unit
here is no typical day for Nurse
T
Practitioner Maggie Mew in the
Roscommon University Hospital
Injury Unit. Maggie has worked
here since 2012.
Roscommon Injury Unit is one of 11 across
the country including Loughlinstown and
Smithfield in Dublin, Monaghan, Dundalk,
Ennis, Nenagh, Limerick, Bantry, Mallow and
Cork city.
Maggie is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner
(ANP) which qualifies her to examine, assess,
make diagnoses, treat, prescribe, discharge
and make onward referrals for patients.
General nurses require further study to
master’s degree level to become an ANP.
It is intended that all Injury Units will
be staffed by ANPs in the future and in
Roscommon a second ANP, Nadia Finneran,
will be appointed soon.
The Units provide for the treatment of
patients with broken bones, dislocations,
sprains, strains, wounds, scalds and minor We have injury units in the following locations
burns that are unlikely to need overnight
admission. • St. Columcille’s Injury Unit, Loughlinstown
ANPs refer patients for x-rays, reduce joint • Dundalk Injury Unit
dislocations, apply plaster casts and treat • Mater Smithfield Rapid Injury Clinic
wounds by stitches or other means. They • Monaghan Injury Unit
have swift access to diagnostics including x- • Roscommon Injury Unit
ray and laboratory tests and some have rapid • Ennis Injury Unit
access to physiotherapy services. The Injury • Nenagh Injury Unit
Units are staffed by consultant-led teams • St. John’s Injury Unit, Limerick
of doctors, advanced nurse practitioners, • The Mercy Injury Unit, Cork
nurses, radiographers and physiotherapists. • Mallow Injury Unit
Patients can go directly to the Unit or be • Bantry Injury Unit
referred by a GP.
Before Maggie started her career in the Dublin, Kildare and Meath for treatment. is exactly the same as if they had been
Roscommon Injury Unit, she worked in the “Depending on their age, patients hear about seen in the Emergency Department, with
Emergency Department of Roscommon the Injury Unit from a variety of different appointments as usual in a fracture clinic in
Hospital. sources. Elderly patients tend to get referred their nearest orthopaedic out-patients.”
The main difference between practising to their care from their GP or hear advertising Recently the fee to attend an Injury Unit was
in the Emergency Department compared on local radio,” said Maggie. reduced from €100 to €75. That fee applies to
to an Injury Unit is how quickly she can see “Younger patients will see advertising on non-medical card holders; there is no charge
her patients and their surprise and delight social media or search online for a service in for attending an Injury Unit for patients with
at getting treated so quickly! On most their area.” a full medical card or a valid medical/GP
occasions, they are seen and managed In the past Maggie and her colleagues were referral letter.
within an hour. responsible for promoting their Injury Unit Injury Units do not treat children under
The most common injuries Roscommon to GPs and they saw positive results from the age of five because of the special
Injury Unit treats are broken bones, sprains, speaking on radio about their service too. requirements of young children attending
minor burns and cuts. They also treat injuries Despite Emergency Departments being hospital.
sustained by the local and surrounding busiest over the winter months, Maggie says The Roscommon Injury Unit is located
community from farm work; such as minor that her busiest months are in the summer. in Roscommon University Hospital on the
incidents with equipment or livestock. “We see a lot of sports related injuries Athlone Road and it is open 365 days a year
Patients typically come from Leitrim, Sligo, from school children and teenagers. Even in from 8am to 8pm.
east Galway, Mayo, Athlone and of course our busy periods the feedback from patients Find out more about Injury Units near you on
Roscommon. Patients have travelled from is always positive and their follow-up care www.hse.ie/injuryunits
2020 spring health matters 11You
Section
‘There’s nothi ng w e ca n’t do’
Helping out is in
the genes for
porter john
ohn Doyle is the head porter
If you’re looking
J
in Children’s Health Ireland
at Temple Street. John is 39 for job satisfaction
years in the health service, and
as he says himself, “It’s in my
healthcare is the job to
genes”. His father Patrick was the porter in be in. You walk out every
Temple Street before him and he started
working there in 1941. John’s family legacy
day and know you have
is not unusual in the health service. Many helped people
families work in the health service following
the same path of caring for patients as their
previous generations. brought back down to earth in a minute and he feels like he has won the lottery.
John said, “Most people think of hospital staff raised back up in another,” he said. “Each and every member of staff that deals
being doctors and nurses, but in Temple Street In the snow of 2018, John said there were with a family or patient has an effect on their
the concept is of front of house and back of staff falling over themselves to volunteer journey through the system. There are no
house staff working together with one aim: the to stay over and help out. John himself was boundaries in healthcare. A lot of the porters
patient. Healthcare is not about one group but hemmed in for 72 hours. But this was not have moved on to become nurses or moved
all disciplines coming together. the first time he had experienced the snow. into other areas of healthcare,” he said.
‘There is nothing we can’t do and there is When there was a snow storm in the 80s John John insisted that if you’re brave enough
nothing we should be afraid of,’ is a saying remembers setting to work clearing snow to make a sad story into a good story, then
his father passed on to him. John said he from the steps of Temple Street. John was Temple Street is the place for you.
considers his colleagues to be more friends glad he had done so when a family arrived “The reality is that in healthcare from
than just colleagues. He said they are that had travelled from Roscommon leaving the weakest in the team to the strongest
exceptional people doing extraordinary work. at 2am to make their way in the snow for their in the team, you’re still a team. Support is
John explained that when offered this child’s appointment. important. Some days you need to check
profession 39 years ago, he would not have John said he understands people have a right your team members’ wellbeing, especially if
believed the level of job satisfaction gained on to say ‘it’s five minutes to five, time for me to there has been the loss of a patient. Schwartz
a daily basis. go home’. But he personally will never consider Rounds has been a great help to the staff.
“If you’re looking for job satisfaction himself a 9 to 5 person; he could never be the When they have a loss it affects everyone on
healthcare is the job to be in. You walk out one that would leave a person without an x-ray the team but the Schwartz Rounds helps with
every day and know you have helped people. or to drop a sample for diagnosis. conversations about the emotional impact of
This makes you want to come back tomorrow “I don’t think I am unusual in that respect. I their work,” added John.
and do it again. The healthcare story when believe most healthcare staff have that work He is now is looking forward to the new
written is like a rollercoaster. It is full human ethic,” said John. Children’s Hospital opening and welcoming
life in front of you on a daily basis. You can be When a family say thank you to John, he said the patients and families inside.
Join the steps to health challenge and
be in with a chance to win hotel break
Get your walking shoes on and join the away from their sumptuous luxury and
national Steps to Health Challenge, now in its exquisite surroundings, there are plenty of
fourth year. wonderful attractions nearby to provide an
The challenge will run from Monday, April active break.
27th to Sunday, May 31st and the lucky winner The steps challenge is a five-week walking
can look forward to a relaxing two-night break challenge that supports staff to walk more.
in the luxurious Slieve Donard Resort and Spa The aim is to get you walking and counting
at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. your steps daily.
Just 30 miles south of Belfast and 90 miles Steps to Health is for everyone, regardless Registration is open now and closes on
north of Dublin, the Slieve Donard is the of your fitness or ability levels. Aim to increase Sunday, March 22nd. Don’t miss out! Join
perfect choice for touring and sightseeing, your step count on a daily basis. Remember, the fun while looking after your mental and
and although you may never want to venture every step counts. physical wellbeing.
12 health matters spring 2020Fewe r th an 25 ca ses w orldw id e
Limerick man is first
recipient of liver and
double lung transplant
obert Sheahan from Co how far we have come in terms of our
R
Limerick is the first person in transplant programme. The operation itself,
Ireland to receive a liver and while complicated, was a success and our
double lung transplant, thanks collaboration with the team at the Mater
to organ donation. was superb.”
The 29-year-old underwent the long and While Mr Hoti was performing the liver
complicated transplantation operation of transplant on Robert, Lars Nölke, Head of
which there have been fewer than 25 cases the Heart and Lung Transplantation Unit at
done worldwide in June 2019 and is now well MMUH, was simultaneously transplanting
on the road to recovery. the heart from the same donor to another
Two surgical transplant teams - one from transplant patient.
the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital’s When the liver transplant was complete,
(MMUH) National Heart and Lung Unit and the Mr Nölke and the Mater team took over to Emir Hoti, Director of the National Liver Transplant
other from St Vincent’s University Hospital’s transplant first one lung, and then the second. Programme, transplant recipient Robert Sheahan,
and Lars Nölke, Head of the Heart and Lung
(SVUH) National Liver Transplant Unit Approximately 15 medical professionals,
Transplantation Unit.
worked for around 10 hours on this life-saving from anaesthesiologists to scrub nurses
operation for Robert. were involved in the ten-hour operation. The Donation Transplant Ireland, said, “Organ
Emir Hoti, Director of the National Liver operation was a success and a few days later, donation saves lives. Robert’s remarkable
Transplant Programme at SVUH, got to work on his 29th birthday, Robert Sheahan woke up journey and recovery and the fact that this is
first of all, transplanting the liver. Mr Hoti in the ICU unit. He spent the next two months the first double lung and liver transplant in
said, “Robert has benefitted the most of any recovering in the Mater and then made weekly Ireland is only made possible through organ
person I’ve seen or treated for transplant. visits to the hospital for follow up. donation. We would ask everyone to discuss
The fact that this is a first for Ireland shows Professor Jim Egan, Director of Organ this life- saving issue with their families.”
Surgeon and medical
illustrator in
prestigious medical
textbook
A pioneering surgeon and medical illustrator
based at University Hospital Limerick are among
the contributors to the first edition of Gray’s
Surgical Anatomy.
Prof John Calvin Coffey, Foundation Chair
of Surgery, Graduate Entry Medical School,
University of Limerick and Consultant Colorectal
Surgeon, UL Hospitals Group, made global
headlines in 2017 when he led a team of
researchers in reclassifying part of the human Pictured at the library in the Clinical Education and Research Centre, UHL, were Dara Walsh, Prof John
digestive system known as the mesentery as Calvin Coffey and UL GEMS third year medical students Olwyn Conlon, Ross Book and Sophie Sabherwal.
a new organ. Their work has led to updates in
some of the world’s most prestigious medical Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nature field easy to understand and study for all,” he said.
textbooks, including Gray’s Anatomy. Reviews Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Better understanding of the mesentery and
Gray’s Surgical Anatomy (2019) includes a now also, Gray’s Surgical Anatomy. its functions has already led to improvements
chapter on the Peritoneum, Mesentery and The impact of Prof Coffey’s research is ground- in surgery with fewer complications, speedier
Peritoneal Cavity. Listed with Prof Coffey as a breaking. “Identifying the mesentery as an organ recovery for patients and reduced costs to
contributor is Dara Walsh, a medical illustrator clarifies what we are as humans and how we healthcare providers.
from the University of Limerick who is also based are made up. It re-orientates human biology in The work of Prof Coffey and his team has been
at University Hospital Limerick. Mr Walsh’s work general, and clinical practice in particular. Dara recently recognised at UCC’s Annual Alumni
has featured in such prestigious journals as The Walsh’s illustrations have made a once complex Achievement Awards.
2020 spring health matters 13You
Section
Ev ery secon d coun ts
FIve-year-old priya the hero
as mum survives stroke
young mum has beaten the
A
odds and returned to her family
after surviving a serious stroke.
Thanks to the quick-thinking
of her five-year-old Priya, Mary
Constant was admitted to the excellent care of
the staff of Cork University Hospital, which she
walked out of less than two weeks later.
Just two days before Christmas, Priya
FaceTimed her dad Damien Galvin, who was
on his way to work, after mum Mary (35)
collapsed on the ground, saying “mammy is on
the floor and she can’t get up.”
Father of two Damien said he would never
usually answer the phone while he was driving
but said that for “some strange reason” he
decided to pick it up this time.
“She was crying and said that mammy was
drinking her tea and now she was on the floor
and can’t get up. I asked her what she meant
and she just kept saying that mammy was on
the floor and couldn’t get up. She turned the
camera around so I could see her and that was
when I could see that Mary was on the floor
in the kitchen and she looked very distressed,”
explained Damien.
I met Mary’s significantly decrease the probability of achieving
functional independence. Priya’s call made all
After she showed him Mary not moving on surgeon a few the difference and enabled the stroke team to
the ground, Damien quickly rang family who live
next door who raced to the house, calling an
days later and I thanked give her mother back her independence. Time
matters greatly in acute stroke care. Think
ambulance on the way. him for what he had done ‘FAST’, act fast,” said Dr Fanning.
The paramedics were quickly on the scene
and immediately suspected Mary had suffered
and he said there is no She was transferred to the Stroke Unit under
Dr Merwick.
a stroke. Within 15 minutes they were on the need to thank me for a job The consultant neurologist also underlined the
way to CUH. They pre-alerted the Emergency
Department and the CUH stroke team, who
that I do every day, you key role Priya played in her mum’s recovery.
“Priya’s bravery and action allowed for the
were waiting at the door as the ambulance have a little five-year-old speedy recognition of a stroke, a situation where
arrived. Mary was seen within seconds by the
Emergency Medicine and Stroke Teams together.
girl who is the real hero every minute matters and access to urgent expert
help when Mary needed it,” said Dr Merwick.
Mary had suffered a catastrophic stroke. “We need more champions for acute stroke
She couldn’t speak. She couldn’t swallow. She stroke. Mary was immediately prepped for an Priya’s quick thinking shows that everyone can
couldn’t see properly. She was paralysed down emergency thrombectomy. make a difference.”
her right hand side, explained consultant Dr Liam Consultant interventional neuroradiologists Within 24 hours, Mary was able to speak again.
Healy of CUH. Dr Gerry Wyse and Dr Noel Fanning, along with Incredibly, within a few days she was able to
“Mary was critically ill. There was no blood their team, quickly rebuilt Mary’s torn carotid wash and dress herself.
getting to the left hand side of her brain. At artery using three special stents. They then “Within a week, Mary had no discernible
just 35, this stroke would either kill her or removed the blood clot further up in her brain. stroke deficits. She could walk and talk, eat and
leave her with severe disability, requiring She had been in hospital less than one hour drink, laugh and cry. She left hospital a little
nursing home care. The chances of her when the life-saving operation was concluded. over a week later, stopping on the way with her
returning back home to her young family were “Priya’s quick action in calling for help enabled husband Damian, to again meet the team that
no more than 5pc,” he said. her mother to get the emergency stroke saved her life.”
Dr Healy said that luck was on Mary’s side treatment she desperately needed. Treatment Dr Healy wasn’t directly involved in Mary’s care
by the fact that she was brought to CUH - the times are critical in acute stroke care. The brain but said he was enormously proud of the ‘skill
busiest inpatient stroke centre in Ireland and can only survive a short time without blood and dedication of my colleagues here in CUH
one of two hospitals in the country that can and oxygen. We know that for some patients who were able to save her life’.
provide stroke thrombectomy - the ability to with a clot in a major artery in the brain, even “She came to our hospital, our stroke service,
acutely remove the blood clot causing the a one-hour delay in opening the artery can at the most critical time in her life and received
14 health matters spring 2020Bravery award for quick-thinking Caoimhe
Leaving Cert student Caoimhe – thanks to the CPR Caoimhe
Kelly has already aced the performed.
biggest test she will ever “My husband and the girls
face – when she helped were told that I might have
save her mum who was brain damage because
suffering a cardiac arrest. they didn’t know how
Last October, Geraldine long I was deprived of
became unwell while she oxygen. But I woke up a
and her other daughter couple of days later and
Laoise were in the car I was fine, although there
waiting for Caoimhe to finish was some short-term memory
her drama class. Laoise, 15, loss for a few weeks. I owe it all
immediately ran to get Caoimhe and to Caoimhe. There are so many other
tell her that mum had just collapsed on top things that could have happened, I could
of her. have dropped Laoise home and been in the
“We were parked near the front door car by myself. But I got lucky and everything
when I suddenly felt very dizzy and I can’t is fine now,” she said.
emergency care that is comparable to any remember much beyond that. Laoise got an The Galway woman was diagnosed
hospital in the world. There hasn’t been any awful fright but she ran and got Caoimhe,” with cardiomyopathy – or a thickening of
clinical intervention in medicine within the last said Geraldine, who has fully recovered and the heart muscles - after she gave birth
decade as effective as stroke thrombectomy. hopes to return to work next month. to Caoimhe 18 years ago but it has not
Uniquely, for medical advances, it is also hugely Caoimhe dialled 112/999 where the impacted her life since. Doctors are unsure
cost effective, with large reductions in rehab and National Ambulance Service (NAS) why she had the sudden cardiac arrest.
social care costs,” he said. emergency call taker talked her through “I take medication for it and it hasn’t
“We have performed 77 thrombectomies in everything. Luckily for Geraldine, Caoimhe affected me since. After the cardiac arrest, I
CUH in 2019, a 50pc increase on previous years. had learned CPR during Transition Year and have had an ICD (implantable cardioverter-
We have treated patients from Cork, Kerry, was able to perform it on her mum and keep defibrillator) inserted inside me that will kick
Tipperary, Limerick, Waterford and Clare. We her heart pumping oxygen to her brain until in if anything like this happens again.”
have had many outcomes as good as Mary’s, the ambulance arrived shortly afterwards. Community Engagement Officer Mark
albeit few as dramatic.” “I don’t know how she did it. She stayed Callanan of the NAS, presented Caoimhe
The doctors are not sure exactly what caused focused, didn’t panic and kept going but with an award for her bravery in January. He
the stroke after Mary gave birth to a son Noah that’s the type of person she is. She didn’t praised her for her quick-thinking response
just four weeks before, but they did say that at stop for a second until the ambulance to the incident.
the age of 35, time was on Mary’s side. came and I know from doing CPR training “I would like to highlight the tremendous
“I met Mary’s surgeon a few days later and I just how exhausting it is,” explained a team effort that led to Geraldine returning
thanked him for what he had done and he said proud Geraldine. to her family. Frontline ambulance
there is no need to thank me for a job that I do While Caoimhe was doing CPR, the professionals combined with voluntary
every day, you have a little five-year-old girl who dispatcher had dispatched the local community supports, and In-Hospital teams
is the real hero,” added Damien. Community First Responder (CFR) group, all worked together to ensure Geraldine had
“The surgeon told us that with a stroke time is Intermediate Care Operative (ICO) crew the best outcome possible.”
precious and that without Priya, Mary wouldn’t and Emergency Ambulance crew as
be here today. She doesn’t even know it yet but well as a voluntary GP who was available.
she is an absolute hero.” When they arrived, they only had to shock Geraldine, Caoimhe & family with Salthill
Geraldine once with the defibrillator to get Knocknacarra Cardiac First Responders
her heart restarted. members Sean Monahan and Michel Georges
ABOVE LEFT: Mary and Damien with the and members of the National Ambulance who
Geraldine was in ICU for a couple of days
stroke team on the day she left the hospital. responded that evening. Also in the photo
ABOVE: Mary, Damien, Priya and new baby where a MRI scan showed that she had Chief Ambulance Officer Paudie O’Riordan and
Noah just days before Mary took her stroke. sustained no permanent brain damage Community Engagement Officer Mark Callanan.
(photograph courtesy of Damien Galvin)
2020 spring health matters 15You
Section
hospital
projects
a boost
for
families
aving a loved one spend time
H
in hospital can be extremely
difficult but two projects are
making life a little easier
for patients and their family
members in the west.
In University Hospital Galway (UHG), Croí,
the heart and stroke charity, recently funded
the furnishing and redesign of a new family
room for the Coronary Care Unit, while Sligo
University Hospital (SUH) was delighted
to introduce 21 new buddy beds to the
Paediatric Department.
The value of the family room was
highlighted by Rosetta Reilly from Co Cavan
who spent time in the family room in 2019
while her mother was under the care of the
Coronary Care Unit.
“Our family were delighted to have use of
the Croí Family Room for the duration of our
mother’s six night hospital stay. I was here
every day and the rest of the family visited
daily from Cavan. We were able to have a
cup of tea together between visits to the ABOVE: Mae Reilly from Finea, Co Cavan who was a patient in the Coronary Care Unit in 2019 and whose
daughters and sons used the Croí Family Room during her stay, with from left: Sinead Duke, Clinical
Coronary Care Unit and I was able to rest
Nurse Manager; and staff nurses Michelle Munnelly and Katie McCormack. TOP OF PAGE: Staff from the
here too. Living so far from the hospital, it Paediatric Unit at Sligo University Hospital together with representatives from local community groups,
was fantastic to have a home away from families and schools which were involved in raising funds for the new buddy beds.
home which allowed us to be close to our
mother,” she said. donations and a massive fundraising campaign ‘Leprechaun’ Day Parade not only attempted
The Coronary Care Unit is a specialist unit by the local community. to break the world record for largest gathering
for patients recovering after an acute heart The fundraising campaign, which began in of people dressed as leprechauns, but also
attack or with other serious heart conditions. December 2018, has resulted in the provision joined our fundraiser campaign.
It is the primary heart unit for the Saolta of new buddy beds which are special chairs “The 21 buddy beds are vitally important and
Hospital Group and patients from all parts of that convert to comfortable beds allowing the benefits are far-reaching, with parents
the West and North West of the country are for a restful night’s stay for a parent or and family members having somewhere
cared for there. family member. appropriate to rest and have some semblance
UHG manager Chris Kane explained that Orla McDonagh, Acting CNM Paediatric Unit of a night’s sleep while at the same time being
many of the patients treated in the Coronary at SUH, explained, “While working as a CNM near their child to comfort them.
Care Unit arrive by ambulance or helicopter on the paediatric ward, one of main concerns Orla added, “We are very grateful of the
with little time to prepare for a hospital stay. I had was the lack of appropriate sleeping support from three families in the area: the
“They come from all parts of the country arrangements available to parents who have family of the late Paddy McCarrick from Sligo
and having a family room available makes a to stay with their child overnight in hospital. town, who worked in SUH, donated one of the
huge difference to the families who may travel “We tapped into our community and got beds in Paddy’s memory; the Amy Lowry Trust
long distances to the hospital in stressful tremendous support from local organisations, from Ballymote donated a bed in memory of
situations. We are very appreciative of the schools, crèches, clubs, government their daughter Amy; and the Forde family from
support from Croí which made the new family departments, social clubs and Friends of Grange donated a bed in appreciation of Fr
room possible.” Sligo University Hospital. Our local secondary John Carroll, our hospital chaplin for all his
Meanwhile, the new buddy beds in SUH schools in the area hosted ‘A Christmas hard work, dedication, support and friendship
were installed thanks to individual generous Jumper’ Day and volunteers of the St Patrick’s to their family.”
16 health matters spring 2020Na tio na l Lead fo r Trau ma Servi ces in place
Two major trauma units to
spearhead service delivery
he way trauma patients are standard of care in the most appropriate facility.
T
treated is to be completely Mr Synnott, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon
transformed under the direction of in the Mater Hospital, has the experience on the
the new National Trauma Office. frontline of trauma care to be able to identify the
Keith Synnott, who was deficiencies in the current system.
appointed as the new Clinical Lead for “My day job is working as a spine trauma
Trauma Services in June 2019, will oversee surgeon in the Mater Hospital. I regularly have
the reorganisation of how trauma care is referrals from people with severe injuries who
delivered, which will be led out by two major have been brought to the wrong place which
trauma centres one in Dublin and one in Cork. does not have the resources to treat them
“In Ireland, people are generally brought to properly. Then we face the problems around
the nearest hospital if they have been involved transferring them, not enough beds, getting an
in an accident. This may mean they are being ambulance, existing network makes it difficult,”
treated in a local A&E which may not have an he explained.
orthopaedics unit. Automatically, they then “I am in a unique position in that most of
have to be funnelled to where they need to go,” my patients are paralysed and need major
he explained. rehabilitation. So, on a daily basis, I am
“We want to reorganise the trauma network used to liaising with the community and
so that people are treated in specialised units National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) about
where the expertise and resources are based rehabilitation. A person might need to go to Keith Synnott, new Clinical Lead for Trauma Services.
and that everyone has access to what they the NRH, they may need to get a wheelchair
need regardless of where they live. In addition organised, get adjustments made to their home, “If you have an accident on the top of Donegal,
to the two major trauma centres, there would have a nurse come in to assist them during the there must be access to advanced paramedics
be additional trauma units in major hospitals day. So my day job covers the entire spectrum, I and quick transport.”
around the country. am not coming at this from a narrow focus.” He said the hope would be for the trauma
Part of that system will be the local injury He acknowledged that ‘everything will be a centres to be open in 18 months to two years but
units where minor injuries are treated. challenge’ when it comes to reorganising the the entire implementation plan would take five
“For example, you think you have a break in trauma services system. to seven years.
your arm. You most likely have a sprain but you “A lot of big changes will be in Dublin where “There will be one major trauma centre in
will need an x-ray to tell you one way or another. there are currently six hospital with trauma units Cork, which will be Cork University Hospital as
We are putting a system in place that will be and orthopaedics. Under the implementation they have everything that is needed down there,
more robust in identifying and treating both the plan, we will have one major trauma unit in the just not enough of it at the moment. So it makes
serious and less severe injuries,” said Mr Synnott capital and two trauma units,” he said. sense to locate there.
“We don’t want you to be sent somewhere that “Rehab is chronically underresourced. “The process of designating the major trauma
there is no expertise. You may get an x-ray but Resources are usually assigned on the basis of centre in Dublin is still ongoing but hopefully we
there is nobody there that is properly able to crisis and rehab is just not seen as a crisis. So will be able to finalise the location soon.”
read it. We want the trauma networks to mean our challenge will be to ensure that we secure The trauma units will be in hospitals around
that you have remote access to x-ray expertise. adequate funding so there is appropriate the country that currently have orthopaedic units
It is about building on what is in place. rehab available. and are used to dealing with trauma patients.
“In theory, if you have that wrist sprain, you are “We want it to be that if you get a fracture The existing injury units are also key to delivering
being treated in the same system that treats the in Portlaoise and are brought to Cork for a robust service.
major trauma, just in a better place more suited treatment in the trauma centre there, then if “We are looking at how the trauma network
to treating the level of your injury.” you need two weeks of physio it will be near to will work together between all these parts
The appointment of Mr Synnott is one of the your home in Portlaoise. and identifying the gaps that may exist,” said
immediate actions prioritised in ‘A Trauma “Community rehab is crucial. If a patient is in Mr Synnott.
System for Ireland’ and will provide an essential hospital and is ready to go home, there needs “It is a major reorganisation of services but
foundation for the implementation of that to be a community rehab network in place that we hope that as it becomes more efficient,
system. As recommended in the Report, Mr is easy to access. At the moment, community it will not need as much resources. We are
Synnott will lead the National Office for Trauma supports are funded at a local level. When we currently designing a high level implementation
Services in the HSE and will be responsible for get a bad spine injury, we have a clear idea plan, looking at the projects and sub projects
managing the implementation and oversight of the rehab needs from day one. But that is that need to be done, and examining what the
of the trauma system. The implementation complicated by where that person is living and different components would look like. We need
will support a reduction in the incidence and the supports available,” he added. to look at how we get pre-hospital care right,
the burden of trauma, significantly improve He added that the issues of remote areas how we make sure ambulances bring people
the survival rate of major trauma patients and and transport to the relevant hospital must be to the right hospital and that each hospital has
ensure every patient receives the best possible addressed also. what it needs to have.”
2020 spring health matters 17You can also read
