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UltraNews
eNewsletter of Ireland South Women & Infants Directorate
Navigate stories
Welcome to our Winter 2021
edition of UltraNews
Meet Dr Oratile Kgosidialwa
Introducing Ambulatory
Gynaecology to UHW
UHK diabetes support for
maternity patients
National GTD Centre
recognised at HSE Service
Excellence Awards 2021
ational Breastfeeding Week
N
1-7 October 2021
Update on Ireland South’s
Innovation Programme An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, T.D. visits CUMH
Read more inside
Other news
Issue
Back to13 | Winter 2021
cover For info and story submissions email: Louise.Riordan@ucc.ie Start reading
Back UltraNews
Forward 01
Welcome to the of care towards our patients, our The team has been recognised for the
Winter edition of colleagues, our visitors and our
communities and vaccination is the
establishment of the national centre
to provide excellence in care to all
UltraNews, the staff key to protecting us all. women in Ireland diagnosed with
molar pregnancy, the most common
newsletter of Ireland Well done to UHW on setting
up an Outpatient Hysteroscopy
type of gestational trophoblastic
disease (GTD) that occurs in 1 in 500
South Women & Clinic earlier this year. The clinic
is an initiative to improve access
pregnancies in Ireland. Until recently
the management of this rare disease
Infants Directorate to diagnostics and treatments for
women with heavy menstrual
has been inconsistent in Ireland and
many patients had to travel to the UK
bleeding, abnormal uterine bleeding for treatment.
I am pleased to be writing to you the Directorate. I am pleased that and postmenopausal bleeding and
once again with the latest edition of we can bring you details about a will be of benefit to the women who I hope that you enjoy reading
UltraNews, filled with updates about fraction of that work in this edition of avail of these services. UltraNews. At this time of year,
the work and progress across Ireland UltraNews. we include news about how events
South Women & Infants Directorate News from UHK includes an like National Breastfeeding Week,
this winter. In October, An Taoiseach Micheál account of how one of the Maternity Baby Loss Awareness Week and
Martin T.D., visited CUMH to Services patients was guided and Antibiotics Awareness Day were
In many ways 2021 has flown by and officially open new facilities at supported by the UHK team when marked across the Directorate.
it’s hard to believe it is now December. the hospital. On the same day, she was diagnosed with gestational
So much has happened this year. commemorative medals were diabetes and subsequently with type Thank you to each one of you for
Early in 2021 with the rollout of the presented in a socially distanced 1 diabetes. Feedback from patients your hard work and dedication to
COVID-19 vaccination programme, manner by An Taoiseach to is vital to help us to enhance our our patients again this year. On
we had renewed hope on suppressing representatives of our CUMH staff. services. behalf of Ireland South Women
the virus while continuing to deliver The medals were commissioned to & Infants Directorate, I wish you
the safest possible care to the women mark the work of all our dedicated, Every year we highlight National and those you hold dear a Happy
and infants in our region. The multidiscipline teams during the Breastfeeding Week around the Christmas and prosperous New
cyberattack delivered a blow to health COVID-19 pandemic. All staff Directorate and we do so again this Year. Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain
services throughout the country throughout the Directorate will year starting with some news from faoi Mhaise Daoibh go léir!
and combined with the COVID-19 receive their own medal in the near TUH about how the team there
pandemic, we have all been challenged future. has strived to meet the needs of the
in new and different ways. I frequently breastfeeding families attending
talk about how proud I am of the staff Vaccinations have been to the maternity services there in these very
across the Ireland South Women & forefront of our minds this year. It challenging times.
Infants Directorate. I have never been has never been more important to
prouder of our staff than this year. In get the seasonal flu vaccine. Last year, Congratulations to Dr John Coulter,
the face of difficult and extraordinary in CUMH we achieved 86% uptake Consultant Gynecological Oncologist
times, you have risen to the challenge on the seasonal flu vaccine, and I at CUMH and the staff at the
time and again, innovating and am hoping this year, there will be an National Gestational Trophoblastic John R. Higgins
collaborating to continue delivering even higher uptake throughout the Disease Centre who have been Clinical Director
safe services for our patients. Directorate. Thank you to everyone recognised at the 2021 Health Ireland South Women & Infants Directorate
who has had the seasonal flu vaccine Service Excellence Awards. Dr Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
There is so much great work going as well as the third vaccination Coulter and his team have received University College Cork
on across the units/hospitals in against COVID-19. We have a duty the Excellence in Quality Care award. South/South West Hospital Group
Back to cover Back Forward 1
An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin,
T.D. opens new and upgraded
facilities at CUMH
These new facilities will further The speeches touched on various topics
streamline gynaecological patient including the Taoiseach’s long-standing
care and form part of the ongoing relationship with CUMH and details
Pictured above and right: An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, T.D. listens to the benefits the new and
innovations that have been developed about the new and enhanced facilities
enhanced facilities at CUMH will bring to patients. Picture by Ger McCarthy. by CUMH to tackle gynaecology at CUMH, to the dedication of staff
waiting lists and provide exceptional to their work, particularly during the
On Friday 15 October, An Taoiseach, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “I have levels of care to women in Cork and its COVID-19 pandemic.
Micheál Martin, T.D. officially opened a long connection with CUMH, and surrounding area.
new and upgraded facilities at Cork I am delighted to be back here again Professor Higgins expressed his
University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) today to witness the ongoing progress in The existing Induction Room Delivery gratitude to colleagues across the HSE,
that will further enhance the maternity providing vital healthcare for the women Suite on the ground floor of CUMH has the Department of Health, the National
and gynaecological services that the and infants of this region by Professor been enhanced considerably making the Women and Infants Health Programme
hospital currently offers women and Higgins and the team. suite a more comfortable environment and HSE Capital and Estates without
babies in Cork and the surrounding for both patients and staff. The suite now whose support, the new developments at
region. I would like to pay tribute to all the has three private single rooms and a CUMH would not have been possible.
staff at CUMH for the dedication and midwife monitoring station, facilitating
An Taoiseach was met on arrival to commitment shown in caring for their close monitoring of the birthing mother, When the speeches were completed,
CUMH by Professor John R. Higgins, patients throughout the pandemic.” and ensuring the patient is at the centre Averil Stannard, Senior Midwife took
Clinical Director of Cork University of care at all time and their birthing to the podium to read a poignant and
Maternity Hospital and Ireland South The new facilities include an Ambulatory partner can be with the patient at all humorous poem, penned by Celine
Women & Infants Directorate and Gerry Gynaecology Suite and Gynaecology Day times too. O’Keeffe, Clinical Midwife Manager,
O’Dwyer, Chief Executive Officer, South Unit (GDU), which are both located on capturing the highs and lows that staff at
/ South West Hospital Group. A short the fourth floor of the hospital. Referred After the official opening, a small and CUMH experienced over the past two
tour of the new and enhanced facilities patients will be seen and treated for socially distanced group gathered in the years during the COVID-19 pandemic.
followed, during which An Taoiseach specialised day care by staff focussed on glass corridor on the fifth floor to hear
listened as staff described the benefits improving the health of their patients as speeches from Professor Higgins, An The visit was concluded with An
that the facilities will bring to patients. efficiently as possible. Taoiseach and Gerry O’Dwyer. Taoiseach presenting commemorative
Back to cover Continued on next page Back Forward 2
medals to staff representatives from
the teams at CUMH to honour
limited to staff members from diverse
teams such as midwifery, nursing,
2020 – TO THE HERE AND NOW
staff for their hard work during the non-consultant hospital doctors A poem by Celine O’Keeffe, CMM3, CUMH
COVID-19 pandemic. The front of (NCHDs), security, catering and
the medals carries the Ireland South housekeeping. Each member of staff
brand, along with the names of the across the Ireland South Directorate
hospitals/units in the Directorate. On will shortly receive their own medal.
the reverse of each medal, the words
“Dedication, Compassion, Resilience” Due to social distance restrictions
appear along with the message “Go around COVID-19, a limited number of
raibh míle maith agat.” staff attended the gathering on the fifth-
floor glass corridor. To ensure that staff
Professor Higgins said: “Our staff members who could not be present
continued to provide their excellent could participate in the occasion,
level of care during the COVID-19 the speeches and medal ceremony
pandemic, and we felt it appropriate was shared via a live online link. To
to mark their dedication to CUMH close ceremonies, Professor Higgins
and the community we serve with a presented a medal to An Taoiseach
commemorative medal.” on behalf of all maternity services to
thank him for his support for maternity
Representatives who received medals services and tireless work as our public
on the day included but were not representative.
Thinking all the way back to March 2020 Pictured above:
Averil Stannard, Senior
Fears and worries of course there were plenty.
Midwife, reads a poem
As Covid came to our world and turned it upside down by Celine O’Keeffe.
When we began to wear a mask to cover the frown. Picture by Ger McCarthy.
We built a huge tent almost overnight
Had our temperature checked and asked were we alright.
It did almost blow away on many a windy day
And now in its place there are two cabins to stay.
If we had a cough or a cold, we didn’t come in to work at all
We just stayed at home and gave Occ health a call.
Sent off for a swab and waited for the results with hope
That it turned out Negative, how did we cope?
We monitored and tested and delivered babies galore
Covid was here but we couldn’t close our door!
Mothers and babies at the centre of all that we do
But now we were dealing with more than just the Flu!
We washed and we cleaned until our skin was sore
Baked in gowns and PPE, we could hardly take anymore.
Pictured above: The front and reverse of the commemorative medals. New signs were erected all over the place
We hardly knew each other with the mask on our face.
Back to cover Continued on next page Back Forward 3
Our Break rooms were gone; we couldn’t chat for too long
No more gatherings or meetings, it all felt so wrong! Staff representatives receive
Corridors for breaks, with tables and chairs everywhere
Or take a stroll outside to find a portacabin to share. their commemorative medals
In January all our staff had the Vaccine, Dose One and Two
And with that, a sense of hope in all of us grew.
Sore arms. Pains and aches. But it had to be done
Because this was battle that had to be won.
A Cyber Attack in May, now that didn’t seem real,
It’s caused so much hassle, and something else we had to deal.
Our MN CMS was gone and it was paper and charts everywhere
It was the cruelest blow; it just did not seem fair.
Above left: Niamh Spillane, Clinical Midwifery Manager 3 receives her commemorative medal.
But again we got up and we took on the task Above right: Helena Bugler, representing Midwifery and Nursing receives her commemorative medal.
And we had to hide our fury behind the mask. All pictures by Ger McCarthy.
With all hands on deck we got through this too
What a challenge it was, that much is true!
During all this time we built new rooms and got new places
Shiny new floors in our indoors spaces.
Our staff got new uniforms, and stepped out in style
In CUMH, we always like to go that extra mile.
Keeping our Dads outside made us really sad
Though many people thought we were really bad! Above left: Siobhan Kennedy representing Healthcare Assistants, receives her commemorative medal.
Above right: Marie Hennessey representing Housekeeping, received her commemorative medal.
But it had to be this way to keep all the bugs at bay
And now we have our Dads visiting for most of the day.
We marvel at our strength and resilience too
What wonderful staff, together we all made it through.
Some days were so hard and often difficult to bear
But we had each other in this time to share.
There were days we had to laugh so we wouldn’t cry
There were days we could scream but we could only sigh.
The Pandemic was bad but the Cyber-attack made it worse Above left: Richard Masongsong representing Theatre Staff receives his commemorative medal. Above right:
Maria Leahy, Acting Manager, Social Work Services representing HSCPs, receives her commemorative medal.
Oh, just thinking of it now, it was a terrible curse!
Our team is amazing and everyone deserves a mention
A token of thanks is the very intention.
Every person who works in CUMH has played a part
In how we all dealt with Covid from the very start.
But here we are and our story’s been told
We have no idea from here what the next year will hold
But Today is a Good Day and the end is nigh
To the last 18 months we gladly say goodbye. Above left: Dr Brendan Murphy, Clinical Lead Neonatology, representing Consultants receives his commemorative
medal. Above right: Alison Fahy, representing Clerical Staff, receives her commemorative medal.
Back to cover Continued on next page Back Forward 4
Above left: Martin Higgins representing Portering, receives his commemorative medal.
Above right: Noreen O’Sullivan representing Security Personnel receives her commemorative medal.
Outpatient Hysteroscopy
– introducing Ambulatory
Gynaecology to UHW
Above left: Catherine Kelleher, representing Noonan’s receives her commemorative medal.
Pictured above: Dr Azriny Khalid,
Above right: Eoin Dunlea, representing Maintenance receives his commemorative medal.
By Dr Azriny Khalid, Consultant Elaine Roche, CMM, Ambulatory
Gynaecology, Ms. Valerie Barry,
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Health Care Assistant.
On 21 April 2021, we welcomed the by EUA, hysteroscopy, D&C in theatre.
first few patients into the Outpatient This should reduce the outpatients
Hysteroscopy Clinic in University and radiology waiting lists, number of
Hospital Waterford (UHW). The clinic outpatient visits and save costs on theatre
is an initiative to improve access to sessions and day-case beds. This will also
diagnostics and treatments for women increase access for other gynaecological
Above left: Janet Kelly, representing our shop workers receives her commemorative medal. with heavy menstrual bleeding, abnormal procedures to be done in theatre.
Above right: Patrick Begley, representing Catering receives his commemorative medal. uterine bleeding and postmenopausal
bleeding. The OHC is run weekly by Dr Azriny
Khalid, Consultant Obstetrician/
The Outpatient Hysteroscopy Clinic Gynaecologist, Ms. Elaine Roche, CMM,
(OHC) serves as a one-stop service for Ambulatory Gynaecology and Ms.
the management of abnormal uterine Valerie Barry, Health Care Assistant, and
bleeding. In one visit, patients with more recently, once a month by Dr John
abnormal uterine bleeding have a pelvic Bermingham.
ultrasound followed by hysteroscopy,
endometrial biopsy and treatment To date, just under 100 patients have
Pictured left: An Taoiseach, including removal of endometrial polyps, been seen in the OHC with the majority
Micheál Martin T.D. receives submucosal fibroids, IUCD insertions tolerating the visit very well. We hope to
a commemorative medal from and retrieval of lost IUCDs. This replaces develop this service further to provide a
Professor John R. Higgins,
Clinical Director, Ireland South
traditionally having a pelvic ultrasound wider range of treatments suitable for the
Women & Infants Directorate. in the Radiology Department followed ambulatory setting in the future.
Back to cover Back Forward 5
CUMH Antimicrobial
Guidelines Launch
By Susan Potter, Senior Antimicrobial
Pharmacist, CUMH
The CUMH Antimicrobial Guidelines were app will also have a number of resources to
launched on the MicroGuide App on the 27th help improve safety of antimicrobial use.
of September. The launch was announced at the Antimicrobial Apps can improve adherence
Ireland South Women & Infants Directorate
Grand Rounds on the 24th of September by
with prescribing guidelines, thereby improving
treatment outcomes, minimising the risk of
Antibiotic Awareness Day, CUMH 2021
CUMH’s new Microbiology Consultant, Dr antimicrobial resistance, and reducing the By Susan Potter, Senior Antimicrobial Pharmacist, CUMH
Deirdre Broderick and the new Antimicrobial healthcare costs associated with the treatment
Pharmacist, Susan Potter. These guidelines were of infection.
a joint antimicrobial stewardship collaboration Pictured above: Susan Potter, Senior Antimicrobial Pharmacist, CUMH on Antibiotics Awareness Day in CUMH.
between CUMH and UHK. The free app can be downloaded from Apple
Store, Google Play or Microsoft Stores to
Sarah Fenton, Antimicrobial Pharmacist, CUH any phone or tablet. No password is required European Antibiotic Awareness Day took that if we take antibiotics when they are not
put a huge volume of work into publishing the to access the app. A desktop version will place on 18 November 2021 and events were needed, they may not work when our lives
antimicrobial guidelines in 2020 and secured be available on the staff intranet or can be held across the Ireland South Women & depend on them. Other information posters
funding from Ireland South Women & Infants accessed on any computer desktop via a Infants Directorate to mark the day. We all were also displayed.
Directorate for creating an antimicrobial specific link. Any updates to the guidelines will need to become guardians of antibiotics and
guidelines app. Kate Finch, Senior Clinical automatically update on any user’s device so this awareness day aims to highlight why we The Antimicrobial Stewardship team
Informatics Pharmacist, CUMH, Dr Síle the most up to date version is always available. all need to use antibiotics with care. recruited frontline staff including doctors
O’Connor, Antimicrobial Pharmacist, UHK, The search function allows easy and quick and pharmacists to wear t-shirts carrying key
Emma Flaherty, Senior Clinical Informatics searching of full guidelines for any required Most events in CUMH this year took place antimicrobial stewardship messages.
Pharmacist, UHK, Alana Dineen, Senior information. Both CUMH and UHK now use virtually. We joined the Twitter conversation
Clinical Pharmacist, CUMH and Susan the MN-CMS electronic health record. Where on the day reminding people to visit
Potter worked collaboratively to digitise the applicable, the yellow care plan will be included www.undertheweather.ie to see how
antimicrobial guidelines. with a guideline to let users know that there is common viruses can be treated without
a prescribing care plan for this indication on antibiotics this winter.
Technology offers huge potential for healthcare MN-CMS. Where there is a care plan in place
by providing services that are convenient and all the recommended antimicrobial regimens An email message was sent out to all staff
efficient for users. MicroGuide is a platform for an indication are listed together and the members highlighting efforts that are
specifically designed for hosting clinical prescriber can select the appropriate regimen being made in CUMH to ensure antibiotics
guidelines for hospitals and is already in based on the patient’s penicillin allergy status. are being used appropriately. The email
use throughout the UK and in several Irish Using these care plans improves accuracy
highlighted the new MicroGuide app to
hospitals. The app is designed to be an easy way and efficiency of prescribing and helps to
encourage prescribers to download it and
to access infection management information ensure compliance with guidelines. Modern
refer to it. The email reminded everyone that
to support appropriate antimicrobial use and technology offers huge potential for healthcare
antimicrobial stewardship. We need to support and support services for delivering high quality
we need to unite to preserve antibiotics. An
improved access to the information clinicians services that are both convenient for users, online quiz was also circulated in the email
need to guide their decision making so that cost-effective and efficient. about our antimicrobial guidelines. Pauline
our patients receive consistent, effective care. Hayes, Staff Midwife, CUMH won a €50
Particularly in the case of a severe, time critical Please contact susan.potter@hse.ie if you are One4All voucher by entering this quiz.
Above: Tweet to
situation such as the treatment of sepsis. having any issues with the apps functions or raise awareness
formatting. A banner was displayed in the reception area about Antibiotics
As well as providing the guidelines for of CUMH to greet visitors with the message Awareness Day.
prophylaxis or treatment of infections, the
Back to cover Back Forward 6
Baby Loss
Antibiotics Awareness
Awareness Week 2021
Day, UHK in UHK
2021
By Carrie Dillon, CMS Bereavement, UHK
Maternity Services UHK held a virtual Service parents it supports, we continued our
By Dr Síle O’Connor, Antimicrobial Pharmacist, UHK of Remembrance this year. We also planned fundraising for Féileacáin during the week
a number of other events to mark Baby Loss in the UHK main canteen. An email address
Pictured above: Caroline O’Connor, Quality Manager, Dr Síle O’Connor, Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2021, with the aim of: uhk.memorytree@hse.ie was created to
Pharmacist, Lena Sheehan, UCC Pharmacy Student, Dr Hila Jazayeri, Medical Intern, enable bereaved parents to write a message
Dr Iman Faez, Medical SHO, David Hobbert, Chief Pharmacist.
• Supporting bereaved families for their baby. These messages were inscribed
• Commemorating babies’ lives on memory tags and placed on a memory
We had a real buzz at UHK on An antimicrobial quiz was held • Raising awareness about pregnancy loss tree which was located on the Maternity Unit.
Antibiotics Awareness Day, with with epic prizes sponsored by the • Driving change and improvements in both There was a huge response to this initiative
stands in the front atrium and in Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee. Over care and support and sincere acknowledgements from families
the main restaurant. The stands 100 people entered. Some answers for providing this opportunity to remember
carried the “Resist” message, and to the questions addressed quality Our Service of Remembrance was hosted their babies.
Antimicrobial Resistance and improvement initiatives identified on the UHK Facebook and Twitter sites on
Infection Control (AMRIC) and Saturday 9th October at the start of Baby In preparation for Baby Loss Awareness
by the September Point Prevalence
Loss Awareness Week. This service involved Week, recently bereaved parents kindly wrote
UHK Antibiotics Patient Information Survey. Another question highlighted
members of staff, parents and the hospital an article for a local newspaper highlighting
leaflets. In addition, the stand in the the recent introduction of the choir. For the first time, UHK lit up in blue their story and raising awareness about Baby
staff restaurant distributed summary MicroGuide App for our Obs/Gynae and pink to join other maternity hospital / Loss Awareness Week.
findings from the 2021 Antimicrobials antimicrobial guidelines (Ireland South units and public buildings throughout Ireland.
Point Prevalence Survey, where UHK Women & Infants Directorate). The As the CMS Bereavement, I wrote a
showed its best results to date. Staff answers to the quiz questions were #WaveofLight newspaper article and gave an interview on
were also offered copies of local available on the slogan bearing t-shirts, A video was available on Friday 15th October local radio to highlight the importance of
clinical pathways and visual prompts, which created lots of fun conversations encouraging the public and staff to join in Baby Loss Awareness Week and the plans that
which are used locally to promote around Antimicrobial Stewardship in this global movement from their own homes UHK had put in place to commemorate same
prudent antimicrobial prescribing all areas of the hospital. by lighting a candle between 7-8pm to in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions.
practices. commemorate #WaveofLight. Together, these
videos to date have had over 9,000 views. We were overwhelmed at the public
Visitors to the stands included
response to the services offered which again
On the day, UHK hospital Fearghal Grimes, Hospital Manager,
A Bereavement Education Workshop was highlighted the need for parents to have these
management funded t-shirts with key Caroline O’Connor, Quality Manager, opportunities to grieve and acknowledge the
also held in the Centre for Nurse & Midwifery
antimicrobial stewardship slogans Dr Gabriela Dornikova, Consultant loss of their baby.
Education. At the end of this study day,
for frontline staff including those in Microbiologist, as well as Consultants
members of staff from the Labour ward
Medical, Nursing and in Pharmacy. from Medical, Surgical, Orthopaedics, presented Mairie from Féileacáin with a We look forward to 2022 with hope that our
The t-shirts carried short stewardship Anaesthetics, Paediatrics, Obs/Gynae fundraising cheque from the recent walk Service of Remembrance can once again
messages to all areas of the hospital, and Palliative Care. on International Day of the Midwife in take place where families and staff can come
with no risk to Infection Control. remembrance of our dear colleague, Mary together in person to commemorate this
Cotter. As this charity is totally dependent on special week. #BLAW
donations and fundraising by the bereaved
Back to cover Back Forward 7
CUMH Remembers 2021
By Daniel Nuzum, Chairperson, CUMH Bereavement Committee
Our Annual Service of Remembrance has for all staff to highlight the importance of
always been an important event in our every interaction in bereavement care and
hospital calendar as we gather with our to appreciate the care provided at CUMH.
bereaved families and staff colleagues to
acknowledge and remember all who have
died in pregnancy or shortly after birth and
The Service of Remembrance is still
available at www.cumhremembers.ie and
further information is on Instagram
National GTD Centre
their parents and families. For the second
year, it was not possible to gather in person.
@cumhremembers
recognised at HSE Service
Mindful of the importance of this event I wish to pay tribute to all in the
and perhaps even more so because of the
impact of isolation on grieving, the CUMH
Bereavement Committee and throughout
the hospital for their hard work and
Excellence Awards 2021
Bereavement Committee prepared an online commitment in this challenging but very
Service of Remembrance. The professional rewarding care. Dr John Coulter and the newly Established in 2017, the National
production from 2020 was enhanced with a established National Gestational Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
shorter ceremony from the beautiful Prayer For the most up to date Trophoblastic Disease Centre (GTD) Centre has managed 500 patients around
Room at CUMH. Families were invited once information on pregnancy and at Cork University Maternity Hospital Ireland with 100% cure rate in patients
again to submit names and a short message infant loss support, guidelines (CUMH), have been recognised at the requiring chemotherapy with no transfer
for inscription on a Remembrance Leaf. The and policies please visit www. 2021 Health Service Excellence Awards. of a patient to another country. A recent
leaves were then added to our Remembrance pregnancyandinfantloss.ie on patient survey revealed 99% satisfaction
Tree in the Prayer Room. On the evening of your browser or scan this QR code. Dr John Coulter, Consultant with the service and professionalism of
Friday 15 October -The International Day
www.pregnancyandinfantloss.ie Gynaecological Oncologist at CUMH, the team.
of Pregnancy and Infant Loss- a number of
staff gathered at the entrance of the hospital and his team have received the Excellence
for a live Instagram introduction and time of in Quality Care award. The team has Professor John R. Higgins, Clinical
remembrance. Instagram was a particularly been recognised for the establishment of Director, Ireland South Women & Infants
engaging form of social media with our the national centre to provide excellence Directorate said: “Congratulations to
bereaved families. The hospital was beautifully in care to all women in Ireland diagnosed Dr Coulter and the team at GTD. The
lit in pink and blue for the week alongside with molar pregnancy, the commonest service the centre is providing is unique
the flying of our distinctive Teardrop flag. A type of gestational trophoblastic in Ireland and I am delighted to see GTD
Remembrance Olive Tree was also planted disease (GTD) that occurs in 1 in 500 get the recognition that it deserves.”
along the pathway to the hospital. pregnancies in Ireland. Until recently the
management of this rare disease has been Pictured above: Catherine Duffy (NCCP), Gerry
Bereavement care is the responsibility of all inconsistent in Ireland and many patients O’Dwyer (CEO SSWHG), Dr John Coulter, Clinical
staff; the Pregnancy Loss Research Group Lead, National GTL Centre, Caitriona Kenneally,
had to travel to the UK for treatment.
provided some educational reminders CNS National GTD Centre.
Back to cover Back Forward 8
Impact of Cyber-attack on FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Availability of additional hardware
card development (containing name,
date-of-birth, address and telephone,
GP name and telephone, blood group,
Maternity Services University requirements to enable access to third
party systems and data; to enable visibility allergies and last menstrual period) to
be held by service user in the event to
of OP clinic dates and list, visibility of
Hospital Kerry (UHK) services users’ previous clinic dates and
future clinics scheduled, visibility of
system disturbances.
service user demographics, access to Maternity Services wish to thank all
letters if available, visibility of GPs details, staff for their efforts in responding to
By Mairin McElligott, Project Lead Maternity Services, UHK future appointments to be scheduled. this ransomware attack, whilst already
responding to COVID-19. Maternity
A stock of paper charts to be kept in the Services would also like to thank third
RESPONSE immediately and without hesitation party companies that offered their
supported by the office of Chief event of such an occurrence in the future.
Maternity Services UHK like so many assistance at this time. Maternity Services
other Health Service Executive (HSE) Information Office, the National MN- regained operational momentum very
CMS team to mention but some. Additional staffing is also required:
services experienced a day that was - Additional ICT staff on site swiftly with minimal disruption to
unforgettable on the 14 May 2021 when Measures were put in place to be able to outpatient clinics.
provide the optimum care to the women, - Additional Local Back Office
the ransomware attack took place. The Management post and,
working environment had suddenly babies and families attending the service. Looking back at the event, the level
- Additional Local Back Office/Clinical
changed with the all the Information Midwifery Manager to support staff and of teamwork present was undeniable;
Technology equipment dark and silent at The level of innovation and use of digital intra departmental, inter departmental,
health has surpassed any previous plans to oversee data back loading.
reception desks. No desktops glowing at across the Directorate and nationally.
nursing stations, no mobile laptop carts scheduled prior to COVID-19. Resulting As environments began to return to
in both challenges and benefits during The downtime policy requires updating
accompanying their midwives and nurses. to include cyber-attacks, and a secure status quo, with the welcomed return of
the cyber-attack; as ICT was unavailable, technology, the gigantic task of data entry
however with presence of third-party backup Maternity Services generic email
Every conceivable area and department of address to enable communication with began. Maternity Services UHK have
University Hospital Kerry was impacted, companies offered the possibility of data reviewed lessons learnt and proposed
recovery. GPs via Healthlink may be beneficial to
and the enormity of the event and the maintain communication between acute measures to increase the resilience for the
task ahead emerged as the day unfolded. site and community. Antenatal Clinic future.
Maternity Services in UHK had an Having experienced such an incident,
additional dimension, as the Maternal & it has provided insight into further
Newborn – Clinical Management system improvements to increase Maternity
is a computer-based system. The system Services’ resilience, so as to support
incorporates an Electronic Health Record service delivery throughout, the data
(EHR) replacing the traditional paper upload and on-going issues following the
chart. cyber-attack. There was a requirement
for clinical staff working overtime to
Maternity Services UHK has always been maintain the services, administrative/
prepared with the associated policies and management staff worked weekends to
responses in place for a system down retrieve essential data and MN-CMS/LBO
time; however, it was an inconceivable staff worked overtime including weekends
event to have a situation whereby all IT to retrieve essential data to maintain
systems are down at the same time. services and to upload data once systems
returned. Additional equipment including
All University Hospital Kerry, General clean hardware was required to maintain
and Maternity Staff responded outpatient clinics operations.
Back to cover Back Forward 9National Breastfeeding Week
National Breastfeeding Week is a HSE-led event, marked each year from 1-7 October.
‘Feeding the future: Supporting breastfeeding through a pandemic and beyond’ was the
theme of this year’s National Breastfeeding Week. Giving our children the best start in
life by breastfeeding is the ultimate aim. Celebrated nationally, we are delighted to bring
you a round-up of activities, news and celebrations at TUH, UHW, UHK and CUMH.
National Breastfeeding Week 2021
at Tipperary University Hospital
By Anabella Almeida, CMM2 – Infant Feeding National Breastfeeding Week in
and Lactation Specialist University Hospital Waterford
The 1st of October marks the beginning home while their baby is still admitted. Also
of National Breastfeeding Week, which 4 new pumps have been purchased for use By Paula Curtin, Director of Midwifery, UHW
is celebrated nationwide by breastfeeding in the postnatal ward, as well as a new steam
families, breastfeeding supporters and sterilizing system. University Hospital Waterford Maternity This exhibit is an acknowledgement, a
professionals, in order to raise awareness for Services marked National Breastfeeding Week contribution in that respect.”
the importance of breastfeeding. ‘Feeding With the aim of diverging the focus from (1st to 7th of October) with the theme of
the future: Supporting breastfeeding through feeding challenges, onto the plethora of “Feeding the future: Supporting breastfeeding “Some 62% of women breastfeed their new
a pandemic and beyond’ is this year’s moto, breastfeeding benefits, the team at our through a pandemic and beyond” babies in Ireland and it’s actually closer
which very appropriately refers to the maternity unit has put together a display to 68% in terms of babies born in UHW.
challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic of real statements from mums about their As part of National Breastfeeding Week, The HSE, here in UHW and surrounding
placed on the breastfeeding support services breastfeeding experiences. The main display an exhibit was installed at UHW based on areas through South East Community
and their users. in the photo below was located at the hospital photos sent in by mothers of their babies born Healthcare and working with others in the
reception, and there were others throughout recently in the service. Organised by Clinical community (including breastfeeding groups
Tipperary University Hospital has strived to several locations to raise breastfeeding Midwife Specialist -Lactation, Claire Bulfin and the library service) are highlighting the
meet the needs of the breastfeeding families awareness amongst clients and staff. All mums the exhibit was opened by Nicola O’Rourke importance of breastfeeding, encouraging it
attending this maternity unit in these very whose babies were born during National (recent mum to baby Rían) and addressed by and providing and developing resources in its
challenging times. All antenatal classes, Breastfeeding Week received a gift bag with Paula Curtin, Director of Midwifery, UHW. regard.”
including breastfeeding classes, are now being breastfeeding and infant hygiene products, as
provided live online to prevent unnecessary well as a “Thank you for breastfeeding” card. The launch also featured senior staff nurses Great thanks is given to all midwifery, nursing
gatherings. Our Lactation and Infant Feeding in the UHW Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the multidisciplinary team in Maternity
Specialist, Anabela Almeida (IBCLC), (NICU), Marie Claire Skehan and Eveleen & Neonatal Services for their contribution
has developed a referral pathway so that Herron, who spoke about the starter supporting mothers and in addition it was
women that have specific concerns or health pack given to mums with all she needs acknowledged that the role of Clinical
conditions that can impact breastfeeding, can (information and equipment) to get the Midwife Specialist in service has very much
be seen during their pregnancy and have a process of hand expressing started. enhanced the services.
care plan in place for when baby is born. This
service also includes breastfeeding support Speaking about the exhibit at UHW Claire
by phone, email, and in person if required, said: “The pandemic was a very difficult time
after women and babies are discharged from for pregnant mothers and of course for new
Pictured above: Paula Curtin DOM, Claire Bulfin
maternity, on a self-referral basis. To promote mothers. It may be in years to come that CMS, Nicola O’Rourke, Mother, Mary Claire Skehan
and optimize breastfeeding in the Special we’ll become aware of the ‘untold stories’ Staff Nurse NICU-lactation consultant, Eveleen
Care Baby Unit, a new hospital grade pump of many such women during the pandemic. Herron, Staff Nurse NICU-lactation consultant.
is now available for loan to mums that are at
Back to cover Back Forward 10Celebrations for National Development Coordinator, Priscilla Lyons,
Business Manager Janice McHugh, CAMP
On Monday 4 October a staff 6-hour
Breastfeeding Refresher Program was
Breastfeeding Week 2021 Joann Malik. The morning provided a
great opportunity for staff to hear back
facilitated by Mary O’Connor and Mairead.
The day was opened by Guest Speaker
University Hospital Kerry from mothers on how their breastfeeding
journeys had evolved over the last weeks
National Breastfeeding Coordinator,
Laura McHugh, who provided a
By Mairead O’Sullivan, A/CNM2 Infant Feeding Coordinator and months with a variety of topics hugely informative update on all topics
discussed, including breastmilk expression, breastfeeding in Ireland. It was a great
sleeping routines, weaning to solids, privilege to have had Laura as part of the
developmental milestones and even starting day. Mairead was also interviewed by
crèche. Although it was virtual, it did give Deirdre Walsh on Radio Kerry, highlighting
a great opportunity for mixed discussion. the additional support available to woman
Staff on maternity services area all enjoyed in UHK maternity services for their
some cupcakes provided for them as part of breastfeeding journeys.
the week’s celebrations.
On Thursday 6 October, Professor Patricia
As part of the week’s staff educational Leahy-Warren and Dr Michelle O’Driscoll,
events, Mairead facilitated a Breastfeeding UCC, launched the Staff Survey, the initial
Update for all in attendance at Maternity steps in the 2-year research project PEEB
Governance and also carried out a specific (Practice Enhancement for Exclusive
workshop with the Paediatric/Neonatal Breastfeeding) in UHK. Director of
Team members as part of their weekly Midwifery, Sandra O’Connor and Mairead
Pictured above: Launch of staff survey for PPEB study in UHK staff canteen.
education session. Problem solving case O’Sullivan met with the team as part
studies were discussed included neonatal of the launch of the staff survey in the
To commence National Breastfeeding In the last 12-month period, Infant feeding hypoglycaemia, jaundice and greater than hospital canteen. Staff in UHK Maternity
Week, UHK specially designed celebration Coordinator Mairead O’Sullivan and Mary 10% weight loss. This presentation was are privileged to have been selected as the
posters were on display throughout the O’Connor, CNME Midwifery Coordinator enthusiastically received by all. hospital pilot site for the 2-year study and
Unit, ‘Feeding the Future, Breastfeeding have facilitated 2 x 20 hours Breastfeeding looking forward to working with the team in
during a Pandemic’. Pull up posters first Management Courses for Maternity and On 1 October, Maternity Services Infant the months ahead.
designed in 2020 which displayed 4 images Public Health Nursing staff along with 14 Feeding Clinic celebrated one year since
of maternity service staff in UHK feeding x 6 hours Refresher Courses. For National the clinic was first launched as part of Overall, the week was full of activity
their newborn babies, were on display in Breastfeeding Week 2021, the theme National Breastfeeding Week, 2020. Since and enjoyed by staff with lots of new
Antenatal waiting areas, Postnatal ward and ‘Feeding the Future, breastfeeding during then, the clinic has grown, with clinics breastfeeding babies born throughout
also Special Care Baby Unit a Pandemic’, the plans for celebration now facilitated on a weekly basis by either the week.
in UHK focussed on enhancing service Mairead O’Sullivan or Seona O’Toole
Throughout the year the team in University users breastfeeding support experiences CMM1 Postnatal Ward/IBCLC.
Hospital Kerry has looked to enhance the as well as provision of additional staff
support and education provided to mothers Breastfeeding Education. Mairead, who was nominated as a council
in the maternity services. Service Users member of the Association of Lactation
and staff took part in many of the events Mairead along with support from the Infant Consultants in Ireland in March 2021,
hosted. University Hospital Kerry Social Feeding Committee hosted a virtual coffee attended her first ALCI conference assisting
Media Platforms displayed many stories morning via WebEx on 1 October for past and facilitating the full-day conference on
from Kerry breastfeeding mothers who had services users of the maternity department. 2 October. The conference was attended
used the services throughout the year these This was received well by the service by many members of University Hospital
videos were displayed on a daily basis and user group and attended by Maternity Kerry staff.
were enjoyed by many followers. CMM3 Mary Stack Courtney, Practice
Above: Cupcakes provided at various staff education
sessions throughout National Breastfeeding Week.
Back to cover Back Forward 11Joint Quality Improvement Initiative strongly correlate to maternal education and
social class. The Growing up in Ireland study
At this support group they provide evidence-
based care that promotes and supports
launched by CUMH Breastfeeding found that 79% of mothers who breastfed had
a third-level degree breastfed compared with
breastfeeding that is appropriate to their needs,
to maintain breastfeeding in the early weeks
Coordinator and Community Public Health 29% who left school at Junior Certificate level
(Williams et al , 2010).
after the birth of their babies, and to enable
them to continue breastfeeding.
Team in Kinsale Primary Healthcare Susan and Barbara feel strongly that women, Both Susan and Barbara firmly believe that The
dads/ partners need the support once they Breastfeeding Action Plan (2016-2021) needs to
have left the Maternity Hospital to try to be fully implemented in order to support and
By Susan O’Driscoll, Breastfeeding Coordinator, CUMH change the faltering statistic and ensure they empower women and their families on their
are provided with the right advice at the right breastfeeding journey. The actions include the:
National Breastfeeding Week is celebrated six-hour breastfeeding refresher course for time and at the right place to ensure that each
each year from the 1-7 of October. This is the HSE staff in the Kinsale/ Bandon area. mother’s breastfeeding journey is a positive 1. Implementation of policies at hospital and
end of the calendar week 40 of each year and and empowering experience. The WHO Global community level.
symbolizes the start of a new relationship The requirements to attend the breastfeeding Targets to improve maternal, infant and young 2. Investment in Breastfeeding Training & Skills
between a mother and child and the beginning refresher course was completion of the child nutrition include the target of an increase Development for healthcare staff.
of their breastfeeding journey. two HSEland modules, one Supporting by 2025, to a rate of at least 50% exclusive 3. The Provision of additional Lactation
Breastfeeding and the second was breastfeeding rates in the first six months. Specialist Posts ( CMS / CNS Lactation).
On 7 October 2021, a new joint quality Breastfeeding Challenges and to read the 4. Partnership working to Promote a Culture
improvement initiative was launched National Infant Feeding Policy 2019. The Breastfeeding Action Plan 2016-2021 that accepts and supports breastfeeding.
by Cork University Maternity Hospital sets out the priority areas to be addressed to
Breastfeeding Coordinator, Susan O’Driscoll, As we know, enhanced training and continued improve breastfeeding supports, to enable The establishment of this support group is an
RM, International Board-certified Lactation education is associated with better outcomes more mothers in Ireland to breastfeed and important step in ensuring that all children in
Consultant (IBCLC), Martina Corkery, for breastfeeding initiation and duration. The to improve health outcomes for mothers and Kinsale and surrounds get the best possible
Assistant Director of Nursing and Barbara course was facilitated by Susan and expert children in Ireland. The Action Plan encourages start in life. On 16 December this pilot project
Noonan Sexton RM, Public Health Nurse, guest speakers from Public Health were Sheila the need to provide skilled support to mothers, will hopefully move to a permanent support
IBCLC. This joint initiative was to start a Lucey PHN, IBCLC, West Cork and Claire through our maternity services, hospitals, and group for all the mothers of Kinsale and
breastfeeding support group outside of the Crowley, PHN, IBCLC North Lee. These guest primary care services. surrounds, as Susan will return to CUMH. To
hospital with the community public health speakers contributed greatly to the success of date we have supported over 50 mothers in
nursing teams. This joint initiative was to run as the day. Following on from this education day All Public Health Nurses and GP’s in Kinsale/ this, appointment based, one to one, weekly
a pilot project for 3 months. the Kinsale Breastfeeding support group was Bandon area can refer mums and babies to this support group, enabling all these mothers to
established. Breastfeeding Clinic. Even though this clinic is continue on their breastfeeding journey.
The current situation in CUMH is many in its infancy, appointments are booked each
mothers are contacting our services once having Barbara Noonan Sexton came on board in week well in advance and bookings are now
left, requesting additional supports. We are facilitating this support group. Barbara is being pushed a week ahead as the demand for
seeing up to an additional 40/50 mothers a also a Public Health Nurse and an IBCLC. this service is ever increasing.
month in our supports service. There are many Both Susan and Barbara are fully aware that
public health nurses who are also IBCLC’s in the despite gradual increases over the last ten The support group is currently being facilitated
community and this joint approach will aim to years, Ireland’s breastfeeding rates continue by Susan and Barbara who are both qualified
increase community supports and also provide a to be the lowest in international comparisons midwifes and International Board-Certified
platform for ongoing information sharing falling (Victoria et al. 2016; Europeristst, 2013) with Lactation Consultants. Both provide one-to-
in line with the Breastfeeding in Healthy Ireland implications for maternal and child health. Most one support for mothers experiencing any
Document. recently published NPRS data reports 56.9% challenge on their breastfeeding journey and
any breastfeeding on discharge from maternity provide peer support and shared expertise
Prior to the commencement of the support services, 46.3% exclusive breastfeeding (HSE, between their areas of work. This support
Pictured above: Susan O’Driscoll, Breastfeeding
group, Susan had a discussion with her Director 2016). Breastfeeding initiation rates in Ireland group will enable us to promote, support Coordinator, CUMH and Barbara Noonan Sexton
of Midwifery in CUMH, Katie Bourke. With are currently among the lowest, compared to and protect breastfeeding in Kinsale and RM, Public Health Nurse, IBCLC.
her support and the support of the Director of initiation rates of 90% in Australia, 81% in the surrounding areas within the Healthy Ireland
Public Health Nursing, Brenda Golden in the UK and 79% in the USA (HSE, 2016; NHS, 2011; framework and across HSE Health and
community, Susan decided firstly to facilitate a PHAA,2010, CDC, 2014). Breastfeeding rates Wellbeing and Primary Care.
Back to cover Back Forward 12Maternity Services
University Hospital Kerry
Celebrating World Patient Safety Day 2021
By Mairin McElligott, Project Lead Maternity Services, UHK
World Patient Safety Day this year patient safety area where action is
focussed on the prioritisation and needed to reduce avoidable harm in
safety of Maternal and Newborn health care and achieve universal health
Care. Maternity Services, University coverage.
CUMH NNU and the ‘Babies Hospital Kerry were delighted to be
able to join colleagues across the globe Considering the significant burden
with books read-a-thon’. in achieving the signature mark of the
global campaign of lighting up iconic
of harm women and newborns are
exposed to due to unsafe care, this
monuments, landmarks, and public year’s World Patient Safety Day was
Pictured above: Susan Vaughan, Staff Midwife, Amy O’Connell, Staff Nurse and Catherine Dineen, Staff Nurse.
places in the colour orange on the 17 dedicated to the need to prioritise and
September 2021. address safety in maternal and newborn
In September, CUMH NNU took part Susan registered CUMH for the read- care, particularly around the time of
in the ‘Babies with books read-a-thon’. a-thon and got in touch with the CUH World Patient Safety Day – established childbirth, when most harm occurs. This
This is a fun annual event that started in Charity who provided money to buy by the World Health Assembly in is especially important in the context of
America to promote family-led reading books for CUMH NNU. 2019 through resolution WHA72.6 on disruption of health services due to the
in Neonatal Intensive Care Units for “Global action on patient safety” – is COVID-19 pandemic, which has further
the benefit of infants and their families. In total, 120 NICU’s around the world observed annually on 17 September. compounded the situation.
According to the American Academy of registered to take place in the “Babies Objectives of the day are to enhance
Pediatrics, reading with babies creates with books read-a-thon” in 2020 and
global understanding of patient safety, Since women’s experiences during
and strengthens neural connections that: CUMH came 13th in numbers of reading
increase public engagement in health childbirth are also affected by issues
“promote … social-emotional development encounters over the two-week period in
care safety, and promote global action of gender equity and violence, World
… and language and literacy skills during September.
to prevent and reduce avoidable harm Patient Safety Day highlights the
this critical period of early brain and child
development.” Susan says: “The read-a-thon was a great in health care. Each year, a new theme important notion of respectful care and
success. Parents really engaged with is selected to shed light on a priority its linkages with safety.
Reading to NICU babies is also a reading to their preterm babies, and we
great way to bond and to improve the received very positive feedback. After
hospital experience. Babies love to hear a few days, parents started to bring in
the comforting sound of their parent’s their own books from home to read to
voice. While a baby is in NNU it can be their babies too. It is something that we
a stressful or difficult time for families definitely want to build on for next year
and being able to take the time to read and our team here at CUMH are very
a nursery rhyme or a short story is keen to increase our reading encounters
beneficial for baby and parent/caregiver. even more.”
This year the read-a-thon ran from 13- For more information about the Babies
23 September. The initiative was led by with Books Read-a-thon visit:
Susan Vaughan, Staff Midwife and it was www.babieswithbooks.org
embraced by NNU staff and parents alike.
Back to cover Back Forward 13field and which will then translate to The prevalence of GDM has remained
better outcomes for both mum and baby high despite an alternative diagnostic
which is something that I am particularly criteria that would have been expected
passionate about. to reduce prevalence. My colleagues in
the multidisciplinary team including
I find this job interesting and appealing dieticians, diabetes midwives, diabetes
as it provides me with the ability to make nurses, obstetricians and other
meaningful changes to the care of women endocrinologists have to be commended
with diabetes and their babies in SSWHG for all the hard work over the pandemic
and Ireland South Women & Infants period to keep the services running and
Directorate. keeping our patients and staff safe.
3. What is new in your area? 5. What are your long term aims and
There is a lot of interesting developments ambitions for this role?
going on currently within my area. For Unfortunately, more than 30 years after
example, a lot of research is ongoing to the St Vincent’s declaration, pregnant
Meet Dr Oratile Kgosidialwa determine alternatives to the oral glucose
tolerance test (OGTT) to diagnose
women with diabetes and their babies
still suffer poor outcomes compared to
Dr Oratile Kgosidialwa, MB BCH BAO, MRCPI, MSc Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and their counterparts without diabetes. With
Consultant Physician in Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus the best management for diabetes during rising maternal age and obesity rates,
pregnancy. We are in the best position we have seen increases in diabetes in
Endocrinology Lead for Diabetes in Pregnancy for the SSWHG here in CUMH/UCC to contribute to pregnancy, particularly type 2 diabetes
international research in this area. and gestational diabetes mellitus.
1. Tell us a little about your role and diabetes. On completion of my basic 4. How does COVID-19 affect the way My long-term plan is that any woman
the breadth of services covered? training, I completed a clinical research you provide care? with diabetes in the SSWHG will have
In April 2021, I started in my new masters in the field of maternal As with all services, changes had to made similar pregnancy outcomes compared
role as Clinical Lead for the Diabetes diabetes and published this work in an to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic to those without diabetes through
in Pregnancy Service in CUMH/ international peer reviewed journal called ensuring care is delivered in the safest improvements in pre-pregnancy,
SSWHG. This is a new post, and I am the British Journal of Obstetrics and possible way. Prolonged exposure to antenatal and post-natal care an area
very excited to be the first person in Gynaecology. My interest in both clinical others had to be curtailed amongst other that is often neglected. This aim will
this role. I also started my new role in work and research in the area of diabetes measures to reduce the spread of the be made possible by providing training
CUH as an Endocrinology Consultant in pregnancy was reinforced during this virus. As a result, we had to adapt and an and education to both staff and patients
with commitments in both diabetes and time and I decided to complete a higher interim diagnostic criteria for GDM had in diabetes, in addition to undertaking
endocrinology and general medicine. My specialist training (HST) in Diabetes and to be introduced during the pandemic. meaningful research.
roles mean that my time is split 50:50 in Endocrinology. This interim diagnostic criteria involves
CUH and CUMH. using fasting glucose and glycated I am delighted to be working with a very
Upon completion of my HST, I completed haemoglobin as opposed to the OGTT strong multidisciplinary team who also
2. What has been your career to date an MD under the mentorship of to diagnose GDM. Some work is already wish to ensure that CUMH is a centre of
and what attracted you to this job? Professor Fidelma Dunne in NUI Galway. underway to determine what the effect of excellence for the provision of care for
As a trainee in the basic specialist This work was focused on improving this change has been on women and their women with diabetes and their babies.
training program through the Royal future research outcome reporting in babies.
College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI), pregnant women with diabetes in order
I developed an interest in maternal to improve evidence synthesis in this
Back to cover Back Forward 14You can also read
