Latest news with #HSESouthWest
Irish Independent
29-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Warning that Cork University Hospital's emergency department is experiencing ‘very high' levels of activity'
The public are being advised to consider all care options - including GPs, pharmacists and SouthDoc out-of-hours services. When there is a large volume of ED attendances, patients are prioritised in terms of clinical need and wait times for non-urgent care can be lengthy, the HSE South West said. They added that patients arriving to the ED will be clinically assessed and seen in order or priority, so those with non-urgent presentations will be waiting a long time and are advised to seek alternative treatments. HSE South West also said that GPs can also access Urgent Virtual Care (UVC), a new regional telehealth service which allows GPs and paramedics to consult directly by phone, or by video call, with a senior medical decision-maker in emergency medicine or geriatric medicine. They can advise if you need to attend the ED. People who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised. 'Our priority is to protect access to emergency care for those who need it most,' said HSE Integrated Area Manager for Cork South and West Priscilla Lynch. 'We're asking the public to help us by seeking treatment through other trusted services such as GPs, SouthDoc, pharmacists, and their local injury unit. The new Urgent Virtual Care service is also a vital tool to help GPs assess patients and guide them to the right pathway.' Chief Executive Officer, Cork University Hospital Jennifer Kearney urged everyone to 'pause' and consider a number of options becoming coming to the ED. 'We are currently experiencing a surge in activity at CUH's Emergency Department. It's vital we reserve our resources for patients with the most critical needs. 'I urge everyone to pause and consider: 'Is the ED the right place for my care?' There are excellent alternatives available - including local GPs, pharmacies, SouthDoc, and injury units that can offer prompt and appropriate support,' she added. Know your options if you need medical treatment: • Self-care – Have a well-stocked medicine cabinet to help with colds and sore throats • Pharmacy – Ask your pharmacist for advice on common minor illnesses • GP Surgery – Make an appointment with your GP if you're feeling unwell • Local Injury Unit – For minor injuries, broken bones and burns. See for more information • Out-of-Hours GP – if your GP clinic is closed, call SouthDoc on 0818 355 999 • ED or 999/112 – For emergencies, please visit your nearest ED • Out-of-Hours GP – if your GP clinic is closed, call SouthDoc on 0818 355 999 • ED or 999/112 – For emergencies, please visit your nearest ED
Irish Independent
03-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Community first in North Kerry as Listowel embraces becoming a Dementia Inclusive town
For people living with dementia in the area and for their families, this means that they can feel reassured that when visiting the supermarket, going to lunch or to the bank, they will receive support, kindness and understanding from staff and the wider community. Together with staff of the HSE South West in Tralee, 27 local services, businesses and organisations have worked collaboratively over the last three years to help increase awareness and improve support for those living with dementia and their families, which will allow them to feel welcome and connected to community life. Reflecting on the importance of this partnership, Dolores McElligott, Team Leader Community Worker HSE South West, had the following to say: 'Dementia is not just a health issue, it's a social issue and requires a community response. Most people with a diagnosis of dementia are living in their communities; it's vital that they can continue to avail of local services and be able to remain active and engaged. We're so delighted that the community here are committed to making the town an even more welcoming place for people with dementia and their families.' Listowel resident, Karen Carmody, whose father has dementia, added: 'Dementia can be a long, lonely and isolating journey for those with a diagnosis and their loved ones. As someone who has a loved one living with Dementia, I know how important it is to live in a community that genuinely cares about the illness, and the issues that arise. This is a hugely important initiative and it really does make a difference in the day to day lives of both the person with dementia, and the people that care for them.' Sharon Boyle, a checkout and news supervisor at Garvey's Supervalu in Listowel, further highlighted the importance of offering community support to people living with dementia when she said: 'I just think everyone should keep their independence and be able to come in, do their shopping, have a chat with us. We're there for everybody in the community. I think it's vitally important.' There are more than 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland and this number is expected to more than double to over 150,000 by 2045. The HSE's national Dementia: Understand Together campaign works with people all over Ireland to build dementia inclusive communities. These communities, such as Listowel, aim to help people living with dementia and their families to be understood, respected and valued. It helps them to stay socially connected and engaged in community life, and to access businesses, services and amenities that understand their needs. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more The Dementia Inclusive Listowel project was launched in late 2022. The members meet regularly, provide information, advice, resources, and connect businesses and services together. They have hosted dementia awareness-training workshops for more than a hundred people and organisations based in and around the town. Since launching, more than 250 people have attended public information evenings on dementia and brain health. This is a long-term project, with a commitment from the community to keep the conversation, education and understanding going. Finbarr Mawe, Chairperson for Dementia Inclusive Listowel and Ard Chúram Day Centre explained: 'We've had great support from the people and businesses working with the Listowel Business and Community Alliance, and we know first-hand just what that means to the people living with dementia in our community and also their families. People with dementia are valued members of the Listowel community, and we're delighted to celebrate all of the hard work of the committee and the town.' To learn more about the work of Dementia Inclusive Listowel, and how you can work towards building a dementia inclusive community where you live, visit or email understandtogether@
Irish Examiner
30-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
HSE confirms €2.3m investment to improve cancer services in the south west
The HSE has confirmed a €2.3m investment to improve cancer services in the south west. HSE South West has announced the "major" investment by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) to improve cancer care across the region over the next 18 months. The funding will support eight new projects and create 16.5 new healthcare jobs, including nurses, doctors and oncology support staff. The new posts include specialist nursing support for patients in the rapid access lung service, a new family breast cancer pathway, which will aid in early detection, and a new post for a regional team supporting adolescents and young adults with cancer. It will also include recruitment of a new patient support worker for breast cancer patients as well as recruitment of a senior occupational therapist and speech and language therapist to support an increased number of patients and families. HSE South West regional executive officer, Dr Andy Phillips, said the investment shows a deep commitment to improve cancer care for everyone in the region. He said: It's not just about funding - it's about compassion, care and trust. "We are building services that people can rely on during some of the most difficult times in their lives. With this support, we can offer faster diagnosis, better treatment, and more help for families and survivors. "Our teams are dedicated to delivering care with kindness and professionalism, and this funding will help us do even more for our communities," Dr Phillips said. The HSE said the investment "will bring tangible improvements to cancer services, with additional staff for early cancer diagnosis clinics and extra supports for families at risk of cancer". Additional new services will also be developed, such as the provision of special care for teenagers and young adults with cancer, and the development of personalised cancer treatment expertise. The new services will support people after their treatment ends and some of the funding will go toward the acute oncology service, helping cancer patients avoid the emergency departments. CUH clinical director of cancer services Dr Dearbhaile Collins said: 'These additional staff will support many essential services across the region. Importantly, they will provide specialised care to our adolescent and young adult patients with cancer, patients on oral anti-cancer treatments, and the ongoing care of our cancer survivors. "Furthermore, they will reinforce our family history clinics to improve early detection, rapid access clinics, bladder cancer surgical care and the crucial acute oncology services. "We are also proud to announce that one of these positions will enable the region to lead out on the national molecular tumour board programme.' Most of these new staff will be based at Cork University Hospital, with some roles located at Mercy University Hospital and University Hospital Kerry. Recruitment for the new oncology staff members is progressing.
Irish Independent
25-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Kerry moms get new book on well-being during pregnancy and post-birth
The booklet is available in Kerry and Cork and offers useful advice on topics including nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mental health supports. Dr Freda Wynne, Senior Clinical Psychologist, said the booklet outlines the fundamental elements in the importance of carving out time for oneself. It addresses the mental health concerns that new mothers may face and directs them to the appropriate resources for support. Additionally, the book includes a comprehensive list of services ranging from acute care to community-based family resource centres and online support. The booklet is a joint project between staff at University Hospital Kerry, HSE South West mental health services, and Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH). It is funded by HSE South West 'Connecting for Life' (the regional self-harm and suicide reduction plan). Martin Ryan, Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, with HSE South West said the booklet's 'Connecting for Life' link ensures that families have the essential tools they need for a thriving start. 'This initiative exemplifies successful cross-disciplinary collaboration with the potential to significantly enhance the well-being of expecting and new mothers, as well as their support networks, including new dads,' Mr Ryan said. The project team thanked and acknowledged HSE colleagues in HSE Dublin and South East, as this booklet took their work and built on it to make it suitable for families in Cork and Kerry. The team included staff from the Perinatal Mental Health Service in CUMH and UHK included Dr Freda Wynne, Senior Clinical Psychologist; Breda Bird, Clinical Midwife Manager 2 (CMM2); Zodwa Lenihan, Clinical Midwife Specialist (CMS); Louise Chawke, CMM2. It also involved Martin Ryan, (Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, Cork); and Donagh Hennebry (Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, Kerry).
Irish Independent
17-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
HSE reveals in Cork that over 800 concerns of elder abuse were reported to it in region last year
To mark the day, HSE South West has launched a series of videos and events. The theme of this year's safeguarding awareness campaign is "Loneliness – Connection is Protection." Most older people live independent and active lives. However, loneliness and social isolation leaves older people vulnerable to abuse and risk of exploitation, the health body said. A short series of safeguarding awareness clips can be found on HSE South West's YouTube channel and on social media, focusing on topics such as an introduction to safeguarding and how to recognise abuse, support people to know how to report concerns of abuse and encourage our older population to stay connected. The Safeguarding Team is also visiting several organisations in the region to promote awareness. Cork City Council and Kerry County Council are supporting the campaign by lighting up their buildings purple on June 15, the colour associated with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Miriam Tobin, Principal Social Worker with the Safeguarding and Protection Team in HSE South West, said: "There is nothing more lonely or terrifying than feeling unheard. An older person who had a large circle of friends, a fulfilling career, or a wide range of exciting hobbies may feel embarrassed, or may find it difficult, to talk about feeling lonely as they get older. 'The most common issue we are told about is the older person not being listened to. People can experience loneliness if they don't feel understood or valued by the people around them. Stop, take the time to listen properly, and do what you can to help our elders live out their best lives, in safety and comfort. Being there to listen and reassure, creating a safe space to connect, can make the world of difference to how a loved one feels.' Loneliness is not always visible; it can affect people with a network of support around them. Loneliness can lead to an increase in emotional, physical, and financial vulnerability and can result in physical health problems. Abuse can take place in the person's home or in places assumed to be safe such as hospitals, residential homes, or day centres. Abuse can be deliberate, or it can be caused by a lack of knowledge or through neglect. Types of abuse include emotional, physical and sexual abuse, neglect of a person's basic or health needs, and financial and online abuse such as scams or exploitation. Watch out for any signs of elder abuse and know how and when to report it to a professional or service known to you. You can contact the HSE South West Safeguarding Team on 021 4927550 or Freephone 1800 225 500 between 9am-1pm and 2pm-4pm Monday to Friday.
