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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
I spotted sign of serious condition in my girl, 5, while sitting on bed – history is repeating itself & we need help
'I know that there are many people out there who feel the exact same way - something needs to change' MOTHER'S FEAR I spotted sign of serious condition in my girl, 5, while sitting on bed – history is repeating itself & we need help CAROLANN Walsh was sitting on her bed with her five-year-old daughter when she noticed history repeating itself - a subtle, but unmistakable, sign of a serious condition she knew all too well. The 32-year-old, from Co Kilkenny, first noticed Hannah's symptoms nearly three months ago when she saw one of her shoulder blades protruding more than the other. Advertisement 4 Mother-of-three Carolann has told how her daughter could be waiting a year for an MRI scan 4 Five-year-old Hannah Walsh was diagnosed with scoliosis earlier this year Carolann recognised the signs immediately, as she herself had been diagnosed with scoliosis as a child. The GP confirmed the five-year-old's scoliosis and referred her for an MRI, which has now been scheduled for a lengthy eight to 12 months' time. The delay in scans and treatment has created major concern for the Kilkenny family, as Hannah is now experiencing nightly pain, headaches, and migraines due to her spinal curvature. Advertisement Carolann said: 'About two and a half months ago, she was sitting here on my bed after getting out of the shower, and I noticed that one shoulder was higher than the other. 'I said to her, 'Hannah, sit up straight,' but she was sitting straight – and that's when I realised it, because I grew up with scoliosis myself. 'We brought her to the GP a week later, and the doctor confirmed that she had scoliosis. He said he would refer her for an MRI. 'A few weeks passed, and when no appointment came through, I rang the hospital to check her position on the waiting list. They confirmed it would take eight months to a year.' Carolann is acutely aware of the risks of untreated scoliosis, having undergone extensive treatment herself since early childhood. Advertisement She was diagnosed at two and a half years old and began wearing body casts that severely limited her mobility. By the age of 14, her spine had curved to 65 degrees, and eventually, she underwent a highly publicised spinal fusion surgery in 2009 after repeated delays and cancellations. SYSTEM ISSUES The mum-of-three said the healthcare system continues to be problematic 17 years on from her treatment, with long waiting lists and other barriers an issue. She said: 'I was diagnosed at around two and a half, so I would've been even younger than Hannah. When I was first diagnosed, things were much easier. I got an MRI straightaway. 'As time went on, I was in casts and braces growing up. I couldn't take a bath. I couldn't even shower. I couldn't do PE in school. Advertisement 'When I was 14, they took the brace off me to see if my spine would stay straight by itself. Within a year, I was told I needed spinal fusion surgery. 'But the waiting list caused delays. Things got so bad that I ended up being on Prime Time over it. I was in every paper before finally getting the surgery in September 2009. 'Now, in 2025, things are just getting worse and worse.' WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS? A TWIST or curve of the spine to one side has been medically defined as scoliosis. Although the condition most commonly affects children aged 10-15, it can strike people of any age. It's unlikely for cases of scoliosis to improve without surgery, so it's always important to contact your GP if you or your children spot tell-tale symptoms. What causes scoliosis? In around 80 per cent of cases, doctors can't identify the cause of scoliosis. Despite this, there are some triggers of the condition… Congential scoliosis: When the spinal bones don't form properly in the womb Neuromuscular scoliosis: It may be an after-effect of a muscle or nerve condition, such as cerebral palsy Degenerative scoliosis: Where the spine is damaged because of general wear and tear that comes with age What are the symptoms of scoliosis? Back pain is a common symptom of scoliosis, especially for adult sufferers. There are six other signs to look out for: a visibly curved spine leaning to one side uneven shoulders one shoulder or hip sticking out the ribs sticking out on one side clothes not fitting well Tragically, Hannah's case is not the only one highlighting the seriousness of such delays. Harvey Morrison Sherratt, from Dublin, who suffered from spina bifida and scoliosis, tragically died after waiting over three years for spinal surgery. Advertisement The nine-year-old's parents campaigned publicly and brought the case to the Dail, but he was removed from the urgent surgery list without their knowledge. Harvey eventually received surgery in late 2024, but his health deteriorated, and he sadly passed away last month. FLAWED SYSTEM Carolann is now navigating the flawed system, not only for Hanna but also her other children, adding to the daily chaos of appointments, waiting lists, and constant worry. Her eldest child, Nessie, has generalised epilepsy and requires ongoing care. Her youngest, Jackson, 2, has sensory issues and limited speech development, which requires specialist support. He is now on a year-long waiting list for speech therapy. Advertisement Carolann herself is waiting nine months to see a mental health counsellor, revealing that system delays are affecting people with all types of issues. She said: 'I'm finding it all so hard. I'm a single parent to three children with disabilities. 'WHAT CAN I DO?' 'My eldest daughter has generalised epilepsy, my middle child has scoliosis, and my two-year-old son has sensory issues and is now on a year-long waiting list. My hands are so full. 'Even regarding my own mental health, I recently tried to see a counsellor, but there's a nine-month waiting list. What can I do? 'There's a girl in my area whose son suffers from epilepsy, and she said there's also a massive waiting list for him. So many others are in the same situation.' Advertisement Carolann's family is now trying to manage multiple ongoing health issues while navigating slow access to treatment for each child. The lengthy MRI wait for Hannah is particularly concerning given her age and the severity of her symptoms – a battle Carolann knows all too well. NO CHILD SHOULD WAIT Carolann is now urging that no child should have to wait in pain for essential treatment, adding that there is a systemic need for faster pathways to medical care. Across the country, parents like Carolann have repeatedly said that the backlog of children waiting for spinal assessments and treatment is causing avoidable suffering. Despite repeated promises to improve care, Carolann revealed that the same challenges faced in the past are being repeated today, with long waits and obstacles continuing to affect those in need. Advertisement "I'm finding it all so hard. I'm a single parent to three children with disabilities." Carolann Walsh She is now calling on the government to reduce waiting times before her daughter's and other children's conditions deteriorate further. She added: 'It's clear that people aren't doing their jobs. 'And, you know, the system is failing in nearly every aspect, whether it's mental health or children's health. It's absolutely falling apart. 'It's definitely getting worse. I'm not the only person saying this. There are so many people out there who feel the same way – something needs to change.' 4 Hannah's sister Nessie is also facing issues with the healthcare system due to her epilepsy diagnosis Credit: Journalist Collect Advertisement
Borneo Post
08-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
‘Unsung hero of rural Sarawak'
This is the first article of a three-part series about the 'ulu' dressers, beginning with one who had his start in Julau Lim, now in his early 80s, seen during a recent trip to Kapit. THE term 'dresser' harks back to the colonial days in Sarawak, referring to the profession of those assisting the physicians at a clinic or a hospital, often providing basic care and performing routine tasks. The position's name originated from their main task of helping the doctors 'dress up' surgical wounds on patients. Today, they are known as medical assistants (MAs). Back in the old days, when accessibility to health and medical care was severely restricted due the remoteness of the majority of villages and longhouses, the dressers were regarded as almost having the same status as doctors. Lim looking smart in his hospital assistant's uniform in this photo, taken in 1978. 'My colleagues and I were called 'jungle tycoons', simply because we distributed the government-supplied medicines,' said former dresser Thomas Lim Eng Guan, now in his early 80s. 'Still, we're proud of our profession as we, over the past 50 years, have helped improve healthcare and enhance harmony in Sarawak's rural heartland. 'Acknowledged or not, it's our contributions,' he told thesundaypost when met during a recent tour involving several senior citizens to the Rajang Valley, where he acted as our tour guide. Sarawak's turbulent times Lim was very familiar with Julau, Song and Pakan as he had served as an 'ulu' (rural) dresser during Sarawak's turbulent times in the 1970s, which he termed as the 'communist period'. 'I remember many communists were rewarded for giving up their struggles in the jungles. I regard my work as a dresser back then helping to keep the peace and maintain the good health of the rural population. 'Still, back in those days, we earned very, very small salaries despite the challenges that we faced. 'In the larger towns, we could see the politicians being taken here and there in big cars and staying in grand hotels, while the regular civil servants just walked – sometimes barefooted!' Many residents of Julau still use longboats, where they can seek treatments at Sarikei and Sibu hospitals easily. However, this has made the river-based mobile clinic operation to no longer become available. When he brought us to see Pakan town and the bazaar in Julau, where he worked half a century ago, we could see his eyes getting all misty. 'These places remind me of the patients those long years ago.' Humble beginning Born in Rantau Diling, Rajang Valley in 1941, Lim is of Chinese-Iban heritage. His great-grandfather migrated from Fujian, China and married an Iban woman from Bawang Assan. They had five children, and one of their daughters was Lim's grandmother. He grew up in poverty during and after the Japanese Occupation. The family's farmhouse was a three-hour longboat journey from Kanowit, making it very difficult for Lim to attend the Primary 1 class every day. 'I did attend Primary 1 in 1950, but the following year, I had to quit school,' he recalled. However, fate took a turn as Lim's father managed to enrol him in a mission school in Kanowit in 1952, where he stayed on and passed his Primary 6 class. 'By then, I was already 17 years old – too old for secondary education according to the rules and regulations of the colonial government. I felt dejected; I felt that I would never, ever land any good job,' he said. Photo shows the narrow Julau River, where the 'ulu' dressers used to operate the mobile clinic. Again, fate intervened when a kind government health officer, Simon Chen, gave Lim a job as a clinic assistant in Julau on Jan 1, 1960. At age 19, Lim began his healthcare career scrubbing the latrines and cleaning the premises, earning RM90 a month. From that humble start, he eventually gained the trust from his supervisors, who later engaged him in mobile clinic operation, which had a team travelling via longboats along rivers that led them into the remote pockets, and delivering healthcare services to the rural longhouse communities. A post with many roles Lim's fluency in Iban, Malay, English, as well as the Chinese dialects of Hokkien and Foochow, made him 'a bridge connecting diverse cultures'. He showed great dedication during the 1964 cholera outbreak in the Rajang Valley, which earned him the trust from the local communities and superiors alike. 'But, I must say, it was the hardest time of my life. I escorted patients to the Lau King Howe Hospital in Sibu, many of whom died during the journey.' In the 1960s, Sibu was only reachable from Julau via motor launches and longboats. 'Even travelling using a motor launch back then took eight hours. Sometimes, the patients and medical personnel walked between Julau and the surrounding villages, taking half a day. 'Today, it takes only minutes on board a good four-wheel drive vehicle,' said Lim. Julau town today is very different from the old bazaar in the 1960s, says Lim. After a while in Julau, he was asked to man the Kanowit Clinic, where he gained more experience in operating a mobile clinic. He had a boat driver, who operated a 72-foot long roofed vessel. 'It became our second home, as we sometimes slept in the boat during operations. We travelled up and down the rivers across Julau and Kanowit, getting to know all the longhouse folks there.' In 1970, Lim was assigned by Dr John Whitlam, Sibu Division's then-medical officer, to reopen Pakan Clinic. Lim succeeded, and was officially promoted to a 'Rural Health Dresser'. 'It's quite rare for someone with only a Primary 6 education,' he smiled. The Pakan Clinic then was a wooden block, with concrete flooring. Lim was told that the clinic was built by the villagers through 'gotong-royong' (work party). 'Half of the clinic housed the 'Mother and Child Clinic', under the charge of an Iban midwife. She was tasked with going to the longhouses to deliver babies, and looking after the mothers and the babies when they called on the clinic.' In Pakan and other 'ulu' areas, Lim worked alone. Many patients walked for hours just to seek treatment and sometimes, they would set up camps nearby. 'TB (tuberculosis) was rampant back then, and I spent considerable time educating the patients on the importance of completing their medication. 'TB's curable and no one should die from it, but sadly, some did as many chose traditional healers' methods over modern medicine. I carry these losses personally.' Not all was bad for Lim during his service. 'In Pakan and Song, I met two very great medical men: Dr P Doraisingam and Prof Dato Dr Chong Chung Hian, who inspired me to work harder as an 'ulu' dresser. 'They wrote great letters of commendations that had helped me get promotions. I would never forget the kindness of these two gentlemen.' Photo shows the archway, welcoming visitors to Pakan. 'Defender of peace' Lim was more than just a rural dresser during his years in that position. One night in 1970, when his medical team was in Song, an Iban man was killed by individuals suspected to be communist sympathisers. 'A mob threatened retribution, and a local Chinese community leader came to me for help. Sensing imminent violence, I stayed overnight with a Chinese family to defuse tension. 'When the armed mob arrived, I stepped forward and pleaded for calm – preventing bloodshed.' Lim said the same thing had occurred several times in Pakan, where he acted as the mediator between opposing quarters. 'My intention was solely to prevent conflicts, but it turned out that my efforts had helped secure grassroots peace.' Still, it was a relief for Lim that his 'ulu' stint in Pakan ended in 1976. Rural-urban transition In 1976, Lim was selected for a 30-month course in Miri, to qualify for the 'Junior Hospital Assistant' post. Upon completion of the course in 1978, he was posted to several rural clinics in Sibu but eventually, he got assigned to Merbau Polyclinic in Miri – his first post in a city. There, he took charge of the leprosy programme, using his diagnostic acumen to detect early symptoms and support the patients despite the social stigma. 'The stigma was hard to eradicate,' said Lim. 'I followed up with the patients up to the Brooke Memorial Hospital in Kuching. I was never afraid to care for them.' The leprosy patients kept in contact with Lim over the years – even invited him to their children's weddings. After his retirement in 1995, Lim managed a clinic at an oil palm plantation located between Miri and Bintulu, continuing his service to estate workers. Again, his multilingual skills and deep compassion made him a trusted figure. He also discovered a passion for carpentry and sculpturing. 'Since then, I have been giving away furniture pieces and wooden arts as gifts to friends and faith groups. I have also sold some pieces, but I'm happily keeping some for my son and grandchildren. 'I do want to leave something behind for my family.' 'A legacy forgotten' Everyone in our tour group could see that Lim was a jovial man and during our interview, I could sense his pride in having lived a life of selfless service. However, I could also feel his sadness that the contributions and sacrifices rendered by him and other rural health workers during the 'Insurgency Period' had gone unrecognised. 'We saved lives, not only medically, but by keeping peace between communities. Still, no one remembers us,' he said, with a quiet dignity. Lim believed that acknowledging the contributions of the 'ulu' civil servants, it would inspire future generations to truly serve their communities with dedication and compassion. 'My story affirms that even without titles or degrees, you can make a difference. You can bring peace.' In typing the end-part of this article, I must say that Lim's story reminds us that history is not shaped only by leaders and politicians with their grandiose plans, but also by humble men who carry medicines via boats to be distributed to the rural folks, can speak multiple languages, stand up bravely against furious mobs to uphold peace, and always care for patients no matter what their conditions are. The second part of this series will be out next Sunday, recounting a former dresser's experience in Rajang Security Command Area and Flying Doctor Service. dresser Thomas Lim Eng Guan
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Top European Dividend Stocks To Consider
As European markets show resilience with the pan-European STOXX Europe 600 Index rising 3.44% amidst easing tariff concerns, investors are keenly watching for opportunities that align with economic growth and inflation trends in the region. In this environment, dividend stocks can offer a compelling proposition by providing steady income streams while potentially benefiting from the broader market recovery. Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Julius Bär Gruppe (SWX:BAER) 4.73% ★★★★★★ Zurich Insurance Group (SWX:ZURN) 4.37% ★★★★★★ Bredband2 i Skandinavien (OM:BRE2) 4.48% ★★★★★★ HEXPOL (OM:HPOL B) 4.89% ★★★★★★ Deutsche Post (XTRA:DHL) 4.85% ★★★★★★ S.N. Nuclearelectrica (BVB:SNN) 9.29% ★★★★★★ Cembra Money Bank (SWX:CMBN) 4.25% ★★★★★★ Rubis (ENXTPA:RUI) 7.06% ★★★★★★ Banque Cantonale Vaudoise (SWX:BCVN) 4.36% ★★★★★★ UNIQA Insurance Group (WBAG:UQA) 5.77% ★★★★★☆ Click here to see the full list of 237 stocks from our Top European Dividend Stocks screener. Here we highlight a subset of our preferred stocks from the screener. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★☆☆ Overview: Prim, S.A. operates in Spain, offering health technology, mobility, and healthcare products with a market cap of €181.19 million. Operations: Prim, S.A. generates its revenue primarily from Medical Technologies (€118.75 million) and Mobility and Healthcare (€114.56 million) segments in Spain. Dividend Yield: 4.2% Prim, S.A. offers a mixed dividend profile with its dividends well-covered by earnings (payout ratio of 42.4%) and cash flows (cash payout ratio of 70.6%). Despite this coverage, the dividend yield is relatively low at 4.2% compared to top Spanish market payers and has been volatile over the past decade, experiencing annual drops over 20%. Recent financials show increased sales (€228.82 million) but decreased net income (€10.92 million). Click to explore a detailed breakdown of our findings in Prim's dividend report. The analysis detailed in our Prim valuation report hints at an deflated share price compared to its estimated value. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★★☆ Overview: Électricite de Strasbourg Société Anonyme supplies electricity and natural gas to individuals, businesses, and local authorities in France, with a market cap of €1.03 billion. Operations: Électricite de Strasbourg Société Anonyme generates revenue from the consumption of electricity and gas (€311.39 million) and the production and marketing of electricity and gas (€1.12 billion). Dividend Yield: 7.7% Électricite de Strasbourg Société Anonyme's dividends are well-supported by earnings (payout ratio of 52.4%) and cash flows (cash payout ratio of 71%), with a competitive yield at 7.69%, placing it in the top quartile among French dividend stocks. Despite recent earnings growth, its dividend history has been volatile, marked by significant fluctuations over the past decade. Recent financials show a decline in sales to €1.42 billion but an increase in net income to €150.42 million for 2024. Click here to discover the nuances of Électricite de Strasbourg Société Anonyme with our detailed analytical dividend report. Insights from our recent valuation report point to the potential undervaluation of Électricite de Strasbourg Société Anonyme shares in the market. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★☆☆ Overview: S.A. operates as an online retailer of tires and wheels for motor vehicles both in Poland and internationally, with a market capitalization of PLN1.16 billion. Operations: S.A.'s revenue is primarily derived from Car Accessories, which generated PLN1.79 billion, followed by Bicycles and Bicycle Accessories at PLN280.57 million, and the Tools Segment contributing PLN93.20 million. Dividend Yield: 4.8% dividend of PLN 4.00 per share, despite recent earnings growth to PLN 84.73 million, reflects a history of volatility over the past decade. The payout ratio stands at 60.6%, indicating dividends are covered by earnings, though cash flow coverage is tighter at 84.4%. Its yield of 4.83% is below the top quartile in Poland, and while dividends have grown over ten years, their reliability remains questionable due to past instability. Unlock comprehensive insights into our analysis of stock in this dividend report. Our comprehensive valuation report raises the possibility that is priced higher than what may be justified by its financials. Explore the 237 names from our Top European Dividend Stocks screener here. Are any of these part of your asset mix? Tap into the analytical power of Simply Wall St's portfolio to get a 360-degree view on how they're shaping up. Discover a world of investment opportunities with Simply Wall St's free app and access unparalleled stock analysis across all markets. Explore high-performing small cap companies that haven't yet garnered significant analyst attention. Fuel your portfolio with companies showing strong growth potential, backed by optimistic outlooks both from analysts and management. Find companies with promising cash flow potential yet trading below their fair value. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include BME:PRM ENXTPA:ELEC and WSE:OPN. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. 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