Tag Archives: HSE

New Initiative By SVP And HSE To Provide Care Packs For People In Need

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At the launch of the Care Pack initiative on Wednesday were Paddy Kevane of St Vincent de Paul, Miriam O’Sullivan of Cork/Kerry Community Healthcare, Caroline Doyle of the HSE, Marian Moore of SVP, Dolores McElligott of the HSE, Kathleen Bunyan and Sinead Donnelly, SVP at the St Vincent de Paul warehouse in Monavalley Industrial Estate. Photo by Dermot Crean

A JOINT project between the HSE and St Vincent de Paul has been launched aiming to provide people in need in our communities with much needed access to care packs.

This initiative is a HSE funded pilot project that will facilitate the provision of care packs for people identified by health professionals as needing them to enhance their health.

The care packs will be provided by St Vincent de Paul and will include items such as bed linen, towels, toiletries to include shampoo, shower gel etc., and underwear.  The aim of this project is to support people who require support to live in conditions at home that better support their health and wellbeing.

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Miriam O’Sullivan, Enhanced Community Care Network Manager, said there will be no charge for the service and the aim is to support people to access items that will help them to live in conditions that better support their health and wellbeing.

“Supporting people to live as independently as possible within their own home, while being able to access healthcare services required for their needs, was a key catalyst to the development of this project.”

“During our work with people in the community it became clear that many people faced challenges in this area and we wanted to be able to provide a proactive solution for people; while also implementing the key strategies of integration as outlined under Sláintecare,” she said.

Any person in the Kerry area wishing to access the service can ask their local primary care health professional (eg HSE physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech and language therapist, podiatrist, dietician, social worker or public health nurse) for information.

SVP will be asking for donations of new clothing, shower gels etc that can be used towards the care packs.  Donations for this specific pilot project can be accepted at Vincent’s Donation Centre in Monavalley.

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Free Event On Older Persons Health Awareness Next Week In Tralee

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THE HSE Community Work Department and Community Health Network, in partnership with older person groups in Tralee are hosting an event in Tralee next week.

This Health Awareness Event will take place in The Rose Hotel on Wednesday, May 15, from 10am to 2pm.

There will be a talk from Dr Mary Randles on geriatric medicine, on Meals on Wheels, Memory and Stimulaton and more. There will also be numerous stands from St Vincent de Paul, Kerry Library, the HSE, Alzheimer Society of Ireland and many more.

There will be free teas, coffees and scones served at the event. No booking is required. For more information, contact 066-7104830.

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MTU And HSE To Launch New Mental Health Initiative This Month

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Co-Principal Investigator Aclú and UNESCO Chair Manager at MTU, Catherine Carty.

MUNSTER Technological University (MTU) and the HSE have joined forces to create Aclú,  a new mental health initiative.

The initiative seeks to address enduring mental illness (EMI) recovery using physical activity, nutrition and digital technology. A launch event will take place on Thursday ,September 22nd from 2.00-5.00pm at the MTU North Campus.

Sedentary behaviour and reduced physical activity in mental illness arise from many variables, including the nature of the illnesses, the medication associated with them, social isolation, poverty, stigma, and exclusion.

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Aclú seeks to improve health outcomes for those living with enduring mental illnesses by increasing physical activity, reducing sedentariness, and improving nutrition with the support of digital technologies.

Commenting on Aclú, Catherine Carty, Co-Principal Investigator Aclú and UNESCO Chair Manager at MTU said; “People with Enduring Mental Illness (EMI) have a high risk of health inequality. As the gap in life expectancy for those with and without EMI issues continues to rise, this is a priority in health”.

“Focusing specifically on enduring mental illness, Aclú seeks to reframe mental health through a pioneering multi-disciplinary approach. Aclú research group aims to demonstrate national and international leadership in mental health through physical activity, nutrition, and digital technologies. Human rights and sustainable development approaches will underpin Aclú.

Our research and implementation outcomes strive to substantially impact the lifelong health and well-being of people with enduring mental illness”.

“The United Nations is clear that ‘there is no health without mental health’. Yet, EMI treatment lags behind physical health care globally and all countries have been labelled as ‘developing’ when it comes to mental health,” added Catherine.

According to Catherine, no published research highlights the effectiveness of multidisciplinary interventions that include physical activity, nutrition and digital technologies to improve the quality of life of those living with EMI.

“Aclú seeks to address this gap and reframe mental health treatment,” she said.

Anyone interested in, working in or living with Enduring Mental Illness are welcome to attend this free launch event.

The event is hybrid – both on campus and online. Book your place today at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/aclu-empowering-recovery-in-enduring-mental-illness-onsite-and-online-tickets-350389172447 or visit www.aclu.ie or more information on Aclú.

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Concern Regarding Adult Mental Health Services In North Kerry And Castleisland

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Cllr Cathal Foley and Deputy Pa Daly.

KERRY Sinn Féin representatives, Pa Daly TD and Cllr Cathal Foley have expressed their concern at reports that adult mental health services in the North Kerry and Castleisland Community Mental Health Team will have no consultant from next week.

“Councillor Cathal Foley and myself have been hearing reports that the North Kerry and Castleisland Community Mental Health Team for adult services will be without a Consultant starting Monday April 25th,” said Deputy Daly.

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“There has been an attempt to introduce ‘teleclinics’ with the proposed replacement Consultant reportedly based abroad. Sources tell us that this decision was taken without discussion or consultation with the main stakeholders or Community mental health nurses.

“I would like to know what risk assessment or evaluation has been carried out in advance of such a move. Councillor Foley and myself are concerned about the effect on current patients and their ongoing care.

“Risk levels have increased dramatically since structural changes were made during the Covid-19 pandemic.  These issues and risks have been highlighted to the HSE by staff.

“Clinics would have taken place in Listowel, Castleisland, Ardfert and Lixnaw, reviewing between 70 and 80 people per week.

“I have asked the HSE for urgent clarification of the situation, and the plan to put Consultants in place for in-person appointments in Kerry,” concluded Deputy Daly.

Campaign To Help Dispose Of Unused Medicines Properly

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Kay Sheehan OTC Assistant Abbeydorney Pharmacy, Abbeydorney, promoting the Dispose of Unused Medicines Properly (DUMP) Campaign which takes place from March 14th to April 22nd. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

OVER the next few weeks, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, together with Kerry County Council, Cork City Council and Cork County Council is asking the public to use a free service to dispose of their medications safely.

The ‘Dispose of Unused Medicines Properly’ (DUMP) campaign is running from Monday March 14th until Friday April 22nd with almost all pharmacies in Cork and Kerry taking part.

This campaign allows the public to bring unused or out of date medicines to participating pharmacies to ensure that they are disposed of properly.

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The DUMP campaign has run successfully in Cork and Kerry since 2007. In 2018, more than 280 bins, containing more than four tonnes of medicines, were safely disposed of as part of this important campaign.

Unused or out-of-date medicines can build up in the home for a variety of reasons. Storing these medications long-term is not safe and can result in accidental poisonings, intentional overdose, inappropriate sharing of medicines and environmental damage.

In 2020, the National Poisons Information Centre in Beaumont Hospital received 11,687 enquiries involving poisoning. Over two thirds of these involved children and adolescents (67%) and most poisonings took place in the home (93%).

In 2019, the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF) recorded 7,763 hospital presentations due to intentional overdose of prescription or over-the-counter medications. Paracetamol was the drug most commonly taken in overdose followed by a range of prescription medications.

Between 2008 and 2017 the National Drug-Related Deaths Index (NDRDI) recorded 3,715 poisoning deaths. Opioids or painkiller medications were most commonly involved in these deaths.

It is critical that medicines are taken as directed by the person for whom they were prescribed and that they are not shared. Sharing medications is dangerous and can result in illness mistreatment, consumption of incorrect dosages of medications, misuse of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance and unforeseen physical illness and side effects.

Unwanted medicines are often inappropriately disposed of by being dumped with other household waste, flushed down the toilet or poured down the sink.

These methods of disposal can seriously harm the environment with products ending up in landfill, permeating the soil and entering our food chain and water supply.

HSE Recruiting For Home Help Staff While UHK Appoints Podiatrist

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SINN Féin TD for Kerry, Pa Daly, has welcomed a HSE recruitment drive for Home Help staff, and a key appointment at University Hospital Kerry.

Deputy Daly has been informed that a podiatrist has been appointed at the hospital and Home Help and support staff are being recruited for Community Healthcare.

“In the midst of much depressing news regarding the HSE lack of resources lately and the ongoing crisis at UHK, I was delighted to hear from Community Healthcare that they are actively recruiting additional Home Help and Support staff,” said Deputy Daly.

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“I have been contacted by families in West and North Kerry lately who have been adversely impacted by these shortages, so this is encouraging news and I welcome it.

“It was also confirmed to me that University Hospital Kerry has appointed a Podiatrist and they will take up their post as soon as possible. The lack of a senior Podiatrist for months now has been a cause of concern for patients suffering from foot ulcers in particular, with some having to travel out of the county for care,” he said.

“It is important that the HSE hires necessary resources, without delay, to provide the level of Community and Hospital based healthcare that the people of Kerry need. There have been too many recruitment challenges in the past and I am hopeful that this will change going forward,” he said.

Tralee COVID Vaccination Centre To Move To Former Borg Warner Plant

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A NEW vaccination centre will open at the former BorgWarner site in the next two weeks.

The HSE has confirmed that the vaccination centre at the Kerry Sports Academy at MTU will close with future appointments and clinics to take place at the new centre in the Monavalley Industrial Estate property.

Chief Officer of Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Michael Fitzgerald thanked the management and staff at MTU Tralee for their support of the Tralee vaccination centre, where vaccinations were first delivered in February.

Approximately 63,000 vaccinations have been administered at the Tralee vaccination centre since it opened. A walk-in clinic will take place in Killarney on Thursday September 16 from 1pm to 8pm.

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Gardaí, HSE And Council Remind Public About Cancellation Of Events

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AN Garda Síochána, the Health Services Executive and Kerry County Council are reminding members of the public that a large number of festivals, fairs and public events over the coming weeks in Kerry have been cancelled or postponed because of current advice and restrictions in relation to the coronavirus, COVID-19.

The three organisations, which are part of the Cork-Kerry Interagency Emergency Management Group, have come together to remind everyone, in particular, that neither Puck Fair in Killorglin nor the traditional annual Fair Day in Kenmare on August 15 are taking place this year because of the global pandemic and the threat posed to public health by the potential congregation of large numbers of people as well as likely difficulties in relation to observing social distancing.

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The Gardaí, the HSE and the Council have appealed to people not to gather informally or congregate at either of these locations on the traditional fair dates and to desist from travelling to Killorglin or Kenmare in the expectation of any informal, parallel or ‘unofficial’ gatherings.

They have emphasised however that the usual dates for Puck Fair and the Fair Day in Kenmare will be normal business days in Killorglin and Kenmare respectively and members of the public should continue to go about their business on these dates in a safe way.

Garda Superintendent Flor Murphy said: “Puck Fair in Killorglin and Fair Day in Kenmare are great social events, but unfortunately these social occasions pose a risk to public health at the moment. I am appealing to people to act responsibly and to comply with the public health advice. We will be implementing additional policing measures at both locations to ensure public health guidelines are complied with.”

Community Work Manager with Cork Kerry Community Healthcare at the HSE, Hilary Scanlan, said: “Our communities have worked very hard to flatten the curve of Covid-19 and to keep everyone safe. It’s important that we all continue to “Hold Firm” and remember the government guidelines on gatherings and physical distancing.”

The Mayor of County Kerry, Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen thanked the organisers of these events for showing leadership in cancelling the festivals which are traditionally such an important part of the summer in the county.

‘COVID-19 is still with us and personal behaviour is paramount in continuing to flatten the curve and it is essential that we do not have any attempts to have parallel or private gatherings in contravention of the guidelines. We all hope that the many summer festivals in the county will be in position to resume their tremendous work and bring enjoyment to visitors once again in 2021.”

New Initiative To Make Tralee More Dementia-Friendly

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Launching the Dementia Friendly Tralee initiative at The Imperial Hotel on Friday morning were Derek Carroll of The Imperial, Dolores McElligott, Garda Mary Gardiner, Michael Fitzgerald HSE, Eibhlís Cahalane HSE, Aidan Kelly and David Scott of Tralee Chamber Alliance. Photo by Dermot Crean

A NEW dementia information card which will move Tralee towards becoming more dementia friendly was launched today (Friday) at The Imperial Hotel.

The Tralee Dementia Friendly Community Information card is an initiative by the Tralee Dementia Friendly Community Forum, an inter-agency group which involves the HSE, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, Tralee Chamber Alliance and others.

The Tralee Dementia Friendly Community Information card prompts people to remain in contact with both the person with dementia and their families/carers, it also provides some tips specific to businesses to ensure their environments are dementia friendly.

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Some of the tips and advice in the wallet-sized  card include;

• Remember a visit can often give the carer a little time to themselves’
• ‘‘With your help, people with dementia can continue to take part in their local communities.

They can go to a GAA match, an ICA meeting, sing in a choir, or whatever they like doing’

Some of the business tips include:

• ‘Be aware of the environment as background noise can affect communication. A quiet space may be needed for the person to work in’
•  ‘Consider having a no-hurry check out or queue’

The information card provides local contact details and directs people to useful websites, it has been edited by the National Adult Literacy Agency to ensure it meets literacy standards and hence is accessible for all.

These cards will be distributed throughout the businesses in Tralee and provided to the public in various settings in the town.

Michael Fitzgerald, HSE Assistant National Director, Older People and Palliative Care Strategy officially launched the card.

“The Tralee Dementia Friendly Community Information card is a great practical way of raising awareness of dementia and facilitating both the public and business staff to continue to assist people with dementia. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining links with carers and family members and the role that we as the friends and neighbours play in ensuring both the person with dementia and their families are helped to maintain and contribute to an active life in their community. This card, which is compliant with adult literacy guidelines, ensures it is user friendly to all and opens the conversation amongst everyone as to what we can do to support people with memory deficits and dementia to remain living independently and safely in their communities,” he said.

The Tralee Dementia Friendly Community Forum is made up of representatives from the HSE National Office for Services for Older Persons; Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Community Work department; Kerry County Council; an Garda Siochana, the local GAA; and representatives from voluntary and statutory agencies. Family members of people with dementia and local groups for Older Persons are also represented.

The group’s aim is to promote awareness of dementia and to support businesses in their interactions with people with dementia and memory deficits.

The Dementia Friendly Forum encourages everyone to share responsibility for ensuring that people with dementia feel understood, valued and able to contribute to their community. It demonstrates an excellent model of partnership and collaboration and  indicates to locals, new residents and visitors that Tralee as a Dementia Friendly Community is welcoming place in which to connect with others and do business

David Scott from Tralee Chamber Alliance commented that they are delighted to be part of this very important initiative. The Business sector in Tralee realise the significance that dementia has for their customers and are very enthusiastic to work with other agencies to play their part in ensuring their customer service is dementia friendly.

More Than 1,200 Children Waiting For Psychology Appointment In Kerry/Cork HSE Region

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Cllr Norma Moriarty.

A FIANNA Fáil General Election candidate has described as shameful, the fact that more than 1,200 children are waiting for a psychology appointment in the Kerry and Cork HSE region.

Figures released to Fianna Fáil reveal a total of 1,262 children in the HSE CHO4 area on the list for psychology treatment.

Cllr Norma Moriarty said; “Worryingly, 527 of these children have been waiting for treatment for over 12 months. Unfortunately long waiting lists have become a common feature of our struggling health system, particularly in relation to mental health services.  Fine Gael’s utter failure to get to grips with improved service provision, despite successive budget increases is scandalous.

“The impact of these lengthy waits will not only have a detrimental impact on outcomes, they are the source of immense stress and anxiety for the children and the families concerned.

“As a teacher myself, I am deeply concerned that these long delays will have a severely negative impact on a child’s progress and development in school, thereby exacerbating the challenges they are facing.

“This data is yet another illustration of the persistent crisis in the provision of mental health services for children. While it is not uncommon in today’s health services for children to be left on a waiting list to be on it for more than a year, this does not make it right.  Early intervention is critical when dealing with susceptible children and teenagers. The government and the HSE have an obligation to do better by these children,” said Cllr Moriarty.

Brassil Says Govt Is Failing Children With Disabilities

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Deputy John Brassil.

KERRY’S Fianna Fáil Deputy, John Brassil says the Government is continuing to fail Kerry children with disabilities after it emerged  that 50% of all long waiters for assessments are in Kerry and Cork alone.

“At what point is Minister Finian McGrath going to fulfil his role as Disabilities’ Minister and deal with the unacceptable delays in Assessment of Needs (AONs) for Kerry children with disabilities?” asked Deputy Brassil.

Deputy Brassil was commenting after receiving fresh data from the HSE on the number of children waiting for an Assessment of Need in Kerry and Cork is 1,795.

“To make matters worse, 9 in 10 are now overdue by over three months. How is this acceptable? There is a statutory obligation on the HSE, under the 2005 Disability Act, to ensure that AONs take place within three months of an application being received.

“Minister McGrath’s delivery of progress on this issue leads me to believe that he is not being forceful enough with his Fine Gael colleagues in Government.

“Until children with disabilities receive their AON report, they are unable to receive the full therapeutic supports needed to enable them lead normal lives. However, waiting times for AONs continue to rise and in Kerry, children with disabilities are faring much worse than the national average.

“Why are 50% of the total number of children nationally waiting longer than 12 months in Cork and Kerry alone? Minister McGrath must identify why assessments are not being completed on time and what additional resources are needed to reduce the waiting times for children and their families,” concluded Brassil.

PHOTOS: Protest At HSE Buildings In Support Of CervicalCheck Victims

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People attending the protest at HSE buildings on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean

THERE was great support from passing motorists for the people who held a protest outside the HSE buildings in Rathass to show support for the victim of the CervicalCheck scandal.

Sinn Fein Cllr Toireasa Ferris was among the men and women present holding placards and encouraging people to blast their car horns in support of their protest, which they duly did.

They were there to show support for the bravery of Vicky Phelan, Emma Nic Mhathúna and the numerous other women who continue to be affected by the scandal, to express their anger at the HSE and the Government and to call for changes to the system. Scroll down for photos…

People attending the protest at HSE buildings on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean

People attending the protest at HSE buildings on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
People attending the protest at HSE buildings on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Public Protest At HSE Buildings In Tralee To Support Victims Of CervicalCheck Scandal

 

HSE buildings at Rathass.

A PROTEST has been organised for Friday to support the victims of the CervicalCheck scandal.

The organisers have chosen the HSE’s buildings in Rathass, close to the entrance to University Hospital Kerry, as the venue for the gathering which gets underway at 3.30pm.

 

It will be a peaceful demonstration in honour of all those affected by the failure of the HSE to inform women of negative smear tests. All are welcome to attend.

Plan Launched To Help Prevent Lives Being Lost Through Suicide In Kerry

 

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Minister for Mental Health and Older People Helen McEntee launched Connecting for Life Kerry at IT Tralee today. Pictured at the launch were  Gerry Raleigh Director of the National Office Suicide Prevention, Minister for Mental Health and Older People Helen McEntee, Aileen Brosnan and Julieann Lane of the resource officers suicide prevention team. Photo by Domnick Walsh

MINISTER for Mental Health and Older People Helen McEntee today launched Connecting for Life Kerry, a four year plan which it’s hoped fewer lives will be lost through suicide.

The launch took place at IT Tralee and was attended by a large number of those involved in the drafting of the plan, including community and voluntary groups and members of the public from across Kerry.

The four-year plan runs from 2017 to 2020 inclusive, and its vision is a County Kerry where fewer lives are lost through suicide, and where communities and individuals are empowered to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

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The development of Connecting for Life Kerry included extensive county-wide consultation with the public, community and voluntary organisations, public bodies and with health care professionals.

In total, 689 people took part in the consultation process. Five large public meetings took place in towns across the county; workshops were arranged with 12 targeted priority groups, a further 13 workshops took place with healthcare professionals and the public also had the opportunity to take part in surveys.

This extensive feedback then formed the basis for a set of actions which are the backbone of the plan – a summary of some of those actions is included below.

Some of the actions in the plan include:

• Working with local media to develop a regular slots on radio and in print for the promotion of positive mental health.
• Exploring the feasibility of developing a mobile unit with information on local services and supports.
• Looking at ways to support drop-in information points in local communities to direct those in need of support and help.
• Giving GPs and those working in primary care information on supports available in their areas.
• A local plan to increase awareness of training such as SafeTALK and ASIST.
• Delivering training in suicide prevention to agencies in contact with people vulnerable to or at risk of suicidal behaviour.
• Delivering campaigns from pre-school level onwards to promote a positive understanding of mental health and well-being.
• Community-based workshops on positive mental health and wellbeing for priority groups.
• A targeted campaign for young people in priority communities, in particular the Travelling community and LGBTI in order to increase awareness of the supports that are available.
• An examination of whether the Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) service can be developed for Kerry.
• Gardai in Kerry will be further up-skilled to respond to suicidal behaviour and to those bereaved by suicide.
• An audit will take place of the means and locations across Kerry where suicide and attempted suicide has taken place. Preventative measures will be built-in eg lighting, signage and barriers. Crisis support numbers will be displayed at structures such as bridges, piers and life buoy stands.

Cases Of Syphilis On The Rise In Kerry/Cork Region

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HSE

THE number of cases of syphilis reported in the Kerry – Cork region has increased threefold in the past twelve months according to the HSE.

In the first half of last year, seven cases of syphilis were reported in the Kerry – Cork region, but in the next six months there were 21 cases reported. In the first six months of this year, 23 cases have been reported.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a specific type of bacteria which if not treated promptly and with the correct antibiotics can cause serious long-term problems. It is passed from person to person during unprotected anal, oral or vaginal sex, or by sharing sex toys with someone who’s infected.

Statistics from the HSE show 80% of cases reported to them are between men who have sex with other men, but women who have sex with men who engage in gay sex can also contract the disease. Those at risk are advised to take a STI test and to use condoms.

Prof Mary Horgan, consultant in infectious diseases at Cork University Hospital and clinical lead for STI services in Cork and Kerry, said: “I have seen a significant increase in syphilis among men who have sex with men. I would encourage (gay men) who have had unprotected sex, including unprotected oral sex, to book an STI test as soon as possible.

“While 90% of the cases we are seeing are primary syphilis, up to half of people with syphilis may not have any symptoms, and therefore could pass it on unintentionally. Syphilis is curable with treatment. Unrecognised, untreated syphilis can lead to serious long-term complications.”

HSE Responds To Hospital Renaming Ceremony Affecting Staff Access To Canteen

 

University Hospital Kerry sign 3EARLIER we reported that some staff from University Hospital Kerry were unable to enter the canteen during their assigned lunch hour because the ceremony of renaming KGH ran over.

TraleeToday.ie encountered a number of staff outside the canteen at 2.40pm waiting to enter with one of them asking what was going on as they were rostered to have their lunch at that time. Deputy Martin Ferris also issued a statement on the matter after he was contacted by a member of staff.

We sent a query to the HSE earlier today about the matter and they issued a response just after 7pm.

“All staff were written to by the hospital manager on Monday 15th February informing them of the Minister’s visit and one member of staff from each department was invited to attend the ceremony with the Minister,” reads the statement.

“In the same communication staff were informed that in order to facilitate the Minister’s visit, the staff canteen would be open from 11.30.a.m. to 12.45.p.m. to allow staff take an early lunch and from 2.00.p.m. to 3.00.p.m. to enable the taking of a late lunch. As the ceremony involving the Minister ran over the canteen remained open until 3.30.p.m. to allow all staff the opportunity to get lunch,” concludes the statement.

Public Meeting On Recovery From Mental Health Issues To Be Held In Tralee On Thursday

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HSE

HSE Mental Health Services in Kerry are inviting interested parties to two public events (one in Tralee and one in Killarney) where guest speaker Michael Ryan from Advancing Recovery Ireland (ARI) will be speaking about Recovery Principles as well as his own experience of recovery from mental ill-health.

Representatives from the Kerry Peer Support Network, a group of volunteers who provide support for individuals on their journey from mental distress to recovery, will also present at the seminar.

These events and are free and are open to anyone who has had experience of Mental Health difficulties in their lives or knows someone who has and professionals also.

The Tralee meeting takes place on Thursday, February 18 at the Ashe Hotel, Maine Street, Tralee (10am – 1pm).

The Killarney meeting takes place on Friday, February 19th KDYS, Fair Hill, Killarney (10am – 1pm).

Some of the principles of the recovery model include:

• Building a meaningful and satisfying life, as defined by people themselves, focusing on strengths, solutions, health and wellness.
• Enabling and supporting people to become active in taking responsibility for decisions about their life, their care and the services they use
• Developing relationships between professionals and people using our services which is based on mutual respect and partnership working
• Including family and other supporters as partners in people’s recovery wherever possible

For further information please contact Anne O’Connor HSE Head Occupational Therapist on 086 7872294 or Jonathan O’Brien HSE Community Worker on 086 2530672.

New Sign Shows KGH Renamed University Hospital Kerry

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The new sign outside the hospital.

A NEW sign has appeared in front of Kerry General Hospital confirming it has been renamed University Hospital Kerry or Ospidéal na hOllscoile, Ciarraí.

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar is due to visit the hospital on Friday to officially announce the name change.

Before Christmas, Minister Jimmy Deenihan, when turning the sod on the new Palliative Care Unit on the grounds, said that an official announcement of the proposal to rename the hospital will come  in the new year.

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“I think that it is a good proposal,” said Minister Jimmy Deenihan at the time, “seeing as IT Tralee will be part of the Munster Technological University, it fits in.”

The hospital is also a training facility for nurses and is linked to UCC, so the Cork college’s logo also appears on the sign.

Asbestos Type Tile To Be Removed During Work On KGH Wards

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KGH BiggerAN asbestos type tile will be removed during work on the refurbishment of two wards at Kerry General Hospital.

The HSE South Estates Department obtained the services of a competent asbestos surveying company to undertake a survey of Valentia and Reask wards which are being prepared for refurbishment.

This identified an asbestos type tile which will be removed prior to refurbishment as was the case in the previous refurbishment.

The HSE said: “This removal will be undertaken by a trained and competent contractor under the supervision of a third party independent analyst. this is always the Estates Department approach to any tile removal project in Kerry General Hospital.

Continuous air sampling will be in place for duration of asbestos removal process confirming no asbestos fibres have been released. Equally, upon completion of the works, a clearance certificate will be issued to HSE by an independent consultant confirming environment is safe to reoccupy.”

 

Sinn Féin To Hold Protest At KGH This Evening

 

Sinn Fein Deputy Martin Ferris.
Sinn Fein Deputy Martin Ferris.

A DEMONSTRATION will be held in Tralee this Friday evening by Sinn Féin in Kerry, to protest at the government’s response to the current situation in the health service, which this week has seen nurses vote for strike action in emergency departments throughout the country.

The demonstration is part of a Sinn Féin statewide campaign, which will see similar protests taking place across 26 counties.

The demonstration will commence outside Kerry General Hospital at 5.30pm and Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris is urging all those concerned about the health service to attend the protest.

“Our health service is on the brink. The system has become characterised by persistent overcrowding, bulging waiting lists and appalling conditions for patients and frontline staff alike,” said deputy Ferris.

“This government came to power stating that it would end the scandal of patients lying on trolleys. It has only gone bad to worse over the five years that Fine Gael and the Labour Party have been in office. A bright spotlight has been shone on the chaos within our health service by the decision of A&E nurses to vote in favour of embarking on industrial action in the lead-up to Christmas,” he said.

“According to the INMO, staff levels have been decimated. The nurses are telling the government that it is impossible to provide a safe level of care to patients. These are not the words of Sinn Féin – they are the words of the professionals.”

“We are told that staff are close to burnout. Their workloads are impossible. They have been highlighting serious concern with management for some time. But nurse levels continue to fall – the situation continues to deteriorate.

“Having abandoned their plan for universal health, and having pursued a policy of underfunding and under-resourcing, it is clear that perpetual crisis is the only vision that this government has for our health service.

“The ordinary people of this state no longer have confidence in Health Minister Leo Varadkar. Given the scale of the crisis, Sinn Féin will be mobilising across the 26 counties this weekend to demand real action from government.”

“I am inviting everyone to join with us on Friday evening in demanding a healthy policy centred on investment and a commitment to high quality public services”

Worst October Ever For KGH Trolley Figures As INMO To Ballot Members On Industrial Action

 

KGH BiggerTHERE were 137 patients waiting on trolleys last month at Kerry General Hospital, making it the worst October on record at the hospital.

The figures are also reflected nationally, prompting the Executive Council of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) to decide to commence a nationwide ballot, of all of its members working in Emergency Departments.

The INMO says such a level of overcrowding and understaffing is posing significant risks for the health and safety of nurses working in those departments.

Last month was the worst October, on record, with 7,971 admitted patients cared for on trolleys in the first 10 months of this year almost 80,000 admitted patients, were on trolleys, which is the highest ever figure for the first 10 months of any year since Trolley Watch began.

Kerry General Hospital’s figure of 137 is nearly double last year’s figure for October 2014 (72) and the previous record of 76 from October 2006.

Just a few weeks ago, Kerry General Hospital were advising non-urgent cases to see their GP before coming to the hospital, such was the pressure on services.

Speaking today INMO General Secretary Liam Doran said: “Our members have had enough, we believe patients have had more than enough and a campaign of action, including industrial action, is now necessary to secure the necessary measures to alleviate this crisis.

This campaign, when mandated by members, will demand the additional staffing and other measures necessary to recognise the current reality, minimise risk to patients and ensure the health and wellbeing of nursing staff in the frontline”.

The INMO on behalf of its members in Emergency Departments, must act to address this chronic overcrowding and its consequences for patients and staff.  Therefore this campaign, and any industrial action that is found necessary, will consistently demand safe staffing and a safe working environment,” he said.

May Figures Show 120% Rise In Patients Waiting On Trolleys At KGH Compared To 2014

 

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The HSE has described the emergency department at KGH over the past number of days  as ‘exceptionally busy’.

THERE was a 120% increase in patients waiting on trolleys in KGH last month compared to the same period last year, according to the figures released today by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

The news comes as the Emergency Department at Kerry General Hospital (KGH) has been described as ‘exceptionally busy’ over the last number of days according to the Health Service Executive (HSE).

It’s been revealed that 121 patients presented themselves to the department on one day alone on Monday June 8, resulting in long delays in the department with some patients waiting a number of hours to be seen.

There were 169 people waiting on trolleys last month at KGH, up from 77 in May 2014, the most since INMO records began in 2006. Nationally, 7,713 patients waited on a trolley for an in-patient bed in May 2015, up 31% on 2014.

The figures are up 83%, on May 2006, the year the then Minister for Health declared the crisis a national emergency.

North Kerry/West Limerick TD Martin Ferris of Sinn Fein, expressed his dismay about the current situation in KGH and brought the matter up in the Dáil on Wednesday night when he gave examples of people’s experiences, including  a man in his 80s who spent 26 hours on a trolley at the hospital earlier this month.

Speaking today, INMO General Secretary, Liam Doran said: “This last week we have seen a new dimension to the crisis in our Emergency Departments when two elderly ladies, both over a hundred years old, had to suffer the indignity of spending more than 24 hours on a trolley awaiting a hospital bed.  This is a damning indictment of our society and the way we treat our frail elderly citizens and an embarrassment to our members who have to treat patients in these inhumane and unsafe conditions.”

The figures for people waiting on trolleys in Kerry General Hospital in May since records began:

2006 – 102

2007 – 20

2008 – 33

2009 – 11

2010 – 38

2011 – 56

2012 – 26

2013 – 42

2014 – 77

2015 – 169

Parking Fees At KGH Net Nearly €700,000

 

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HSE

KERRY General Hospital collected €697,000 in car park charges in 2014.

The figure was revealed at the HSE South Regional Health Forum meeting. It was also revealed that in the first three months of this year the KGH car park has netted €186,000.

Much of the revenue that comes from the charges goes back into paying staff that service the car parks.

Last year, the Centre of Excellence at Cork University Hospital, brought in €2.9 million from its car park.

Sixteen Patients Waiting On Trolleys Today At Kerry General Hospital

 

rsz_inmo_logoTHERE were 16 patients waiting on trolleys at Kerry General Hospital today according to INMO ‘Trolley Watch’ figures released this morning.

It’s up on the 12 patients who were waiting on trolleys yesterday, while nationally today there are 465 patients waiting on trolleys in hospital around the country.

The news comes as figures for April reveal an almost 120% rise on patients waiting on trolleys compared to the same month in 2014.

There were 120 patients waiting on trolleys in April – the most since records began nine years ago – up from 55 in 2014.

So far this year, from January to April, there have been 441 people waiting on trolleys at KGH.

Fifteen Patients Waiting On Trolleys Today At Kerry General Hospital

 

rsz_inmo_logoTHERE are 15 patients waiting on trolleys at Kerry General Hospital today according to INMO ‘Trolley Watch’ figures released this morning.

It’s up on the 12 patients who were waiting on trolleys yesterday, while nationally today there are 520 patients waiting on trolleys in hospital around the country.

Yesterday, the HSE appealed to people to avoid Kerry General Hospital’s Emergency Department when at all possible.

Hospital management says the ED is very busy, and is advising non-urgent patients that they may experience significant delays.

Where appropriate and if their needs are not urgent, the public should contact their GP first and explore all other options prior to attending the Emergency Department.

There Were 91 Patients Waiting On Trolleys At KGH In September

rsz_inmo_logoTHE number of patients waiting in trolleys in the Emergency Department and Wards at Kerry General Hospital in September was 91.

This is an 80 per cent increase on the September 2013 number of 51. It continues the trend reported in August where the figure was up 90 per cent on the same month in 2013.

Nationally it was found that there was a 32% increase in overcrowding, in ED departments and wards in September 2014 as compared to 2013, in hospitals across the country.

The figures, supplied by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Association, come amid calls for Government action on what the INMO describes as a crisis in the hospitals with regard to overcrowding, and the negative impact, on the quality of patient care, and staff workloads.

Speaking on Tuesday, INMO General Secretary Liam Doran said: “These figures are truly shocking and confirm an increase in overcrowding which should be unacceptable to everyone. We are now one week away from budget 2015. The government needs no further evidence to confirm the absolute need for the health service to receive additional funding for the end of this year and running right through 2015. It is no longer acceptable for the government to delay as it must act, immediately, and ensure our public health service is fit for purpose”.

The figures for patients waiting on trolleys in Kerry General Hospital for September 2007-2014 are:

2007 – 46

2008 – 11

2009 – 16

2010 – 73

2011 – 68

2012 – 59

2013 – 51

2014- 91

Council To Ask That Some Estate Residents Be Exempt From Water Charges

KERRY County Council is to write to Irish Water to ask that residents of Tralee estates, proven to have dangerous levels of lead in their water supply, be exempt from water charges until the situation has been resolved.

The Tralee Municipal District meeting of Kerry County Council heard on Monday morning, that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the HSE are advising people in St Brendan’s Park, in cases where it is found that their supply has high levels of lead, not to drink the water.

Sinn Fein Cllr Toireasa Ferris said four homes tested recently in the estate were found to have lead levels above the acceptable level of 10 micrograms per litre.

One home was found to have 155 micrograms per litre, another 90, one in the 80s and another 15 micrograms per litre.

Senior Executive Engineer at Water Services at Kerry County Council, Colm Mangan, told the meeting that the contract has been signed to replace pipes in St Brendan’s Park but the work could take “up to this time next year”.

He said the EPA and the HSE has issued a pamphlet advising people with excessive levels of lead in their water supply to seek an alternative source of drinking water. Residents who produce evidence to the Council that their water contains high levels of lead are being sent the pamphlet from the EPA and HSE.

The information in the pamphlet can be viewed by clicking here

It was decided at the meeting that Kerry County Council is to write to Irish Water asking that any domestic supply with excessive levels of lead should be exempted from water charges.

KGH Nursing Staff Shortage At Crisis Point Says INMO

rsz_inmo_logoTHE shortage of nurses within Kerry General Hospital has reached crisis point according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

The INMO is  now calling for an immediate recruitment of staff specific to KGH to address this crisis.

“The situation that currently exists within Kerry General Hospital is unsafe and untenable,” said Michael Dineen, INMO Industrial Relations Officer on Tuesday.

“Our members are challenged, on a daily basis, to deliver safe and effective care to the patients in their charge,” he said

“The INMO is now calling for an immediate recruitment initiative specific to Kerry General Hospital to address this crisis,” said Mr Dineen.

The INMO said the current situation is caused by the following factors:

• The on-going recruitment moratorium within the HSE

• The fact that the hospital is continuously in escalation since January. This means that 10 additional beds are opened within the hospital without sufficient additional staff being made available. As a result, staff are being redeployed within the hospital which further reduces the staffing numbers in the wards from which they are reassigned

• The failure of the HSE to provide the agreed nursing complement to enable its own service plan to be delivered. It was agreed locally that 420 nurses would be required to deliver this service in 2014, yet there are only 402 whole-time equivalents (WTEs) in the system

• The situation is further compounded by the unwillingness of the HSE to replace staff who are retiring.

 

 

New €1.4m Baile Mhuire Day-Care Centre Opens

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Director General of the HSE, Tony O’Brien meets hairdresser Brenda Tuite in the hair salon at Baile Mhuire Day-Care Centre while Bridie Griffin gets a treatment. Photo by Dermot Crean

THE €1.4 million Baile Mhuire Day Care Centre for the elderly was officially opened in Balloonagh, Tralee by the Director General of the Health Service Executive, Tony O’Brien on Thursday morning.

Employing 16 people, the facility opened its doors last April and it now provides a full range of care to the elderly four days a week with a view to expanding the service to five days a week from next week.

The Centre provides personal, nursing, paramedical, social and pastoral care which support older people to remain independent in their home or within their community environment, for as long as possible.

“Volunteers were instrumental in the establishment of Baile Mhuire back in 1988 and they continue to play a pivotal role in the daily running of the centre,” said the Chairman of Baile Mhuire, Aidan Kelly. “We are fortunate that we have such wonderful volunteers who give of their time so freely and generously,” he said.

Baile Mhuire came into being in the mid-1980s when there was a great need for an interim unit to provide recuperation and respite care for older people in the Tralee and surrounding areas.

A curtailment of expenditure by the health service was the motivation for Fr. Maurice Brick and the late Sr. Pius Collins, with the help of Social Action, to set about the huge task of providing such a service.

A typical day in the new day centre sees the clients of Baile Mhuire enjoy a range of activities focusing on personal care to spiritual time and light entertainment while their meals are prepared in the state-of-the-art kitchen and served in the spacious dining area.

A hard working Board of Management guarantees the smooth running of the unit but Aidan Kelly identified two dedicated stalwarts who sadly did not live to see the completion of the new centre.

“We still think of our former Chairman Tommy O’Connor and former Nurse Manager Eileen Brick. They will always live within the centre as we have named the Quiet Room after Tommy and the inner courtyard is now Eileen’s Garden,” said Aidan.

He paid tribute to everyone who contributed to the fund that has financed the development including: Bon Secours Hospital Tralee Community Fund, Mercy Order, Dormant Accounts, Rapid Funding, both capital and revenue funding from the HSE, flag days and church gate collections.

For more information about Baile Mhuire, please contact 066 7123373 or email bailemhuire@gmail.com.

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Some of the users of the day care centre and staff wait for the official opening of the new Baile Mhuire day care centre on Thursday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Director General of the HSE, Tony O’Brien chats with Chairman of Baile Mhuire at the centre on Thursday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean