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Welcome to this year’s winter edition of the Health Matters magazine.
These are some of the stories you can find in this edition:
Keeping well this winter
Our autumn/winter campaigns kicked off in October this year, highlighting the best ways people can stay well at this time of year.
Some of the ways you can keep well this winter include:
- getting your COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as possible
- staying at home and looking after yourself if you feel unwell
- attending HSE injury units for injuries such as broken bones, sprains and minor burns
Health Service Excellence Awards 2023
The Health Service Excellence Awards is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate examples of the great work that happens every day across our health service. The 2023 award ceremony took place on Thursday 30 November, in Farmleigh House in Dublin’s Phoenix Park.
Commending this year’s winners, CEO Bernard Gloster said:
“The dedication and commitment to delivering high-quality patient care is visibly demonstrated through this year’s entries submitted by staff around the country. Each project clearly reflects our core values of care, compassion, trust and learning.”
Read more about this year’s awards on page 24 of Health Matters Winter 2023
Watch some videos about this year’s winning projects
Wexford fire sees health service respond in unison to emergency
On Wednesday 1 March 2023, a serious fire broke out in Wexford General Hospital (WGH). A major incident was declared shortly after 6pm, and a full evacuation of the hospital was ordered.
Ambulances (including NAS, private and voluntary providers) from all over the country lined up outside the hospital to help transport patients safely. Help and support also came from the local people and businesses of Wexford.
Wexford Fire Service had the fire under control after a short period, but the damage was immense. The Emergency Department (ED) and large parts of the hospital were closed. The ED reopened on Tuesday 25 July, but the journey to fully rebuild the hospital continues.
Read the full story of the Wexford fire on page 30 of Health Matters Winter 2023
Traveller mental health
A study exploring Travellers’ views on improvements needed to promote mental wellbeing and reduce suicide has been launched.
The research findings highlight the value of:
- creating more supportive environments
- improving living conditions, education, training and employment opportunities
- curbing discrimination
- celebrating Traveller culture
- improving access to culturally appropriate services
The research highlights the importance of using a partnership approach to create a mental health service provision that fits the needs of the Traveller community.
Read more about the Traveller mental health study on page 20 of Health Matters Winter 2023
Sudan Global Aid
Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by a severe humanitarian crisis.
Ireland and Sudan share a collaborative medical relationship spanning over 3 decades. Many Sudanese doctors and healthcare workers faced formidable challenges crossing borders and navigating perilous conditions to evacuate and return to their medical duties in Ireland.
These dedicated professionals continue to provide essential medical services on the frontlines of the Irish health service. Despite enduring almost unbearable stress and financial insecurity, they persistently strive to secure funds to evacuate and support their displaced families.
Several agreements exist between Ireland and Sudan to support this collaborative effort.
Read more about Sudanese Global Aid on page 45 of Health Matters Winter 2023