Print editions of Health Matters can be ordered by emailing internalcomms@hse.ie with your HSE office address and the number that you would like to receive.
Welcome to this year’s Autumn edition of the Health Matters magazine.
These are some of the stories you can find in this edition:
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines for healthcare workers
Although the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a public health emergency, vaccination will still play a vital role in keeping flu and COVID-19 at bay this autumn and winter.
Getting your recommended flu and COVID-19 vaccines in the autumn will help protect you, your family, colleagues and patients throughout the winter months.
As a healthcare worker, you are at higher risk of being exposed to flu and COVID-19 so it is important to keep up-to-date with your vaccines.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines may be available in your workplace.
Most clinics are walk-in clinics, but you can book an appointment at some clinics through the online booking system. You can get both flu and COVID-19 vaccines together at most clinics.
HSE-funded advanced fertility treatment services
Funded advanced fertility treatments are available for people who meet certain access criteria.
Treatments include:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
If you’re experiencing fertility problems, talk to your GP. Your GP can refer you to your local Regional Fertility Hub for tests and treatments if needed.
If IUI, IVF or ICSI is recommended and you are eligible, the hubs can refer you to a HSE-approved fertility clinic of your choosing.
Recommended fertility treatments are free if you meet the access criteria.
Read more about funded advanced fertility treatment services
Mum Laura talks about breastfeeding her new twins
Laura Tighe, mum to twins, Neasa and Culainn, who were born on 6 January in Sligo University Hospital at 37 weeks and 5 days, shares her experience.
Laura met Lynn Cunningham, the Infant Feeding and Lactation CNS at Sligo University Hospital, before her twins were born, which the Sligo mum found of great support to her, particularly in the beginning.
“Lynn was a huge support because if you questioned yourself she confirmed that you were doing the right thing and she would give you advice on how to do it better.”
Read Laura's full story on page 8 of the Autumn edition of Health Matters
Our Climate Action Strategy
The HSE aims to deal with the growing health impacts of climate change by reducing emissions and becoming a more sustainable healthcare service. The HSE Climate Action Strategy will help us achieve this goal.
The strategy focuses on 6 main areas:
- Sustainable buildings and the green environment
- Transport and mobility
- Sustainable procurement
- Greener models of healthcare
- Water and waste management
- Adaptation and resilience
The Strategy builds on ongoing work within the HSE led by Peter Smyth, Assistant National Director, HSE Capital and Estates and his team in the Capital and Estates Climate Action and Sustainability Office.