Health Service Executive

International Infection Prevention Week is an opportunity to emphasise the importance of infection prevention in our health service. It’s important to: ✅ practice good hand hygiene to help prevent the spread of infection ✅ keep up to date with vaccinations to help protect ourselves, our patients, colleagues and people who are vulnerable from serious illness such as the flu ✅ stay home if feeling unwell For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3UzZBJW

Congratulations to Lynda McGrory, Bronagh O’Donnell and Caralyn Horne, winners of a Poster Presentation Award at the HSE Integrated Healthcare Conference 2026. Their project brought Community and Acute Audiology services together in Cavan Monaghan reducing paediatric hearing waiting times from up to 71 weeks to just 4-6 weeks. Findings include: ✅Waiting times reduced from up to 71 weeks to 4–6 weeks. ✅All 159 children on the waiting list had appointments by April 2026. ✅Shared waiting lists and referral pathways improved coordination of care. ✅The integrated model was delivered using existing Community and Acute resources. The project shows how integrated working can improve access for children and families. Hear from Lynda McGrory, Corporate Business Manager and Site Manager, Monaghan General Hospital, and Bronagh O’Donnell, Assistant National Lead for Audiology, HSE Dublin and North East discussing the impact of the project. You can view the full poster here: https://lnkd.in/dBk8ES9q Health Service Executive - Dublin and North East Region

“The new Surgical Hub is much more than a new healthcare building - it represents a new model of care” said Anne O'Connor, HSE CEO, speaking recently as the new HSE South West Surgical Hub was officially opened by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD. Located on the campus of Cork University Hospital (CUH), the purpose-built facility has been developed to provide elective surgical, outpatient and minor procedure capacity in a modern clinical environment. It supports the delivery of timely care for patients while helping to reduce waiting times. Representing an investment of almost €90m, the Surgical Hub includes four operating theatres, outpatient consultation rooms, minor procedure rooms, patient assessment and recovery areas, and dedicated staff facilities. The hub will support a range of specialties and deliver same day procedures, allowing patients to attend for treatment, recover and return home on the same day wherever clinically appropriate. It is one of eight surgical hubs being developed nationally as part of the Government’s Elective Ambulatory Care Programme, aligned with Sláintecare reforms to improve access, efficiency and patient outcomes across the health system. Read more: https://bit.ly/4zwHrYt | #OurHealthService

In this episode of the Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we are joined by Dan Kane, Forensic Examiner and Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, and Catherine Marsh, Forensic Nurse Examiner and Clinical Innovation Project Coordinator, to discuss the care and support available following sexual assault. The conversation explores the role of Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs), what people can expect when attending a service and how trauma-informed approaches help ensure compassionate, person-centred care. Dan and Catherine discuss the importance of creating safe and supportive environments, the multidisciplinary nature of SATU services and the range of healthcare, forensic and support options available to those who attend. The episode provides valuable insight for both the public and healthcare professionals, highlighting the importance of awareness, understanding and access to specialist services following sexual assault. Listen on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4jH7yHF

Patient Flow Academy Webinar | Keeping Care Local: The Role of Model 2 Hospitals in Improving Patient Flow Join the next Patient Flow Academy Webinar on Thursday, October 22 at 1pm to hear how Model 2 hospitals are improving patient flow, enhancing access to urgent care, and delivering high-quality care closer to home through collaboration across primary, community and acute services. This webinar will include: Why Model 2 Hospitals Matter Dr Seán Fleming, Consultant Physician, MRH Portlaoise, Clinical Programme Lead, National Acute Medicine Programme Collaborative Care Across Hospital and Community Settings Dr Caoilfhionn O'Donoghue, Consultant Geriatrician, St Columcille's Hospital and St Vincent's University Hospital The Bantry Model: Delivering Acute Care in a Model 2 Setting Dr Brian Carey, Consultant Geriatrician, Bantry General Hospital The Value of Model 2 Hospitals: The Mid-West Experience Dr Niamh Meaney, General Practitioner, Ennistymon Medical Centre and Prof. Mike Watts, Clinical Medicine, University of Limerick / Consultant Physician, University Hospital Limerick These presentations will be followed by a panel discussion with the presenters. Please click on the link below to register your attendance: https://bit.ly/481qv0g

A new joint initiative in Co Kilkenny is helping older people maintain their independence by allowing them to try practical aids in their own homes. The ‘Handy Helps’ collection, a collaboration between HSE South East Primary Care Occupational Therapy and Kilkenny County Library Service, was recently launched at Loughboy Library. The collection provides access to a range of carefully selected aids and gadgets designed to make everyday activities easier. Organised into 3 themed packs, the collection consists of Culinary Aids, Mobility Aids and Social Aids. Each pack contains a number of items that can be borrowed as a single unit for up to eight weeks, allowing people to try the aids in their own homes and see which are most useful to them. Items include long reachers, jar openers, sock aids, adapted cutlery and car door grab handles. The initiative was developed and rolled out by Regina Doyle, Occupational Therapy Manager, Bronagh O’Leary and Grace Brophy, Senior Occupational Therapists and Kiva Sammon and Clodagh O’Dwyer, Staff Grade Occupational Therapists, with support from Community Healthcare Network Managers Lynn Chadwick and Lorna Hogan. Read more: https://bit.ly/3TSEtym #OurHealthService │HSE Dublin and South East │ #OlderPeople │ #HandyHelps

Do you work in an operating theatre, emergency department or injury unit? Small changes in how we use resources can make a meaningful difference for both patient care and the environment. Developed in partnership with RCSI and CAI, these CPD-accredited e-learning modules provide practical guidance on creating more sustainable emergency, anaesthetic and surgical care practices across the HSE. ⏱️ 30 minutes each 🎓 CPD accredited 💻 Available now Access ‘Greening your theatre’ and ‘Greening your emergency department and injury unit’ through the ‘Online Learning’ tab of the HSE Climate and Sustainability Learning Hub at www.HSELand.ie #ClimateActionWeek | #ClimateAction | #Sustainability | #Healthcare | #GreenED | #GreenTheatres

Sign up to the National Cancer Control Programme's upcoming webinar, "Let's Talk About Menopause and Cancer." The webinar will take place on 15 October at 2.30pm. This webinar will help attendees better understand and support women going through menopause while facing a cancer diagnosis or treatment. Clinical experts and people with personal experience will share insights on: • How menopause affects women after a cancer diagnosis. • Current treatment options. • How to access specialist services. • Support available to those affected. Sign up and learn more here: https://bit.ly/3U1kwW7

Today is World Thrombosis Day. Approximately 6,000 people develop VTE (venous thromboembolism) in Ireland each year, resulting in preventable deaths and long-term complications. Risk factors for VTE include recent surgery (especially orthopaedic or cancer related), hospitalisation, prolonged immobility, cancer, pregnancy, the six-week postpartum period, certain oestrogen medications, previous blood clots and a family history of thrombosis. But many hospital-associated blood clots are preventable through timely risk assessment and appropriate preventative measures. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eaEz8bzT

Make cybersecurity a priority. Cyber threats can impact our services and patient care. Most attacks begin with a simple action, such as opening an email, clicking a link or sharing information. There are simple actions we can all take to help protect our organisation from cyber threats. Focus on 3 key actions to play your part: ✅ train – complete your cyber awareness training ✅ think – be cautious with emails, links and attachments ✅ report – flag suspicious activity immediately to the National Service Desk by calling 0818 300 300 or emailing NSD.ICT@hse.ie Find cyber awareness information and resources: https://bit.ly/4ihH1iE