The returning pleasure of seasonal cooking

Ihave a framed menu from Jammet’s, Dublin’s grandest restaurant, which closed in 1967. Extravagantly French and unashamedly luxurious, it featured dishes, such as escalope de veau Viennoise for 7 shillings and Lobster Newburg for 12 shillings and 6 pence; that would be roughly 40 cent and 60 cent in euros respectively, I reckon.

As it dates from December 1953, I was surprised for a moment to see that amongst the legumes, asparagus was listed (for about 35 cent). Back then, eating was seasonal and asparagus is a spring vegetable in this part of the world. And then I understood. This would be tinned or bottled asparagus, probably the blanched white variety and, while it’s not a patch on the real thing, it’s pleasant enough in the depths of winter. I keep some bottled asparagus in the cupboard and it’s particularly good with some mayonnaise and a few shrimp.

The whole notion of seasonal eating is coming back into focus as rocketing fuel prices must be considered alongside our insistence that all manner of fresh produce should be available right through the year. I absolutely refuse to buy strawberries or asparagus in the winter. But I do like being able to buy a glossy aubergine when I don’t have my own ones from the polytunnel, and it’s a short season, usually from July to October. Making an aubergine – sorry melanzane Parmigiana – in March, using tinned tomatoes from Italy, is a happy and a wholesome procedure. And I’m willing, on occasion, to buy green beans all the way from Morocco or Kenya. Moroccan and Kenyan farmers deserve a bit of our food spend, surely?

But food miles do matter. Although it takes a lot of hard work, I’m delighted that most of the vegetables and fruit that we eat at home during the summer and autumn have welly miles, travelling all of 150 metres from veg plot to kitchen. Thanks to this, I can confidently say that unless you grow your own sweetcorn and get it into boiling water within a couple of minutes of picking, you have never really tasted the stuff. Freshly picked peas are one of life’s great luxuries and I would much sooner have them than caviar. Again, they have to be cooked within minutes, otherwise they will go starchy and rather horrible.

Anyway, seasonality is about to come back into fashion, for reasons of price. And it’s not just the cost of fuel to heat greenhouses and run engines, it’s the cost of fertiliser too. If you’re a conventional farmer you have to replace nutrition taken from the soil with synthetic fertilisers derived, once again, from fossil fuels. Organic farming is not dependent in this way, but it still needs tractors and trucks.

I’m old enough to remember when avocados were a rare delicacy, always called “avocado pears”, and very much a winter thing. And I recall when you only got to eat asparagus if you had it in your garden as we did, and then only in April and May. Now avocado on toast is mainstream – a combination that has no appeal for me, I have to say – and asparagus is on sale every week of the year.

Most of it comes from Peru thanks to a United States initiative to encourage farmers there to grow something more wholesome than coca leaves for cocaine. But they didn’t think it through. Asparagus doesn’t like the high-altitude climate favoured by the coca plant; it’s far happier in sandy coastal soils. So the US created a brand new Peruvian asparagus industry, the coca farmers carried on as they always had, and the centuries-old asparagus-growing community in Washington State was put out of business by its own government.

Very little asparagus is grown in Ireland and traditionally the seasonal stuff has been imported from Britain where the best is grown in the beautiful Wye Valley on the Welsh border. How Brexit will affect this remains to be seen. The mild winter means an early crop, but I have yet to see any English asparagus in Marks & Spencer or Tesco, both of whom had it last year. However, we should see some from France and Spain soon. Dutch asparagus, mostly the white kind, tends to be snapped up by the home market.

Growing your own needs space and patience. You can pick one spear from each plant a year after planting, two the next year, then three. In year four you can pick as much as you like, but only for six weeks, as then the spears must be allowed grow to re-energise the plant.

However, your own asparagus is certainly the best you will ever taste. Incidentally, I have a small asparagus bed in the polytunnel and a larger one outside and, even then, we rarely get enough at one time to gorge ourselves.

My wife Johann and I wrote Grow and Cook – it does what it says in the title – published in 2007. It sold moderately well, but it would have flown off the shelves if it had appeared in 2009 when, reeling from the global financial crisis, more and more people started to grow their own veg. Maybe it’s time for a new edition as we’re forced to rediscover the pleasures of seasonality?

Many people of my mother’s generation knew all about the art of preserving. Fresh produce was pickled, bottled or turned into jam for the colder months of the year. I can still remember the taste of bottled plums, better, I thought, than fresh ones. And the tangy smell of marmalade being boiled in January when the Seville oranges are in season.

Of course, we have freezers now, but I think I might become a bottler and a pickler when this year’s crops are ready. There are uncertain times ahead.

Wine Of The Month

The best way to preserve the grape harvest is making wine, of course, and I’d like to suggest a red that helps to take the chill off a spring evening. Château de Paraza Minervois 2018 (€16.95, O’Brien’s) is dark and intense, full of Languedoc sunshine. Ripe plums, pepper, liquorice, mulberries. It’s all here in your glass. Have it with a steaming casserole.

Childhood Trauma Key Indicator Of Suicide Ideation In College Students

New research from the School of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin has shown that cumulative exposure to childhood trauma was a key indicator of suicide ideation among university students. Screening for adverse childhood experiences could help to improve college services and supports, according to the authors of the study.

The research, conducted by Mr Madhav Bhargav, PhD candidate, and Dr Lorraine Swords, Assistant Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychology, has recently been published in BJPsych Open The study was based on a cross-sectional survey of 321 college students primarily recruited from universities in Ireland.

Adverse childhood experiences refer to negative life events that individuals encounter during their first 18 years of life. They include neglect or maltreatment and significant dysfunction in the home, such as domestic violence, drug or alcohol addiction, and abuse.

A growing body of research has established a relationship between adverse childhood experiences and suicidal thoughts and behaviours and has indicated that the prevalence of suicidal phenomena is higher among individuals with a history of adverse childhood experiences. However, there is a lack of understanding of the process by which adverse childhood events lead to suicidal ideation in particular.

The researchers found that adverse childhood experiences were common in college students with 35.2 per cent reporting oneto-three such events and a further 39.6 per cent reporting four-to-12 adverse childhood experiences.

The study also found serious levels of suicide ideation among the research group meaning many students expressed feelings of burdensomeness, a belief that there are no solutions to problems, and planning, or communicating intent, to die by suicide.

Moreover, the research highlighted the relationship between higher ad - verse childhood experiences scores and poorer mental health in the form of psychological distress and suicide ideation.

The findings also provided strong evidence that factors, such as feelings of not belonging and feelings of being a burden on others, can mediate the relationship between higher cumulative adverse childhood experiences scores and suicide ideation.

Mr Bhargav said: “Adverse childhood experiences scores may be useful as an identifying marker for university services to ensure that students get the most out of their time in college. Creating a trauma-informed culture within the college community would foster an awareness of how past adverse experiences can affect students’ present functioning so that appropriate supports can be advertised and provided. However, any attempt to screen for students exposed to potentially traumatic early experiences as part of a trauma-informed approach to college services must be done sensitively.”

Dr Swords added: “Our research shows that many young people enter college with prior potentially traumatic experiences that may have an impact on their academic and social life. It is important to acknowledge that young people who have experiences of early adversity are not a homogenous group, and not all are negatively affected in the long-term by these early encounters. Future studies that explore the role of risk factors known to exacerbate the effects of early adverse experience, such as low socio-economic status, would be valuable in this research area.”

The paper, entitled ‘Role of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and psychological distress in the association between adverse childhood experiences and suicidal ideation in college students’, was published online in BJPsych Open

It is available to read at the following link: www. cambridge.org

The HSE National Clinical Programme for Respiratory is continuing to rollout 34 community-based dedicated pulmonary rehabilitation teams around the country.

According to the HSE, this provision will help “empower” people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to improve their symptom management and decrease hospitalisations.

The HSE and National Clinical Programme for Respiratory ‘end-to-end model of care for COPD’ is supporting people in community and hospital settings, with the establishment of specialist teams in the community including respiratory integrated care teams.

Services that will be made available in the community include evidence-based interventions, such as pulmonary rehabilitation, stated the HSE.

COPD is the most prevalent respiratory disease in Irish adults and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. It is estimated that 380,000 people are living with COPD, yet only 110,000 are diagnosed. At least 1,500 patients die each year of this disease and over 15,000 patients are admitted to hospital. COPD has considerable impact on the quality-of-life of the patient, families, and carers. The course of the disease involves ongoing medical care and, in certain patients, results in frequent hospital admissions.

Ms Angela Ryan, Programme Manager, HSE National Clinical Programme for Respiratory, said: “As part of both the integrated care for chronic disease management being rolled out in GP current national and international guidelines. It involves supervised classes, twice weekly for eight weeks and can be delivered in-person and online. clinics and the national respiratory model of care, patients with COPD and asthma are being actively monitored by their GP and practice nurse to improve management of their conditions. This programme facilitates care in the community, closer to home, and can facilitate referral to the local pulmonary rehabilitation team, based in the community.

“The pulmonary rehabilitation teams include dedicated teams of specialist physiotherapists and nurses. Pulmonary rehabilitation improves dyspnoea (breathlessness), health status, and exercise tolerance in patients with stable COPD and reduces hospitalisation in patients who have had a recent exacerbation. It leads to a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression.

“Education and self-management are core components of pulmonary rehabilitation. Self-management education with a healthcare professional, improves health status and decreases hospitalisations and emergency department visits.

“Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive intervention based on thorough patient assessment followed by patient-tailored therapies that include, but are not limited to, exercise training, education, self-management intervention aiming at behaviour change, designed to improve the physical and psychological condition of people with chronic respiratory disease, and to promote the long-term adherence to health-enhancing behaviours,” explained Ms Ryan.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is strongly recommended in the management of patients with COPD by

Ms Brenda Deering, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist Pulmonary Rehab Co-ordinator, HSE, said: “Being one of the first respiratory physiotherapists to bring pulmonary rehabilitation from the hospital into the community has been a challenge, but has also been immensely rewarding on both a personal and professional level. Exercise is the cornerstone to the success of pulmonary rehabilitation; prescribing individualised exercise programmes for patients with an underlying lung condition takes skill and expertise and is based on a thorough assessment.

Once the assessment is

The Rotunda Hospital in Dublin has become the first centre in Europe to receive accreditation by the American Association of Gynaecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) for a Fellowship in minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery (FMIGS) for gynaecology trainees.

According to the hospital, the addition of this internationally recognised programme will assist future gynaecologic surgeons in developing their skills and expertise. The FMIGS programme will be led by Consultant Gynaecologist Dr Hassan Rajab, alongside Dr Kushal Chummun and Dr Conor Harrity, in collaboration with RCSI partners Beaumont Hospital and Connolly Hospital. The new faculty across the three hospital sites will also include fertility specialists and urogynaecology, urology and colorectal surgeons.

The extensive application process for the programme included a detailed assessment of the Rotunda Hospital’s policies and protocols, its demonstration of a sufficient volume of surgical workload with appropriate complexity, availability of didactic teaching and simulation training, as well as appropriate research opportunities. The accreditation was completed with complete, my challenge is to ask patients who may never have exercised before, to exercise in a breathing zone they are not initially comfortable with whilst making it both fun and educational. Seeing people build new friendships and improve their health and quality-of-life is what makes my work so enjoyable.”

Dr Mark O’Kelly, GP, Rialto Medical, said: “The experience in our practice has been that patients who have engaged in the community pulmonary rehab programmes have benefited greatly. They have a better understanding of their disease and are better equipped from a self-management perspective also. This means that they are having less flare ups of their disease and have improved symptom control also.” a recent visit to the hospital, where its facilities, programme directors, local faculty and allied surgical specialities were assessed.

This announcement follows the opening of its new gynaecology unit in March 2021. These developments are part of the Rotunda’s ongoing efforts to “upscale, reduce patient waiting lists, alleviate pressure in theatre capacity and improve overall patient care”.

Prof Fergal Malone, Master of the Rotunda Hospital, said: “We are delighted to receive this accreditation and to be the first European centre to offer the AAGL-accredited FMIGS programme to gynaecology trainees. This development highlights the existing expertise and dedication to high-quality gynaecology services and patient-centred care here at the Rotunda Hospital, and we are looking forward to being able to build upon this even further.

“We believe that welltrained and talented gynaecological surgeons are crucial to accommodating Ireland’s increasing need for top-class services in women’s health and this traineeship is the perfect opportunity to ensure we can meet the growing demand for services in this area.”

Practice Nurse Required

Full-time practice nurse required to join the friendly team at Banagher Family Practice, Co Offaly. We are a fully computerised, four GP practice with one practice nurse and phlebotomist currently, good admin support and we are based in a new Primary Care Centre.

Previous experience of phlebotomy, cervical screening, and childhood immunisations is essential and nurse needs to be organised, enthusiastic, and a good communicator. Excellent remuneration for right candidate. See our website www.bfphealth.com

Apply with CV and cover letter to practice manager diane@bfphealth.com

GP EDUCATIONAL WEBINAR ON PVFS AND ME/CFS

Dr Ros Vallings, a New Zealand GP who is an expert on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), will present a free talk entitled Key messages for primary care on the diagnosis and management of post viral fatigue syndrome and ME/chronic fatigue syndrome followed by a Q&A session on Monday, May 30 at 7:30pm.

Approved for 1 CPD point by the ICGP For more info, contact CPD@irishmecfs.org

MATCH MEDICS GP RECRUITMENT TEAM ARE HEADING TO SPAIN AND PORTUGAL IN JUNE!

We are meeting GPs and Family Medicine Doctors who are interested in making the move to Ireland to live and work. Would you like us to tell them about your practice? What it is like to live and work in your part of Ireland?

Would you like me to find a full-time doctor to fill your staffing needs?

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TODAY: shirley.osullivan@matchmedics.com or call me for a chat: 086 803 0891

SHANE O’TOOLE

Specialist Medical Accountant, RCSI Lecturer and author of Fit moneythe key to financial freedom

Now offering:

• Monthly Profit Growth Model

• Annual Accounts and Tax Returns

• Outsourced Bookkeeping and Payroll

• Support in Selling and Buying a Practice

Contact 01 8013 116 for help and support

Gp Locum Required

Fancy a summer GP locum job in West Cork?

Would you like to work and enjoy the summer in West Cork near the sea?

GP locum sessional or full-time work available in a GP group practice. On-call commitment optional. Very supportive nursing and admin staff.

Please email any queries and cv to: westcorkmedical@gmail.com

GP REQUIRED

Permanent/temporary/locum –Kilkenny/Tipperary/Waterford Border

 GP required for a growing two-centre practice

 6–8 sessions available with attractive package

 Immediate start available with long-term potential

 Partnership opportunity for the right person

 Established, well-located, busy practice with huge potential to grow

 Fully computerised using Socrates

 Excellent nurse and admin support – fully resourced for chronic disease management

 Member of CareDoc

 MICGP/MRCGP or equivalent essential

Email: piltownhc1@eircom.net

EXCELLENT GP LOCUM OPPORTUNITIES

Outstanding earnings potential  18 hrs @ weekend = 75K p/a.

 20 hrs overnight = 93K p/a.

 8 hrs evening (Earning top up) = 30K p/a.

 Day time GP opportunities for qualified GPs. Contact us on 046 924 1533 Email: info@medsource.ie Visit

MEDICAL SUITES AVAILABLE IN DUBLIN 2

Medical Suites available at 26 Clare Street, Dublin 2. Adjacent to the National Gallery.

Suitable for a range of medical uses including GP practice - Private or GMSOut-of-hours service or walk-in clinic – physio clinic – beauty clinic, etc. Full medical planning permission.

Please contact Mr Aidan Ringrose on +353 87 951 9786 or mornwill26@gmail.com for further information or to arrange viewing

Waterford City Gp Practice Takeover

Opportunity for 1-2 full-time general practitioners to take over established Waterford City practice (~900 GMS patients and ~2,000 private patients), supported by 1 WTE nurse and administration.

Principal GP wishes to retire within a year.

Based in residential area, near UHW and Ardkeen, the practice occupies a large two-story building, with three treatment rooms and additional space. No buy-in. Work within the year only. Start date is negotiable.

To express interest, please text 087 6772 475 to set up a call

FULL-TIME GP REQUIRED

For a busy established practice in Wexford Town. The practice is fully computerised using Socrates. Excellent nursing and administration support

Mixed GMS and private practice.

Attractive remuneration package.

Applications to: GPvacancywexfordtown@gmail.com

GP REQUIRED

GP wanted for vibrant training practice in Youghal (full- or part-time). We are flexible and interested in meeting with all interested parties.

Youghal is a beautiful seaside town with a growing population and economy. Home to Ireland’s only Iron Man. Easy commute from Cork, South Tipperary, and West Waterford.

For enquiries contact Lisa: lisa@emmetplace.ie

Gp Assistant With A View

Vocationally trained GP required immediately for 6+ sessions for a busy dynamic practice with a great team of people in Waterford City. GP training practice, 8 other doctor colleagues with varying speciality interests. 2 nurses – one an advanced nurse prescriber, another nurse/midwife, and also a medical technician.

Fully computerised practice with administrative support. We operate a 15-minute appointment system and use Socrates practice management system. No out-of-hours commitment.

Close to the City Centre, 8 minutes from Tramore beach and beside an Ecopark. Waterford voted “Best place to live” in Ireland.

Great Package for the right person.

Please forward CV by email to our Practice Manager Jean Hubbard practicemanager@waterfordmedicalcentre.com

GP REQUIRED

Well-established group practice in East Galway requires a full-time GP with view to partnership.

Fully computerised with Socrates and great practice support.

Contact Dr John Kilraine or Dr Cathal Nugent at 091 842144 or send your contact details to admin@mainstreetclinic.net and we will get back to you GP

Locum required in Tallaght, Dublin 24

Dates:

April: 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd/28-29th

May: 20th

June: 10th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th

Full Month of July and August

15 min appointments  No house calls  Excellent practice nurses and helpful administration staff and well organised  Nice mix of GMS/private  Flexibility with session times  Potential for ongoing work throughout the year if desired Please

SUITE 23 BEACON CONSULTANTS CLINIC, SANDYFORD, DUBLIN 18

World class medical facility, strategically located adjacent to the Beacon Hospital

 Contemporary office space c.31sq.m

 Fully serviced space suitable for range of medical and dental specialities

 Secure designated parking

 Sought after complex ideal for expanding current practice

 Quality investment suitable for self-administered pension

Price on application Ivan Tuite, Assoc. SCSI/MIPAV + 353 (0)1 4968 111

O’Connor Shannon

PSRA No: 003320