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NEWS All the latest in Irish healthcare news
NEW PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCED TO INCREASE ACCESS TO DIGITAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS
The HSE has announced a national partnership with the digital mental health platform SilverCloud to help address the growing need for access to mental health support in Ireland. Through this partnership, clinicians can refer to SilverCloud’s evidence-based digital cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) programmes. Developed in Ireland in 2012, the multi-award-winning digital mental health platform is a result of nearly 20 years of clinical research with leading academic institutions. Today, SilverCloud is being used by more than 500 organisations globally to meet their populations’ mental health needs. Global experts have clinically proven the platform through fully randomised control trials and real-world data from over one million SilverCloud users. The platform is a leader in the industry, with its effectiveness, engagement, and range of clinical programmes that encompasses the spectrum of mental health needs.
The SilverCloud service operates within the guiding principles outlined in Sharing the Vision, Ireland’s national mental health policy to develop a broad based, whole system mental health policy for the whole population. The service is also closely aligned to both Connecting for Life, Ireland's national strategy to prevent suicide, and Healthy Ireland, the framework for action to improve the health and mental wellbeing of the population of Ireland. This service provides professionally Derek Chambers, HSE; Ken Cahill, Co-Founder of SilverCloud; Anne Rabbitte, TD; Kevin Burke, service user
trained supporters in the area of mental health, who work with individuals to personalise the programme experience, and help them to reach their goals by providing weekly encouragement and ongoing support. The service has seen over 10,000 referrals from Ireland-based GPs, primary care psychologists and counsellors, and Jigsaw during its pilot. A new report published by SilverCloud reviewed the first 18-month application of the service in Ireland and shows: 89 per cent of people provided access to SilverCloud felt that digital CBT would work for them and their needs, prior to commencing a programme. The overall programme satisfaction rate was 94 per cent post-use. 43 per cent of users with clinical levels of depression showed reliable improvement. 63 per cent of users with clinical levels of anxiety showed reliable improvement. Patient engagement with the programmes has seen a broad age range and a representation across all 26 counties.
Jim Ryan, Assistant National Director, HSE Mental Health Operations, said: “Research and recent experience continues to show that people engage well with digital mental health support. Access to an evidencebased programme, such as SilverCloud, to address anxiety and depression, is a really important and helpful addition to the range of supports being provided by the HSE. We have seen some really encouraging results in terms of mental health outcomes from the SilverCloud programme to date. Ken Cahill, Co-founder of SilverCloud and Head of Behavioural Health, Amwell, said: “On behalf of the entire SilverCloud team, I am excited to see the announcement today of our successful tender award for the provision of guided digital CBT services, a testament to the work we have achieved in partnership with the HSE over the past number of years. Our initial rollout of the service in Ireland has proven to measurably reduce the depression and anxiety symptoms of Irish users. It has also dramatically increased access to mental health support to people right across the country, and we are now successfully supporting overburdened staff and services within our health system.”
You can learn about the programme at: www. silvercloudhealth.com/HSE.
INMO calls on the Government to admit that current hospital overcrowding is a crisis, as consultation about industrial action begins
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) is calling on the Government and HSE to take immediate action amidst the ongoing overcrowding that continues to affect hospitals nationwide. That action it says, warrants an extraordinary response, and potentially, a return to wearing mandatory face masks in highlypopulated public areas as respiratory infections continue to rise. January 3 saw the number of patients without beds reach 931, the highest number on record since the trade union began counting trolleys in 2006. The IMNO says this crisis is affecting every hospital in Ireland, was avoidable, and had been predicted for months. The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has echoed these sentiments, voicing major concerns for doctors working in these environments and describing conditions in the healthcare system as dangerous, unacceptable, and comparable to a “war-zone”.
INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha stated that telling the public to avoid hospitals is simply not an adequate response, and is calling for “supplemented emergency supports” until the end of February. Reiterating that staff simply cannot continue to withstand the unacceptable and challenging conditions, she warned that many will leave their posts if extraordinary action isn’t taken soon. She said: “Our members are treating patients in the most undignified conditions. This is not the type of care they should be providing in a country that has the resources to provide additional capacity and support. Nurses and other healthcare staff cannot continue to weather this storm without adequate support and protection from their employer. It will add to the increasing intention to leave of staff, which is exactly what this health service does not need…. We need Government to now make difficult decisions, including the return of mandated mask-wearing in congregated settings. We know that one of the main pressure points in our health service is the rise of respiratory infections. Asking people to return to mask-wearing in busy congregated settings is a simple measure.”
Following an emergency meeting, the Executive Council of the INMO has sanctioned the beginning of a consultation with nurses on a campaign of industrial action over what they say is a crisis brought on by the Government itself. Safe staffing levels, safe skills mix, safe work environments, and solutions to the ongoing overcrowding crisis are priorities to be addressed.
INMO President Karen McGowan said: “We will now begin a period of consultation pertaining to industrial action. Nurses and midwives are being asked to crisis manage a situation that is of our employers’ own making. We know that levels of burnout are at an all-time high. We must now take whatever action is deemed necessary to ensure that we do not endure this level of danger in our workplaces in the coming months and years ahead on a continuous replay mode. We will now commence a series of information and consultation meetings with members over the next month.”
WHO SAYS PASSENGERS ON LONG-HAUL FLIGHTS SHOULD WEAR FACEMASKS GIVEN RAPID SPREAD OF NEW VARIANT
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), countries should recommend that passengers wear facemasks on long-haul flights in view of the rapid spread of the latest Omicron sub-variant of Covid-19 in the US. Ireland and the rest of Europe removed the requirement to wear masks on planes in May last year, but may see a return to this and other restrictions as the Government confirmed that all arrivals from flights originating in China will have to have a negative Covid-19 test result within 48 hours of travel and will have to wear masks on the flight. Random testing of passengers arriving from China will also commence under new guidelines adopted by some European countries. In Ireland and Europe, the XBB.1.5 subvariant ‘Kraken’ has been detected in small numbers, but cases continue to increase. The new variant is expected to become dominant across the EU in coming weeks and months.
HSE ROLLS OUT WALK-IN FLU VACCINATION CLINICS FOR CHILDREN, AS CASES RISE IN THE COMMUNITY
The HSE has announced that walk-in flu vaccination clinics for children aged twoto-17 years are being rolled out in community vaccination centres across the country in response to rising numbers of flu cases in children. No appointment is necessary and the vaccine is free of charge. The children’s free nasal flu vaccine will be available up until 23 January. After this date, only children with preexisting medical conditions that are at risk of serious illness from flu will be eligible. The HSE is encouraging parents to avail of this opportunity to vaccinate their children against flu as it continues to spread. Almost 700 children under the age of 14 have been hospitalised with flu this winter to date, and the virus is predicted to continue circulating for a further number of weeks.
In Ireland, between 2009 and 2019, the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) reported: 4,750 children needed hospital treatment because of complications of flu; 183 of these were admitted to intensive care; 41 children died.
A full list of vaccination centres and times can be found at: www2.hse.ie/ conditions/flu/walk-in/.
New facility for Cork GP Training Scheme officially opens
The Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) welcomed the official opening of its new, fit-for-purpose GP training facility for the Cork GP Training Scheme at St Mary’s Health Campus in Gurranabraher, Co Cork in December. The new facility coincides with the ongoing expansion of GP training in the region. The ICGP is leading an unprecedented increase in GP training numbers nationally to help meet the GP shortages, impending retirements, and the growing diversity of GP services in primary care. Last month, the ICGP received a record 968 applications for the 2023 GP Training Programme, reflecting the growing popularity of general practice as a career for medical graduates.
The ICGP’s National Director of GP Training Dr Martin Rouse The new facility opened on December 7 at St Mary’s Health Campus in Gurranabraher, Co Cork
described the new facility as a “significant milestone” and a “tribute to the vision of past Directors of GP training in the region”. He also acknowledged the strong links between the facility, the HSE, and University College Cork (UCC). Highlighting the growing numbers of trainee GPs, also said: “There are currently 932 trainees enrolled in the GP Training Programme across the country, and we have increased our training numbers by 60 per cent in the past six years.”
Human Tissue Bill warmly welcomed as optout system for organ donation on the horizon
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD has secured Government approval for the Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination, and Public Display) Bill. The composite Bill will provide a national legislative framework for operating donation and transplant services in Ireland for the first time. Separately, the Bill also introduces a regulatory regime for the conduct of post-mortems in hospital settings to be overseen by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), as well as safeguards to protect the integrity of the human body before and after death, and to prevent any organ retention without consent in the future. The major issues the Bill will address include: Provision of general conditions for the removal, donation, and use of organs and tissue from deceased and living persons for transplantation; Regulation of practices and procedures for post-mortems in hospital settings; Provision of general conditions and regulations for anatomical examination; Provision of general conditions and regulations for public display of bodies after death.
Under the new legislation, the proposal is to bring in an ‘opt-out’ register for organ donation. This means that when a person dies, it is presumed that they would wish to donate their organs after their death, unless they have otherwise stated to family members or registered to opt-out. If a person does register to opt-out, there will be no further discussion with their family. For those who do not opt-out, the family will continue to play a central role, but rather than being asked to consent to organ donation, they will be asked if they know any reason why their loved one would not consent to organ donation for transplantation. The legislation will bring Ireland into line with international best practice for governance of human tissue matters, and help achieve national goals by increasing the potential number of donors through the implementation of the optout system and provision a framework for donation from living donors, including the establishment of pathways for non-directed altruistic living organ donation (which applies to kidney donation primarily).
The Irish Kidney Association (IKA) has warmly welcomed the Bill and stressed the importance of having conversations with loved ones about organ donation. Speaking about the landmark legislation, the IKA said: “It is important that the media play its part in communicating that families still play a central role in consenting to organ donation. This will reinforce the value of having the family organ donation conversation before the unthinkable happens.” The association looks forward to the upcoming changes in the current system and an increase in organ transplants across Ireland.
Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, part of the Irish Donor Network, has also welcomed Cabinet’s approval of the Bill. Philip Watt, CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and Chairperson of the Irish Donor Network, said: “Cystic Fibrosis Ireland today warmly welcomes Cabinet approval of the Human Tissue Bill and the Government’s stated commitment to increase organ donation and transplantation rates in Ireland, and to make organ donation the norm in Ireland. The five solid organs that have the potential to be transplanted are lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, and pancreas. With hundreds of people waiting for a transplant in Ireland, measures that increase the transplant rate are truly lifesaving and are to be welcomed, but they also need more resources.”
The End of Year Statement from HSE Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland (ODTI) revealed that 250 organ transplants took place in 2022, thanks to 86 deceased and 33 living organ donors and their families. Across the three national transplant centres, 163 kidney, 10 heart, 18 lung, 51 liver, and eight pancreas transplants were completed. This includes kidney transplants from 33 living donors. Reflecting on the year, Dr Catherine Motherway, Clinical Lead, HSE ODTI, acknowledged the precious gift organ donors and their families give to recipients and their loved ones, describing both live and deceased donors as “the very essence” of transplant programmes. She said: “Behind each figure in this report are lives transformed by a transplant, by virtue of the enormous generosity of families who, in the most difficult circumstances, honour their loved one's wishes by choosing to donate their organs. Each and every time, we are humbled by the courage shown by our donor families. On behalf of ODTI, intensive care staff, transplant teams, and transplant recipients, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude and sympathy to the donor families. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Míle buíochas libh go léir.”
Speaking from real-life experience, transplant recipient Patrick Eustace said: “I received a life-changing kidney organ transplant 25 years ago as a child from an unknown donor. I’ve been incredibly lucky, and extremely grateful that it has allowed me to live a totally normal life since. My thoughts are always with the donor family who made such an altruistic decision in what must have been a very dark space for them. Organ donation can offer, either in the times of darkness or through the living donor program, a chance to beget new life to our friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues. It can offer a young girl or boy an opportunity at life that they might not otherwise have had. I would suggest that people have a conversation with their next-of-kin to ensure their immediate family are aware of their intentions regarding organ donation. It may seem like a difficult topic to broach with loved ones, but it can give reassurance to their family members in the event of their untimely passing.”
RISING CAESAREAN BIRTH RATES FOR FIRST-TIME MOTHERS MAY BE INFLUENCED BY CLINICIANS’ FEARS OF ADVERSE OUTCOMES ACCORDING TO STUDY
Anew study from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College has found that factors influencing a clinician’s decision to perform a caesarean section (CS) on a first-time mother are complex and multifaceted. The team conducted one-to-one interviews with 20 obstetricians and 15 midwives who were involved in the decision-making process for CS in three maternity units in the Republic of Ireland. Researchers found that decisions are driven by a clinician’s fear of adverse outcomes and subsequent litigation, personal preference, their threshold to intervene, the culture of practice within the system, and by organisational guidelines and policies.
The researchers also highlight that rates of CS in Ireland are unacceptable and not in keeping with the expectations of pregnant women. More than one-third of first-time mothers are giving birth by CS in the Republic of Ireland, despite evidence suggesting the procedure provides no additional benefits to mothers or babies. There has also been a notable and steady annual rise in CS birth rates over the last decade. It is suggested that a deeper insight into the factors influencing this practice will help to develop practical approaches to reduce the number of CSs safely and effectively. Sunita Panda, Assistant Professor in Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, and lead author of the study stated that most women wish for a natural birth and described the steady increase in CS as a “growing concern". She said: “It is crucial and timely to understand the factors that influence the decision-making and take action to stop the rising rates of caesarean sections safely and effectively.”
Prof Maeve Eogan, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Rotunda Hospital highlighted the importance of integrating the human factors identified in the study into in-service development of obstetrics. Dr Krysia Lynch, Maternity care expert and Chair of the Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services Ireland (AIMS) also commented on the study, calling it “an incredibly important piece of research". She said: “The most recent maternity safety statements available for 2022 show five of our units with a first-time mother caesarean birth rate of over 50 per cent, with another three having a rate of over 40 per cent. These rates are perhaps partially informed by our equally high induction of labour rates. Service users expect that our high caesarean rates reflect evidence-based practice and absolute need, this research paper has clearly shown that this is not the case.”
You can access the full study at https:// doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0279403.
Cancer Patient Advisory Committee announces call for expressions of interest for members
The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has announced a call for expressions of interest for membership of the Cancer Patient Advisory Committee. The committee was established in 2019 to provide input into the development of programmes for patients with cancer. It is primarily made up of people with direct experience of cancer treatment, either as patients, supporters of cancer patients, or those who support cancer patients as part of their work. The Committee is comprised of 15 members, plus a Department of Health (DoH) Chair. A representative of the National Cancer Control Programme also attends committee meetings.
The vacancies to be filled have arisen from an intended turnover in membership. The selection process will be undertaken by a group comprising representatives of the Irish Cancer Society, the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme, the DoH, and a member of the former Cancer Patient Forum. Membership of this committee will reflect the diverse nature of patients living with the effects of cancer and will ensure that the needs of cancer patients living in more remote areas are represented.
Launching the call for expressions of interest, Minister Donnelly said: “The input of the Cancer Patient Advisory Committee into policy formulation and planning helps to ensure that our cancer services continue to serve the needs of people living with and beyond cancer to the highest possible standard. I would like to thank committee members for their commitment and contribution to date. This has been invaluable in providing direct, effective cancer patient input into the development of programmes and services.”
Committee member Michael Nowlan said: “Being a part of the Cancer Patient Advisory Committee has given me the chance to review new cancer policies and projects, afforded me the opportunity to speak directly to those creating them about my thoughts on how they could be improved, and given me the opportunity to bring the lived experience of cancer to the policy makers. I’d recommend applying for membership to anyone who wants to have their input on cancer services heard.”
The application period will run until 10 February 2023. The expressions of Interest form can be found on the Department of Health website at www.gov. ie/en/publication/677b8-cancer-patientadvisory-committee/.
MINISTER FOR HEALTH ANNOUNCES €9 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS FOR STUDENT NURSES AND MIDWIVES
The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has announced his intention to provide significant additional supports for student nurses and midwives. The €9 million package of measures is in-line with recommendations from the McHugh Report. The report recommended an enhanced Travel and Subsistence Scheme for student nurses and midwives attending their supernumerary clinical practice placements. It also recommended a review of the pay for the 36-week internship final year student nurses and midwives serve as part of their training. Government has approved Minister Donnelly’s proposals and the enhanced Travel and Subsistence supports will be backdated for all student nurses and midwives to September 2022. Supports will include:
Seventy per cent of Irish nursing homes have capacity to facilitate discharges from hospital, according to a survey by Nursing Homes Ireland. 210 nursing homes responded to the survey, with 147 of them stating that they are in position to receive discharges from hospitals. Within those homes, 760 beds are available. With 440 private and voluntary nursing homes operating across the country, NHI is suggesting that an excess of 1,000 beds are available across the sector.
Commenting on the findings, NHI CEO Tadhg Daly, emphasised what he called the “critical role” nursing homes fulfil. He said: “Approximately 60 per cent of the hundreds of people fit for discharge from our acute hospitals require the specialised, round-theclock care provided by nursing homes, with nurses, healthcare assistants, therapeutic activities, and dayto-day living needs encompassed within the care. Post-hospital care, nursing homes specialise in providing convalescence and rehabilitative care that will support people’s transition back home. Long-stay care within a nursing home might also be most appropriate to their needs. We are engaged collaboratively with the HSE to inform of capacity within private and voluntary nursing homes to support timely discharge of patients back into the community where appropriate.”
An enhanced Travel and Subsistence Scheme for student nurses and midwives in years one-to-three of their studies will see each receive €500 per year as a targeted measure to contribute towards meeting the extra costs of meals associated with practice placements outside the student’s core placement site. A new rate of €80 for overnight accommodation is being introduced, along with an increased weekly cap of €300 for those students who require accommodation away from their normal place of residence while attending practice placements. Student nurses and midwives can also avail of, on a vouched basis, the reasonable cost of uniform laundry services during periods of overnight accommodation. Pay will be re-instated at 80 per cent of first year staff nurse/midwife pay scale for internship students. Two additional uniforms for student nurses and midwives at the start of their internship.
Acknowledging the contribution made by student nurses and midwives during their 36-week internship, Minister Donnelly said: “For student nurses and midwives on their final year internship, I am ensuring that their salary is set in line with the recommendation of the McHugh Report, by increasing their rate of pay to 80 per cent of point 1 of the staff nurse/midwife pay scale. This measure, worth €3.6 million, demonstrates further our commitment to retaining talent throughout our nursing and midwifery degree programmes, and our appreciation for the effort and dedication shown by students during their crucial final-year internships.”
760 beds available within private and voluntary nursing homes to support discharge of patients
Clonmel Healthcare launches Pirfenidone for idiopathic fibrosis
Clonmel Healthcare is delighted to announce the launch of Pirfenidone Clonmel 267mg and 801mg film-coated tablets. Pirfenidone Clonmel is subject to medical prescription and is indicated in adults for the treatment of mildto-moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Full prescribing information is available at www.clonmel-health.ie or from Clonmel Healthcare on 01 620 4000.
INTERSTROKE STUDY UPDATE: PSYCHOSOCIAL STRESS IS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED RISK OF STROKE
Psychosocial stress is associated with an increased risk of stroke, according to new University of Galway led research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open. The research is part of the ongoing INTERSTROKE study; one of the largest international studies of risk factors for stroke globally. It has been analysing data from 26,000 people in 27 countries since 2007. The latest research found that the occurrence of any stressful life event increased the risk of stroke by 17 per cent, with the occurrence of two or more stressful life events increasing the risk of stroke by 31 per cent.
The research was led by Dr Catriona Reddin, at University of Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. It looked at levels of stress in more than 26,000 people in Europe, Asia, North and South America, the Middle East, and Africa. The research found that increased stress at home, stress at work, and recent stressful life events, such as marital separation or divorce, trauma, or major intra-family conflict were associated with an increased risk of ischaemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke. Those who reported severe work stress were over twice as likely to have an ischaemic stroke, and over five-times as likely to have a haemorrhagic stroke compared to those who reported no work stress. The increased risk was lower in individuals who reported feeling more in control.
Dr Reddin said: “Approximately 7,500 Irish people have a stroke, an estimated 30,000 people are living in Ireland with disabilities as a result of a stroke and annually about 2,000 Irish people die as a result of stroke. In this latest INTERSTROKE study we looked at selfDr Catriona Reddin, University of Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, who led the research
reported stress. In people who reported severe home stress, the increase in stroke risk was lower in those who felt that what happens in life is determined by factors within their control. Similarly, in individuals who reported severe work stress, the increase in stroke risk was lower in people who felt that they had control over what happens in work, in most situations, compared to people who felt that they had little control over their work life.”
Prof Martin O’Donnell, Professor of Neurovascular Medicine at University of Galway and Consultant Stroke Physician at Galway University Hospitals, co-led the international INTERSTROKE study in partnership with Prof Salim Yusuf from the Population Health Research Institute at McMaster University, Canada. He stated that stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the world, highlighting the crucial nature of prevention.
Prof O’Donnell said: “The INTERSTROKE study is giving us a better understanding of the importance of conventional and emerging risk factors of stroke in different regions and ethnic groups globally, which are required to help prevention. We know that the best ways to prevent stroke are to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol. In this latest study we got deeper insights into how work and life-related stresses can contribute to stroke. The findings suggest that higher locus of control is associated with lower risk of stroke and may be an important effect modifier of the risk associated with psychosocial stress."
VHI ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO START THEIR PARKRUN STORY THIS JANUARY
Vhi has been the presenting partner of Parkrun Ireland for the past seven years and is calling on people to start 2023 by visiting their local Parkrun as a walker, jogger, runner, or volunteer. Parkrun is a free community event where anyone can walk, jog, run, volunteer, or just watch. A fivekilometre event takes place every Saturday morning for adults, while Junior Parkrun is a two-kilometre event that takes place every Sunday morning for four-to-14-yearolds and their families. There are currently 135 Parkrun events taking place around the country every weekend, with more locations being added frequently.
A previous survey by Parkrun, in association with Vhi, outlined the mental and physical health benefits that can be gained from Parkrun participation. Key findings included: More than 90 per cent of participants reported a sense of personal achievement and improvements in physical health; 83 per cent reported improvements to their mental health; 85 per cent stated that participation in Parkrun improved their levels of happiness.
Matt Shields, Parkrun Ireland’s Country Manager said: “We all know how hard it is to follow through with New Year’s resolutions, but the beauty of Parkrun is the support you get as part of a community. Whether you start off walking, jogging, running, or as one of our incredible volunteers, we’re certain that you will reap the mental and physical health benefits that Parkrun has already provided to thousands of people across the country.”
Vhi 360 health centres have also recently signed up to the ‘Parkrun practice’ initiative, which was set up by Parkrun Ireland in collaboration with the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), to encourage GP practices across Ireland to develop close links with their local Parkrun, to encourage patients and carers to participate, and to help build local communities that are centred on wellness.
Patients, families, and healthcare staff can register for their nearest parkrun at www.parkrun.ie.
New research shows genetic effect on the response to treatment for obesity
Collaborative research between the National University of Galway (NUIG) and Brunel University London has found that patients with severe and complicated obesity respond differently to a dietary weight loss programme based on their genes. The GERONIMO project studied patients attending the obesity clinic at Galway University Hospital (GUH), who were undergoing an intensive, short-term programme of medically-supervised dietary restriction in order to attempt to reverse some of the medical problems related to severe obesity. The research examined 93 patients who had volunteered for the study and who each weighed more than twice their maximum ‘healthy weight’. They were each then monitored while taking part in a meal replacement programme. The participants lost an average of 16 per cent of their body weight, or 21kg, after 24 weeks.
During the study, researchers were able to analyse small variations in hundreds of genes that are known to be associated with obesity. The study found that that the ‘waist-to-hip ratio’ genetic risk score, which measures an individual’s genetic tendency to hold on to visceral or abdominal fat, was associated with less weight loss after the intervention. By combining information from these measured gene variations together, a genetic risk score was calculated for six different obesity-related traits.
Prof Francis Finucane, Senior Lecturer in the School of Medicine at NUIG and Consultant Endocrinologist at GUH, who led the clinical study, said: “Mechanistic studies like these, which help us to understand why some people respond better than others to the same intervention, are really important in providing more personalised and effective treatments for people with obesity. We know that in general, heritability and genetics play a huge role in influencing body weight and the risk of obesity-related complications like diabetes, but finding the genes that account for this risk has been a challenge.”
Prof Alex Blakemore, Professor in Human Genomics at Brunel University, said: “Noone chooses their genes, so, as a society, we need to recognise that when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, the challenge is greater for some people than for others. This study reveals just a small part of the picture of how our genes can help or hinder us in reaching our health goals.”
Speaking about next stages in the research, Prof Finucane said: “This work is exciting and important because it is the first Irish study to demonstrate a genetic effect on the response to a treatment for obesity. The genetic effects we found here were subtle, but we think it would be good to explore this further, in larger studies and with different obesity treatments, such as drug therapy or ‘metabolic surgery’.”
Ireland’s first internationally accredited medical hyperbaric oxygen treatment facility opens in Dublin
The Oxycare medical facility, Ireland’s only internationally accredited medical hyperbaric oxygen treatment centre, was opened by the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly in December. In attendance were facility founders, Dr Gerry Molloy and Mr Declan Fleming, along with former patients and a group of Dublin-based medical professionals. Oxycare provides medical hyperbaric oxygen treatment to patients referred by consultants from around the country, is endorsed by the HSE, and accredited both nationally and internationally.
Conditions suitable for medical hyperbaric oxygen treatment include, but are not limited to, the enhancement of healing in oxygen deprived wounds, skin grafts and flaps post-surgery; healing of heat burns, radiation injuries, and crushrelated injuries; and the management of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Some evidence has also recently emerged to support the effectiveness of treating long Covid symptoms with medical standard hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The Oxycare hyperbaric oxygen chamber uses 100 per cent medical-grade oxygen that has been approved for medical treatments and certified by BOC gases, the same brand used in Irish hospitals. It is prescribed and administered to patients according to internationally-accepted treatment tables, in sessions that are approximately two hours long, or longer.
Dr Gerry Molloy, co-founder of Oxycare said about the results of the treatment: “[They] are impressive, and are attested to in correspondence from various consultants who have referred their patients and who have now adopted this mode of treatment as an option to be considered for the most difficult cases. High-tech innovations do not always reduce healthcare costs, but this is the case for medical hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Overall healthcare spending in hospital and in the community is reduced, while outcomes for patients are enhanced. This centre represents a positive step forward in the advancement of Irish medical care, particularly for the patients, with stories of hope and healing embedded within the lives of patients who have been through our doors. We are proud to be able to offer this advanced treatment.”
RECRUITMENT
GP PRACTICE NURSE REQUIRED FOR FRIENDLY PRACTICE IN BIRR, CO OFFALY
Part-time initially with a view to full-time (after c. 1 year or sooner) l To work alongside present practice nurse. l Previous experience preferable, but not essential. l Training provided if necessary. l Duties to include, but not exclusive to: phlebotomy, childhood vaccines and other immunisations (eg, flu/covid vaccines etc), smear-taking, chronic disease management, ECG, 24 hour ABPM, removal of sutures/wound dressings, assist with minor surgical procedures (eg, Implanon insertion/removal, etc), diabetes care, telephone triage.
