HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we discuss climate change and sustainability within the Health Service Executive (HSE) with Dr. Philip Crowley, HSE National Director of Wellbeing, Equality, Climate and Global Health, and Roisin Breen, Programme Lead for the HSE Climate Action Programme. They explore the HSE's Climate Action Strategy, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, and highlight initiatives like improving energy efficiency, retrofitting buildings, and promoting greener models of care and  sustainable transport. The episode underscores the importance of public and staff engagement, collaboration, and proactive measures to address climate change and foster a sustainable healthcare system. For more information go to https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthbusinessservices/national-health-sustainability-office/climate-change-and-health/hse-climate-action-strategy-2023-50.pdf   Produced by GKMedia.ie

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health & Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley explores the concept of social prescribing with Dr. Sean Owens, a GP and chair of the Climate Health Alliance of Ireland, and Dr. Aleisha Clarke, the HSE National Program Manager for Mental Health and Wellbeing. They explain how social prescribing aims to connect individuals with local community resources to meet their social, emotional, and practical needs and discuss that sometimes it’s not just about medical solutions; it’s about holistic care that considers the whole person moving beyond traditional medical solutions to a more holistic approach to healthcare. Sean acknowledges that integrating social prescribing into primary care requires a cultural shift among healthcare providers. He demonstrates how social prescribing has been successfully integrated into his practice, where link workers have become an essential part of the healthcare team. Aleisha explains that the evidence shows that social prescribing can have a range of positive outcomes, including improvements in mental wellbeing, physical health and health behaviours, and reductions in social isolation and loneliness. Aleisha outlines the referral process, noting that individuals over 18 can be referred by a GP, health care professional or individuals can also self-refer. Once referred, they work with a link worker to co-develop a personalised health and wellbeing plan tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. This individualised support is crucial, as link workers take the time to understand each person's unique needs. Listeners are encouraged to visit the All-Ireland Social Prescribing website https://www.allirelandsocialprescribing.ie/ to connect with local link workers and start their journey toward accessing community supports. This episode highlights the potential of the social prescribing service in improving health and wellbeing, and advocate for continued development of this innovative service in healthcare. For further information, visit https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthwellbeing/our-priority-programmes/mental-health-and-wellbeing/social-prescribing/  To get in touch with the podcast email [email protected]   Produced by GKMedia.ie

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox discusses the importance of planning ahead for healthcare treatment decisions with Caoimhe Gleeson and Suzy Byrne. Caoimhe, the General Manager in the HSE National Office for Human Rights and Equality Policy, highlights the role of Advance Healthcare Directives under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, enabling individuals to outline their healthcare treatment decisions. Suzy, a disability activist, stresses the necessity of making healthcare wishes known, especially for individuals with disabilities. The episode emphasises the need for open communication with family and healthcare providers to ensure that one's healthcare preferences are respected and understood. Discussion points include: Advance healthcare directives, Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, Understanding decision-making capacity, Open communication, people whose capacity might be in question, Practical steps, Facilitating discussions.   For further information go to the website signposts given during the episode such as the Safeguarding Ireland website: https://safeguardingireland.org/ Check out the information and resources on the Decision Support Service website: https://decisionsupportservice.ie/ Read further about Advance Care Planning with the Irish Hospice Foundation: https://hospicefoundation.ie/i-need-help/i-want-to-think-ahead/advance-care-planning/   To get in touch with the podcast email [email protected]   Produced by GKMedia.ie

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Eamon Keogh discusses childhood obesity with Dr Grace O'Malley, Clinical Lead of the Children's Health Ireland, Child & Adolescent Complex Obesity Service. They talk about the definition, prevalence, and parental concerns regarding childhood obesity. Dr O'Malley emphasises a holistic approach to managing obesity, focusing on overall health rather than just weight loss. She highlights the importance of consulting healthcare professionals, fostering open communication and provides some top tips for parents on how to raise the topic with your child and healthcare professional. Dr O’Malley also discusses the care model and the societal support needed to address this growing health issue.   Where can parents get information? Information about children’s weight on the HSE A to Z website which includes information what to do if you are concerned, having the conversation with your child and advice on healthier habits as a family: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/childrens-weight/ The HSE has a booklet called Talking to Your Child About Weight which is available on www.healthpromotion.ie A comprehensive list of up to date resources for parents and families available on www.childhoodobesity.ie  Find more information about community based services here https://youtu.be/dtXHO8_aPJE Information for families on healthier lifestyles such as physical activity, healthy eating, screen time is available at www.mychild.ie Information for families on healthy eating including recipes is available at www.safefood.eu   Where can Healthcare Professionals get information? Healthcare professionals can get more information including policy documents, clinical guidelines, professional organisations, research and more by visiting www.childhoodobesity.ie The HSE Obesity Clinical Programme is available at https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/obesity/ Find more information about community based services here: https://youtu.be/nmwxqIe1-qg Please get in touch to find out more about our podcast series or the work of HSE Health and Wellbeing [email protected]    Produced by GKMedia.ie