HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

In the final episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast for 2025, hosts Fergal, Noreen, and Eamon reflect on a year of inspiring conversations covering diverse health and wellbeing topics. They highlight the courage and authenticity of guests who shared personal stories on issues such as suicide bereavement, cultural diversity, HIV stigma, mental health, and cancer. The episode celebrates the power of storytelling, the importance of community partnerships, and the ongoing commitment to providing accessible, evidence-based advice. Listeners are warmly thanked for their support, with a promise of more insightful episodes in 2026.   Produced by GK Media.ie

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore how ALONE and the HSE’s Enhanced Community Care (ECC) programme collaborate to support older adults in relation to many areas of their health and wellbeing and fundamentally to live well at home. Our guests are Catriona Brennan, Candidate, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, frailty, Gail Flynn, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, older persons, and Aileen O'Reilly, Head of Research, Evaluation and policy at ALONE. Through real-life case studies and expert insights, the discussion highlights the value of comprehensive geriatric assessments, community partnerships, and practical supports - from home adaptations to befriending services. Listeners will gain an understanding of how joined up person-centred care helps older people maintain independence, dignity and wellbeing, while also easing pressure on healthcare services.   Produced by GKMedia.ie

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley welcomes Caitriona Heffernan, National Clinical Innovation Lead and Anna Marie Kiernan, National Nursing/Midwifery Innovation Fellow, from the HSE Spark Innovation Programme. Together, they discuss how Spark empowers frontline healthcare staff to develop and implement innovative ideas that improve patient care across Ireland. The conversation highlights the programme’s support through funding, mentorship, and education, the importance of teamwork in innovation, and the value of involving patients in co-creating solutions. The HSE Spark Innovation Programme represents a transformative approach to healthcare innovation, empowering frontline healthcare workers to develop solutions that improve patient care and service delivery across Ireland's health system Listeners are encouraged to explore Spark’s opportunities and become active contributors to positive change in healthcare. For more information visit https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/spark-innovation-programme/           Produced by GKMedia.ie

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Noreen Turley welcomes Sheila Lucey, an advanced nurse practitioner and infant feeding specialist, for an in-depth discussion on breastfeeding. Sheila shares expert information on the benefits of breastfeeding, preparing before birth, and the importance of early support. The conversation covers practical tips for overcoming challenges, the significance of skin-to-skin contact, and available resources for families. Listeners are encouraged to seek support, trust their own journey, and remember that every feed counts. The episode aims to empower and reassure parents with accessible, up-to-date information and encouragement.   Produced by GKMedia.ie

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Fergal Fox welcomes Cliona Fitzpatrick from Movember to discuss their recent Report; The Real Face of Men’s Health in Ireland. They explore the impact of Movember’s initiatives, the findings of their new research, and the importance of community-based support. The conversation outlines the need to focus on health inequalities, the role of caregivers, and the need for collaboration across sectors. New HSE supports for men’s mental health are highlighted as well as some of the existing programmes of work in the area of men’s health. Movember are calling for the full implementation of the HSE National Men’s Health Action Plan, Healthy Ireland Men 2024 – 2028 and are planning to work with the HSE and other partners to deliver on this. Listeners are encouraged to engage in men’s health conversations and access available resources, with a warm invitation to join ongoing efforts to improve wellbeing for men and their families.   For further support on men’s mental health: https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/men/ For the full Movember Report on The Real Face of Men’s Health: https://ie.movember.com/movember-institute/the-real-face-of-mens-health-report To access the HSE National Men’s Health Action Plan: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/publications/health-and-wellbeing/national-men-s-health-action-plan-2024-2028.pdf To get in touch with the podcast email [email protected]   Produced by GKMedia.ie