SOUTHPOD: Recent Episodes
Southern Trust
Southpod is the voice of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. We provide health and social care services across five council areas but what exactly does that mean? Join us, the Communications team, and our occasional guest takeovers, as we discuss and explore the work of the Trust as we continue to provide safe, high quality care.
On the latest edition of SOUTHPOD we’re joined by our Workplace Wellbeing Team to learn about the team and their roles, the support they’re offering our staff and impact they’re seeing their support have on teams across the Trust.
We also learn about the role of our Wellbeing Champions and how the team are supporting them to keep wellbeing in the minds of staff.
We start the year off with a great incentive to get healthier. The Public Health Agency's #DryJanuary campaign is to support and encourage people to abstain from drinking alcohol for the whole month. Read more here https://drugsandalcoholni.info/campaigns/djfgf/
Alcohol remains our number one drug of choice in Northern Ireland and we’re highlighting the work of our Community Addiction Service in our latest podcast episode on SOUTHPOD.
Staff reflect on the challenges of substance dependency, the power of recovery and the life changing support available to those who need it most.
🎧Listen now and hear about
✔The vital role of the Community Addiction Service
✔Inspiring stories from service users in recovery
✔More on how referrals are made to the service
AddictionRecovery #CommunitySupport #HSC #MakingADifference
Our Speech and Language therapist Debi, who works within Sure Start, shares valuable insights on how parents can play a pivotal role in their child's speech and language development.
And how the benefits of focusing on how simple interactions during everyday activities can significantly enhance and help children thrive in speech and language development rather than relying solely on toys or digital devices.
Join us as we raise awareness for those living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Our latest podcast features Chris Barron, respiratory nurse specialist who looks further into COPD management, tips for better lung health and the latest treatments making a difference.
Whether you're living with COPD, caring for some with the disease or just want to learn more, tune in here.
WorldCOPDDay #COPD #LungHealth
Being breast aware means knowing what’s normal for you so you can spot any unusual changes as soon as possible.
Nicola Pope knows that as she was diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump on one of her breasts.
Almost a year on from her diagnosis, Nicola shares her story to highlight why we all need to be breast aware.
This month is Breast Cancer Awareness month and in our latest episode we are delighted that our colleagues from Glenanne Breast Clinic are taking over our podcast to discuss this important topic.
Christine and Sarah, both radiographers in the clinic, have been joined by Estelle and Tracey, who have both had first-hand experience of a breast cancer diagnosis and met through their chemotherapy appointments and now are using their passion to help other women through a similar diagnosis by telling cancer to ‘jog on’.
Find out more about Jog on Cancer 5k/10k charity walk or run
Jog on Cancer 5k and 10k | njuko.com
Early detection and treatment of respiratory infections are crucial for saving lives.
In celebration of #WorldLungDay today we bring you our latest podcast episode with Chris Barron and Royanne Dickson, respiratory nurse specialists and Rhonda Green, respiratory physiologist.
They discuss how to achieve good respiratory health, symptoms of lung disease and the correct treatments available.
RespiratoryHealth #WorldLungDay
From its personalised care to its home-like environment to the feeling of empowerment - our Midwifery Led Units (MLU) means so much to many mums during their labour, birth and their immediate post-partum period.
We were delighted to welcome back mum Amy who joined us to talk about her experiences of the MLU within Craigavon Area Hospital.
In Amy's words - "there really is no other place like it." ❤️
We catch up with our service user involvement team to find out a bit more information on what the user involvement team does, the training and supports that are available to staff, and also to hear a bit about the experience of a Hayley, one of the service users that is involved in helping us shape and improve our services.
Especially for #LearningDisabilityWeek, Majella Gorman, one of our learning disability carer consultants sat down with a number of our specialist teams who support service users with a #learningdisability in the community.
Clare from the epilepsy nursing team, Hannah from the learning disability crisis response team, Eva from complex care, Ruth from health facilitation and Elaine from the learning disability dementia team explain their roles and how their work facilitates discharge from hospital and helps avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
Adult Learning Disability | Southern Health & Social Care Trust (hscni.net)
We have over 200 Volunteers within the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and in this latest episode we have a chat with Eleanor and Katlo, two of our amazing volunteers who share why they love volunteering and what they have gained personally since taking up the role.
As part of #VolunteersWeek, we also catch up with one of our Keyworkers, Rev Michael Rooney and find out how volunteers are supported and discuss the different roles available with our Volunteer Co-ordinators. Make sure to listen to and find out how they make a huge difference to our patients, visitors and staff.
From bumps to babies, breastmilk to baby poo - our midwives see it all.
With their experience and expertise, they not only support families through the most wonderful times of their life's but are also a huge support to many through difficult decisions or traumatic situations. So how do they get through the highs and lows of what comes with being a midwife?
Today to mark International Day of the Midwife, we talk to Sinead Campbell, a Sister within Craigavon Area Hospital's maternity unit, about this amazing role where she not only gets to see babies being born but sees that magical transition for many from adult to parent.
Three years ago, the Southern Trust partnered with East London Foundation Trust (ELFT) to develop an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies / NHS Talking Therapies aligned service.
As the three year partnership draws to a close, we take a look back at the success of this partnership, highlighting the wins and challenges experienced and how this service delivery model has been embraced by service users.
Steps to Wellness accepts referrals from GP only. Your GP can offer advice on how Steps to Wellness may help you and they can refer to us on your behalf.
Find out more by visiting
Steps to Wellness | Southern Health & Social Care Trust (hscni.net)
On this episode we catch up with Lisa, one of our Social Workers and Ciara, a long standing foster carer to find out what being a foster parent means, how to start the process and the importance of being a foster carer!
Tune in for this inspiring episode.
Listen to our Stop Smoking Service Specialists across Southern Health and Social Care Trust discuss the vital Stop Smoking service they offer to those people who want to quit smoking, the support they provide to colleagues, the referral process, any concerns about the programme and how to overcome these, the short and long terms benefits of quitting smoking and success stories.
In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Laura, Ciara, and Laura to discuss the rewarding world of domiciliary care and working in the Health Service.
We delve into the qualities needed to succeed in this role, the challenges and triumphs experienced, and how you can become part of our dedicated team in the Southern Trust. Tune in and be inspired to make a difference in people's lives and you community.
Join Deepthi and Cathy on our latest podcast episode as we dive into the changes in equality, diversity, and inclusion within the Southern Trust. With firsthand experiences and insights, we'll explore the progress made and challenges in this important area! Don't miss it!
Special guests from the Southern Trust Recovery college. The Recovery College works to empower those with experience of mental health problems to realise their potential and foster hope, opportunity and control. They aim to provide an opportunity that is free from stigma, is strengths based and focused on the person and not the illness.
Anyone can enroll for a FREE course on our website: Recovery College Courses | Southern Health & Social Care Trust (hscni.net)
We know how difficult it can be for some people to find the courage to enrol and attend our courses but feedback from those that do, highlight the learning and the understanding that “ it’s not just me, I'm not on my own.”
To kick off 2024 we catch up with Deputy Sisters Rebekah and Emma who work on the Cloughmore Ward, Bluestone. They dive into the life of a mental health nurse and share their passions about creating safe wards.
In our latest podcast episode on SOUTHPOD, in recognition of World COPD Day on Wednesday, November 16, Chris Barron and Elizabeth Sloan, our respiratory nurse specialists and Drs Michael Shiel and Helen Close discuss chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - symptoms, causes, treatment and living with the condition.
COPD
Conversations about Menopause are increasing but there are still lots of queries and misinformation.
Join Dr Sharma, Consultant Gynaecologist in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, has he answers the questions you have about Menopause and HRT.
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month Lauren, who is the Southern Health and Social Care Trust's Learning Disability Breast Screening Project Nurse, wants to raise awareness and support women with learning disabilities to access lifesaving screening.
Lauren speaks with Nicky and Christine from the Breast Screening team, about the work they have done to support women by making simple reasonable adjustments which has made a difference for women with learning disabilities attend breast screening .
Living with a long term condition can pose a number of challenges. The Vocational Rehab team, which is made up of a Specialist Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist and CBT Therapist, help staff members to improve their health, functional ability and provide guidance on how best to manage their condition within the work place.
They were joined by Brian Smith who accessed the service and gives his views on how it helped him.
From chronic conditions like asthma, chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (COPD) to lung cancer, men face a unique set of respiratory health concerns.
In our latest podcast episode on SOUTHPOD in celebration of Men’s Health Week, June 12-June 18, Chris Barron and Elizabeth Sloan, our respiratory nurse specialists share vital information and expert insight to help understand their causes and effects.
menshealthweek
A new Long COVID vocational rehabilitation team comprising of Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist and Clinical Psychologist has been established to support staff who are at work or not yet back to work.
Find out more by listening to our latest podcast.
In recognition of our Palliative Care Week, the acute palliative care team - consultant Sarah Cousins and clinical nurse specialists Donna Grier and Aine Feeney - discuss the difficult topic of what a good death looks like and the support they give to patients and families in hospital.
In recognition of our #PalliativeCare Focus, our community multidisciplinary specialist palliative care team - Linda Willis, specialist physiotherapist, Orlagh Cunningham, specialist speech and language therapist, Maria Tynan, Macmillan specialist dietitian, Diane Brownlee, Macmillan nurse specialist and Niall Gallagher, social worker specialist - talk about providing care for people with life limiting conditions and how they look after their own physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Dr O'Kane explains some of the key issues that have just been discussed at our monthly October Trust Board meeting.
Our Chief Executive, Dr Maria O’Kane and Chair Eileen Mullan have met with political representatives to
· discuss key issues and developments and
· respond to matters that are being raised with them by their constituents.
Main areas discussed included busy Emergency Departments and broader pressures on hospital and community services.
Maria explained that political leaders can support us by helping explain the importance of timely discharge and the absolute need to take people home when they are ready to go home. Maria highlighted the harm that can come to patients – especially the frail elderly – if they stay in hospital after they are medically fit for discharge.
As we approach a new season on our podcast channel, we speak to the Chief Executive of the Southern Trust, Dr Maria O'Kane.
Dr O'Kane explains some of the key issues that have just been discussed at our monthly Trust Board meeting.
James Gilpin is a registered nurse and experienced ward manager. He is the Stroke Service Improvement Lead for the Southern Trust.
James’ years of experience in the health service relates to bed management, medical, surgical and Intensive care environments. He has built a reputation on having high standards, and so, supporting his teams to do what they do best; deliver safe and effective care.
Join James and Ronan on this week’s podcast and listen to James discuss his experience of Quality Improvement.
James and Ronan discuss:
- James’ journey about why Quality Improvement is so important to him.
- How Quality Improvement has helped James to drive improvements.
- The opportunities and challenges of using Quality Improvement.
R.I.T.A is becoming very famous around the Southern Trust.
On this podcast you will hear from Cailin McKearney QI Facilitator, Mairead McGahan Service Improvement Lead for Dementia and the Dementia Companions Elaine Level 4 Rehabilitation DHH and Karen 2 South Medical CAH who reflect on the R.I.T.A journey so far and the wonderful impact that is having on our patients.
Discussed in this episode includes:
· What R.I.T.A is
· What is the role of R.I.T.A
· The positive impact it has had on patients. R.I.T.A in action
Watch the initial pitch for R.I.T.A here:
Annual QI Event 2021 - Innovation Challenge: This is Me - YouTube
Bronagh is a haemovigilance practitioner in the Southern Trust. Bronagh comes with a wealth of experience in human factors and in her podcast she gives us an insight into how the blood transfusion team apply human factors approach when learning from incidents.
Discussion in podcast includes:
· The role of a haemovigilance practitioner within blood transfusion team
· How to investigate and learn from near misses and incidents
· Importance of embedding human factors in blood transfusion
For more information on haemovigilance and blood transfusion
SHOT Videos (shotuk.org)
Podcast: Introducing Sam Riley
Sam Riley is the Deputy Director of Intensive Support in NHS England and NHS Improvement. Sam and her team are responsible for ‘Making Data Count’, a fantastic model of teaching and promoting the use of SPC charts to analyse and present information.
Our first interaction with Sam and Making Data Count was in the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre when they hosted a workshop for performance and quality improvement teams from across the region. The event was set up by Lynn Lappin and Lesley Leeman. We were struck by the simplicity and appeal of adopting such an easy to understand approach.
Sam kindly agreed to a virtual conversation with Eliot Banks during which they discuss, among other things:
- Overcoming common obstacles to analysing and presenting data
- The success of the Making Data Count approach
- Sam’s innovative Q Exchange application
- How you too can get involved in #PlottheDots
Get involved:
Read Sam’s BMJ Paper: Click here National Health Service (NHS) trust boards adopt statistical process control reporting: the impact of the Making Data Count Training Programme | BMJ Leader
Making Data Count Resources: Click here to get started with some introductory resources NHS England » Making data count
Business continuity affects all staff.
Our staff are our most important resource in maintaining essential services.
What would you do if there was a cyber-attack and your team lost access to all their IT systems and phones?
Our Emergency planning team discuss the importance of having a business continuity plan.
Today we are delighted to have a podcast takeover by SoHope, who are a group of service users who work together to improve addiction services across the Southern Trust area.
Service User Lara Sutton tells her story about how group therapy enabled her to recover & get her life back on track.
We discuss how this new initiative aims to reduce waiting times & improve services for people who need secondary care mental health support.
This week COVID-19 legal restrictions have been replaced by guidance for the public but within health and care settings, social distancing and other COVID safety measures must continue. In this episode our AD and IPC lead Trudy Reid chats to WHO Infection prevention and control experts Ana Paula Coutinho Rehse and Dr Nizam Damani about all things IPC from vaccines to variants. They also reflect on our stubbornly high levels of community transmission, co-existing with covid and the extraordinary efforts made by frontline staff to protect patients, clients and each other.
We don’t yet know if the new Omicron strain of Covid-19 causes more severe disease than other variants – but its emergence is a stark reminder that we need to do all we can to reduce circulation and transmission of infection. Rapid testing is one of the measures we can all take to protect our families, patients and colleagues . In this episode lead nurses Neal Tohani and Annette O’Hara remind us why we should ‘flow before we go’!
This World AIDS Day, we’re joined by HIV and GUM consultant Dr Stephen Megarity as he informs us about PrEP and how to access the new PrEP services in the Southern Trust.
This World AIDS Day, we’re joined by HIV and GUM consultant Dr Stephen Megarity as we discuss HIV, raise awareness and help end the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS.
Acute care at home pharmacist Hannah Hazelton is the final staff member to take us through a day in her shoes.
Gillian has been working in Trust Homecare for many years now and talks us through a day in her shoes
Listen to Mairead as she dives into a normal day on the job as the service improvement lead for Dementia.
As a Bereavement coordinator Dr Sharon McCloskey has a very tough job. In this series she walks us through a normal day at work.
"I am a daughter, a wife, a mother, a sister, a career to my mum and social worker by profession, I would like to take you through a day in my shoes" - Inspiring story from Head of Service Roisin
Clinical Sister in the rapid access team Joanne walks us through a normal working day for her.
Ciara, Epilepsy Team Leader takes us through a normal day for her starting with popping the kettle on
Ailis Doyle, Physiotherapist in the Southern Trust takes us through a normal work day for her.
As part of our 7th Annual Quality Improvement Event we have launched a special podcast 'A day in my shoes'.
A Day in My Shoes invites you to step into someone else’s shoes and embark on a mile-long physical, emotional and imaginative journey to see the world through their eyes. This collection of stories will showcases the remarkable contribution and challenges faced by those working in, and using, our health and social care system.
Stressed out?
Those of us working in health and social care are expert at caring for others but we’re often not so good at reaching out for support when we need it ourselves.
In this episode Sinead Hannan Consultant Clinical Psychologist talks about the importance of self- care and offers lots of advice to reduce stress and sustain wellbeing.
Today is 18th October and its World Menopause Day is today, an international day to recognise and raise awareness of the menopause and the support available to improve health and wellbeing. One specific consideration is perimenopause and contraception options available.
We have Róisin Santin from the Sexual Health Improvement team and Oonagh Curran from the Contraceptive service to highlight some of the key issues and considerations when deciding the use of contraception during perimenopause.
For more information on Umatter, click here
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month we are delighted to bring you a new podcast episode with our Breast Lead Radiographer Sarah Conway.
During this episode we will look at many aspects of breast cancer.
At a time when we can't physically come together we hope this podcast will help provide support and reassurance.
As you will know over the past few weeks we have spoken to many specialists from our stop smoking team and today we are chatting to Caroline who is going to talk to us today about the benefits of physical activity when quitting smoking.
Did you know that when a smoker starts their journey towards being smoke free, that there will be challenges along the way, especially withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, low mood, anxiety, irritability and possible weight gain.
One of the most powerful, yet overlooked strategies, to help overcome all these challenges, is being physically active and moving more throughout the day.
We have a podcast take over from Jan, Assistant Director of mental health services and Seamus, CEO of PIPS Hope and Support. To mark Suicide prevention day they discuss hope through action and how YOU can get involved in training to help prepare you for those tough conversations.
Smoking in pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, placental abruption, intra- uterine growth restriction, premature birth and stillbirth.
Ursula Gaffney, our Smoking Cessation Specialist Midwife, joins us to talk through the help and support that she can offer throughout the Southern Trust to pregnant mums and their families.
Local comedian Jake O’Kane is urging everyone to get their vaccine and has words of support for health and care staff as they work through this latest Covid surge.
We continue to experience severe pressure on our hospital beds due to increasing numbers of Covid patients needing admission.
Staff are working hard to discharge patients who are well enough as quickly as possible.
Our Deputy Medical Director Dr Damian Gormley explains how we are managing this latest surge and how patients and relatives can help.
You may be worried about piling on the pounds when you stop smoking, but there are steps you can take to keep weight gain to a minimum.
Theresa from our Stop Smoking Team has some tips she wants to share.
For advice and support contact: The Stop Smoking Service on 028 3756 4400 or email stop.smoking@southerntrust.hscni.net
Over the past few weeks we’ve seen an increase in the number of coronavirus infections amongst younger age groups, especially 18 – 40 year olds.
27-year-old Emma Campbell tells us why she thinks it’s important for people her age to make safe choices to protect themselves and others.
In the past week half of the coronavirus cases in NI are believed to be linked to the Delta variant and the number of cases is rising.
It’s mainly affecting people in the 18 – 40 age range and also young children.
Armagh GP Dr Frances O’Hagan is calling on young people to get the jab and has important advice for parents.
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen many health and social care services overwhelmed which has led to increased and sustained pressure and stress for health and social care staff. Nurses, midwives, AHPs, social care workers and social workers are on the frontline and have needed to respond to the increased need for reassurance and support for patients, women and their families while dealing with the additional challenge of wearing PPE and workload pressures. Some staff has been redeployed and all have had to quickly adapt to new ways of working including facilitating and managing visiting restrictions. In their personal lives, they have also had to cope with the challenges of changes in home life including home schooling and caring responsibilities.
We are conducting research to explore the health and wellbeing of nurses, midwives, Allied Healthcare Professional’s (AHPs), social workers, social care workers, in UK during the Pandemic to formulate recommendations for improvements.
Take the survey here: Online Survey Software | Qualtrics Survey Solutions
For more information about this research project, please contact Patricia Gillen on p.gillen@ulster.ac.uk.
Remember 1 in 3 people with Covid -19 have no symptoms.
Our staff can now take a rapid test which will give a result in just 30 minutes.
Order your free, easy to use kit today and help protect your colleagues and patients.
Listen for more details.
In this episode we catch up with Consultant Paediatrician Dr Shilpa Shah and Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Colm Darby to discuss vaccinations in premature babies.
For this episode we are joined with some of our IPC team who have some great advise on wearing PPE.
We all know that stopping smoking improves your physical health. But it's also proven to boost your mental health and wellbeing: it can improve mood and help relieve stress, anxiety and depression.
In the Southern Trust, we are delighted that we are the only Trust in Northern Ireland to have a dedicated Mental Health Stop Smoking Specialist Nurse and Diane joins us today to discuss the benefits of quitting smoking on mental health and well-being.
Dr Damian Gormley speaks to Southpod about the real time data which helps us make decisions about services during the Pandemic
Want to watch the interview? Visit https://youtu.be/YLiDPMv_EyY
Did you know you’re up to 4 times more likely to stop smoking for good if you use a combination of stop smoking treatment and receive support from one of our Stop Smoking Specialists?
Our stop smoking service is provided by specialist advisers who use a range of proven methods to help you quit smoking. They will support you to develop a tailored quit plan based on why you smoke and why you want to quit. They will give you accurate information and advice including details of NHS approved treatments to help you quit. They will also provide follow on support during the first few months of you stopping smoking.
Quitting smoking can make a huge improvement to your health, energy levels, life expectancy and protects your home and loved ones from harmful effects of tobacco smoke.
As COVID-19 is a new disease we still have much to learn about how our immune system responds to it. We don’t know how long an antibody response lasts or whether having antibodies means you cannot be re-infected or transmit the virus to others. Trust staff are involved in a major national study which will help us answer some of these questions.
The first of the COVID-19 vaccines is already being rolled out to priority groups across Northern Ireland. Dr Tracey Boyce speaks to Southpod about how this may be the light at the end of the tunnel we’ve all been waiting for.
Our very own Joe and Karen Walker – the Trust’s top peer vaccinators.
In this episode they tell us why they’ll be front of the queue for the COVID-19 vaccine.
With so much misinformation out there about vaccines it’s vital that we all have the facts about immunisation.
Dr Shilpa Shah speaks to Southpod to dispel some common vaccine myths.
Figures from the PHA estimate that approximately 1130 people are living with HIV and receiving care in Northern Ireland. Mal is one of those people.
He shares his own story highlighting the progress that has been made, the need to continue education and awareness, and the role of healthcare professionals in championing change and challenging stigma.
Is it possible to recover the economy and still suppress the virus?
We speak to Ms Ana Paula Coutinho Rehse, Infection Prevention and Control Expert, WHO Regional Office for Europe to find out.
Superspreaders, ventilation, cleaning, social distancing, testing, PPE…
Global IPC expert discusses COVID-19 with the team leading the Trust’s response to the Pandemic.
As part of Occupational Therapy (OT) Week we spoke to some of our Children’s Occupational Therapists about how the service has evolved and diversified over the years and why you should think about a career in OT.
Masks only work when we wear them properly.
In this episode we speak to Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Denise McDonagh who talks about some common mask mistakes and explains how wearing a face mask incorrectly can actually do more harm than good.
Our Consultant Microbiologist Cara McKeating talks to Southpod about why we all need to maintain our social distance to stop the spread of COVID-19.
In this podcast we speak to Ana Paula Coutinho Rehse, an IPC expert from the World Health Organisation, who says it’s more important than ever that healthcare workers get the flu vaccine. Here she explains why.
An IPC expert from the World Health Organisation has a message for Southern Trust staff who have been treating patients with Covid-19 and fighting to manage coronavirus outbreaks.
Ana Paula has ‘virtually visited’ over 30 European countries during the pandemic speaking to more than 10,000 frontline staff. In this podcast she shares her insights into PPE, virus transmission and staying resilient as we learn to co exit with Covid.
Last week's COVID outbreak among staff served as a stark reminder that this virus is still a threat.
Today's discussion focuses on why we all need to social distance and keep in mind if the person beside you is infected right now – would you be classed as a close contact?
Listen to Ronnie, a patient who spent time with us fighting Covid-19 as he describes his road to recovery.
Listen to this clip from Thursday morning’s BBC Good Morning Ulster which profiled our Acute Care at Home team.
Home working, schooling, PPE & zooming – listen to our latest podcast to help you adjust to the new norms.
Antibody testing is now available for staff as part of the Department of Health regional programme.
All staff who wish to avail of the blood test can to do so in the coming weeks and months. The programme will initially prioritise staff based on where they work and their exposure risk.
However what do we know about the antibody - does it mean that you cannot be re-infected or transmit the virus to others? Listen to find out.
There has been considerable debate around social distancing and the 2 metre rule, but who is right? and why is it so important?
We speak to Trudy Reid, Assistant Director (Medical Directorate) about how long social distancing is here for.
Health Service General Management Trainee, Annie Wiggam has been working closely with Occupational Health and Microbiology to co-ordinate staff screening and testing, aiming to turn results around as quickly as possible.
The team estimate they have helped to save approximately 9,222 days that staff could possibly have been unnecessarily isolating, with the added stress that causes, without knowing a definitive result.
Huge number of our front line community staff are still delivering vital services everyday to some of the most vulnerable in our society.
Today we discuss the challenges that they face during this pandemic.
Our Lead Nurse in Infection Prevention and Control Colin Clarke gives advice to our staff who are concerned about Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and reiterates the call for visitors to only come to our facilities if it is necessary.
Our Medical Director Dr Maria O'Kane, talks about how our medical workforce is getting ready for the anticipated increase in the number of patients suffering from COVID-19 infection.