Figure 1: Annual increase in primary resections for Lung Cancer at St. James’s Hospital 2003 – 2023

This centralisation of complex lung cancer care has enabled St. James’s to develop a unique cross-specialty team of dedicated healthcare professionals who are focused on the provision of optimal international standard thoracic surgical oncology care. This has been recognised by our recent accreditation by the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS). We are the first European Accredited Thoracic Surgical Oncology Centre in Ireland, a key performance metric recognising excellence in the provision of thoracic surgical oncology care to Irish lung cancer patients.

More recently, St James’s Hospital Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon Gerard Fitzmaurice has been appointed to the Staging and Prognostic Factors Group (SPFG) of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). This is the first time that surgical patients in Ireland will contribute to the IASLC’s international lung cancer staging project signifying Ireland’s growing role in advancing global cancer care. This contribution will ensure that Irish patients’ characteristics are accounted for in the international effort to refine lung cancer staging and ultimately improve patient outcomes. It further highlights St. James’s Hospital as the de facto national centre for the surgical management of complex thoracic cancer care.

Figure 3: Official unveiling of the Accreditation Certificate from the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons by Prof Mary Day CEO St James’s Hospital, Mr Gerard Fitzmaurice Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, and Prof John Kennedy Co-Director Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute (November 6^th 2024)

The post St. James’s Hospital Dublin – Ireland’s First European Accredited Thoracic Surgical Oncology Centre appeared first on Irish Voluntary Healthcare Association.

In February 2024, Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) established a team called the Spinal Services Management Unit. The aim of the Spinal Services Management Unit is to build a safe and world-class spinal service, which treats children and young people in a timely and patient-centred way.

Key developments have been made to improve the care and communication for everyone involved in spinal services. These include:

Increased spinal surgery numbers:

Children’s Health Ireland has increased the number of spinal surgeries carried out in 2024 compared to previous years. As of end of October 2024, Children’s Health Ireland has completed 434 spinal surgeries so far this year.

Monthly waiting list and activity reports are published on www.ChildrensHealthIreland.ie/spinal.  These reports are now aligned with the NTPF’s reporting structure and have been recently updated to include waiting time bands for “active” patients.

Surgery abroad:

In total to date, 20 patients have confirmed they will have their spinal surgery in either London or New York.  A number of these patients have already had their spinal surgeries, while more will travel abroad this week and in the weeks that follow. Approximately 10-15 (of the 20) will be done before Christmas (subject to health checks, which occur just prior to their procedure).

A funding package has been provided for each patient travelling abroad for their spinal surgery.

Saturday out-patient clinics:

Since April, CHI Orthopaedic Consultants have been holding monthly Saturday Clinics for outpatients waiting for their first spinal consultation. As a result, the spinal outpatients waiting list has been reduced by 368 patients (42%) and the time patients are waiting for their first outpatient appointment has improved. This number (368) includes 147 patients who were waiting over 12 months for their first appointment and have now been seen by a consultant.

16 new patients have been listed for spinal surgery from these clinics.

Regular outpatient appointments continue as usual, with an average of 40 new patients added to surgery waiting lists per month.

GP x-ray referrals:

In addition for outpatients, when a GP refers a patient to CHI for consultation with the spinal team, there is now a dedicated pathway for the GP to order their x-ray in advance. In cases of suspected scoliosis, having an x-ray accompany the GP referral letter significantly improves the triage process, and ensures that urgent cases will be prioritised.

Spina bifida complex care:

Mr Jacques Noel, Consultant in Orthopaedics, has joined the spina bifida complex care team. Mr Noel attends spina bifida clinics twice per month to review patients with spinal issues.

CHI at Temple Street Clinical Nurse Specialist:

The Spinal Surgery Management Unit is delighted to welcome a new Clinical Nurse Specialist for Spinal Disorders to the team in CHI at Temple Street.

Extended theatre days in CHI at Crumlin:

An early start in theatre once a week in CHI at Crumlin means having the first patient ready for surgery at 7am and having time for a second spinal procedure in the afternoon.

This pilot project will provide capacity for approx.20 additional surgeries between July and December 2024.

Mr David Moore, Head of the Spinal Surgery Management Unit, says:

“Progress across all spinal services, both in outpatient clinics and in theatres in Ireland and abroad, is being made with great efforts from CHI’s Paediatric Orthopaedic and Multi-Disciplinary Teams. We remain focused on our clinical priorities and on working with families to ensure that children receive timely access to quality care, clinically appropriate to each of their needs.”

The post Progress update from Children’s Health Ireland’s Spinal Surgery Management Unit appeared first on Irish Voluntary Healthcare Association.

An Taoiseach Simon Harris has officially opened the new National Rehabilitation Hospital (Phase One). 

It was a day of celebration for Patients, Staff and the Board of Management at the National Rehabilitation Hospital as Taoiseach Simon Harris officially opened Phase One of the three-phase redevelopment project, on 9th September 2024.

The multi award-winning rehabilitation hospital is a country-first, to accommodate the complex needs of patients requiring specialist rehabilitation services.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “The work of the staff of the National Rehabilitation Hospital has always been world class. Now, it’ll be done in a purpose-designed, purpose-built and state-of-the-art facility.

“This unique project will allow staff to deliver dedicated services and therapies to patients in a brilliant setting. I know this project will only enhance the extraordinary work of the hospital and I want to thank the board, management, staff for providing this critical care to those in need.”

NRH Chairman, Mr Kieran Fleck commented:

“We are delighted to welcome the Taoiseach back today on this happy occasion to formally mark the opening of Phase 1 of the new world class National Rehabilitation Hospital”.

Addressing the audience comprising many of the hospital’s patients and staff members as well as invited guests, the Chairman said “Thank you all for your patience, and to you Taoiseach, for staying with us on what has been, and continues to be, a life enhancing journey to provide a world class hospital for staff and to those who most deserve the delivery of rehabilitation services on a national and indeed all-island basis.

Phase one of the three-phase major Capital Development has been a joint enterprise supported by the HSE and the NRH Foundation.  It was delivered on time and within budget.

The design of the new hospital is patient-centred and is based on the principles of empowerment, dignity, privacy and choice.

The redevelopment and architectural design follows intensive research into the best evidence -based rehabilitation services and facilities internationally. Every aspect of the design reflects and meets the needs of our specialist staff in providing specialist complex rehabilitation services.

Mr Fleck added “This hospital, founded by the Sisters of Mercy, has delivered for over a 100 years essential medical care to those most in need and will continue to do so with the State’s assistance into the future as it moves from governance under a Trust to a Company Limited by Guarantee”.

In concluding, the Taoiseach said “Today is a day of celebration.  A day of personal celebration to those of you who have made huge progress in your own recovery journey, and to those of you who are beginning that, to know that there is light, that there is a hope, it’s a day of celebration for this incredible institution that is the NRH. And it’s also a day to look forward with confidence. Let’s now move confidently to the next step together.”

“I am delighted to see first-hand the incredible service provided to patients here and to officially open phase 1…

The post Taoiseach Simon Harris officially opens New NRH, Phase 1 appeared first on Irish Voluntary Healthcare Association.

Innovate Health at Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) has been awarded funding of over €300,000 from the HSE’s Spark Impact innovation fund. The monies will be split between four separate cutting-edge projects as the Hospital remains committed to introducing the latest innovations in healthcare to benefit patients.

Projects from TUH that have been awarded funding;

1. Advanced Practice Occupational Therapy (APOT) Led Integrated Hand & Wrist Clinic. This project creates a modernised care pathway providing GP-referred patients with direct access to specialist occupational health care professionals in a primary care setting, the first of its kind in Ireland. Patients with hand and wrist pathologies including carpal tunnel syndrome and ganglion cysts benefit from reduced waiting times, fewer hospital attendance, and improved overall outcomes.

2. Personalised medicine for patients at risk of stroke. This project called Rapid Pharmacogenetics and Platelet Reactivity Profiling to Facilitate Personalised Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) of Ischemic Stroke will be led by Consultant Neurologist Professor Dominick McCabe. Stroke is the leading cause of acquired physical disability in adults, a major risk factor for dementia, and the second most common cause of death worldwide. This innovative solution focuses on the area of precision medicine using pharma genetics, to optimise secondary prevention for patients following TIA/Ischemic stroke.

3. Evolution of our Smart CP App for patients. Funding has been secured to carry out a digitally enabled Patient Initiated Review (PIR) of our Chronic Pancreatitis App. The funding will be used to further develop our Smart CP app for patients with Chronic Pancreatitis. The Smart CP app enables patients to react more quickly if their health begins to deteriorate. Whether in Donegal or Kerry, they can use the app to immediately communicate any health problems or changes directly with their medical team.

4. Stronger for Surgery This innovation project will explore how a special “prehabilitation” programme could be introduced to support patients ahead of elective surgery. The team is creating a hybrid prehabilitation service that integrates both acute and already established community care services to educate and empower patients who are waiting for surgery.

With the support of the Spark Impact funding and our own Innovate Health team at THU, staff involved in these four projects will successfully design, develop, and deploy novel solutions to complex challenges for their patients, their colleagues and the health service at large.

Head of Innovation at Tallaght University Hospital Dr. Natalie Cole said, “Projects such as Integrated Hand and Wrist Clinic are a perfect example of collaboration and exemplify our ability to deliver enhanced care in a hospital without walls to better the patient’s experience. This project brings specialists from TUH, St. James’s Hospital and Primary Care together to deliver a modernised care pathway providing patients with direct access to specialist care for hand and wrist pathologies in a primary care setting. This “see and treat” model of care reduces the need for patients to attend the hospital, cuts down on consultant waiting list times, and enables patients to be seen in their communities.”

The CEO of TUH Lucy Nugent said, “There has been exponential growth in the culture and awareness of innovation in TUH in recent years which is evident from the calibre of projects awarded funding. This would not be possible without the continued support from funders and other groups of professionals both internal and external to our hospital. Their support is much appreciated as we all try to find better ways to treat and care for our patients. The mission of Innovate Health at TUH continues to be that we innovate because lives depend on it.”

This investment from the HSE’s Spark Impact fund will enable project development, implementation, and scaling, directly impacting how TUH delivers healthcare to our patients and communities by improving efficiencies, access, hospital avoidance, and patient empowerment. This fund is a frontline HSE Innovation Initiative designed to promote innovation among frontline healthcare professionals from across all disciplines and Health Regions in Ireland.

Pictured in photo, front row left to right: Sinéad Gill – Clinical Innovation Specialist, Dr Natalie Cole – Head of Innovation, Olga Hill – Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist, Siobhan Power – Clinical Specialist Dietician for Perioperative Services.

Back Row: John Kelly – Deputy CEO, Alexander Fives – Designer in Residence, Professor Dominick McCabe – Consultant Neurologist. (Missing Prof Paul Ridgeway, Niamh Wilke, and Consultant Surgeon Maria Whelan)

The post Innovate Health at TUH has been awarded funding of over €300,000 from the HSE’s Spark Fund appeared first on Irish Voluntary Healthcare Association.

In the Upper Limb Orthopaedic Clinic, the team’s focus is on improving upper limb function and effective tone management. This often requires the use of Botulinum toxin injections, which help to loosen the muscles, enabling better stretch and enhancing overall arm function.

The use of this injection can be very painful, especially for children and it can also provoke anxiety for many children who have needle phobias. Many of the children seen in the CRC would be waitlisted for this procedure at a local paediatric hospital where they would have access to procedural sedation to manage their anxiety and pain.

For the children, their families, and carers, bringing the child into the hospital,   coupled with the uncertainties of wait times and cancellations related to demand on acute hospital beds, posed significant challenges and increased anxieties. The CRC multidisciplinary team recognised this recurring issue and sought a more efficient solution.

It became evident the importance of being able to treat children during their clinic visits, without the need for further external admissions, and a streamlined process that would ensure timely and comprehensive care.  For all the children, including many that attend school here, it was imperative to address this issue and ensure that the CRC remained their safe space.

Seeking alternative solutions for effective pain management, the expert teams sought to establish the safe use of procedural sedation in the CRC to reduce requirement for attendance at an acute hospital.

Entonox, commonly known as nitrous oxide or laughing gas is widely utilised in maternity wards and by paramedics, to alleviate immediate pain. It is currently in use in day wards in children’s hospitals, and one of the means of sedation used for this cohort of children when they were referred for the Botulinum toxin injections in the children’s hospital.

Over the last 18 months, we have undertaken extensive work, focusing on training and education on Entonox administration to ensure the highest standards of care and safety. After thorough planning Entonox was introduced in our clinics in 2023.

For most children, this development means if Botulinum toxin is required during their therapy, the treatment can be administered on the same day, eliminating the need for further hospital appointments, and potential waiting lists, and reducing the risk of cancellations. For children, the CRC is a familiar environment with familiar staff with a calm and reassuring setting. For a child, it means reduced pain with minimal disruptions to their day and for their families and carers a more seamless and calmer experience.

The development of the use of Entonox in the CRC has been a significant leap forward in paediatric care, emphasising efficiency in a patient-led approach. It is anticipated that in time this can be rolled out to other specialist clinics.  This transformative achievement is the result of dedicated collaboration among the CRC’s multidisciplinary teams, utilising charitable funds, exemplifying the power of collective efforts in driving positive change for children with disabilities, their families, and carers.

The post Administering Botox for Children appeared first on Irish Voluntary Healthcare Association.

Innovate Health at TUH provides a mechanism whereby ideas of change from the frontline can be fostered and developed into a defined project. The project is then evaluated and if successful is transferred to operations and embedded into the business as usual of the hospital. The learnings from this is then disseminated so that the project can be scaled to other healthcare settings. This Hub and Spoke model reduces duplication of effort and cost across the healthcare setting. The team have over 60 projects across clinical process, digital technologies and product development.

Headache Care Pathway– optimising the management of headache patients that present to ED. The initial trial led to significant savings of €240,867 by reducing the need for hospital admissions. The development of this pathway has been recognised by the HSE Bright Spark Award for Best Admissions Avoidance Project and was awarded a place among the top 12 projects honoured at a HSE Spark Innovation Summit.

The post Innovate Health appeared first on Irish Voluntary Healthcare Association.