A World of Cribs in St Joseph's Redemptorist Monastery Dundalk from Sun Dec 21st

St Joseph’s Redemptorist Monastery in Dundalk will be hosting ‘A World of Cribs’ over the festive period.
The church will host a unique display of over 450 nativities from around the world from this Sunday December 21st right through until the following week December 28^th, with the exception of Christmas Day.
The display is open daily from 2pm to 5pm and admission is free.
Donations are in aid of Dundalk Simon Community while groups can be accommodated via appointment.

Official opening of the Family Bereavement Room and launch of Tree of Remembrance in Lourdes Hospital

Thursday Dec 11th  was a special day in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital as broadcaster George Hook officially opened the hospital’s new Family Bereavement Room, and staff unveiled the annual Tree of Remembrance.

The Family Bereavement Room is a space created for relatives to grieve the passing of a loved one. It is also a dedicated space for them to spend a short period with their deceased relative before they are transferred to the care of the funeral director.

Speaking about the facility, Operational Services Manager, Yvonne Gregory complimented the staff who had fundraised to assist with the refurbishment of the space and provide the furnishings and artwork for the rooms. She said, “The provision of this facility is testament to the efforts of the hospital staff who fundraised in the last year to generate the funds to carry out this work. It is much needed within the hospital, and will offer a dedicated space of solace for families who are bereaved. I am proud of the staff for recognising and supporting this need.”

The Hospital End of Life Coordinator, Mary McGrane welcomed the opening of the facility. She said, “We aim to fulfil the requirements of a Hospice Friendly Hospital (HFH), where we have dedicated space for families to spend time near their relative who is approaching end of life. This facility meets that aim and also offers families the option of spending time immediately after death with their relative in a relaxed and quiet environment. We hope to continue to deliver similar facilities in other parts of hospital in the future.”

Fiona Edwards, A/Group General Manager, Louth Meath Hospital, added, “This is continuing our aim of realising the HFH ethos at the hospital. I am delighted also that we are able to welcome Mr. George Hook to the hospital today to undertake the official opening of the facility”.

Staff also unveiled the hospital’s Tree of Remembrance. This is a symbol of love for all who have died recently or some time ago and provides an annual opportunity for staff and visitors to remember colleagues, family and friends by placing a card of prayer or thought on the tree.

The Hospice Friendly Hospital Programme 
The Hospice Friendly Hospitals Programme was launched in 2007, with the aim of developing and promoting a culture of care for those facing death in hospitals that would draw on the principles of hospice care. More information on the Hospice Friendly Hospital Initiative is available on http://hospicefoundation.ie/healthcare-programmes/hospice-friendly-hospitals/hospice-friendly-hospitals/. 

Mr. George Hook has undertaken work in the past with the Hospice Friendly Hospitals Initiative. He has featured in and commented on material used by the HFI as part of their media campaigns. It is for this reason that he was invited to open the facility at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. Hospital Management are delighted that he has taken time from his busy schedule to do so.

Speaking in the Seanad on Statements on the standard of care in residential care homes

Today in the Seanad I call for an independent inquiry into Áras Attracta

Today I  called for an amendment on today's Seanad Order of Business for the Minister for Health to come into the House for a debate on Primetime programme that aired last night on Áras Attracta. 'Last night's Primetime programme displayed the disgusting lack of compassion and care for vulnerable residents by care workers in Áras Attracta.  I thought very long and hard last night before tabling an amendment to the Order of Business seeking Minister Varadkar to come into the Seanad to debate the neglect and abuse that was shown on the programme.  I am deeply  disappointed that the motion was not seconded and was not accepted for discussion.
'The Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Kathleen Lynch TD will be in the House this evening to discuss the matter as a result of my amendment which is tabled for a half hour debate.
'I have been contacted by many people today who are deeply upset by what they saw last night. People with an intellectual disability are the most vulnerable in our society. I was sickened and ashamed by the physical and psychological abuse directed at the residents in Aras Attracta.
'I believe we need an immediate  full independent inquiry. I find it deeply concerning that Aras Attracta was found to be compliant in May.
'There are  many people who were affected last night as a result of what they witnessed on the Prime Time programme--kicking, force-feeding, slapping and harsh language.
'As a member of the Seanad and as Spokesperson for Disability, I feel it is my duty to bring this matter to the fore and to call for the Minister of Health to urgently attend the House.'

Speaking in the Seanad today calling for an independent enquiry into the Swinford residential care home

Delighted to visit Dundalk Grammar School economics class last week

I spent a very interesting morning in Dundalk Grammar at the invitation of Mr Paul Brady and his senior economics class, following on from their recent visit to Leinster House. 

 With the economics class and teacher Paul Brady

Speaking in the Seanad on cyberbullying, the polar plunge and the Swinford residential home revelations