Morning Focus began with a look at the delay in the opening of the new Emergency Department in Limerick. UL Hospitals Group have confirmed that the opening date for the facility has been pushed back to May 2017, despite reassurances previously that the ED would be up and running in the first quarter of next year. The group says contractors are on track to hand over the project at the end of March, but it will take a number of weeks for the new department to be equipped for opening. Gavin was joined on the line by Colette Cowan, UL Hospitals Group CEO.
Gavin then spoke about how Gardaí say the country won’t be abandoned when they go on strike. The union representing rank and file officers has announced “a unilateral withdrawal of Services” on four separate days in November in their pay row. However they say 999 calls will still be answered and emergencies will be dealt with.
He spoke with Ciarán O’Neill, President Garda Representative Association (GRA)
The Murrihy family from Kilmihil then got in touch with Clare FM after a traumatic incident on Monday afternoon last (Sept. 26) involving their one-year- old son, PJ. The top of one of his fingers was torn off after a chair fell on it. His dad, Leslie, called 112 and drove to meet the ambulance on the Kilrush-Ennis Road. They were also assisted by Red Cross personnel. Paramedics met the family, assessed PJ and called the air ambulance to take him to UHG. When that wasn’t available, they called on the Shannon-based rescue helicopter who took PJ to Galway for surgery. It’s hoped his finger will be saved, but the family has a nervous few days ahead.
Leslie Murrihy from Kilmihil came on to tell the story.
Dr Máire Finn our resident doctor came on to answer listener questions.
The next guest spoke movingly on the show some months back about losing her mum after a dementia diagnosis. Carmel Geoghegan was also one of those behind a major conference on living with dementia in rural Ireland, which was held in Galway last May. Carmel came back on the show to talk about a new initiative at Galway University Hospitals, designed to support patients with dementia who have to attend A&E. The Butterfly Scheme allows people with temporary confusion, memory loss and dementia to make this fact clear to hospital staff and provides staff with practical training to offer a simple, five-point, targeted response to meet their needs.
Gavin then spoke about a new exhibition underway at the moment in Ennistymon which commemorates women who’ve died in the care of Irish maternity services. The Courthouse Gallery is hosting a show entitled ‘Picking up the Threads: Remaking the Fabric of Care’ by artitst Martina Hynan. As well as remembering these women, Martina is one of those actively campaigning for mandatory inquests into all maternal deaths to be included in the new Coroner’s Bill. As part of the show, a documentary called ‘Picking up the Threads’ by Anne Marie Greene will be screened tonight (Thursday, September 26) at 7.30.
Martina Hynan came on the show to talk about her exhibition.
Morning Focus then looked at the possibility of a new system of motor tax that could be introduced that’ll link the amount people pay to the actual emissions created by their individual car and driving behaviour. Minister for Communication, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughton said he will urge OECD environment ministers to spearhead a challenge to enable agencies such as the NCT service to access computer chips in cars on which such data is stored.
Gavin was joined on the line by Conor Faughnan from AA Roadwatch on the matter
Many listeners will already know about the excellent services provided by Sláinte an Chláir to those battling with cancer and their families. For those who can’t attend the centres, Sláinte is today (Thurs. Sept. 29) launching a phone counselling facility.
**Counselling service – 087 6912396
Sláinte is also rolling out a programme for children affected by cancer. Called CLIMB, the scheme supports children when a care giver is diagnosed with cancer.
Gavin spoke with Marie Kelly, Facilitator CLIMB
Gavin then spoke about how commemorative ceremonies for the centenary of 1916 are still being held. A very special event will take place this Sunday (Oct. 2) as Doora- Barefield honours the Rising. Noted historian and author Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc will give the keynote and a commemorative mass will also be celebrated on the day. The event will also include the unveiling of a commemorative monument, a book launch and an exhibition of memorabilia from the period 1916-1921.
Gavin was joined by Mary O’Halloran and Seamus O’Sullivan, Chairperson of the Commemoration Committee
Morning Focus ended talking about how primary schools are being encouraged to learn more about science at an exciting festival set to take place at Mary I in Limerick in January. The deadline for applications for the RDS Primary Science Fair is fast approaching though – it’s next Wednesday (Oct. 5) and a huge level of interest is expected. Last year, ten schools from this county took part, with Ballyvaughan, Kilkee, Stonehall, Bodyke, Newmarket on Fergus, Ennis, Tullyvarraga, Barefield, Kilshanny and Doonah getting involved. It’s hoped that the 2017 Limerick Fair will have a similarly strong representation from Banner schools, with the additional day allowing even more schools to take part.
Gavin was joined by Joanna Quinn (from Doonbeg), Foundation Director, RDS
