HSE "Targeting the weak" says Tom Higgins on Dungarvan Hospital Cuts

Cuts, cutbacks, cost saving measures, phrases that we are becoming all to used to hearing and reading in these grey days of recession though whatever word is used to describe an action taken by any government agency or private corporation (i.eTalk Talk/GSK) can only end up in the inevitable creation of a few more victims of this fiscal crisis.

Today we learn that fifteen beds and a number of agency staff are envisaged to be lost from our local Dungarvan Community Hospital due to measures by the HSE to aid in the recovery of a local 3 million euro budget overspend.

Without figures at hand the amount of people affected by this is hard to judge, the beds are said to be "short term" beds.  Is that a couple of days, a week, two months, and which patients do they serve? Though it is obviously going to affect not only those  requiring these beds but also their families, friends and carers who I imagine will be having to make a decision on whether to care for the loved one at home or seek alternative respite/rehab care elsewhere, meaning higher costs and longer journeys for any visits. Though where these beds can be found is any one's guess.

3 million is quite an overspend you'll agree and Waterford Community Services should provide details of just how this came about, we are all balancing the books at the moment but the importance of our health care facilities should really mean that they should be the last resort when it comes to making cuts. After all the most important factor is that this is a "Community Hospital" that, after undergoing a 32 bedroom extension costing 10 million euro, (opened ironically by The Chair of the HSE almost to this day only 1 year ago) is now going to house 15 less beds, though those that survive will undoubtedly comprise of better conditions/facilities, they will serve fewer people and therefore a smaller percentage of Our Community.

In a recession and times of financial hardship the term "less is more" is often wise advice, but not in this case, keep these beds and jobs in Dungarvan Community Hospital!

Footnote: The HSE spent over 139 million euro on hiring temporary agency staff in 2010.

The Meteor and The Whale

Well what a beginning and end the last weekend gave our small town on the South East Coast of Ireland. It goes to show you never know and just about anything is possible!  On Friday I was a little late to learn of the unfortunate stranding of the large Sperm Whale that had caused a large furore over on the Cunnigar as hundreds swooped to witness for themselves as the magnificent but tragic creature's demise approached. The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group were quick on the scene and you can only feel for these people who give so much to the study, preservation, and protection of some of our more incredible and beautiful visitor's to our coastline.  Ironically Sunday past was the Whale Watch day at Ardmore, an event I can gladly say I attended in a previous year and was able to discuss and learn so much about the species, I highly recommend anyone to do this in the future especially to bring the children along and awaken their interest in the natural world around them, not seeing a whale/dolphin is irrelevant (great if you do) but becoming a little more knowledgeable far outweighs that and I guarantee the kids will happily watch for hours, if the weathers good bring a picnic and once you know a little more you can always have your own whale watch day whenever you like. And it's for free, hooray!

This was the 68th such stranding of a whale on the Irish coastline and we can only hope that what this rare but unfortunate close encounter brings is a greater awareness and appreciation to many of us.

Rather than post a photo of the forlorn animal click here for a link to the IWDG species page to learn more about the Sperm Whale.

Our second event occurred late Monday night early Tuesday morning at approximately 00:10 and whereas the previous extraordinary occurence was of the sea, this one was very much of the sky. Upon looking out towards the majestic Comeragh Mountains I saw a spectacular (albeit short) display that took a moment to comprehend.  The eye only sees what the mind knows and the relationship between the two became strained for an instant as an extremely bright and large green light streaked nonchalantly across the dark night sky. Now this only lasted for around 1.5 seconds (maybe due to cloud?) but it certainly wasn't forgettable, questionable perhaps had my eyes deceived me? 

After putting out a manic tweet in the hope of contacting other witnesses I found that there were other Tweeters from Dundalk and as far as South West Scotland were doing the same thing.

"@AstronomyIrl saw a massive flash of light near Dundalk Co.Louth last night about 12:15, thought I was seeing things. #Fireball??"

From @NotHereFurlong

"Anyone in SW Scotland see the massive freball at 00:10 BST. It lit the sky around us and the side of the cottage"

From @GallowayAstro

Thank God I wasn't imagining things and thanks to Dungarvan Brewing Company's Cormac O Dwyer who responded locally having also seen the phenomena

"@DungarvanDiary Just after midnight two nights ago? Saw that too."

From @CormacO'Dwyer

Early Tuesday morning Astronomy Ireland  confirmed that a fragment of a comet had entered the earths atmosphere above Ireland, and how lucky it was to witness it.  I have filed a report with them and encourage any other witnesses to do so.

Closest likeness I could find in video though didn't breakup

Now at 300 euro a gram, if only I could find a piece of the darned thing!!

One Of Our Ambulances Is Missing?........or will be!

Last weekend over 1000 residents of nearby Youghal (our neighbours down the road) took to the streets in what was thankfully a peaceful protest amidst a week full of disturbing images of public disorder and violence in England where lack of public services were in evidence as the dwindling police force fought against ridiculous odds whilst buildings and businesses burnt to the ground with fire crews powerless.


The emergency services are integral in the safety and security of every community and it is somewhat comforting to know they are there should, God forbid, any bad fortune befall us or anyone close.


The people of Youghal know that, as do we here in Dungarvan, and that is why they marched against proposals to replace their town ambulance service with a first responder paramedic vehicle. "A first what" you ask? Well a first responder vehicle is firstly not an ambulance and according to what I found is little more than a car with a first aid kit on board, hardly fitting for use in any medical emergency for a town of around 7,000 people. The person in charge of this vehicle, whilst obviously doing their best would be;


A certified first responder is a person who has completed a course and received certification in providing pre-hospital care for medical emergencies. They have more skill than someone who is trained in basic first aid but they are not a substitute for advanced medical care - Wiki


which is hardly inspiring for anyone in need of urgent attention.


But how does this affect Dungarvan?


Well quite simply it is envisaged that any need of an ambulance equipped with paramedics for a call out to Youghal would primarily be drawn from one of four areas, and yes you guessed it Dungarvan is one of those concerned.


Quoting The Irish Times article by Orla Kelleher where I learnt of this on Monday last


"Protesters said that if a medical emergency happens from next month, the patient will have to wait at least 20 minutes before an ambulance from Midleton, Dungarvan, Fermoy or even Cork city arrives to take them to hospital."


So statistically at least (whilst I am sure every effort would be made to avoid any shortage) one in four ambulance call outs to Youghal would be from Dungarvan. Including mileage, treatment times and possible hospital transfers this equates to a considerable time away from home base. And then it rolls on......if we fall short where do we have to depend on for back up? And can you or I afford to?


Talks are continuing between the Save Youghal Ambulance Group and the HSE and I think we should all be keeping a close eye on this one as Dungarvan's health may depend on it. 


Slainte Mhath

Sean Kelly Tour 2011 - Just Around the Corner

Well the time is nearly upon us all again when cyclists (and meself) take to the saddle for the 2011 Sean Kelly Tour an event now pulling over 5,000 competitors from all over Ireland, the UK and Europe.

Starting here in the heart of Dungarvan and taking in in three routes of varying difficulty (namely 50k - 90k - and the 150k) this years date is Sunday August 28 2011 so not long left for turning those pedals like ninety in the final preparations.

Having taken part in the past two events I can vouch for how well organised an event this is and the words received from other entrants will truly back this up, from start to finish and along the beautifully scenic route you are looked after superbly with refreshments abundantly supplied by sponsors and locals alike and by the back up vehicles that can provide you with a new tyre in the unfortunate event of a blowout. Yes hand up, twas I the baldy tyre guy, who ventured out around 10k with a threatening bulge (in the tyre thread!) before it literally all blew up in my face. Thanks again to the spritely elderly lady who sped past my forlorn location passing on the supportive words "You having a rest already?"

That was on the 50k, and this year I may step it up and try to conquer the Kelly Coast 90k, hoping that both my legs and aged mountain bike are up to the challenge, though the spare tube is already in place if i'm in for a repeat, and a pillow for my sore behind will be placed in the fridge. Below is the route; (click to enlarge)


God Help Us.

So only four weeks training left to get in and be in reasonable shape for the challenge. And Mrs "having a rest", I'll be looking out for you, lol!

The Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford

A 10k Family Cycle is being held the previous day Saturday 27 August around Dungarvan, Abbeyside, Clonea and the Gold Coast so get the whole crew out for a spin you won't regret it!

The Kelly Ten - 10k Family Cycle

Video from VisitWaterford.

And last but certainly not least, a simple word to all the volunteers involved in this event......Thanks!

Slainte Mhaith