HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

#125 A Lookback on 2025

In the final episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast for 2025, hosts Fergal, Noreen, and Eamon reflect on a year of inspiring conversations covering diverse health and wellbeing topics. They highlight the courage and authenticity of guests who shared personal stories on issues such as suicide bereavement, cultural diversity, HIV stigma, mental health, and cancer. The episode celebrates the power of storytelling, the importance of community partnerships, and the ongoing commitment to providing accessible, evidence-based advice. Listeners are warmly thanked for their support, with a promise of more insightful episodes in 2026.
 
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#124 ALONE & Enhanced Community Care

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore how ALONE and the HSE’s Enhanced Community Care (ECC) programme collaborate to support older adults in relation to many areas of their health and wellbeing and fundamentally to live well at home. Our guests are Catriona Brennan, Candidate, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, frailty, Gail Flynn, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, older persons, and Aileen O'Reilly, Head of Research, Evaluation and policy at ALONE. Through real-life case studies and expert insights, the discussion highlights the value of comprehensive geriatric assessments, community partnerships, and practical supports - from home adaptations to befriending services. Listeners will gain an understanding of how joined up person-centred care helps older people maintain independence, dignity and wellbeing, while also easing pressure on healthcare services.
 
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#123 Spark Innovation Programme: Empowering Staff, Improving Care

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley welcomes Caitriona Heffernan, National Clinical Innovation Lead and Anna Marie Kiernan, National Nursing/Midwifery Innovation Fellow, from the HSE Spark Innovation Programme. Together, they discuss how Spark empowers frontline healthcare staff to develop and implement innovative ideas that improve patient care across Ireland. The conversation highlights the programme’s support through funding, mentorship, and education, the importance of teamwork in innovation, and the value of involving patients in co-creating solutions. The HSE Spark Innovation Programme represents a transformative approach to healthcare innovation, empowering frontline healthcare workers to develop solutions that improve patient care and service delivery across Ireland's health system
Listeners are encouraged to explore Spark’s opportunities and become active contributors to positive change in healthcare. For more information visit https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/spark-innovation-programme/
 
 
 
 
 
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#122 Breastfeeding: Embracing Support and Building Confidence

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Noreen Turley welcomes Sheila Lucey, an advanced nurse practitioner and infant feeding specialist, for an in-depth discussion on breastfeeding. Sheila shares expert information on the benefits of breastfeeding, preparing before birth, and the importance of early support. The conversation covers practical tips for overcoming challenges, the significance of skin-to-skin contact, and available resources for families. Listeners are encouraged to seek support, trust their own journey, and remember that every feed counts. The episode aims to empower and reassure parents with accessible, up-to-date information and encouragement.
 
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#121 Movember

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Fergal Fox welcomes Cliona Fitzpatrick from Movember to discuss their recent Report; The Real Face of Men’s Health in Ireland. They explore the impact of Movember’s initiatives, the findings of their new research, and the importance of community-based support. The conversation outlines the need to focus on health inequalities, the role of caregivers, and the need for collaboration across sectors. New HSE supports for men’s mental health are highlighted as well as some of the existing programmes of work in the area of men’s health. Movember are calling for the full implementation of the HSE National Men’s Health Action Plan, Healthy Ireland Men 2024 – 2028 and are planning to work with the HSE and other partners to deliver on this. Listeners are encouraged to engage in men’s health conversations and access available resources, with a warm invitation to join ongoing efforts to improve wellbeing for men and their families.
 
For further support on men’s mental health: https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/men/
For the full Movember Report on The Real Face of Men’s Health: https://ie.movember.com/movember-institute/the-real-face-of-mens-health-report
To access the HSE National Men’s Health Action Plan: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/publications/health-and-wellbeing/national-men-s-health-action-plan-2024-2028.pdf
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
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#120 Climate Action in Healthcare

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health & Wellbeing Podcast, host Eamon Keogh talks with Roisin Breen and Dr Ola Nordrum about the HSE’s climate action journey: why healthcare must lead, what the priority frameworks cover, and how staff and leaders can turn strategy into delivery. They discuss the health impacts already seen, practical wins such as Green Theatres, inhaler changes and greener labs, and how the HseLand Climate & Sustainability Learning Hub and regional Green Teams are building momentum. The episode offers clear starting points for teams, the role of leadership and measurement, and how to scale what works.
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
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#119 Supporting Staff with Disabilities in the Workplace

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, we speak with Gráinne Leach and Kellie O’Farrell to discuss the experiences of people with disabilities working in the health service. Gráinne works as a Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Officer with HSE Human Resources and Kellie works as a Senior Occupational Therapist in Primary Care. The conversation highlights personal journeys, workplace challenges, and the importance of inclusion and reasonable accommodations. Both guests share how supportive colleagues, clear policies, and networks like the Le Cheile Network foster a more inclusive culture. The episode offers practical advice for managers and staff, emphasising empathy, open communication, and the value of accessible support systems in creating a healthier, more equitable workplace for all.
The HSE’s DEI Team also offers guidance and support to staff and health service managers on disability and reasonable accommodation. For more information and to get in touch with the Le Chéile network email the HSE Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) team  You can contact them at diversity.hr@hse.ie.
 
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#118 Stroke Awareness

In this episode we talk to Sinéad Coleman, Programme Manager for the HSE National Clinical Programme for Stroke and Physiotherapist at St. James’s Hospital. We discuss the importance of knowing the signs of stroke and responding immediately, highlighting the “Every Second Counts” and the importance of ringing an ambulance as soon as possible. Sinéad explains stroke symptoms, the urgent care pathway, and prevention strategies, while emphasising that immediate action, calling emergency services at the first sign, can save lives and improve recovery.
 
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#117 Physical activity during cancer treatment

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Eamon Keogh talks with Dr Emer Guinan about the benefits of physical activity during cancer treatment and beyond. They explore how moderate, sustained movement can help manage side effects like fatigue, support mental wellbeing, and improve day‑to‑day function. The discussion explains why a personalised approach is essential, offers practical starting points such as brisk walking and basic strength exercises, and points to the growing role of rehabilitation and community programmes in cancer care.
If you are considering becoming more active, speak with your oncology team or physiotherapy service for tailored advice and local options.
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
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#116 Fair Deal Scheme

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we are joined by Ultan Hynes and Amanda Casey to discuss Ireland’s Nursing Home Support Scheme, or Fair Deal Scheme. The conversation explores the emotional and practical challenges families face when arranging nursing home care, the application and financial assessment process, and the importance of advance planning and open family communication. Listeners receive clear guidance on navigating the scheme, with helpful resources and reassurance that support is available throughout this significant life transition.
 
Further information:
Fair Deal Scheme: www.hse.ie/fairdeal
Contact a Nursing Homes Support Office: https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/fair-deal-scheme/contact/
Find a nursing home in your area: https://www.hiqa.ie/areas-we-work/find-a-centre/map
 
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