HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

#151 Compassionate Cultures in Health Care

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley is joined by Professor Michael West to explore how organisational culture shapes the wellbeing of staff and the quality of care across our health services. Drawing on his decades of research and experience with health systems, Michael discusses what compassionate leadership looks like in practice and how it can help create healthier, more supportive cultures for staff, patients and service users.
 
They talk about the realities and pressures facing healthcare staff across many organisations and health systems, how cultures develop and change over time, and the growing evidence for more compassionate, inclusive and partnership-based approaches to leadership that work with staff, patients and service users as genuine partners in care. Michael shares practical, everyday actions – such as listening with real attention, supporting teams, and prioritising staff wellbeing – that can help shift organisational culture and sustain people working in complex, high-demand environments.
 
Whether you are a senior manager, a team lead or working on the frontline, this conversation offers insight, encouragement and very practical ideas to support healthier, more compassionate organisational cultures across our health services.
 
Core behaviours of our culture
organisationalculturegroup@hse.ie
 
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#150 Promoting Wellbeing through Equity

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we're taken inside the 30th Annual Health Promotion Conference at the University of Galway, where experts from across Ireland and beyond gathered to explore health equity and reflect on 40 years since the Ottawa Charter. Keynote speakers, researchers, and practitioners shared insights on tackling structural inequalities, empowering communities, and building cross-sector partnerships. Topics ranged from tobacco control and dementia prevention to youth vaping and the community walking programme, Ireland Lights Up—all united by a commitment to making health promotion more equitable, inclusive, and impactful for everyone.
 
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#149 Dangers of Sunbeds

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Well-Being podcast, we speak with Selene Daly Tarpey, Nurse Tutor HSE Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Education Sligo Leitrim West Cavan, about the serious health risks of sunbed use and the importance of skin cancer prevention. Selene draws on her dermatology experience to debunk common tanning myths, including the idea that sunbeds boost vitamin D or provide a "safe base tan". She highlights the SunSmart 5 S’s, encourages fake tan as a safer alternative, and addresses social media's influence on tanning culture.
 
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#148 Men’s Health in the Pharmacy

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, we are joined by pharmacists Greg Cleary and Tom Murray to explore men's health in the pharmacy setting. The conversation covers a range of important topics, including blood pressure monitoring, smoking cessation, erectile dysfunction, sexual health, cardiovascular health, vaccinations, and mental wellbeing. The pharmacists highlight how pharmacies serve as accessible, confidential, and non-judgmental spaces where men can proactively address their health concerns, encouraging men to take charge of their wellbeing with the support of their local pharmacist.
 
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#147 Men’s Mental Health

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, we welcome award-winning writer, poet, and mental health advocate, Daragh Fleming, for an open and thoughtful conversation about men's mental health and healthy masculinity. Daragh shares his personal journey through depression, grief, and unhealthy coping mechanisms, exploring how poetry helped him reconnect with his emotions. He challenges rigid ideas of masculinity, encourages men to break away from traditional ideas of what it means to be a man, and highlights the value of creativity in emotional wellbeing. The episode highlights the free counselling and mental health supports available for men through the HSE,  insightful for anyone interested in or concerned about men's mental health. For more information on men’s mental health supports go to: https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/men/?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23016926794&gbraid=0AAAAADtFcVUGKeuTc4JdAQvcaIZs3cuxF&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0JnRBhDJARIsALobnXawgt7h3mY8ectUZR8PnRhwNqscV6UsscJdn0EG1LkP0wgXqHtPqiQaAvO2EALw_wcB#connect-counsellings-phone-service-for-men
 
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#146 Eczema: Practical Support

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Noreen Turley is joined by Louise Carolan, Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Dermatology at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, to explain what eczema is, why it flares, and what really helps. Living with eczema can feel overwhelming, but there are lots of practical ways to get it under control and improve day‑to‑day life. Louise explains the difference between eczema and dermatitis, the most common symptoms in children and adults, and why consistent moisturising and repairing the skin barrier are so important. She shares down‑to‑earth advice on bathing, using emollients and topical steroids safely, managing night‑time itching, navigating sports, school and exams, and when it’s time to see your GP or be referred to dermatology. The episode also highlights trusted supports like hse.ie, the Irish Skin Foundation nurse line and resources, and eczema‑specific online tools to help families and adults feel less alone and more confident in managing this long‑term skin condition
 
Find trusted eczema information and support at hse.ie, irishskin.ie, Irish Skin Foundation nurse line (01) 486 6280  and the British Skin Foundation and Eczema Care Online 
 
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#145 Skin Cancer Prevention: Be SunSmart

In this podcast episode, Specialist in Public Health Dr. Breeda Neville and skin cancer prevention advocate Bernie Rice join us to discuss the SunSmart campaign and the critical importance of skin protection to prevent skin cancer in Ireland. They are working tirelessly to increase awareness of the steps you and your family can take to protect your skin from the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Dr. Neville details the SunSmart campaign and the fight against skin cancer, the protective measures that can be taken and the need for increased awareness in Ireland. Bernie shares her poignant story of losing her daughter Sharon to melanoma skin cancer, reinforcing the campaign's significance. The episode covers the dangers of unregulated tanning products, the special vulnerability of children to UV damage, and strategies for promoting sun safety among outdoor workers. The conversation underscores the value of early detection, education, and personal advocacy in combating skin cancer. More information available at https://www.hse.ie/sunsmart/
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
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#144 Understanding Endometriosis in young people

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Noreen Turley speaks with Kathleen King, HSE National Endometriosis Education Lead, and Cate O’Connor, HSE National Endometriosis Education Officer, who have developed an educational programme educating young people in school and clubs about periods, pelvic pain and the impact of endometriosis and adenomyosis. They explore how severe menstrual symptoms can affect school, college, work, sport, friendships as well as mental health, and why it is vital to distinguish typical period discomfort from distressing symptoms that regularly disrupt daily activities. Kathleen explains that endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition, predominantly found in the pelvis, linked with severe cyclical pain, bowel and bladder problems, fatigue and migraine, and that it can be difficult to diagnose. The guests put a real emphasise on the importance of tracking menstrual symptoms over several months, noticing patterns, and bringing concrete information to GP appointments.
They introduce MISE, the HSE menstrual health and endometriosis education programme for schools, workplaces and sports clubs, adapted from a long‑running New Zealand initiative. MISE aims to normalise conversations about menstrual health, empower young people to understand their bodies, and help parents and teachers recognise when to seek medical advice. The episode also outlines how GPs can use HSE clinical guidance to make a presumptive diagnosis and start treatment, and highlights trusted information sources, including MISE Ireland and HSE.ie
 
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#143 Tobacco End Game

In this episode of HSE Talk and Health and Wellbeing, host Noreen speaks with Dr. Paul Kavanagh, a public health consultant and adviser to HSE Tobacco Free Ireland. Drawing on personal experience and expert knowledge, Dr. Kavanagh explores Ireland's tobacco endgame - the goal of eliminating tobacco harm entirely by 2035. He discusses the ongoing impact of smoking on Irish society, the tobacco industry's influence on policy, and bold strategies such as a tobacco-free generation policy and nicotine reduction in cigarettes. The discussion includes a call to action for public support to eliminate tobacco’s influence and highlights the stop smoking supports available both online and in person for those seeking support to quit.
 
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#142 How Alcohol Affects Your Brain

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Noreen Turley talks to Dr Sean O’Dowd, Consultant Neurologist and Clinical Lead for HSE National Dementia Services, and Dr Claire Neill, Consultant in Public Health Medicine with the National Health Improvement Team.
 
They discuss how alcohol affects the brain in the short and long term, including its impact on mood, sleep and mental health. They also explore alcohol use among young people, why there is no safe level of alcohol for health, and how population-level measures like pricing, availability and marketing restrictions can reduce harm.
 
Drinking alcohol, especially at higher levels over time, can damage brain cells and is linked to a higher risk of dementia. This makes changing your drinking an important way to protect your brain health. Claire and Sean share practical advice on how cutting down on alcohol can improve your sleep, mood, energy and thinking, and how the brain can recover when people reduce or stop drinking.
 
They also highlight supports available if you’re concerned about your drinking. Your GP can help by offering advice, carrying out a brief assessment and, if needed, referring you to HSE drug and alcohol services or counselling.
 
You can also contact the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459 or visit Ask About Alcohol for clear, trusted information and support:
www.dementia.ie
www.askaboutalcohol.ie
 
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