HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

#115 Organ Donation

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Noreen Turley explores Ireland’s new opt-out organ donation system with ICU consultant Dr. Catherine Motherway and Olivia Farrell, whose daughter Lauren became an organ donor. Dr. Motherway explains the new legislation, addresses common misconceptions, and highlights the importance of families having conversations about donation while Olivia shares her moving personal story, showing the comfort, legacy, and life-changing gift of donation. Listeners are encouraged to learn more, talk openly with loved ones, and reflect on the impact of organ donation.
 
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#114 Weaning with Confidence

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Eamon Keogh welcomes Joanne Byrne, HSE Senior Community Dietitian. Together they explain what Weaning is, when to start, and the signs that a baby is ready.
They discuss first foods, setting up calm mealtimes, and why moving from purées to lumps and how finger foods can support development and safety. Joanne shares advice on responsive feeding, balancing milk with solids, introducing allergens early and maintaining tolerance, plus what to avoid. The episode also covers constipation basics and the difference between gagging and choking.
We would like to highlight some resources of interest:My Child HSE: https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/weaning-eating/weaning/Safefood: https://www.safefood.net/Healthy-Eating/Children/How-to-start-weaningHSE: https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/weaning-eating/weaning/tips/
 
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
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#113 Dementia & Arts

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Fergal Fox explores how creativity and community engagement can support people living with dementia. Guests Matthew Gibb, Rosin Nevin, and Catherine Daly discuss the benefits of arts-based programmes, such as poetry groups, in fostering hope, connection, and self-expression. The conversation highlights person-centred care, the importance of trust, and the power of creative activities to enhance wellbeing, reduce stigma, and help individuals with dementia maintain a sense of identity and inclusion within their communities.
 
Links to information and resources mentioned in the podcast:
DSiDC website: www.dementia.ie
Understand Together website: www.understandtogether.ie
 
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#112 Transformation in Irish Healthcare with Dr Colm Henry

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Noreen Turley interviews Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the Health Service Executive. They discuss the ongoing transformation of Irish healthcare, emphasising the shift toward more integrated, patient-centred care. Topics include the vital role of clinical leadership, expanding community-based services, and the opportunities brought about by digital innovation.
 
Dr. Henry highlights the importance of patient collaboration in designing care pathways to improve safety and quality while addressing the diverse needs of Ireland's population. He also acknowledges the dedication and essential contributions of healthcare staff, who play a key role in delivering high-quality care amid ongoing reforms and growth.
 
This episode offers listeners an informative look at the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of healthcare in Ireland today. To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communication@hse.ie
 
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#111 Suicide Bereavement

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Eamon Keogh talks with Fiona Tuomey, CEO, HUGG, and HSE Suicide Bereavement Co-ordinator Ollie Skehan about suicide bereavement. They discuss how suicide bereavement profoundly affects individuals and communities in Ireland, with each death impacting an estimated 135 people and creating layered grief that includes emotional, practical, legal, and social challenges. The discussion emphasises the need for timely, accurate information and a flexible range of supports, from peer-led and non-clinical options (like support groups community spaces) to clinical care when needed. Reducing stigma and using trauma‑informed, non-judgmental language are essential, as is active listening. If you have been affected by this topic or would like more information please see supports available below:
 
www.hse.ie/grief
www.hugg.ie
www.pieta.ie
www.childhoodbereavement.ie/
 
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
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#110 Managing Parenting Stress

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley is joined by clinical psychologist Aisling White and social worker Caroline O’Donoghue to explore parenting stress. The discussion highlights how feeling stressed is a normal part of parenting, its physical and emotional impacts, and practical strategies for self-care and stress management. The guests highlight the importance of self-compassion, open communication, and support networks, while also sharing accessible resources and programs. Listeners are reassured that seeking help is a strength, and that caring for oneself benefits both parents and children.
 
Links to information and resources mentioned in the podcast:
 
MyChild.ie - https://www2.hse.ie/my-child/
Let’s Parent DLR - https://www.letsparentdlr.ie/
HSE.ie - https://www.hse.ie/
Balancing Stress - https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/self-help/balancing-stress/
CYPSC website - https://www.cypsc.ie/
Cyber safety podcast - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-kukss-18738bf
 
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
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#109 Overdose Awareness

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox is joined by Jenny Smyth (HSE National Social Inclusion Office) and Rob (Ana Liffey Drugs Project) to mark International Overdose Awareness Day. The discussion explores overdose risks in Ireland, the vital role of naloxone, and the importance of peer-led intervention and community support. The guests share practical advice on recognising and responding to overdoses, highlight the trauma experienced by those affected, and emphasise the need for open conversations, training, and compassion to reduce stigma and save lives. 
 
See links to the resources and supports as outlined in the podcast:
International Overdose Awareness Day 2025 Webinar: https://www.drugs.ie/features/feature/international_overdose_awareness_day_20251
Overdose Rescue Plan - "Together We Can": https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/primarycare/socialinclusion/addiction/clinical-matters/naloxone/overdose-safety-and-rescue-plan-v2.pdf
Naloxone information pages: https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/primarycare/socialinclusion/addiction/clinical-matters/naloxone/ & https://www.drugs.ie/resources/naloxone/
Ana Liffey Drug Project: https://www.aldp.ie/
Naloxone Administration Training on HseLand: https://www.hseland.ie/dash/Account/PreLogin
 
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#108 Back to School

In this podcast episode, Dr. Abigail Collins, Consultant in Public Health Medicine and Clinical Lead for the National Healthy Childhood Programme, shares expert advice on preparing children for the school year. The discussion covers preventing and managing common childhood illnesses and building healthy routines, as well as advice for children who are anxious about going back to school. The episode provides practical tips for parents during the busy back-to-school period. To find advice for parents, go to MyChild.ie.
 
If you would like to get in touch with the podcast or join the HSE Health and Wellbeing mailing list, email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie.
 
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#107 Managing Menopause with underlying health conditions

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Dr. Caoimhe Hartley joins host Noreen Turley to explain what complex menopause really means, who it affects, and how Ireland’s six Complex Menopause Clinics are supporting women who may not be able to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Menopause is often discussed in terms of hot flushes and mood swings but for some women, it’s far more complicated. In this episode, we focus on complex menopause, where underlying medical conditions or cancer histories can make treatment more challenging. Caoimhe explains that there is support for women when HRT is not an option, she encourages women to make the list, ask the questions and get a referral from your GP to one of the six complex menopause clinics across the country.
From managing symptoms without hormones, to tackling brain fog, sleep disruption, and the emotional toll of feeling left out of the conversation, this episode offers practical advice, empathy, and hope to all women.
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
Produced by GKMedia.ie
 
Here are some resources mentioned in the podcast: 
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/menopause/
https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/drugspaymentscheme/
https://www.arccancersupport.ie/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dloG-DQKKmk

#106 Elder Abuse Awareness

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Eamon Keogh welcomes Tim Hanly, General Manager and Teresa Cronin, Director of Nursing from the HSE Safeguarding Office. Together, they explain what Elder Abuse is. Also outlining how it still remains an issue in society, with isolation and loneliness increasing the risk of abuse for some of our elderly population. They talk through the different type of elder abuse, financial, physical, emotional or due to neglect. The conversation highlights how to recognise the signs of elder abuse and what services are available if someone feels they need to report it.
 
We would like to highlight some resources of interest:
 
Community safeguarding and protection teams: www.hse.ie/safeguarding
 
HSE Social Prescribing https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthwellbeing/our-priority-programmes/mental-health-and-wellbeing/social-prescribing/social%20prescribing%20leaflet%20for%20health%20professionals.pdf
                                                                            
 
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
Produced by GKMedia.ie