Morning Focus began with a look at robots. Yesterday has been hailed as a landmark day at University Hospital Limerick, as the hospital unveiled a revolutionary piece of technology. The hospital showcased its new 2.8 million euro Di Vinci XI robotic surgery programme. We’ll have more on this later in the program, as we meet an Ennisman who’s already been operated on using this technology, but as the machine was unveiled UL Hospital Group CEO Colette Cowan spoke with the media, including Clare FM’s Ronan Moyles. They talked overcrowding, the impact on the hospital of the Shannondoc changes, and infections but first, robots.
An expert group on water charges has officially recommended that most households will NOT have to pay any bills. The group’s report, released this evening, says charges should be covered by general taxation – with only ‘wasteful’ users receiving bills. The recommendations are now being given to an Oireachtas committee which will draw up a final system for political approval. Gavin was joined on the line by Martin Conway.
Talk then turned to drugs. Crimestoppers are urging the public to combat drug dealing with a confidential hotline. Calls by members of the public to the Dial to Stop Drug Dealing line have resulted in the seizure of illicit drugs including cocaine, heroin and cannabis. You needn’t give your name or address and won’t receive a call back unless requested. It’s supported by An Garda Síochána and the Department of Health. Gavin was joined on the line by Cian Connaughton from Crimestoppers.
The Clare Leader Forum are calling on all people with disabilities, their supporters, families and friends to come together on the 2nd of December from 11.30am in Treacy’s West County Hotel, Ennis, for an afternoon of unity, solidarity, remembrance and song. The event will be celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Gavin was joined on the line by Ann Marie Flanagan, PRO of the Clare Leader Forum, and Dr Eilionoir Flynn from NUIG.
The UL Hospital Group has unveiled an insight into the future. As you’ve already heard on this program, the hospital has invested 2.8 million euro in the Di Vinci XI robotic surgery programme. The technology provides 3D-HD visualisation, giving surgeons with a highly magnified view of the and virtually extending their eyes and hands into the patient. There are smaller incisions for the patient, and early studies show that post-op recovery times are significantly lower. It’s already been used in nearly 30 surgeries, and Clare FM’s Ronan Moyles has met some of those behind the initiative and also the Ennisman who was first to go under the robotic knife.
Talk then turned to Fashion. Shannon Airport’s ‘Fashion on the Runway’ show takes place on Tuesday 6th December. Special guest and presenter on the night will be one of Ireland’s best loved fashion experts, Shannon native, TV presenter, journalist and founder/editor of Exquisite.ie Aisling O’Loughlin. Proceeds from the event will go to the airport’s designated charities. Deridre Whitney, Part of Shannon Group Staff Charity Committee, joined Gavin live in studio.
Following sell out shows last year, Seán Keane is back in Ennis. He’ll be playing in Glór tomorrow evening (Thursday 1st) singing songs from his new album, which will be in shops for Christmas, as well as some old classics from his well-known repertoire. His new album is called New Day Dawning, and the track we have lined up is One More Hour. Seán joined Gavin live in studio.
Next up we had our monthly book club, the book discussed was ‘The Elegance of the Hedgehog’ by Muriel Barbery. Gavin was joined live in studio by Seamus Ryan, Library Assistant in the DeValera Public Library in Ennis, and Teresa Carmody O’Shea from Ennis Library.
Clare Roots Society have finished their first publication. ‘The Turnpike’ will be launched on Thursday 1st December by the Mayor of Ennis Cllr. Ann Norton at the Old Ground Hotel. The book is a window straight into the past and history of Ennis. Gavin was joined live in studio by the author Flan Hehir and Larry Brennan, founding member of Clare Roots Society.
To finish the show the Enable Ireland charity shop on High Street, Ennis is appealing for donations of good quality women’s and men’s clothes, accessories and homewares in the run up to the busy Christmas shopping season. The charity can take donations in multiple ways – through their nationwide chain of textile banks, in any TK Maxx shop nationwide, directly into any Enable Ireland shop, through corporate and community Bring Back Days and house collections. Gavin was joined by Mary Hynes, Area Manager of Enable Ireland in the West.
