The Health Information and Quality Authority says the welfare of patients is put at risk through the persistent and generally accepted tolerance of using trolleys in hospital corridors for long periods of time
It says the practice is wholly unacceptable – and that no patients should be treated on trolleys anywhere in the State while waiting for hospital admission
The Health Minister James Reilly says the HIQA report these recommendations are made in, will be an important element in driving the Health Reform Programme
HIQA says it also has significant concerns in relation to the waiting times and quality of information in other hospitals providing a 24-hour Emergency Department
On Friday’s Morning Focus John Cooke discussed this with Mary Fogarty of the INMO Midwest and Stephen McMahon of the Irish Patients’ Association.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny is in West Clare later to officially open Loophead Lighthouse for the Summer 2012
The Taoiseach’s grandfather was lighthouse keeper there in the 1920s and 1930s
The historic Loop Head Lighthouse – dating back to the 1670s – reopens to the public for the summer, two weeks ahead of schedule
The lighthouse, which is located on the most westerly tip of Co Clare, was opened to visitors last summer for the fist time in its 341-year history
Cillian Murphy, Chairperson of Loophead Tourism, Ger Dollard – Director of Services at Clare County Council and West Clare Councillor Gabriel Keating of Fine Gael welcomed the reopening of the lighthouse.
Sean McMahon’s father Francie was well respected for his involvement with camoige in Clare over a period of over three decades
Francie McMahon passed away last October, before his death he had travelled to Lourdes with the Clare 250 Mile Cancer charity
Sean spoke with John about taking part in the Clare 250 Mile cycle this weekend- it will be his first time and he is delighted to be able to give back to the charity for the fantastic work they did for his family
This is the annual fundraiser for the Clare 250 Mile Cancer Centre charity
90 people have been training since January
Collectors will be on the route- East Clare on Saturday and West Clare on Sunday.
The life and works of poet, short-story writer and playwright Dylan Thomas along with his ties to north Clare will be celebrated in a new international literary festival this weekend
Dylan Thomas’biographer Andrew Lycett spoke with John about Thomas’ connection to Ennistymon through his marriage to Caitlinn McNamara.
Joanne Clancy, Dylan Thomas Literary Weekend Festival Organiser, gave a run down of events taking place this weekend – For more information see www.thefalls.ie or call 065 707 1004.
In addition to the Dylan Thomas Literary Weekend on the 18th, 19th and 20th May, the very same dates, Ennistymon will be hosting its first annual Book Fair This is the first time that Ireland – with all its separate literary festivals and book fairs – will see both elements coming together in the same place at the same time
It’s hoped to be a memorable weekend for Ennistymon with booksellers coming in from across Ireland and beyond and utilising premises in the town to sell their wares
Organiser Gerry Harrison joined John in studio and said he hopes it will be a shot in the arm for the town’s economy and should bring the town to life.
The Sixmilebridge 10K amd 5k Family Fun Run takes place this evening at 6.30pm
All proceeds from the event will be split 50/50 between The Children’s Ward (ARC Project), Limerick Regional Hospital and Sixmilebridge National School
Organiser Michael Collins encouraged people to come along and get involved
See www.sixmilebridge10k.com
Fisheries Awareness Week kicks off with events in Carrigaholt and Kilrush this Saturday and Sunday
The aim is to make people aware of the range of species we have in the Estuary
The events are utilising two local businesses “Discover Dolphin” and “Dolphinwatch” to entice the public onto the fantastic Shannon Estuary for a couple of hours this weekend to witness some of the biodiversity of the Shannon Estuary that will include Dolphins
Ken O’Neill of the Inland Fisheries Ireland explained- for more information call 065 905 8156 or see www.inlandfisheries.ie
Fleadh Nua 2012 takes place this Sunday and runs until May 28th
Musicians, dancer and singers will gravitate to Ennis for the annual tradition festival that has a programme of over sixty events taking place
Fleadh Nua Chairperson Micheál Ó Riabhaigh and renowned accordion player and maker Martin Connolly joined John in studio
Martin was happy to listeners into the spirit of the Fleadh by playing a few tunes.
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