On Mondays Morning Focus John began the show by speaking to Ms. Ann Doherty CEO, UL Hospitals and Liam Doran INMO General Secretary as the health watchdog has slammed as 'unacceptable' the delays facing patients in the emergency department of the Midwest's main hospital. HIQA's published a report into the services in the 6 facilities of the University of Limerick group, which says the Dooradoyle emergency facility was overcrowded and not fit for purpose. The authority is highlighting delays in admitting children to wards, who are being accommodated in adult surroundings, despite the fact that a new children's area was developed, but was unopened. HIQA says the serious delays and risks for patients and staff due to persistent overcrowding at the Dooradoyle facility mark the biggest problems within the hospital group.
Sixmilebridge Councillor John Crowe has become the new Mayor of Clare. The Fine Gael representative was unanimously elected and accepted the chains of office from party colleague Joe Arkins at the annual general meeting of Clare County Council.
Fianna Fail's Tony O'Brien from Killaloe has been elected the new Deputy Mayor of Clare, after returning from a five year absence from the the Council chamber. John was joined in studio by John Crowe the newly elected Mayor of Clare, Tony O'Brien newly elected Deputy Mayor of Clare and Joe Arkins outgoing Mayor of Clare who lost his seat at Local elections. All three took at look back at the old council and discussed the issues that they now face.
Garda Francis Brennan of Ennis Garda Station appealed for the public's assistance with information on crimes committed in the county over the past seven days
Contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100.
As you've been hearing last Friday saw the Clare County Council AGM elect Cllr John Crowe as Mayor and Tony O'Brien as deputy mayor. However the meeting was also the first experience for six councillors of a county council gathering including Mary Howard, Ann Norton, Clare Colleran-Molly, Ian Lynch, Alan O'Callaghan, Mike McKee. Clare FM's Aisling O' Rourke has been speaking with the first time councillors about their experience.
Mike O'Shea, has become the first person to fly from Mizen Head to Malin Head by a paramotor, navigating his journey and monitoring his health through hazardous conditions using mobile technology. Travelling at heights of 10,000 feet and with temperatures reaching below zero he used mobile technology to navigate his path and monitor his health as he completed the 590km journey which included flying over County Clare and the landmark Cliffs of Moher, Ballyvaughan, , Doolin and Killimer. John spoke to Mike about his experience and the view from above Clare.
Finally John Murphy, wildlife expert and Chairperson of the Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland joined John in studio to answer listeners' bird and wildlife queries.
If you have a story, comment or query for Morning Focus email [email protected] or write to us – Morning Focus, Clare FM, Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.