On the Today Show we received a massive response to a discussion on Dr Gerry Burke’s comments – on Clare FM today the Consultant Obstetrician at the Mid-Western Maternity Hospital, warned that mothers and babies may die due to a fall in the number of midwives. Dr.Burke – who is also the Chairman of the Labour Party in Limerick – says the Health Service Executive has no plans to deal with the departure of 47 of the hospital’s 200 midwives. Tommy Scully from Kilrush and Teresa in East Clare were two such listeners who contacted the show. They gave their personal opinion on the state of healthcare and the news that 47 midwives less will be available at the Maternity hospital. The staff are to retire by the end of February under the HSE’s retirement scheme before changes to public sector pensions take affect.
Peadar Duffy, Chairman of Risk Management Ireland discussed a new service that has been launched to encourage whistleblowers to come forward. Peadar told Gavin all about
www.whistleblowerconfidential.ie, which allows people to lodge a complaint using a code name in order to protect their identity. The complaint will be evaluated by a team of former Garda and military investigators, before being passed on to the relevant company or authority if need be.
Director of Alcohol Action Ireland, Fiona Ryan joined the Today Show to speak about a report into alcohol misuse. The Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, who produced the report, also wants the advertising of discounted products stopped, along with restrictions on drink adverts on TV and social networking websites. An outright ban on the sale of alcohol in certain outlets, including supermarkets and garages, is contained in the 13 recommendations for the Government to consider.
The one and only Tommy Fleming joined the show ahead of his concert in Glor at the weekend. The singer spoke to Gavin about his current tour, twenty years of music and how he turned down an offer of becoming a judge on The Voice. Tommy also gave advice to those of you who are thinking of entering or have entered Clare’s Got Talent – he says stay true to yourself and don’t try too hard to impress anyone! He also gave us two free tickets to go see him live in Glor this Friday night.
Killian McNamara from Roslevan is a student at NUI Galway – he spoke to Gavin about the 7th annual Teddy Bears Hospital, which takes place Thursday and Friday in Aras na Mac Leinn at NUIG from 10am to 2pm daily. An expected 1,300 teddy bears and 1,300 children from 3 to 8 years of age will attend with hundreds of volunteer teddy bear doctors on hand for diagnosis and treatment of all types of teddy bear ailments! The aim of the students is to help kids become more comfortable around doctors and hospitals.
If you have a comment for The Today Show or if you would like give us your opinion – email [email protected], alternatively you can text the show – Clare FM followed by your comment and name to 53030
