HSE South West press release: HSE South West leading the way in trauma-informed care.

HSE South West is leading the way in trauma-informed care through new training for healthcare professionals.

A Trauma-Informed Care training programme was launched recently at Cork University Hospital by CEO Jennifer Kearney.

The training was designed by Dr Maria Leahy, Principal Psychologist at the CUH Hospital Psychology Department. Working with colleagues and research experts at UCC, the training is being researched and evaluated in order to fill a critical gap in healthcare education.

Dr Leahy said:

“This training ensures that trauma-informed care principles are embedded within healthcare settings, where trauma may otherwise go unrecognised and arising needs unmet. It equips healthcare professionals with an understanding of how trauma can affect how patients communicate and engage with medical care. Research shows us that trauma can affect healthcare outcomes, and this training will support staff to build trust, avoid inadvertent re-traumatisation as well as avoid additional medical trauma, and support better healthcare and psychological outcomes.”

CUH CEO Jennifer Kearney said the training demonstrates HSE South West’s commitment to delivering healthcare that recognises people in their entirety – medical, emotional and psychological.

“This training is a major step forward and underscores our commitment to enhancing patient care, supporting staff wellbeing, and building a compassionate, responsive healthcare system.”

Ongoing implementation and evaluation will allow the programme to be further refined.