Quality in Practice Physiotherapy event held in Kilkenny

Physiotherapy staff from across the HSE Dublin and South East’s services in the Carlow and Kilkenny areas recently attended a “Quality in Practice Physiotherapy” event.

The inaugural occasion was held in the HSE’s Newpark Primary Care Centre in Kilkenny.

Various presentations featured on the day, which reflect the range of projects and initiatives physiotherapy staff have worked on over the last 18 months across the HSE’s primary care, older persons, disability, chronic disease services and acute care at St. Luke’s General Hospital Carlow/Kilkenny.

A number of poster presentations were also on display and it was an opportunity for staff to network with colleagues and discuss projects.

The event was opened by Anne Ging (Physiotherapist Manager 3, St. Luke’s General Hospital and Carlow/Kilkenny community healthcare services). Anne was joined in contributions on Quality in Practice Physiotherapy by HSE colleagues Tara Hunt (General Manager/Primary Care, Carlow-Kilkenny/Tipperary South Integrated Healthcare Area), Lynn Chadwick (Community Health Network Manager, Kilkenny City area), Deirdre Dunne (General Manager, Disability Services), Barbara McMahon (Director of Public Health Nursing, Carlow/Kilkenny), Emma Quinn (Executive Librarian, HSE Dublin and South East), Majella Cunningham (Operational Lead, Carlow/Kilkenny Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons) and Ailis Holohan (Operational Lead, Carlow/Kilkenny for Chronic Disease).

A presentation was delivered by Sinéad Gavin (Physiotherapist Manager in Charge 3, Carlow/Kilkenny community healthcare) and Gráinne Gallagher (Practice Tutor, University of Limerick) on “Physiotherapist’s perceptions of research in an Irish health service setting: a survey of research capacity and culture”. This survey showcased the commitment of physiotherapy to delivering and developing a quality centred service.

Another was delivered on the World Falls Prevention Society’s latest audit by Catherine Holland (Senior Physiotherapist/Older Persons), with discussion on falls management led by Dr. Paul Cotter (Consultant Geriatrician St. Luke’s General Hospital Carlow/Kilkenny).

Also presenting was Maureen O Callaghan (Senior Physiotherapist, Geriatric Emergency Medicine Service – GEMS, St. Luke’s General Hospital Carlow/Kilkenny) on her recent M Sc. research on continence in older persons.

There was time for further general discussion and opportunities explored for future inter professional collaboration on topics such as falls management, education opportunities in chronic conditions and supporting physical activity levels in adults.