Uniting for Better Outcomes: Learning event on Therapeutic Hypothermia

A learning event titled “Uniting for Better Outcomes”, sponsored by the HSE’s National Women and Infants Health Programme and hosted by the Women and Neonatal Health Network of Care of the HSE Dublin and South East, took place this week in the Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle.

Towards continuing processional development, it was attended by those working in the sector and was an overview of Therapeutic Hypothermia cases occurring in the HSE Dublin and South East health region during 2024.

Speaking about the day, Paula Power (Operations Manager, Women and Neonatal Health Network of Care, HSE Dublin and South East) said: “This event brought together Obstetricians, Neonatologists, Pediatricians, Midwives, Neonatal Nurses and Quality and Patient Safety personnel from across the region for face-to-face discussions and presentations of Therapeutic Hypothermia cases.”

“Therapeutic Hypothermia (TH) is the standard treatment for term infants diagnosed with moderate to severe Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy (HIE), a condition affecting a small number of new-borns who experience reduced oxygen or blood supply before birth. The therapy involves carefully cooling the infant shortly after birth to protect the brain and improve long-term outcomes. According to the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, TH represents the most significant advance in Neonatology in the past 25 years, markedly reducing the rates of death, severe disability and lifelong cerebral palsy.”

“The HSE Dublin and South East learning event in Kilkenny highlighted not only the importance of continuous learning but also the unique value of in-person dialogue in strengthening shared understanding and improving outcomes for infants and families across the region.”

Watch more here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PPctK8It-o