Regional Health Dublin and North East meeting minutes 25 March 2024

The minutes of the meeting held on Monday 25 September 2023 were adopted by the Forum on the proposal of Cllr. Emer Tóibín and seconded by Cllr. Tom Behan.

Present:

Cllr. Daryl Barron, Cllr. Tom Behan, Cllr. Mary Callaghan, Cllr. Donna Cooney, Cllr. Kieran Dennison, Cllr. Aiden Fitzpatrick, Cllr. Michael Gallagher, Cllr. Deirdre Heney, Cllr. Sean Kelly, Cllr. Tom Kitt, Cllr. Howard Mahony, Cllr. Brigid Manton, Cllr. David Maxwell, Cllr. Brian McKenna, Cllr. Trevor Smith, Cllr. Emer Tóibín, Cllr. Aoibhinn Tormey

Apologies:

Cllr. Christy Burke, Cllr. Adrian Henchy, Cllr. Conor Keelan, Cllr. Kevin Meenan

Mr. Liam McHale, Communications and Parliamentary Affairs, CHO Dublin North City and County, gave a report to the meeting which dealt with the following:

The following outlines comments and queries raised by members and responses from HSE representatives:

• Concerns in relation to training of GPs and health professionals around dementia – incidence of medical professional conversing with Alzheimer’s patient who was clearly unable to engage

The HSE provide training and resources for healthcare staff who care for people with dementia. The resources are underpinned by a person-centred model and in the context of the Assisted Decision Making Act. An update in relation to training for medical staff specifically will be provided.

• Request for advice in situation where an elderly gentleman with Alzheimer's may be experiencing abuse in the home

Allegations of potential abuse should be taken very seriously. The national safeguarding policy outlines principles to safeguard vulnerable adults from abuse. Each CHO has a safeguarding team who deal with these issues very comprehensively. Anybody with concerns should make a referral to their relevant safeguarding team.

• Future presentation on Safeguarding

It was agreed that a future presentation on Safeguarding would be organised.

The report was noted by the Forum.

Dr. Cliona Murphy, Clinical Director, National Women and Infants Health Programme, gave a presentation to members on Menopause.

The following outlines comments and queries raised by members and responses from Dr. Murphy.

• Clarification on the acronyms SIMF and OEST

SIMF refers to the Serious Incident Management Forum for maternity services. This is where serious incidents are reviewed to determine whether a review is required. OEST is the Obstetric Event Support Team which is an initiative by the National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) as part of its quality and safety agenda.

• Further information on soy as a dietary supplement

Soybeans contain hormone-like substances called phytoestrogens. There is some scientific research to show that they are helpful in the management of menopause symptoms.

• Advice on testing for bone density

Menopause is a good time for women to link in with their GP for a check-up in general. Women who do not drink milk, are celiac or do not participate in regular exercise are at a higher risk of osteoporosis. There is also an increased cardiac risk in a postmenopausal woman. A check in at this time in a woman’s life may be beneficial, even if relatively asymptomatic.

Cllr. Gillian Toole, Vice-Chairperson, extended good wishes to Cllr. Cllr. Séamus Coyle following his recent accident and wished him a speedy recovery.

The next meeting of the Regional Health Forum - Dublin and North East will take place on Monday 27 May 2024.