HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

In this podcast episode, Dr. Abigail Collins, Consultant in Public Health Medicine and Clinical Lead for the National Healthy Childhood Programme, shares expert advice on preparing children for the school year. The discussion covers preventing and managing common childhood illnesses and building healthy routines, as well as advice for children who are anxious about going back to school. The episode prov...

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Dr. Caoimhe Hartley joins host Noreen Turley to explain what complex menopause really means, who it affects, and how Ireland’s six Complex Menopause Clinics are supporting women who may not be able to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Menopause is often discussed in terms of hot flushes and mood swings but for some women, it’s far more complicated. In this episode, we focus ...

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Eamon Keogh welcomes Tim Hanly, General Manager and Teresa Cronin, Director of Nursing from the HSE Safeguarding Office. Together, they explain what Elder Abuse is. Also outlining how it still remains an issue in society, with isolation and loneliness increasing the risk of abuse for some of our elderly population. They talk through the different...

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Fergal Fox welcomes Dr. Conor Hammersley, a Fulbright scholar and expert in rural men’s health, for a thoughtful discussion on healthy masculinity during Men’s Health Week. Together, they explore the challenges men face in balancing societal expectations with emotional wellbeing, the impact of social connection, and the importance of vulnerabilit...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox and guests Melissa Vindigni (Senior Occupational Therapist), Muireann Treacy (Senior Clinical Psychologist) and Rosemary Kavanagh (Senior Speech and Language Therapist) discuss the emotional experiences of young children under the theme "Little People, Big Feelings." They explore the normalcy of intense emotions in children...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, Dr. Ciarán Boylan and host Noreen Turley explore strategies for managing exam stress. They discuss how to recognise stress in young people, especially during exam times, and offer advice to parents and guardians on how to provide both practical and emotional support. The conversation aims to help parents and guardians assist young people i...

In this podcast episode, Specialist in Public Health Dr. Breeda Neville and skin cancer prevention advocate Bernie Rice join us to discuss the SunSmart campaign and the critical importance of skin protection to prevent skin cancer in Ireland. They are working tirelessly to increase awareness of the steps you and your family can take to protect your skin from the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer. ...

In this podcast episode, host Fergal Fox leads a heartfelt discussion on cultural diversity within the Health Service Executive (HSE) from a staffing perspective. Joined by Christopher Ibanga, a Public Health Protection Nurse, and Abbie Alcorn, a Senior Speech and Language Therapist, the conversation delves into personal experiences of bias and the importance of the HSE Cultural Diversity Network. Diver...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox speaks with experts Rosemary Kavanagh (Speech and Language Therapist), Niamh Garavin (Occupational Therapist), and Muireann Treacy (Clinical Psychologist) about the intricacies of adolescent development, with a particular focus on anxiety. Their discussion addresses the swift changes teenagers experience, the effects of anx...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, Dr. Niamh Clarke, Principal Psychologist Manager and Programme Presenter, and Dr. Aleisha Clarke, National Programme Manager for Mental Health and Wellbeing, joins host Noreen Turley to introduce the new Balancing Stress programme, which is a free, easy-to-access, evidence-based online course in stress management, developed in partnership with HSE Health and Wellbeing...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we talk about parkrun, a free, volunteer-led, 5k and 2k events that take place in open spaces every weekend around Ireland. This HSE supported initiative encourages people of all ages to come together to run, walk and talk.

We talk about the origins of parkrun and how it has gone ...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore how strong, supportive relationships between parents and children are one of the most effective protectors against online harm. Creating a safe space for open, age-appropriate conversations helps build empathy, promotes healthy values, and supports children to navigate an increasingly complex digital world with confidence.

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we discuss Palliative Care with Jacinta Kelly, Director of Nursing, North West Hospice, Sligo and Dr. Feargal Twomey, Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Milford Hospice in HSE Mid West and the HSE Clinical Lead for Palliative Care. The discussion demystifies palliative care, emphasising its role beyond end-of-life scenarios and its applica...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox chats with Rachael Treanor, Manager of the National Youth Health Programme at the National Youth Council of Ireland. They delve into the programme's mission to enhance youth health and wellbeing through the dedicated efforts of youth workers. Rachael highlights the importance of creating safe spaces, fostering social and em...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox discusses the crucial role of Family Resource Centres (FRCs) with Fergal Landy, CEO of the National Family Resource Centre Forum, and Shauna Diamond, National Programme Lead. They explore how FRCs support health and wellbeing in communities by offering services like parenting, family support, mental health initiatives, and ...

With more options and activities freely available across Ireland, there has never been a better time to get physically active. In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore the positive developments and initiatives happening to encourage everyone to get active. Host Eamon Keogh speaks with Louise Burke, Director of Participation, Sport Ireland, the national state agency tas...

The way we experience healthcare is changing, and technology is at the heart of this transformation. In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore the impact of digital transformation on Ireland’s healthcare system. Host Noreen Turley speaks with Damien McCallion, Deputy HSE CEO and Chief Technology and Transformation Officer, about how technology is starting to revolutioni...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore the challenges young people face when navigating alcohol in Ireland today. Martina Byrne, Manager of Cross Care Ronanstown Youth Service, and Sive Brennan, a Leaving Cert student and junior youth worker, join us for an insightful discussion on peer pressure, societal attitudes, and the impact of alcohol on youn...