HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Noreen Turley welcomes Sheila Lucey, an advanced nurse practitioner and infant feeding specialist, for an in-depth discussion on breastfeeding. Sheila shares expert information on the benefits of breastfeeding, preparing before birth, and the importance of early support. The conversation covers practical tips for overcoming challenges, the significance of skin-to-skin contac...

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Fergal Fox welcomes Cliona Fitzpatrick from Movember to discuss their recent Report; The Real Face of Men’s Health in Ireland. They explore the impact of Movember’s initiatives, the findings of their new research, and the importance of community-based support. The conversation outlines the need to focus on health inequalities, the role of caregivers, and the need for collabo...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health & Wellbeing Podcast, host Eamon Keogh talks with Roisin Breen and Dr Ola Nordrum about the HSE’s climate action journey: why healthcare must lead, what the priority frameworks cover, and how staff and leaders can turn strategy into delivery. They discuss the health impacts already seen, practical wins such as Green Theatres, inhaler changes and greener labs, and how the HseLand Climate ...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, we speak with Gráinne Leach and Kellie O’Farrell to discuss the experiences of people with disabilities working in the health service. Gráinne works as a Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Officer with HSE Human Resources and Kellie works as a Senior Occupational Therapist in Primary Care. The conversation highlights personal journeys, work...

In this episode we talk to Sinéad Coleman, Programme Manager for the HSE National Clinical Programme for Stroke and Physiotherapist at St. James’s Hospital. We discuss the importance of knowing the signs of stroke and responding immediately, highlighting the “Every Second Counts” and the importance of ringing an ambulance as soon as possible. Sinéad explains stroke symptoms, the urgent care pathway, and prevention strategies, while...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Eamon Keogh talks with Dr Emer Guinan about the benefits of physical activity during cancer treatment and beyond. They explore how moderate, sustained movement can help manage side effects like fatigue, support mental wellbeing, and improve day‑to‑day function. The discussion explains why a personalised approach is essential, offers practical starting points such...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we are joined by Ultan Hynes and Amanda Casey to discuss Ireland’s Nursing Home Support Scheme, or Fair Deal Scheme. The conversation explores the emotional and practical challenges families face when arranging nursing home care, the application and financial assessment process, and the importance of advance planning and open family commun...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Noreen Turley explores Ireland’s new opt-out organ donation system with ICU consultant Dr. Catherine Motherway and Olivia Farrell, whose daughter Lauren became an organ donor. Dr. Motherway explains the new legislation, addresses common misconceptions, and highlights the importance of families having conversations about donation while Olivia shares her moving personal st...

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Eamon Keogh welcomes Joanne Byrne, HSE Senior Community Dietitian. Together they explain what Weaning is, when to start, and the signs that a baby is ready.

They discuss first foods, setting up calm mealtimes, and why moving from purées to lumps and how finger foods can support development and safety. Joanne shares advice on responsive feeding, balancing milk with solids, in...

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Fergal Fox explores how creativity and community engagement can support people living with dementia. Guests Matthew Gibb, Rosin Nevin, and Catherine Daly discuss the benefits of arts-based programmes, such as poetry groups, in fostering hope, connection, and self-expression. The conversation highlights person-centred care, the importance of trust, and the power of creative a...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Noreen Turley interviews Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the Health Service Executive. They discuss the ongoing transformation of Irish healthcare, emphasising the shift toward more integrated, patient-centred care. Topics include the vital role of clinical leadership, expanding community-based services, and the opportunitie...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Eamon Keogh talks with Fiona Tuomey, CEO, HUGG, and HSE Suicide Bereavement Co-ordinator Ollie Skehan about suicide bereavement. They discuss how suicide bereavement profoundly affects individuals and communities in Ireland, with each death impacting an estimated 135 people and creating layered grief that includes emotional, practical...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley is joined by clinical psychologist Aisling White and social worker Caroline O’Donoghue to explore parenting stress. The discussion highlights how feeling stressed is a normal part of parenting, its physical and emotional impacts, and practical strategies for self-care and stress management. The guests highlight the impor...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox is joined by Jenny Smyth (HSE National Social Inclusion Office) and Rob (Ana Liffey Drugs Project) to mark International Overdose Awareness Day. The discussion explores overdose risks in Ireland, the vital role of naloxone, and the importance of peer-led intervention and community support. The guests share practical advice on recognising and responding...

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...