HSE Stakeholder News

20 Jan 2023

HSE Partner Pack 20th January 2023

HSE Partner Pack 20th January 2023: Flu Parents of children

Dear Colleague,

Thank you for your continuing support in helping to share information about important health service updates and COVID-19. Our highlight communications updates for you this week are:

HSE reminding parents Children’s Free Nasal Flu Vaccine are available at walk-in clinics across the country

The HSE is reminding parents that their children can avail of the free nasal flu vaccine at some walk-in clinics across the country up until this Sunday, 22nd January. The HSE is encouraging parents to avail of this opportunity to vaccinate their children against flu, as flu continues to spread and is likely to continue circulating further for a number of weeks.

A number of community vaccination centres across the country are offering walk-in flu vaccination clinics for all children aged 2-17. No appointment is necessary and the vaccine is free of charge. The full schedule of clinics is available on www.hse.ie. The vaccine is also available from participating GPs and pharmacists. Parents can find details on pharmacies offering vaccinations in their area using the pharmacy finder tool.

The children’s free nasal flu vaccine will be available up until 23rd January. After this date, only children with medical conditions which put them at risk of serious illness from flu will be able to get a flu vaccine given as an injection.

In Ireland, this flu season the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) have reported 794 children up to the age of 14 years have required hospital treatment because of complications of flu.

A full list of Vaccination centres and times can be found at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/flu/walk-in/

For further information go to www.hse.ie/flu  or call HSELive on 1800 700 700

Second COVID-19 booster vaccine offered to all 18-49 year olds

The HSE is inviting people aged 18-49 years to make an appointment for their second COVID-19 booster dose at www.hse.ie, with appointments available now.

The HSE is also urging everyone and especially healthcare workers, people aged over 50 and anyone over 12 with an underlying health condition or who are immunocompromised to check they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccine boosters.  

If you are not sure when you are due your vaccine booster you can contact HSElive on 1800 700 700 for details.

It is important to remember it can take up to 2 weeks to build up immunity once you get a booster.

You can find more information here.

HSE reports a drop in numbers of people with respiratory infections

Yesterday (Thursday, 19th January 2023), the HSE published the latest Winter Infections Epidemiology Report. The report details the levels of respiratory infections circulating in the community and the number of people hospitalised with viruses such as COVID-19, influenza and RSV.

During the second week of 2023, reported cases of these infections dropped significantly:

  • COVID-19: 47% drop in the number of cases
  • Influenza: 48% drop in the number of cases
  • RSV: 38% drop in the number of cases.

The number of people hospitalised with these respiratory viruses has also decreased significantly during week 2:

  • COVID-19: 47% drop in the number of hospitalisations,
  • Influenza: 49% drop in the number of hospitalisations,
  • RSV: 26% drop in the number of hospitalisations.

Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE, said: “The latest data would suggest that the flu season has peaked, and that the pressure from COVID-19 and RSV continues to decline. However, even if this pattern continues, we expect ongoing pressure on the healthcare system from these viruses. I would like to acknowledge the work of the healthcare teams across the country in both hospitals and the community during these past number of weeks.

“We urge ongoing compliance to public health advice, including vaccination against influenza and COVID-19 for eligible groups, as well as the importance of staying at home for people with respiratory symptoms until after they have resolved”.

It’s not too late to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated will offer you protection from serious illness. Find more information and book an appointment on HSE.ie.

Treatment for people at higher risk from COVID-19

You should contact a doctor urgently if you are at higher risk and you have COVID-19 symptoms or you have a positive COVID-19 PCR or antigen test.

Some people who are at higher risk from COVID-19 may be recommended for treatments. If your doctor decides that treatment is right for you, you’ll start treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for COVID-19 is free of charge through the HSE if it is recommended for you.

If COVID-19 treatment is not recommended for you, your doctor will provide you with the care that is right for your condition and symptoms.

Paxlovid™ in Ireland

Paxlovid™ is an oral medication used to treat COVID-19. It can be used to treat people who are at highest risk and should be taken in the first 5 days of illness. Paxlovid™ may not be suitable for all patients, but it can be considered for:

If you have COVID-19 symptoms and are at higher risk, talk to your GP or hospital team. You can find more information here.

Staying safe if you are at higher risk of COVID-19

The things you have been doing all along to protect your health will still work to keep you safer. You can find information on how to stay safe here.

Protect yourself and your family from common winter illnesses

There has been a significant rise in common winter illnesses like RSV, flu and COVID-19 this winter. This is also putting a lot of pressure on our health services. You can help prevent common winter illnesses by:

  • Staying home if you are unwell (child or adult)
  • Practicing good hand hygiene
  • Covering coughs and sneezes
  • Getting your recommended vaccines

Our guide to keeping well this winter contains advice for patients with chronic conditions. It also has information on how to manage common illnesses at home and advice about COVID-19.

RSV and flu in children

The flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are still circulating. Remember to keep children at home if they’re unwell, wash hands, cover coughs or sneezes and stay up to date with recommended vaccines. Please visit hse.ie/winter for advice on preventing and treating common illnesses in children, and when to get medical help.

COVID-19 vaccine resources

The HSE produces and regularly updates resources for the COVID-19 vaccine. You can visit the COVID-19 vaccine materials page for the latest leaflets and booklets including information on boosters and vaccines for children.

COVID-19 Testing 

Details are available here.

COVID-19 information in other languages 

Visit hse.ie/translations for a range of COVID-19 vaccine information videos and resources that have been produced in other languages, including information on COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy. 

Information videos on COVID-19 vaccination for parents of children aged 5-11 are available here

Health service updates and information:

Update on the Integrated Finance Management and Procurement System (IFMS)

IFMS will provide a single national finance management and procurement system for the entire health sector, including the HSE, Tusla, and section 38s and 39s. It will provide standard processes and a new operating model based on shared services.

IFMS will create benefits, including:

  • Standardised national finance and procurement processes
  • A strengthened financial control framework
  • Less time spent processing financial transactions
  • More detailed financial reporting
  • More informed decisions about spending

The process of implementing IFMS has begun. The project is at the Build and Test stage in preparation for the first go-live in July 2023. 

You can learn more about the IFMS project here.

National Lottery funding

The HSE has been allocated National Lottery funding for distribution, under the Respite Care Grant Scheme and the National Lottery Grant Scheme.

The HSE invites community groups and voluntary organisations providing health and personal social services to apply for once-off funding for suitable projects.

  • Amounts available: €300 to €10,000
  • Closing date: Friday, 17th February 2023 at noon

For more information and how to apply, visit www.hse.ie/lotterygrants or call HSELive on 1800 700 700.

World Cancer Day webinar

The Irish Cancer Prevention Network (ICPN) are hosting a free public webinar on 'Steps to reduce our cancer risk' ahead of World Cancer Day on Thursday, 2nd February 2023 from 1-2pm. Learn how we can all take action to reduce our cancer risk through a series of presentations and discussions with a panel of experts. Topics covered will be:

  • Smoking tobacco/passive smoking
  • Vaccinations
  • Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT)

You can register for the webinar here.  

European Cancer Prevention Week

European Cancer Prevention Week takes place from 23 to 29 January.

Everyone can help prevent cervical cancer by getting informed about the causes of cervical cancer; the link between cervical cancer and the human papillomavirus (HPV); and how HPV vaccination, cervical screening, early treatment and symptom awareness are key tools in our fight against cervical cancer.

At the bottom of this message, please find the partner pack on Cervical Cancer elimination from Cervical Check and the National Immunisation Office with information and assets to share with your networks.

yourmentalhealth.ie

Some of us may be feeling those January blues that are often advertised at this time of the year. If you are experiencing ongoing low mood, stress, anxiety or having trouble sleeping, and finding it difficult to shake them off, try some of our self-help resources available at www.yourmentalhealth.ie

The HSE is continuing a national advertising campaign on radio, social media, video and in train stations and bus stops during January. The HSE appreciates your support in sharing these resources with your own networks. You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

QUIT: Take Back Control this January

The HSE has launched a new campaign to encourage people who smoke to quit smoking and ‘take back control’.

People who smoke told us that they know that smoking is bad for their health, but that the thought of quitting makes them think of what they might be losing. Smoking is always there for them, like a friend. When they finally take the step to QUIT for good, they see it differently.

We’re inviting people who smoke to take the 28-day no smoking challenge this January and start taking back control.

To get your free QUIT plan and free support sign up here.

Free Contraception

Since 1st January 2023, the free contraception service now includes 26 year olds. This service includes doctor appointments, prescriptions and contraception 17 to 26 year olds. Find out more about what types of contraception are covered, what costs are covered and how to access at www.sexualwellbeing.ie.   

HSE National Policy for Consent in Health and Social Care Research

The HSE published the HSE National Policy for Consent in Health and Social Care Research on 20th December 2022. The policy outlines how to safely and ethically conduct the consenting process of health and social care research across the HSE and funded organisations. You can find more information here.

Injury Units

Injury units treat injuries that are not life-threatening. For example, broken bones, dislocations and burns. The waiting times at injury units are usually significantly less than at Emergency Departments (EDs) where staff need to prioritise treating acutely ill patients. See here for more information.

START campaign: one daily win
The START campaign is encouraging parents and guardians to start healthy family habits with one daily win. For example, replace sugary breakfast cereal for a healthy one, introduce vegetables to dinner time, have fruit after school instead of treats, or drink water with meals. There are plenty of tips for families to help choose one small change, make a plan, and stick to it. For advice and more ways to make one daily win visit www.makeastart.ie

Trauma Study: Informing policy & practice for trauma care by analysing the patient journey from incident to recovery

This study will combine the National Ambulance Service (NAS) electronic Patient Care Record (ePCR), and the Major Trauma Audit (MTA). This data will help healthcare professionals identify which hospital to bring trauma patients to. More information about the study is available on the website here.  

If you were a trauma patient during 2020-2022 and wish know more about the study, how data will be processed or to withdraw your data from the study, please contact us at: TRAUMAStudy@rcsi.com

Ethnic Equality Monitoring resources available and webinar

Following the results of a survey with staff of the HSE and NGOs,  the HSE’s National Social Inclusion Office has recently updated a number of resources to support staff to carry out ethnic equality monitoring in line with the Second National Intercultural Health Strategy 2018-2023.

  • Elearning module Introduction to ethnic equality monitoring on hseland.ie: This module explains what ethnic equality monitoring is and why it’s important in healthcare. After completing the module you will know how to sensitively gather information from clients, what to record and where to get more information.
  • Downloadable posters are available to explain ethnic equality monitoring to clients in English, Irish, Arabic, Chinese, French, Polish, Russian and Ukrainian.

Save the date: Ethnic Equality Monitoring webinar, 8th March 2023, 1-2:15pm – details to follow.

You can find further information here.

Stress Control programme

HSE Health and Wellbeing are offering a free Stress Control programme starting on 23rd January 2023 at 9am.

Stress Control is an evidence-based programme that teaches you practical skills to deal with stress.

To participate simply visit stresscontrol.ie 

NAS recruitment campaign

The National Ambulance Service (NAS) launched a campaign this week to recruit for student paramedic roles. A radio ad will run for two weeks across national and local stations, and social media ads will run for three weeks on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. For more information about the campaign, please contact ciara.browne1@hse.ie.

Health service information for Ukrainian nationals

  • Updated mental health supports information is here
  • Disability services information is here
  • Healthcare services information is here
  • COVID-19 information is here
  • COVID-19 vaccination video, Dr Oksana Kozdoba, a Pediatrician from Ukraine, shares information about the vaccination programme in Ireland. She covers the vaccines offered in Ireland to protect babies, school children and adults.

Public Health Information

For updated information and advice on Coronavirus, please go to:

 https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/ and https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/. Clinical and professional guidance relating to COVID-19 is available on www.hpsc.ie where you’ll find up to date guidance for healthcare settings and non-clinical settings.

Please check here for partner resources for COVID-19.

You can find translated resources here.

You can find the COVID-19 A-Z information here from the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

You can view the latest information on how Ireland is responding to cases of COVID-19 here.

Ireland’s COVID-19 Data Hub is available here.

If your organisation has any requests in relation to COVID-19 public health information materials, please reply directly to this email to let us know.

Many thanks and best wishes over the holidays,

Kahlil & Katie

COVID-19 Stakeholder Engagement, HSE Communications

Contact Information

HSE Partner Pack
kahlil.coyle@hse.ie