A time of change at Rotary Club of Waterford

It’s all change at the top as Nora Widger takes up the reins as president of the Rotary Club of Waterford. Ms. Widger was welcomed as the new president of Rotary Club of Waterford on the 20th July by outgoing President Anne Marie Caulfield.

Ms. Widger has been a Rotarian for 6 years and her fellow members were delighted to welcome her in as their new president for the forthcoming year.

Ms. Widger said: “I am honoured and privileged to become the President of Waterford Rotary Club for 2015/2016. Through the many projects and events which Waterford Rotary run the Club provides community service to both local and international communities.  This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian - the chance to do something for somebody else and the self fulfillment and satisfaction that comes in the process . Waterford Rotary Club is in existence for 47 years and I am looking forward to ensuring that the dedicated work undertaken in the past is continued in my year as President".

  

Ms. Widger is a well-known Waterford City business woman. She previously managed Bank of Ireland Branches in Tramore, Dungarvan and Waterford City and more recently worked as Senior Manager on the Banks Customer Experience Programme. A  previous President of Waterford Chamber, Nora continues as a director of the Chamber. Nora also sits on the board of SEBIC, on the BOM of Butlerstown School and is a committee member of Butlerstown GAA Club.

  

The Rotary Club of Waterford, Ireland is a very active club with dedicated members working on many projects throughout each year. The past 12 months have been particularly busy for former president Anne Marie Caulfield, with the Rotary Club of Waterford presenting  a total of €20,000 to a number of local  charities including Waterford Hospice, The Ronald McDonald House, Pieta House, St Vincent de Paul and Solas.  €5,500 was sent internationally to support the  Rotary Shelter Boxes for Nepal, Rotary Sand Dam Water Project and the Belarus Dental Project.  

The club is active all year round organising activities such as charity cycles, celebrity chef nights, community events and of course the annual memorial Christmas Tree and their very successful annual Senior CItizens event which is held on Shrove Tuesday annually.

Waterford Rotary meets every Monday except Bank Holidays in Tower Hotel Waterford, Ireland at 1pm until 2pm. If you are interested in becoming a member of Rotary Club of Waterford full details can be found on the Rotary Club website or by contacting president@waterfordtotary.org. 

Whitfield Clinic receives ISO 9001

Mr. David Beirne, CEO of Whitfield Clinic being presented with the ISO 9001:2008 certificate for Cleaning Services at Whitfield Clinic by Mr. John O Carroll, Managing Director of Zehnacker Healthcare Ireland.

This award represents Whitfield Clinic’s commitment to total quality management; a continually improving process approach implemented throughout the hospital. Critical cleaning processes and their interactions are understood and documented, with a strong organisational commitment to all the facets of the ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems. The quality management system is verified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) with the aim of improving the quality, the design, the performance and the safety of the Cleaning Services at Whitfield Clinic.

Whitfield CEO David Beirne emphasises the importance of this award, “Hygiene standards are a vital component of the service we provide. This award provides an independent recognition of the standards we demand internally. It recognises the measures our clinical team put in place, and the efforts of our staff and partners to implement these measures. We are all very proud to receive this recognition.”

NAS Training Centre workshop to help family Carers

The NAS Training Centre has devised the “People Moving” workshop in order to provide family members and carers with practical guidelines and vital information about the moving and handling of people in their care.

The course is for those who look after family members in their own homes and the content focuses on back care, safe moving techniques, including moving people that are being cared for in bed, helping a person get up out of bed/into bed, helping someone walk that requires assistance, and equipment demonstrations.

Danette Connolly, Director of NAS Training said the premise of the course is to ensure that carers have the knowledge and skills to ensure that moving people is done with less effort and the upmost comfort.

“There is a growing number of carers in Ireland.  In fact, between 2004 and 2014 the number of people in receipt of a carer’s allowance has increased from 23,000 to 57,200.”

“The degree of care varies from person to person, however any carer who has to move a family member needs to ensure not only are they doing it correctly, but that they are safeguarding themselves against injury.”

The three hour workshop covers a wide range of techniques such as chair to chair transfers, log rolls, sitting and repositioning, use of equipment such as wheelchairs and transfer boards and hoist demonstrations, the same techniques nurses and carers use.

Taking place each Tuesday afternoon in NAS’s state of the art training facility at Cleaboy Business Park, Waterford booking is essential.

To find out more about the courses on offer at the NAS Training Centre or to book your place today call NAS Training Centre on 051 333960 or check out www.nas.ie

Rapid Cabs, taking care of the aged seriously

Any business who deals with Waterford Seniors over 50,000 times each year needs to take its duty of care seriously.

That is why Rapid Cabs taxi company has teamed up with NAS Centre & Home Instead Senior Care to make sure its drivers are qualified and competent when it comes to their safety and the safety and security of senior passengers.

The first Phase of the training Rapid Cabs has signed up for includes is Manual Handling & People moving training being delivered by the NAS Centre.  This is to equip the drivers with the necessary skills to assist their customers into the car in manner that is safe for themselves and the customer.  This could be using the wheelchair ramps or simply a helping hand getting into the passenger seat. Home Instead Senior Care will provide senior safety awareness and dementia awareness training to the drivers.

Rapid Cabs Managing Director Eric O’Brien, explains why this training is so important, “All progressive businesses are constantly seeking to provide a better service to their customers and improve. Everyone at Rapid Cabs feels strongly that they have a responsibility to their customers. This responsibility is even more important to our more vulnerable passengers. Our drivers need to know how to help each and every customer when they need us. That is why we decided to undertake this training. It’s a signal to the public and to ourselves they we must continue to improve and develop as a business and as people.”

Michael Connolly, Managing Director of NAS Centre was delighted to be approached by Rapid Cabs, “This is exactly the progressive thinking which we value. We have given this form of training many times but never to this profession. We are pleased Rapid Cabs has shown the foresight and responsibility of care required in their industry.”

‘Better understanding of the needs of seniors will really enhance the customer service being provided by Rapid Cabs and we are delighted to help them’. Danette Connolly, Director of Care Home Instead Senior Care explains.

Rapid Cabs is a family run business located in Waterford City. Established in 2000 with only five taxis, it now has the largest range of taxis in the south east of Ireland, including taxis, hackneys, people carriers, wheelchair taxis and a large range of coaches.

Open and accessible 24 hours a day 365 days a year, Rapid Cabs has a fully computerised booking dispatch system from its local taxi call centre and has installed in-car computers in all of its taxis to ensure as such efficiency as possible.

Rapid Response is the company’s automated priority booking service, when you register your telephone number and your four main pick up locations with Rapid Cabs their system detects your landline number and asks you to confirm your address so you can literally book a taxi in seconds. This service is particularly important to the elderly who regularly use the Rapid Cabs service and enjoy the security if gives.

Eric and his team are committed to providing customer service, security and safety, rapid response and accessibility. These are the core elements to the Rapid Cabs business and the reasons why they have grown over the past fifteen years.

Home Instead Senior Care offers tips on holidaying with seniors

While many of us are making holiday plans that ensure our children are happy and entertained, many of us are also planning a holiday with a senior relative or family friend.

Home Instead Senior Care, which provides care for seniors in their own home, is issuing tips and advice to ensure that the summer holidays are relaxing and hassle free for all involved.

According to Danette Connolly, Director of Care at Home Instead, Waterford, the number of families inviting grandparents on holidays has increased in recent years.  “There are a number of reasons for grandparents being invited on holidays.  It’s traditionally an opportunity to spend quality time with all generations, leaving behind everyday worries and stresses.  However, we firmly believe that inviting a grandparent needs to be for the right reasons.”

Danette added, “In 2014, a survey conducted by online travel agency sunshine.co.uk revealed that 61% of over 2,000 UK families questioned, invited other family members on holiday with them.  Of these, a massive 67% admitted it was so the grandparents could keep an eye on their children and give them a break.  What’s even more telling is that 42% admitted that the grandparents weren’t all that keen on the idea.”

The reality is that grandparents should not be brought on holidays as full time babysitters, no matter how well meaning the intentions are. Danette added, “This situation can lead to family tension and in many cases, resentment.  If you are inviting a grandparent on holiday it is important to remember that it is also a time for them to relax, explore, and enjoy the holiday and not be responsible 24/7 for young children.”

If you are planning a holiday with a grandparent or older relative, Home Instead Senior Care advises:

Discussion:  have a discussion about what type of holiday your senior relative would enjoy; cultural, adventure, a city break.  A two week adventure park holiday might not be the relaxing holiday your older relative had in mind.

Preparation:  before you travel, ensure you have a written summary of any medical conditions or medications that your travelling companion has / takes.  Also ensure you are aware of the proximity of hospitals, G.P.’s and pharmacies in the area.

Travel insurance / healthcare: As an Irish resident you are entitled to get healthcare through the public system in countries of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay there.  It is worthwhile applying for a European Health Insurance Card – one card is required for each individual or family member.

Try to keep set schedules:  Change of routine and climate can contribute to dehydration and constipation.  Try not to alter the daily pattern too much, for example eating much later in the evening than usual can lead to stress, sleeping and digestion difficulties.

 Budget:  Many seniors are on fixed incomes, so keep spend on food, travel and gifts to a minimum.  Agree a realistic budget and stick to it.

 Keep cool:  Sunscreen should always be worn by an older person, even if they only go outside for a short time, as their skin is much thinner and can burn easily. A wide-brimmed hat that shades the face and covers the head is advisable if going outdoors in the heat.

For more information about travelling / holidaying with a senior family member or friend, call Home Instead Senior Care Waterford on 051 333966 or visit www.homeinstead.ie.

                                                            -ENDS-

*Source: Mail on Line - 21 March 2014

Whitfield Clinic hosts 3rd Hip and Groin sports injury Symposium

150 delegates travelled from all over Ireland to Waterford’s Whitfield Clinic on Saturday April 18th for the 3rd Hip and Groin Symposium.  

The highlight of event was a live arthroscopic hip operation performed on-site by Mr. Patrick Carton to demonstrate the treatment of Hip Impingement.

Mr. Carton organised the event to bring together specialists in hip and groin sports surgery, as well as national experts in sports rehabilitation, to discuss many of the difficulties surrounding hip and groin sports injury and its management.

The symposium, chaired by Mr. Tadgh O’Sullivan consisted of a number of presentations on the diagnosis and management of chronic groin and hip conditions commonly associated with sports.

This year the symposium featured a ‘live’ arthroscopic hip operation performed by Mr. Patrick Carton of Whitfield Clinic, a specialist in sports surgery of the hip and groin. The live operation session was streamed to the conference meeting and moderated by Mr. Antonio Andrade, who provided commentary on the procedure and facilitated the interaction between delegates and the surgical team.

The guest speakers were highly regarded as specialists in their fields and included Mr. Antonio Andrade, internationally renowned hip surgeon and host chairman for the International Society for Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA) annual conference 2015; Dr. Alan Byrne, sports physician and medical director for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI); Mr. David Lyons, senior physiotherapist (St. Mary’s Rugby and IRFU) and medical coordinator of Kildare GAA.

The aim of the event was to create awareness and update practitioners of the recent advances in the diagnosis, investigation and management of both acute and chronic injury to the hip and groin.

This is a prominent and common issue within sport with many of the country’s top athletes returning to sport following hip surgery under the care of Mr Patrick Carton including GAA All-Ireland winners Conor McGrath (Clare), Eoin Larkin and Richie Power (Kilkenny) and Ireland soccer international Keith Fahey to name but a few. Players travel from all over Ireland and from aboard to undergo this pioneering hip surgery at Whitfield Clinic.

Mr Carton was delighted with the success of the event, “Over the past ten years we have perfected our hip surgery, performing a keyhole ‘Sports Hip Repair’ which is unique to Whitfield Clinic.  It was fantastic to see so many sports doctors and physiotherapists travelling to Waterford to watch the surgery live; it will give them a much better understanding of what we do and help with rehabilitation of the athletes. The symposium was a great success”

For further information, please visit www.whitfieldclinic.ie 

Waterford Country Fair shines the spotlight on country life and country living

On June 14^th Mount Congreve Gardens will host the first Waterford Country Fair, a festival celebrating the very best of country life and country living.

The one day event will feature a host of field sports and country pursuits including dressage, side saddle displays and sheep dog trials, along with falconry, beekeeping, artisan craft producers and local food producers.

Jo Breheny, Chair of the Waterford Country Fair is delighted with the reaction to the festival so far.  “A few months ago, some friends and I discussed the idea of a festival that showcases the best of country pursuits, but we also wanted to ensure it was a festival that would have a wide appeal to all ages.  We formed a dedicated committee, spoke to some local businesses and so far, have received phenomenal support from the business community.”

“The day itself will have something for everyone, not just those with an interest in equestrian and country pursuits.  There will be pony club games, sheep dog trials, and dressage.  There will be an exciting falconry display as visitors can learn more about these majestic birds, hot-shoeing farrier demonstrations, carriage driving displays, beekeepers will give a fascinating insight into the busy life of bees, traditional artisan crafts such as basket weaving and some of the county’s finest food producers will have stalls at the event.”

The event setting couldn’t be more stunning.  Mount Congreve Gardens are regarded as “one of the great gardens of the world.”   Situated just outside Kilmeaden in Co. Waterford the gardens consist of seventy acres of planted woodland gardens and a four acre walled garden. 

Ray Sinnott, Mount Congreve Estate Manager, is looking forward to hosting the Waterford Country Fair.  “The festival and the gardens complement each other very well.  The Fair will put the focus on country living and we believe that Mount Congreve Estate is the perfect example of country living at its best.  We have wide open spaces to accommodate the myriad of events on the day with plenty of room for country pursuits’ enthusiasts, families and tourists.  Visitors will also have the chance to explore the largest collection of plants in Ireland and thousands of trees and shrubs.”

The Waterford Country Fair will also work with the charity CRY, Cardiac Risk in the Young.  According to Ms. Breheny, “We chose CRY as our charity partner in order to raise awareness of the crucial work this organization does tirelessly.  It raises awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death Syndrome, provides free counselling and support for families affected by sudden cardiac death and supports the Centre for Cardiovascular Risk in Younger Persons.  We hope the day will help spread the message about sudden cardiac death syndrome and raise funds for this remarkable charity.”

To find out more about Waterford Country Fair, which takes place at Mount Congreve Gardens on Sunday, June 14^th, visit www.mountcongreve.com or keep up to date with Facebook and Twitter