Our Beneficiaries for Med Day 2023
Hang-Out Space for Teenagers with Cancer, at CHI Crumlin
There is growing evidence to support the need for age-appropriate care for teenagers and young adults with cancer. The aim of this project is to redesign and renovate a room within Crumlin Hospital to create a fun, recreational, age-appropriate hang-out space with kitchen facilities and outdoor garden access for teenagers and young adults suffering from cancer. One young patient described the impact of this project better than we ever could - “I think even if you just see people there but you don’t speak to them, it’s kind of like a reminder that you’re not the only one who’s going through it and that it’s not just you in an isolated space.” This space will enable these patients to meet and socialise with one another, in a place that is specifically designed within the hospital to offer a respite for these young people. This project will doubtably improve the experience of young people with cancer in Crumlin Hospital.
Giving a Voice to Palliative Care patients with technological Communication Aids at
Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services
Patients who attend Our Lady’s Hospice at Harold’s Cross for respite, symptom control or end of life care may have difficulties communicating either as a direct consequence of their illness (such as in head and neck cancer or Parkinson’s Disease) or due to the symptoms experienced at the end of life (such as breathlessness, fatigue or oral pain). By purchasing a selection of iPads and specialist applications that are designed to enable these patients, OLH Harold’s Cross will be able to facilitate this wholly necessary service as patients approach end of life, dispelling potential distress in what is a difficult time for many families. What’s more, this equipment will also aid doctors and nurses in providing the best quality of care as these patients will be better equipped to articulate their symptoms and experience.
Purchase of a Bodyworks Eve Mannequin model for Point of Care Ultrasound
(PoCUS) and ultrasound training at Tallaght University Hospital
Ultrasound scans are common investigations which can be conducted quickly, non-invasively and safely in hospitals all over Ireland, producing instant and reliable results. However, very few students and junior doctors are offered the opportunity to practise the use of ultrasound due to a shortage of specialised training equipment - this project will purchase a specialised mannequin model which can teach a variety of realistic techniques, enabling doctors to practise and hone their skills so that patient experience is improved. This increases efficiency and should address knowledge gaps in the junior doctor awareness of advanced ultrasound techniques.
Improving Walking Ability For People with Stroke and MS through use of a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) device at St James’ Hospital
A large percentage of patients who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or those who experience strokes will have difficulty walking in the wake of these events, and will be more susceptible to falls. Functional Electronic Stimulation (FES) is proven to aid these patients in getting back on their feet and developing their walking endurance so that they may regain much of their independence. FES is also proven to help boost balance and prevent the risk of falls, which has the knock-on effect of keeping these patients out of hospital waiting rooms in the long term. Currently, SJH has no access to this highly effective method of rehabilitation and MS/stroke patients will see an immediate benefit to their mobility once they have been introduced.
Giving independence to patients at the National Rehabilitation Hospital with
Assistive Technology
The NRH caters to a wide variety of patients who have experienced some form of neurological injury, such as stroke victims, which frequently prevents them from moving and manipulating objects easily. This project will aid these patients by providing them with specialised mouse-style devices, and voice-activated aids, not unlike a specialised “Alexa”. This will offer alternative ways to control their phones, computers and tablets, as well as controlling elements in their hospital room such as the television, without the aid of staff. These pieces of equipment can prove life-changing in granting these patients considerably more independence than they might have enjoyed otherwise.
Trinity Access Programme
Trinity Access Programme (TAP)'s mission is to work in partnership across the education sector with student, teachers, families, communities, and businesses to widen access and participation at third-level for under-represented groups. TAP offers a range of access programmes for people with the enthusiasm, motivation, and ability to succeed at third level. TAP engages with communities and schools in low progression areas to encourage a positive mindset and support real steps towards going to University. Med Day's partnership with TAP has been long-running and involves promotion of TAP and a clinical skills day with TAP students in secondary school. We look forward to continuing to work with this inspiring organisaiton!
Your contribution will help us make a real difference in patient care!