Category: health

Understanding ADHD Diagnosis in Ireland: A Guide to Support and Care

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is experienced by people internationally, within and outside of Ireland. If you are considering seeking an ADHD diagnosis in Ireland, you may wonder how to go about it. This post provides a rundown of exactly what the pathway to a diagnosis entails, as well as help and treatment options available to you and your loved ones.

If you are a parent with concerns about your child’s attention span and behaviour or an adult seeking more insight on how to manage ADHD symptoms in your life, being informed on what’s involved in an ADHD evaluation is the first step on your road to empowerment. Understand the symptoms of ADHD, how to prepare for a diagnosis in the Irish system, and effectively manage symptoms for the best treatment for ADHD Ireland has to offer.

Recognising the Signs of ADHD

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects people in many ways. Some become overactive or impulsive, whilst others struggle to maintain composure when focusing attention or staying organised. Other symptoms include concerns with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While some symptoms begin in youth, with symptoms typically found in school, the condition can continue into adulthood and impact the remainder of their lives, i.e., impacting their work or relationships.

If you or your child consistently struggles with attention, time management, forgetfulness or getting things in order, perhaps it’s time to consider an assessment for ADHD. The sooner it is identified, the better the opportunity to access support and learn strategies to manage difficulties.

The Process of ADHD Diagnosis in Ireland

Navigating the healthcare system to obtain an ADHD diagnosis in Ireland is relatively simple once you know how. Most people will start by visiting a General Practitioner (GP), who will be able to advise on the process, and refer you to the appropriate specialist. If children have experienced problems at school, then it might be their teacher or a school psychologist who first suggests an evaluation by a specialist.

Experts who can diagnose ADHD are often psychiatrists or clinical psychologists, due to the training required to officially diagnose the condition. In addition to this, regulated and safe platforms like HealthHero.ie can provide online consultations to help provide clarity on next steps, and give families the reassurance they need to move forward with the process.

How ADHD is Managed in Ireland

An ADHD diagnosis tends to open a new door: one of solutions and strategies for managing symptoms, through therapy, medication and lifestyle changes that can boost focus and impulse control. In most cases, management includes a combination of solutions that are right for the given individual:

Medication: Stimulant and non-stimulant medications are often prescribed to help manage symptoms, improve concentration, and decrease impulsiveness. Medications can be mixed and adjusted as needed over time with the help of a healthcare provider.

Therapy and Skills Training: Talking therapies and teaching new skills can help on your side of things. A trained therapist can teach you more about time-keeping, organisation and reducing procrastination. They may use treatment programming to help counter some of the cognitive processing issues experienced when making decisions.

Lifestyle Changes: Keeping a routine, eating healthy food, and sticking to a sleep schedule can help with the symptoms of ADHD. Kids with ADHD should have a limited amount of choices, making it easier to organise and structure environments or routines at home and school for children with ADHD to follow, and adults benefit greatly from things like task planners with date books or apps that can provide help in managing tasks and responsibilities.

Many healthcare providers provide resources and advice specifically targeting ADHD that go well beyond medicine and talk therapy to provide broader support that can help with symptom control.

How an ADHD Diagnosis Can Empower You

For many people, a diagnosis of ADHD is an exciting and life-changing thing. It can give you answers, relief and information that you would never have otherwise had. You can take what you learn about yourself and use that information to help yourself and put tools and strategies in place to manage your ADHD.

Learning that ADHD is behind certain challenges will also give you some insight into your strengths. Many people with ADHD are very resilient; they are often highly creative and have fantastic problem-solving skills. By doing therapy and making lifestyle changes that are catered to you ranging from the people around you to your home and environment, you can use those skills to live an even more satisfying and fulfilling life.

Navigating the Healthcare System for ADHD Support

In Ireland, you receive a diagnosis and support for ADHD through the public health system, which is called the Health Service Executive (HSE). You can expect to wait sometime for the initial appointment with the relevant specialist, as waiting lists tend to be long. But here is help available that can give you an appraisal of whether your child might have ADHD and care until you receive a diagnosis.

Some families can also opt for an assessment in the private sector to avoid waiting times and start interventions as quickly as possible. Even though this is more costly, getting the appropriate interventions early on can make a huge difference not only for the child or teen but also for the entire family.

Finding Support After an ADHD Diagnosis

With a diagnosis of ADHD, having the right support set up is essential. In Ireland, there are Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) in schools equipped to help children with ADHD get the right support where education is concerned. For adults, support in the workplace, at home and in their personal life is available.

Therapists who specialise in ADHD can help work through the practicalities of coming to terms with and managing the sleep-deprived frustration that comes with ADHD, as well as putting in place strategies for bolstering organisational skills, time management and relationships. Friends and family will also play a key role though, so being able to discuss your diagnosis and what it means is likely to put them in the best place to provide the help you need.

With an understanding of the ADHD diagnosis process in Ireland you will be well-placed to live your best, most balanced life, knowing where to turn for the support you need. Equally, if you know someone you care about is struggling with ADHD — whether during childhood or adulthood — you can take your concerns to your GP or simply head to HealthHero.ie to find your way to the help and advice you need.

The Role of Technology in Modernizing Senior Skilled Care

Technology is impacting almost every aspect of life, including senior care. Therefore, people with aging parents or loved ones should understand the role of technology in senior care and how they can use it to improve the quality of life for seniors.

With the high number of elderly citizens and longer life expectancy, caregivers can use technology to ensure seniors are healthy and independent. Seniors can use technology for entertainment, security, education, medical care, and more, depending on the unique needs of the seniors. This article will discuss the role of technology in senior care and how it can improve the golden years.

Access to Medical Support and Care

Health providers and caregivers use technology to diagnose and treat seniors in medical facilities. But technology goes beyond the walls of the hospitals. They can also use smartwatches that help monitor heart rate, pulse rate, temperature, and calories burned. Some smartwatches have fall detectors that alert caregivers or emergency teams for quick emergency response.

Telemedicine is another groundbreaking technology that improves access to healthcare for seniors. Seniors can consult a medical specialist remotely using tech devices such as mobile apps and video calls. This reduces the need to visit medical facilities regularly for examination and treatment.

Seniors who need skilled nursing services can use their smartphones to research and find the best providers, ask questions, schedule appointments, and consult senior care experts. Therefore, technology has improved access to medical care and support for seniors.

Communication and Social Connection

Seniors want to stay connected with their peers, friends, family, and community. However, as they age, they might be unable to visit their friends or attend social events as often as they did when they were younger.

Modern technology provides innovative devices and tools, such as smartphones and tablets, which seniors can use to contact their friends and stay connected. They can also watch community events in the comfort of their apartment, which fosters a sense of belonging.

Social media and messaging apps installed on mobile devices can help seniors access the latest news and activities that affect their quality of life. So, older people do not feel isolated or lonely because they engage in community events through social media, telephone calls, video calls, and messaging apps.

Monitoring Seniors to Ensure Safety

Seniors want to live independently but require monitoring to lower the chances of accidents and injuries. Caregivers and family members can use devices such as smartphones and GPS devices to know where the senior is at every moment and save them from potential hazards.

Senior living communities invest in security cameras, access control devices, alarm systems, and smoke detectors to prevent accidents or criminal activities that could affect senior care and well-being.

Some install smart sensors in different locations to detect abnormalities or hazards as the seniors walk around, thus ensuring safety while maintaining independence. Fall detection technology and emergency buttons can also alert caregivers when seniors need assistance.

Support and Training for Caregivers

Caregivers might encounter challenges when handling unique cases at home or in assisted living. They can use mobile devices to research how to handle the situation or contact experienced caregivers for guidance.

Caregivers can install educational apps and join relevant forums to learn from peers and experts. Continuous learning and support ensure caregivers are informed about the latest senior care trends to avoid making mistakes.

Technology is a game changer in protecting seniors’ health and ensuring they are safe and comfortable. So, caregivers and families with seniors should integrate technology to reap the benefits of the latest technologies. They must also research and consult other caregivers to stay updated and offer the best senior care

Digital Transformation: How Technology Changed Healthcare Business

The health sector has undergone a serious transformation in recent years, mainly because of technological changes. This digital revolution has not only enhanced the care provided to patients but also smoothed operations and made healthcare access more efficient. The inclusion of telehealth, which is seen as a fundamental component of contemporary healthcare delivery, has undoubtedly been one of the largest shifts.

The Rise of Telehealth

Advanced health care facilities offer telehealth appointments, which is a method of receiving healthcare remotely via digital information and communication technology, such as computers and mobile devices. This technology allows patients and doctors to communicate efficiently but remotely, which omits the need for visiting doctors in person even for minor health issues. It has been particularly beneficial for those patients who reside a long distance away, have transportation complications, or would simply be better at ease being treated virtually.

Telehealth is the lifeline of COVID-19, wherein consultations and treatments are given amidst avoidance of exposures. This idea aided in minimizing the spread of the virus and helped keep essential healthcare services available.

Enhanced Patient Care

Better patient care is one of the main advantages of the digital transformation in healthcare.  Instead of using papers and endless file, patient records are stored electronically. This change allows users to access a patient’s complete medical history with a single click or tap. This leads to more complete diagnoses and better-informed treatment options.

Moreover, wearable technology and remote monitoring devices enable healthcare professionals to monitor patients’ vital signs and other health status measures in real-time. Such a possibility of continuous monitoring allows doctors to detect problems well in advance and interfere with treatment when an issue can be effectively dealt with.

Operational Efficiency

Similarly, there has been a vast enhancement in operational efficiency since digital transformation came into being. With automation, administrative tasks, like setting up appointments and billing, fall off the workers’ shoulders, leaving them with substantial time to cater to the patients.

AI and machine learning algorithms analyze vast volumes of data to predict patient needs and optimize resource allocation. The analytics-driven approach empowers healthcare organizations to make better, more wholesome decisions that enable prudent resource utilization and cost savings.

Improved Accessibility

Technology integration widens access to healthcare. Mobile health applications and online portals enable patients to schedule appointments, verify their test results, and communicate with their healthcare providers anywhere at any moment that is most convenient for them.

Telehealth platforms have also given patients access to specialists who could be in other cities or countries. That way, it democratizes access to specialists and thus helps patients get the best treatment possible based on their location.

Besides, health booths equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and telemedicine capabilities are being deployed in public spaces. In the near future, they will be deployed in remote areas, allowing people to access healthcare instantly. These booths enable patients to receive immediate medical diagnostics and medicine without traveling to a hospital or clinic. They can also consult with healthcare professionals. This further enhances accessibility, especially for underserved populations.

Digitalization in healthcare has been nothing less than revolutionary. From offering telehealth appointments to AI for predictive analytics, technology has turned how healthcare is delivered upside down. It is critical to emphasize that the more we forge ahead in this digital era, the more integration of technology will continue to drive the future of health, making healthcare truly patient-centric, effective, and accessible.

Spectrum.Life Surpasses 300 Employees and Eyes Growth to 500 by End of 2025 

Spectrum.Life, a leading Irish whole-of-health digital partner, today announced plans to add 200 new colleagues in the coming months, growing its workforce to 500 employees by the end of 2025. The roles will be for jobs across the UK, Ireland and remote.

The announcement was made at Enterprise Ireland’s UK and Irish Business Leaders Dinner hosted by Ambassador Fraser on October 8 at the Embassy of Ireland in London.

On the back of the company’s rapid expansion in the UK, the company recently surpassed the milestone of 300 employees. This considerable expansion solidifies its position as a key player in the rapidly evolving HealthTech industry.

A significant portion of these new roles will be remote, spanning various sectors, including clinical positions, senior leadership, and business development, and contributing positively to local economies across Ireland and the UK. This expansion underscores Spectrum.Life’s strategic focus on harnessing the rich talent pools in both markets, further establishing the company as a dominant force in the HealthTech industry.

“We are incredibly proud of our talented team and the impact they make every day. Our commitment to job creation in Ireland and the UK reflects our vision of leading the HealthTech industry driven by both our people and our innovative solutions that save and improve lives. As we expand, Spectrum.Life remains steadfast in its mission to revolutionise digital mental health. This journey isn’t just about growth – it’s about transforming and saving lives. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we differentiate ourselves, building a brighter future for our clients, employees, and communities, and solidifying our position as a leader in HealthTech innovation,” said Stephen Costello, Co-founder and CEO of Spectrum.Life.

Attending the Irish Business Leaders Dinner in London, Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland said: “Across the UK and Ireland, Spectrum.Life is providing digital mental health and wellbeing support to thousands of organisations. The addition of these 200 roles across the UK, Ireland and globally will support the company’s growth trajectory as more organisations adopt health tech solutions. Enterprise Ireland has supported Spectrum.Life since its beginning, supporting with investment, international growth and R&D projects.”

Spectrum.Life’s growth is further demonstrated by the expansion of its cutting-edge digital gym network, with a flagship location in Dublin, now joined by a second hub in Manchester. The new UK facility plays a pivotal role in in the company’s strategic growth, enhancing its ability to serve clients across both Ireland and the UK. Positioned as a key centre for content creation and client collaboration, the Manchester site is integral to meeting the rising demand for Spectrum.Life’s services in both markets.

In the face of Brexit challenges, Spectrum.Life has turned potential obstacles into opportunities. With a strong export strategy underpinned by innovative solutions and a customer-focused approach, the company continues to thrive internationally, reinforcing the connection between Ireland and the UK.

Spectrum.Life’s growth story also serves as a testament to the success fostered by Enterprise Ireland, highlighting the organisation’s crucial support in establishing Ireland as a global leader in HealthTech and technological advancement.

Revolutionizing Care: How Technology is Shaping the Future of Healthcare

For years, technology had a huge part in pushing forward healthcare systems; but as recent technological advancements are made, the new developments have changed the face of healthcare in ways never seen before. From AI-based diagnostics to telemedicine, these innovations are changing patient care, saving lives, and streamlining healthcare systems. Here we will pick up where we left off and dig deeper into this technological revolution within healthcare, how it is shaping the future of the industry, and what that means for patients as well as providers.

1) Diagnostics and Medical Treatment;

AI and machine learning are leading the healthcare transformation. Artificial intelligence technologies allow to processing of huge volumes of medical data, including images and patient documentation for more accurate and quicker diagnoses. Further, machine learning models assist in tailoring treatment plans to individual patient data, a factor that can drive the benefits of specific interventions and improve the outcome for patients.

2) Telemedicine for Increased Care Access:

Telemedicine enables patients to consult healthcare providers at home through video conferences & remote patient check-ups. Therefore, more healthcare facilities are built in response to this which means care is delivered quicker which staves off or even reverses various adverse health outcomes related to patient delays in receiving necessary treatment. 

Telemedicine can address routine annual visits, but also follow-up for chronic conditions, and in some capacity can provide a diagnostic workup – all of those are the elements that make it much better for individual users compared to just taking care of immediate urgent needs.

3) Wearable Technology: 

The use of wearable technology — smartwatches and fitness trackers in particular — is transforming how patients begin to manage their health. They can monitor vital signs, track movement, and feed real-time health data back to the patient and healthcare teams. 

So, for example, connected wearables could warn you of an abnormal heart rhythm or if you have high blood pressure and you may want to get it checked out. The result is that chronic conditions can be better managed, and people are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices, which leads to an overall better state of health and well-being.

4) Advanced Diagnostics and Imaging: 

Recent technological innovations in imaging and diagnostics may improve the accuracy and efficiency of medical examinations. Imaging like MRI and CT scans can provide detailed high-resolution images of invested parts of the human body to assist with more accurate diagnosing.

Further, advances in endoscope maintenance and design have increased the dependability and quality of endoscopy. Preventive maintenance measures help ensure endoscopic equipment performs at its best, minimize procedural complications, and enhance patient safety.

5) Healthcare Management:

Data analytics and electronic health records (EHRs) are making healthcare management more automated, integrating the entire accomplishment, recording as well helping in decision-making better than humans. EHRs offer a complete perspective of the medical history of a patient that facilitates easy access and sharing of information among healthcare providers.

Data analytics tools can identify trends, predict patient outcomes, and optimize resource allocation in real-time. Through the integration of these technologies, healthcare systems can boost efficiency and reduce errors, all while making care more personalized.

In conclusion, we all know, that for better diagnostics, treatment, and patient care technology is changing the future of healthcare in a good way. AI, telemedicine, wearable tech, and the most minute imaging technologies are enhancing healthcare delivery and experience. As these innovations continue to grow, so too are the promises of what we can do around health and wellness – resulting in more effective and efficient healthcare for everyone.

Vhi celebrates milestone 50,000 free self-service health checks

Vhi today released new health and wellbeing insights generated from 50,000 free self-service health checks over a two-year period.

The on-the-spot health assessment stations provided at workplaces and other sites across the country in partnership with Sisu Health measure blood pressure, body mass index, and perceived stress, as well as screening for diabetes and cardiovascular risks. Participating users can subsequently benefit from lifestyle advice on a range of health issues through an integrated portal, with signposting provided to GPs in cases of identified health risks.

Since the re-introduction of the Vhi health checks scheme in September 2022, over 40,000 members of Vhi corporate health schemes have actively monitored their health and wellbeing using the mobile self-service health stations which visited 540 workplace locations and sites nationwide.

Since the introduction of the health check stations that more than 9,000 people were recommended to contact their GP following a health assessment. These referrals encourage early intervention in cases of health risk and help to reduce the likelihood of developing chronic illness. More than half of those who used the health stations (21,000) had not received a blood pressure check in the past 12 months prior to screening, with 14.3% of those assessed recording high blood pressure.

Other insights include:

  • 16% of all participants recorded high blood pressure, with 49% of all men measuring ‘at risk’ to high.
  • 2002 Health checks triggered a ‘GP call to action’ for high blood pressure (140/90) and or high BMI (35+).
  • 16% of participants indicated that they are a smoker, a little under the 18% national average as published by the HSE.

Professor Charlie Foster, Head of Population Health, Vhi said: “Investing in the health and wellbeing of employees is crucial in building happier and healthier workplaces. That’s why we’re delighted to reach this major milestone in the use of our health check services. Encouraging team employees and members to actively monitor and look after their health through regular checks can drastically reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease. Benefits are also seen by employers who see happier, healthier and stronger employees alongside real costs savings in reductions in the impacts of smoking and poor mental health.

“By providing quick and easy access to health checks in workplaces and other sites around the country, we’re empowering members to identify and address health risks early on and help them to achieve better health outcomes. This is one of the many ways in which Vhi is driving innovation in how healthcare is delivered and helping our members live longer, stronger and happier lives.”

Jez Styles, Director of Growth, SisU Health said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone through our partnership with Vhi. Given the increasing burden of chronic cardiovascular and metabolic health conditions on global healthcare systems it is important that new technology should be accessible, convenient and deployed strategically. SiSU believe that people should be able to access health checks in places where they live their lives, with workplaces presenting a prime opportunity for Vhi’s members to identify developing or undiagnosed conditions.”

Vhi provides an extensive range of corporate health and wellness services to support healthier and more productive workforces. Corporate health programmes can be tailor designed to ensure the evolving needs of employees are met and include access to mental health supports and holistic wellness programmes focusing on resilience, sleep, nutrition and movement.

For more information on Vhi’s corporate health and wellbeing services, please visit: www.vhi.ie/employers.

Revolutionary treatment transformative for Irish clinics

A LEADING podiatrist and business owner who has completed nearly 1000 treatments using a revolutionary new medical device has hailed its potential as the future of treating painful skin lesions.
Having adopted Emblation’s Swift® device, Dublin-based podiatrist Joseph Egan revealed that it has become the most effective form of treatment in his three clinics across Ireland.
Designed by global medical microwave leader Emblation, Swift is an innovative form of treatment that uses targeted bursts of microwaves to treat warts and verrucae.
Joseph, who is the owner and director of MyFeet, explained that he was convinced to implement the device into his clinic after seeing promising research on its results – and has since reaped the benefits of its highly effective treatment.
Joseph said: “We are seeing hugely positive results for patients across our clinics. I’ve been really impressed with how effective treatment with the device has been.
“When you compare this against more traditional forms of treatment such as cryotherapy or treating with salicylic acid, the difference is night and day.
“For us, it’s been a positive step change, leading to a much easier process. Using Swift means we don’t have to provide protective padding or dressings and they don’t need regularly changed.
“Additionally, patients aren’t having to go through persistent pain every week that they otherwise would if they went down other routes like cryotherapy, acid or invasive surgery.”
Unlike other traditional treatments, Swift utilises revolutionary microwave technology, targeting the tissue with a highly controlled dose of energy, with research showing that the treatment has an efficacy rate of up to 86.4% on verrucae.
Over 345,000 treatments have been performed across the world and the innovative microwave technology is undergoing trials as a treatment for conditions such as fungal nail, facial acne and melanoma.
Speaking about the future of treatments, Joseph added: “In my opinion Swift is currently the most effective form of treatment clinicians can provide for their patients when it comes to warts and verrucae.
“The research is what convinced us to start using it and it’s been an excellent decision from both a patient care and business standpoint and we’ve not looked back since.
“From a business perspective, we recouped what we paid for the device in three to four months, which is a massive bonus. From the get-go, we’ve wanted to improve our treatments for customers and Swift® has managed to do that – almost instantly.”
Emblation founders Gary Beale and Eamon McErlean, who first crossed paths during their postgraduate studies at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, jointly established the company.
Speaking on Joseph’s feedback, Chief Commercial Officer, Jonathan Williams said: “It’s obviously incredibly encouraging and motivating to hear such positive feedback about Swift.
“The treatment has proved to be a real game changer when it comes to patients’ quality of life, and we’re still very early into our journey in Ireland. We’re happy Swift® has had such an impact for Joseph and most importantly his patients and we can’t wait to continue to grow Swift’s presence across the country.”
In 2021, the firm experienced a significant injection of capital when Apposite Capital, a London-based specialist in healthcare, invested an eight-figure sum.
This financial boost propelled the firm’s rapid global expansion, resulting in the acquisition of a distribution company to form Emblation Inc.
This financial injection also paved the way for the establishment of new Emblation subsidiaries in Canada and Germany, in addition to their expansion into more than 20 other countries.
This financial boost tripled the company’s workforce necessitating larger office space. Emblation has now moved into their state-of-the-art headquarters £4m headquarters in Stirling.
To find out more about Emblation visit https://emblation.com/
 
To find out more about MyFeet visit: myfeet.ie

EHS International Launches New Dublin Offices Following Major Investment

EHS International, a leading Irish environmental, health, and safety (EHS) company founded by Chris Mee, has announced the official opening of its new offices in Ballymount, Dublin. This expansion is part of a significant investment nationally by EHS International, underscoring the company’s commitment to advancing EHS standards across Ireland and beyond. Since leaving his previous company, Chris Mee has invested €5 million in the setting up of his new enterprise.
The newly renovated 10,000 square-foot facility at IFC House, 23 Ballymount Road Upper, Kilnamanagh, Co Dublin, is a comprehensive training centre with collaborative spaces. EHS International offers a wide range of services from this location, including specialised EHS training, consultancy, and occupational health services. There is also ample car parking on site.
Leading the Dublin team is Robert Butler, recently appointed as the Dublin Director for Operations & Training. With 12 dedicated professionals operating out of the Dublin office and a team of over 100 employees spanning Ireland and the UK, EHS International is poised to reinforce its position as the fastest-growing provider of integrated EHS solutions, having launched in October 2023.
The opening of the Dublin office marks a significant milestone in EHS International’s journey to becoming a global leader in EHS services. Speaking on the launch, Chris Mee, CEO of EHS International, said: “Our new Dublin headquarters represents a crucial step in our expansion strategy, allowing us to better serve our clients in the Dublin and Leinster area.”
Robert Butler, Dublin Director for Operations & Training added: “This new office is a testament to our growth and our dedication to providing unparalleled EHS services including Safety and Fire specialised training and EHS consultancy. We look forward to working more closely with our Dublin and Leinster clients from this new state of the art centre of excellence.”
Leveraging over three decades of expertise, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including EHS consultancy, Fire & EHS Services, training, occupational health & recruitment, solutions to businesses on a national and international scale. For more information about EHS International and its services, visit ehsinternational.com.

Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute at St James’s Hospital becomes first in Ireland or UK to introduce robot to make chemotherapy drugs

The Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute at St James’s Hospital in Dublin has become the first hospital in the UK or Ireland to introduce a compounding robot to produce cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs for cancer patients. As part of the evolving robotic programme in the hospital, this new initiative has the potential to supply chemotherapy products more efficiently and safely, increasing productivity and leading to a better experience for cancer patients at the hospital.

Chemotherapy is traditionally produced using a highly manual process carried out in pharmacy departments. Overseen by pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, it is physically intensive, involving measurement of doses, reconstitution of commercially sourced drugs and dilution into patient specific doses. Therefore, there is a risk of human error and a need for high levels of quality assurances and verifications. Staff globally often report repetitive strain injuries due to the labour intensity of production, as well as burnout.

The Aseptic Compounding Unit at St James’s Hospital is the busiest in the country, producing 30,000 products annually. With cancer levels rising alongside a growing and ageing population, this demand will rise in coming years. Funds for the new robot were raised by the St James’s Hospital Foundation.

Gail Melanophy, Director of Pharmacy at St James’s Hospital said: “This is a major step forward for our staff and our cancer patients at the hospital. We  aim to produce up to 50% of the oncology/haematology day ward’s chemotherapy needs within weeks of introduction and we hope this will significantly increase when at full capacity, including inpatient needs. This will free up time for our pharmacists to produce other products that the robot does not make and ensure that our valued patients never have to wait for their treatments.”

Aleena Mary James, nurse, Liz Hogan, patient, and Brid Curran, Clinical Nurse Manager.

The first patient received their treatment made by the new robot at the Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute today (11th April) on the hospital campus. Liz Hogan from Ratoath, County Meath is being treated for cervical cancer at the hospital and was infused with a customised dose of the chemotherapy produced by the robot.

She said: “I noticed no difference at all when I received my dose of chemotherapy today at St James’s Hospital – but I am reassured by the wonderful staff here who have told me that the new robot will help to ensure the chemo for all the cancer patients like me will be of very high quality.”

13 of the most commonly used cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs used at St James’s Hospital have been initially selected to be produced by the robot. Trials at the hospital have demonstrated that the advance preparation of the drugs is readily achievable, meaning they are available in the clinics when patients arrive for their sessions.

For the pharmacy staff, the use of the robot protects them from repetitive strain injuries commonly associated with this type of manual process, as well as from exposure to hazardous drugs used in the compounding of chemotherapy. Patients can be assured of the quality of the chemotherapy produced due to the environment in which the robot is housed as well as the flexibility to use the range and scope of products previously produced in the pharmacy. There are also potential cost savings to be realised as the robot can store partially used drugs for use in the production of subsequent doses, thus optimising the use of expensive drugs.

Aisling Nolan, Director of Development at the St James’s Hospital Foundation, said: “I am delighted that the hard work of the Foundation supporters, from patients to families to our own staff, has paid off with the installation and use of this new robot. Cancer care is a core service at St James’s Hospital and this robot will help our cancer patients and the staff who care for them every day.”

The project was made possible due to a highly collaborative multidisciplinary team including pharmacists, technicians, engineers, electricians and ICT staff along with commercial partners to plan, implement and test the technology.

CEO of St James’s Hospital Prof Mary Day said: “The Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute aspires to being a comprehensive cancer centre where patient care, research, clinical trials and cutting edge treatments combine to lead to better patient outcomes and experiences. Being the first hospital in the UK or Ireland to use this new robot to make chemotherapy drugs is another example of how we are constantly striving to find new and better ways to serve our patients and assist our staff.”