Diocesan News
Full house for 7th annual conference hosted by Saint Luke’s Charity, Cork
Northridge House Education and Research Centre, which is operated by Saint Luke’s Charity, Chosted its 7th Annual Conference in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, County Cork, on Thursday, April 11th. The conference is now the leading conference in Munster for those working with older adults.
The conference theme this year was ‘Enhancing Quality of Life in Unrestricted Healthcare Environments’ which was chosen to reflect current legislation and upcoming HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) thematic inspections.
A full conference room with over 175 attendees was welcomed by the President of St Luke’s Charity, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr Paul Colton, who encouraged the attendees to slow down and enjoy the broad canvas being presented on the day.
Prof Amanda Phelan (UCD) gave the key note address on restrictive practice and understanding how we promote rights. Mr Peter Groarke (RDJ Solicitors) and Prof Shaun O’Keeffe (NUI, Galway) spoke about the implications of the forthcoming capacity legislation from differing perspectives. Dr Suzanne Timmons (Mercy Hospital, Cork), Ms Deirdre Lang (National Lead Older Persons Service, HSE) and Ms Fiona Ryan (Physiotherapist at St Luke’s Home) gave unique insights into the areas of psychotrophic medication use, frailty and the physiotherapist’s approach to restraint reduction.
Mrs Nora Owen, former Minister for Justice, shared eloquently her journey of care with her husband Brian following his diagnosis with dementia. Professor Tony O’Brien (Marymount University Hospice) spoke with great insight on the journey and values of end–of–life care.
The following day, two master classes took place at Northridge House with Prof Phelan who explored further how a person’s rights may be enhanced and Dr Maeve Hurley (Ag Éisteacht) who shared on the gift of listening. Ag Éisteacht, a charity focusing on the importance of interpersonal relationships, is based at Northridge House Education and Research Centre.
The conference was a wonderful success with very positive reflections shared on social media throughout the day with a breadth of speakers and topics being celebrated.
Ms Denise Stobart
Diocesan Media & Information Technology Officer
087 7055 989
media@corkchurchofireland.com