HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

In this episode, we speak to John Wall, a dedicated healthcare campaigner, about his personal journey as a patient advocate. From overcoming challenges to building trust and fostering collaboration, John highlights the significance of Patient Partnership in healthcare decision-making. He discusses his role on the local Programme Improvement Board, the growing inclusion of patient voices, and the importance of clear communication an...

In the first 2025 episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox, along with Health Promotion and Improvement colleagues Sean Conneely and Nollaig Ní Chárthaigh, discuss strategies for a Healthy New Year. They emphasise the importance of New Year's resolutions, behavior change, and community support in achieving health goals. Key topics include setting realistic goals, mental w...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, hosts Fergal Fox, Noreen Turley and Eamon Keogh reflect on the podcast's achievements in 2024. They discuss the diverse range of topics covered, such as obesity, menopause, health equity, and LGBTQ+ issues, and highlight specific impactful episodes. The hosts emphasise the importance of providing a platform for healthcare professionals to ...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we discuss Heart Health with Janis Morrissey, Director of Health Promotion Information and Training at the Irish Heart Foundation, delving into the causes and risk factors of heart disease and stroke. Janis emphasises the importance of both individual lifestyle changes and systemic policy interventions to improve heart health. She highligh...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, Dr. Rory Nee, Consultant Physician in Geriatric Medicine and Integrated Care Program for Older People (ICPOP), and Aoife Quinn, Clinical Nurse Manager (ICPOP), discuss essential strategies to help older adults stay healthy and well during the winter season. Rory and Aoife share practical tips for maintaining health and well-being such as s...

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore the important role of community engagement in preventing cervical cancer and the importance of collaboration in work together towards an Ireland where cervical cancer is rare in every community. Joining the discussion are Dr Caroline Mason Mohan, Director of Public Health for the National Screening Service, and Catherine Heaney, Hea...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we discuss Diabetes with Dr. Kate Gajewska, Clinical Manager for Advocacy and Research, Diabetes Ireland and Dr. Cathy Breen, Interim Dietetic Lead – HSE, National Clinical Programme for Diabetes about Diabetes. They discuss the different types of diabetes—Type 1, Type 2, and gestational—highlighting their symptoms and different risk facto...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health & Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley explores the concept of social prescribing with Dr. Sean Owens, a GP and chair of the Climate Health Alliance of Ireland, and Dr. Aleisha Clarke, the HSE National Program Manager for Mental Health and Wellbeing. They explain how social prescribing aims to connect individuals with local community resources to meet their...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox discusses the importance of planning ahead for healthcare treatment decisions with Caoimhe Gleeson and Suzy Byrne. Caoimhe, the General Manager in the HSE National Office for Human Rights and Equality Policy, highlights the role of Advance Healthcare Directives under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, enablin...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Eamon Keogh discusses childhood obesity with Dr Grace O'Malley, Clinical Lead of the Children's Health Ireland, Child & Adolescent Complex Obesity Service. They talk about the definition, prevalence, and parental concerns regarding childhood obesity. Dr O'Malley emphasises a holistic approach to managing obesity, focusing on overa...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox discusses the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in Ireland. Dr. Matt Kennedy from Belong To and Denise Croke from the HSE share insights from a recent research report revealing high rates of self-harm and suicidal thoughts among LGBTQI+ youth. They emphasise the importance of supportive environments, inc...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox speaks with Dr. Eithne Hunt, an Occupational Therapist and Lecturer at University College Cork, about practical tips for students to support their health and wellbeing in third level education. This episode is full of useful information for students, parents and teachers or anyone working with young people wishing to advance to third level education. K...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, Dr. Sean O'Dowd, Consultant Neurologist at TUH, and Clinical Lead at the National Dementia Services, discusses brain health with the host. Dr. O'Dowd, who specialises in cognitive disorders and dementia, explains the functions of different brain parts and emphasises the importance of how we can maintain brain health by making informed life...

The latest HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast talks about Safefood's latest public health campaign, "#TalkAboutFood which aims to raise awareness about the food environment and its significant impact on children's health.

Dr Aileen McGloin Director of Nutrition with Safe Food and Norah Campbell, Associate Professor of Marketing at Trinity College Dublin talk about the ...

The latest HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast talks about the new national physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines.

Professor Elaine Murtagh and Associate Professor Grainne Hayes from the University of Limerick. The episode centres around the newly launched physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines, exploring their significance, updates from pre...

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox discusses the impact of screen time on young children with Dr. Gillian Doyle and Dr. Anne-Marie Casey, Senior Clinical Psychologists. They explore how screen time affects health and wellbeing, emphasising the need for mindful use of devices and advice for family conversations about screen habits. The experts highlight the importance of balancing screen...

In this episode, we discuss Healthy Lunchboxes for Kids and much more.

With school routines starting again and parents getting to grips with what to put into those lunchboxes and what to avoid. Marian McBride, Dietetic Lead, HSE Health & Wellbeing discusses the importance of a balanced diet to ensure children develop a healthy relationship with food.

With tips on how to introduce healthier foods into children’s daily diets.  Ma...

In this podcast episode, Dr. Abigail Collins, Consultant in Public Health Medicine and Clinical Lead for the National Healthy Childhood Programme, shares expert advice on preparing children for the school year. The discussion covers preventing and managing common childhood illnesses and building healthy routines, as well as advice for children who are anxious about going back to school. The episode prov...