Healthcare in Science was centre stage at the Ulster Hospital as the Interim Permanent Secretary for Health, Mike Farrar and the Department of Health’s Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Ian Young, spent time talking to staff and learning about innovations which are helping so many patients across the South Eastern Trust.
The Trust’s, Chief Executive, Roisin Coulter was keen to show them the Respiratory Physiology Laboratory where patients with a condition called Sleep Apnoea are availing of a new technology, Acupebble, which is significantly reducing waiting lists and speeding up access to treatment.
Mike Farrar said, “I am impressed with the commitment of staff, the innovation they have shown and the difference it is going to make for patients across Northern Ireland.
“I was particularly interested in Audiology, Sleep Apnoea and the Acupebble technology that is something that we should have in every Trust across Northern Ireland as soon as we can.
The Cardiac Investigations and the Audiology Teams demonstrated the pioneering work being delivered every day which is making a huge difference to patients’ lives, in particular the Stress Echo Room which is replacing the traditional treadmill test.
Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Ian Young, added, “It has been fantastic to visit Healthcare Scientists in the Ulster Hospital and to see the way that they are leading and transforming care, working as part of multidisciplinary teams.
“I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the staff, their knowledge and their determination to deliver better outcomes for patients through innovation.”
Chief Executive, Roisin Coulter, commented, “It is so important to recognise the value of these clinical professions and the range of services that the team is providing. They put patients at the heart of everything they do. They are driving forward innovation, delivering better outcomes, better use of resources and more productive and efficient services. This is absolutely fantastic.”
Assistant Director of Medicine, Kerrie McClure echoed Roisin Coulter’s comments, stating “This is a great opportunity for the South Eastern Trust to showcase Health Physiologists and how they are helping to deliver our services. I am so proud of the team.”
