Two Comfort Chairs donated to Portlaoise Hospital’s Palliative Care Rooms
The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital have donated of two Comfort Chairs to the Sieve Bloom and Emo Court palliative care wards at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.
These specialised chairs are designed to provide comfort and support for patients, offering a more comfortable and dignified experience and helping to alleviate some of the physical discomfort associated with their illness.
They can also be used by family members wishing to stay with their loved ones during this time.
“We are delighted to be able to make this donation to the hospital” said Áine Reams, Treasurer of the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital.
“Our goal has always been to enhance patient comforts in the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise and we feel that these chairs will be of huge benefit.
“This donation has been made possible through the generous support of our local community. The Friends would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all donors and supporters whose contributions have enabled this enhancement in our hospital.
“Community support is vital for initiatives like this. We are immensely grateful to everyone who has supported our efforts over the past number of years.”
12-month waiting list for narcolepsy patients
The HSE have confirmed that the current wating times for patients seeking to access narcolepsy services in St James’s Hospital, Dublin is approximately 12 months.
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder with a range of very serious effects and symptoms and is often accompanied by a form of cataplexy, where a person’s muscles temporarily lose some or all of their strength, or their ability to function.
According to Narcolepsy Ireland, the most severe form of cataplexy results in the person totally collapsing and being effectively temporarily paralysed for periods ranging from as short as a split second or as long as several minutes.
Following a discussion with the HSE and Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, Independent TD for Laois/Offaly Carol Nolan Deputy Nolan said:
“While organisations such as Narcolepsy Ireland provide wonderful support and information, this must be matched by a greatly improved pathway toward medical and diagnostic assessments within the health service itself.”
