Met Éireann’s status yellow warning for wind came into effect this morning.
The forecasters say there will be strong to gale force south to southwest winds today and into Friday morning, with gusts of 90 to 110km/h expected.
The warning began at 6am this morning, and will be in place until 10am on Friday.
Galway, Donegal and Mayo are affected by the wind warning.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has been urged to take radical action to fix the chronic problems at UHG and in emergency departments across the State.
Adrian Curran of People Before Profit Galway called on Minister Donnelly to clearly state what new proposals his department has to address issues ahead of the winter period.
The call comes as media reports showed that over 100,000 people have been left waiting on trolleys in Irish public hospitals this year and UHG is one of the worst affected.
Between July and September of this year 27,000 people left Ireland’s emergency departments before receiving treatment.
“That over 27,000 people left emergency departments in three months of this year without getting proper treatment is a disgrace,” said Adrian Curran.
“The Minister and the Department need to hang their heads in shame.
“Galway is feeling the brunt of this crisis. University Hospital Galway had the third highest number of patients on trolleys for the month of October. There were 810 patients on trolleys in Galway.
“The Minister now needs to come forward with new and radical proposals to fix the crisis in our EDs. In People Before Profit, we believe that this must start with a mass recruitment and retention campaign for our public health service.
“The government needs to get real about capacity. We need to be adding 1,000 acute beds and 250 ICU beds in order to clear the waiting lists and backlogs.”
Family Carers Ireland has announced that the 2022 Galway Family Carer of the Year is Louise Mac an tSaoi from Ballinasloe.
Louise cares for her son Liam who has chronic lung disease, a serious metabolic disorder called PKU, autism and had his left leg amputated.
Now 12, Liam spent the first few years of his life in Crumlin Hospital with his mother by his side where he underwent multiple surgeries.
Louise battled tirelessly to ensure her son could come home from hospital and has gone above and beyond since the day Liam was born to care for him and make life as normal as possible while also raising her other children.
Her husband, Seán, sadly passed away last year after a long illness.
Now in their 15th year, the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards seek to recognise and shine a light on the remarkable contribution of the more than half a million people in Ireland who provide care at home to loved ones.
They provide care for children or adults with additional needs, physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental health challenges or addiction.
The 19 million hours of unpaid care provided each week by family carers would cost the State €20 billion a year to replace.
Family carers often go unnoticed in the community despite the immense workload they take on and the significant commitment they show to those that they care for.
This has particularly been the case during the pandemic with many left increasingly isolated.
Family Carers Ireland Community Support Manager for Galway, Michelle Moriarty, said caring for a loved one at home can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging, particularly in the absence of vital supports and services including respite.
“This can take a toll on a person’s physical, mental, financial and social wellbeing. Often, a person can find themselves taking on the role of a family carer with little or no warning,” she said.
“These are mums, dads, sons, daughters, siblings, relatives, friends and colleagues who sometimes don’t even see themselves as family carers. They are doing extraordinary work that is too often unseen and undervalued.
“These awards are an important event in our calendar every year as we seek to provide some small recognition to all of those who care at home for loved ones with additional needs and to ensure their stories are heard.”
“As a charity, we want family carers to know that they are not alone and that we are here to help them no matter where they find themselves on their caring journey.
“As a society, we must ensure that family carers are not only recognised for their immense contribution, but truly supported to care safely at home.”
Mick Galwey, Netwatch Brand Ambassador, said family carers are the backbone of our local communities and the Netwatch Family Carer of the Year Awards offer a chance to highlight their sheer tenacity, selflessness and resilience.
“We have learnt more than ever over the last two years just how important caring is. Family carers are ordinary people we know doing extraordinary work behind closed doors.
“It is only right that we champion their contribution and to be a part of that is very special to me and to Netwatch.”
The 27th Junior Galway Film Fleadh (JGFF) will take place from 13 to 16 November in the Pálás Cinema followed by a Gearrscannain outreach programme in schools across the county.
The Junior Film Fleadh runs screenings and events for young audiences and filmmakers each winter and takes part in the European Film Academy’s Young Audience Award.
The festival kicks off on Sunday 13 November with the European Film Academy Young Audience Award.
This pan-European day of contemporary films is aimed at 12 to 14-year-olds with 70 cities in 42 countries taking part simultaneously.
The JGFF has recruited a young jury based in the West of Ireland who will view the films alongside their European contemporaries and vote on the winning film.
Film screenings include Animal, a film about climate change; Dreams are Like Wild Tigers, a musical comedy; and Comedy Queen, a film that focuses on a young girl’s quest to become a stand-up comedian.
The event offers a unique opportunity to discover great European films which reflect the realities of young people all over Europe.
Preparation workshops take place in Galway City and County facilitated by filmmaker Luke Morgan.
“The Junior Galway Film Fleadh is absolutely delighted to be back in the cinema engaging with young people to offer a wide range of contemporary thought-provoking films and experiences including the European Film Academy Young Audience Award and a Careers Panel in association with Screen Ireland and Animation Ireland,” said Festival Producer Annette Maye.
Screenings for JGFF this year include language-based films that support the curriculum including La Traviata: My Brothers and I (Senior French), a family drama focusing on 14-year-old Nour’s quest to help his ailing mother with the aid of opera; King (Junior French) a drama about two young siblings dealing with an escaped lion cub; and Klammer – Chasing the Line (Senior German) a film that looks at the career of legendary champion skier Franz Klammer and his desire to go against the grain.
The Path (Junior German) is based on true events and tells the story of 12-year-old Rolf, who along with his father and dog must flee Nazi Germany.
Mediterrano – The Law of the Sea (Senior Spanish) is a powerful drama following a Spanish lifeguard as he tries to help refugees risking their lives to get to Europe.
Each film will be introduced and study guides will be provided to facilitate further classroom discussion. JGFF will also be screening An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl) and will host a question and answer session with some of the actors following the film.
Alongside these screenings, seven new Gearrscannain titles made by young emerging filmmakers from around Ireland will be screened including the touching documentary Siondrom Sonas about the director’s experience of growing up with a younger brother living with Down syndrome.
These films will tour to schools in Galway City and County as part of the JGFF outreach programme.
JGFF is also working with Screen Ireland/Animation Ireland to host a free Careers in Film, TV and Animation panel. Two sessions featuring experts in film, television and animation will focus on exciting opportunities in the screen industry for young people.
Topics covering the huge breadth of roles across the industry, pathways into film, television and animation, how to network, starting and developing your career and the reality of being a freelancer will all be addressed.
The panels will include speakers from Screen Ireland, Screen Guilds of Ireland, Animation Ireland and the recently established National Talent Academy for Animation. Booking for the Careers Panel is required.
Prices: Language Films €5.50, (€4.50 for DEIS Schools), Shorts/Gearrscannain €3 – no charge for teachers/SNA’s with student groups.
La Traviata: My Brothers and I: 14-15 November at 10:30am
King: 14th November at 12:30pm, 15 November at 11am
The Path: 14th November at 1pm
Klammer: Chasing the Line: 14th November at 11am, 15th November at 10:45am
Mediterrano – The Law of the Sea: 14th November at 10:15am, 15th November at 12:45pm
An Cailin Ciuin: 14th November at 12:45pm, 15th November at 1pm
Gearrscannain: 15th November at 1:15pm and 2:30pm
University Hospital Galway has appealed to the public not to visit the hospital if they are feeling unwell or have respiratory symptoms following a flu outbreak at the hospital.
UHG is currently dealing with a flu outbreak on one ward with COVID-19 impacting a further four wards.
Visiting to the affected wards will be facilitated on compassionate grounds, on an exceptional basis only.
To arrange a visit on compassionate grounds, please contact the ward manager in advance.
Chris Kane, Hospital Manager said they are appealing to people to extend their COVID-19 vigilance to the flu.
“If people have symptoms of flu, we are asking that they do not visit the hospital,” she said.
“Testing negative for Covid does not mean you don’t have flu. We are asking people not to visit the hospital in an effort to prevent the spread of the flu and to protect the many very sick patients here in the hospital.
“Seasonal flu is a highly infectious illness caused by the flu virus. Serious complications of flu are more likely if you have a chronic medical condition or if you are aged 65 years or older.”
Ms Kane said that while this may be challenging for patients and their families, the hosptal’s priority must be protecting patients, many of whom are very ill and for whom the flu would be very serious.
Anyone carrying the flu virus can spread it for 1-2 days before developing symptoms and up to 5 days after symptoms develop.
Flu is more severe in people aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, and anyone with a long-term medical condition.
It is not too late to get a flu vaccination and the HSE is urging people in high-risk groups to get vaccinated. The best way to avoid getting the flu is to get vaccinated.
People in Galway city who miss a delivery from An Post will now be able to collect it from their nearest post office instead of travelling to the Delivery Service Unit on the Tuam Road.
Twelve post offices in the greater city area are included in the new An Post service, including the city GPO at Eglinton Street.
The post offices are Bearna, Bohermore, Claregalway, Clarinbridge, Eglinton Street, Fr Griffin Road, Mervue, Newcastle, Oranmore, Renmore, Salthill and Seamus Quirke Road.
The service will be a major benefit to Galway customers, removing the potential hassle of a journey to the city DSU as well as providing more delivery options.
It will be particularly useful to An Post’s growing numbers of online shopper customers.
A DIB (Docket in Box) slip can now be left for the customer, directing them to their local post office to collect their item.
Galway-based Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton, welcomed the new service.
She said the move demonstrates once again the importance of a high value and high-quality Post-Office network to people across the county, as well as the central and trusted role of postmasters in our communities.
“I am sure this news will be greeted with open arms by those receiving important mail and parcels through An Post as we now eliminate an unnecessary journey across our bustling city of Galway for families and businesses,” said Minister Naughton.
Barna Postmistress Seona O’Fegan also gave the new pick up service the thumbs up, saying that it is a very welcome service.
“Previously if a customer in the Barna area missed a delivery, they would have to travel across Galway city which, if they’re lucky, would take up to an hour and half,” she said.
“As well as being more convenient, the Pick Up service is also bringing more people into post offices. We’re getting the opportunity to meet new people and they’re learning about the other services we offer.”
Another man has been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into organised crime in Sligo.
The man was arrested by Sligo Gardaí this morning, Wednesday, November 9.
He is currently detained under the provisions of Section 50, Criminal Justice Act, 2007.
Three other people were arrested on Monday as part of the same investigation, a woman and Two men.
The woman, aged in her 30s, has since been released without charge, and a file is being prepared for the DPP.
The two men remain detained at Garda Stations in Co. Sligo.
Today’s arrest brings the total number of people arrested as part of this investigation up to 14, two of whom have been charged.
Gardai have said that the investigation is ongoing.
A decision is due this week on whether planning permission will be granted for a larger, replacement mobile mast in Woodlawn.
Planning permission is being sought by Eircom Limited to replace a 10m wooden pole at the Eir Exchange in Carrowmore, Woodlawn, with a 21m high monopole.
A cover letter for the plans states that the existing mast is incapable of supporting the equipment needed to upgrade eir’s services in the area.
“The proposed structure will enable eir to improve services within Woodlawn and introduce ‘good’ 4G & 5G coverage to the village,” the application states.
“The existing exchange has already established utilities and links to the network. It is a strategic location to provide eir services and ensure technological and work efficiencies.”
“Here, the proposal replaces an already existing 10m wooden pole which will be removed as part of the development. This is also avoiding the need for alternative development in the area.”
The larger mobile mast will also allow other operators to place their equipment on it.
Two objections from local residents have been received by the council, stating that the location for the larger mast is too close to neighbouring homes and the street.
A decision on the planning application is due from Galway County Council by Thursday, November 11.
IdeasLab, the entrepreneurial and innovation hub at University of Galway is hosting an evening to celebrate inspiring female entrepreneurs.
The networking event will take place on Thursday, November 17 as a series of events aimed at strengthening the community of female entrepreneurs in the west of Ireland.
This evening will focus on sharing stories towards connecting, towards considering entrepreneurship as part of our future and to inspire action.
Hosting the networking is Director of Entrepreneurial Development in the University of Galway and head of IdeasLab Dr. Natalie Walsh.
Ideaslab is an open collaborative environment for University of Galway campus community to explore and accelerate ideas.
The Ideaslab team support students’ creativity, ideas, and innovation across the campus through a portfolio of student programmes and work with companies across the region and globally to support creativity and innovation.
At the event, Dr. Natalie Walsh will be joined by Paula Fitzsimons Founder of Fitzsimons Consulting who will chair a panel discussion with entrepreneurs: Dr. Anne Cusack founder of Critical healthcare, Leonara O’Brien founder of Pharmapod, and Andrea Doolan Co-founder of Atlantia Clinical Trials.
Through Fitzsimons Consulting, Paula has designed and implemented several peer support initiatives to address gaps in enterprise development.
Among these is the award winning Going for Growth, which is in its 15th year of supporting ambitious female entrepreneurs to realise their growth ambitions.
Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs is the latest in the suite of Going for Growth initiatives, which is focused on inspiring women not currently entrepreneurs to consider entrepreneurship as an attractive career option.
After the panel discussion, there will be a networking event to keep connections and conversations flowing.
This is an optimum event for women to share ideas, to connect and to seek out opportunities to expand their idea or business.
This event is in partnership with Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs, Enterprise Ireland and KPMG. To attend simply register at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/inspiring-women-tickets-439468631507. The event begins at 6:45pm sharp.
Galway has the fifth highest number of publicly available electric vehicle charging points in the country, a survey has found.
A survey by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly found that there are 172 EV charge points which are publicly available.
This is the lion’s share of just 488 in the entire region of Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal.
The only counties with more charging points that Galway are Dublin (639), Antrim (240), Cork (239), and Kildare (174)
The NWRA said that the lack of electric vehicle charging infrastructure poses a serious challenge to the government’s goal of having one million electric vehicles on the streets by 2030.
John Daly, economist with the NWRA, said that the roll out of public infrastructure needs to be “dramatically improved” to meet this target, particularly in rural regions like the west and north of the country.
“Our research has found that the lack of publicly available EV charge points is one of the key factors discouraging people from the Northern and Western region in switching to EVs.”
He added that this infrastructure is, “central to overcoming challenges such as ‘range anxiety’, namely an EV driver’s fear that they will run out of power before reaching their destination.”
“Policymakers may also consider enhancing EV grants as the high price of EVs was seen as the greatest barrier to purchasing an EV, while the provision of regionally targeted grants could improve the uptake of EVs in rural regions with low levels of disposable income.”
A survey of residents in the north and west found that 79% of people said that they were ‘very unlikely’ to buy an electric vehicle in the next year, while only 3% said that they were ‘very likely’ to do so.
Almost a third of respondents said that every village and town should have at least two charge points, and 18% felt that there should be one at every petrol station.
The NWRA is recommending that the government make provisions for the installation of more EV charge points in the Climate Action Fund, and ramp up grant funding for people to purchase electric vehicles.
It’s going to be gusty in Galway tomorrow, with Met Eireann issuing a weather warning for very strong winds up to 110km/h.
The Status Yellow wind warning for Galway and Mayo will be in effect from 11am to 6pm on Thursday.
During that time, south to southwest winds will become very strong, with gusts of up to 11km/h.
The day is also expected to quite damp, Met Eireann has forecast, with light rain starting very early on, and persisting throughout the day.
Rain will turn heaviest in the late afternoon, with dry spells also.
A Marine Warning for all Irish coastal waters will also be in place on Thursday until 10pm that night.
South to southwest winds will reach gale force 8 or strong gale force 9 that day.
Today will also overcast and damp for the most part, with scattered showers developing later in the day.
Highest temperatures of 12 to 13 degrees today, with moderate south-westerly winds, strongest in the evening.
Water outages are expected in multiple areas in North Galway until Tuesday night at least due to a burst mains.
The areas affected are Headford, Shrule, Caherlistrane, Kilconly, Annaghdown, Corrandulla, Belclare, Ballyfruit GWS, Cloghanover GWS and surrounding areas.
Repair works are currently scheduled to continue until 10pm on Tuesday night.
A traffic management plan is in place in Headford for the duration of the works.
It can take up to 2-3 hours after repairs are completed before people see their full water supply restored.
Updates can be found on Irish Water’s supply and service website page.
Six Connacht players have been named for the 39 man Ireland squad for the sold-out test series against Fiji & Australia
Among the backs, Caolin Blade and Mack Hansen have been named, with Cian Prendergast, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, and Gavin Thornbury in the forwards.
Conor Murray and Ciaran Frawley, who played in last weekend’s games against the All-Blacks and Springboks, have been ruled out as they recover from injuries.
Scrum-half Johnny Sexton is reportedly recovering well from a dead leg, but it has not been confirmed if he will be joining training this week.
However, Robbie Henshaw, Stuart McCloskey, and Tadhg Furlong will be back in training this week after their own injuries.
Ireland will play both Fiji and Australia in the Aviva Stadium over the next two weekends.
The first sold out game against Fiji will take place this Saturday, November 12, with kick-off at 1pm.
The following Saturday Ireland will face Australia at home, with that match starting at 8pm.
Backs (16)
Robert Baloucoune (Ulster/Enniskillen) 3 caps
Caolin Blade (Connacht/Galwegians) 1 cap
Joey Carbery (Munster/Clontarf) 36 caps
Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) 5 caps
Jack Crowley (Munster/Cork Constitution) uncapped
Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster) 21 caps
Mack Hansen (Connacht) 7 caps
Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers) 60 caps
Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) 24 caps
Michael Lowry (Ulster/Banbridge) 1 cap
Stuart McCloskey (Ulster/Bangor) 7 caps
Calvin Nash (Munster/Young Munster)
Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster/Naas) 1 cap
Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD) 45 caps
Johnny Sexton (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 109 caps CAPTAIN
Jacob Stockdale (Ulster/Lurgan) 35 caps
Forwards (23)
Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers) 26 caps
Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) 34 caps
Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) 31 caps
Max Deegan (Leinster/Lansdowne) 1 cap
Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 21 caps
Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf) 61 caps
Dave Heffernan (Connacht/Buccaneers) 7 caps
Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 119 caps
Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy) 68 caps
Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 29 caps
Jeremy Loughman (Munster/Garryowen) uncapped
Mike Milne (Leinster/UCD) uncapped
Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution) 88 caps
Tom O’Toole (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 3 caps
Scott Penny (Leinster/UCD) uncapped
Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 47 caps
Cian Prendergast (Connacht) uncapped
James Ryan (Leinster/UCD) 47 caps
Dan Sheehan (Leinster/Lansdowne) 11 caps
Gavin Thornbury (Connacht) uncapped
Nick Timoney (Ulster/Banbridge) 2 caps
Kieran Treadwell (Ulster/Ballymena) 9 caps
Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD) 44 caps
IRELAND v Fiji
Saturday 12th November, 2022, Aviva Stadium, KO 13:00
IRELAND v Australia
Saturday 19th November, 2022, Aviva Stadium, KO 20:00
Clifden Community Play-School has been awarded €28,000 from the AIB Community Fund to help continue its work caring for and educating children.
The school is one of the initial recipients of the annual AIB Community €1 Million Fund, which launched earlier this year.
They are one of over 70 local charities receive funding as part of the initiative after being nominated by the public.
Therese Boulger, Clifden Community Play-School Manager, said “Having our project and the work that we do recognised by our community and the panel of judges from the AIB €1 Million Community Fund means so much to us.”
“The funding provided will have a huge impact on the project, and make a genuine difference in the Clifden Community.”
She thanked that parents and community in Clifden who nominated them for the award, along with those who have volunteered their help in the projects, partners, and the judges who awarded them the money.
Clifden Community Play-School has operated from the Old Boy’s School since 1992, however it has outgrown these much loved premises and the Board of Directors and Manager have secured a site on the grounds of Scoil Mhuire NS.
The Board are in the process of seeking planning permission to build a new childcare facility on these school ground.
This will consist of two classrooms, providing 44 morning preschool places for preschool age children, more than doubling the 18 places currently available, as well as afterschool care for school age children with all associated ancillary facilities and a large outdoor play area.
Calls have been made for an urgent review of the safety measures in place at the Martin Junction under construction.
Councillor Alan Cheevers said that the city council and contractors need to review the junction’s safety after an accident involving two cars on Sunday evening.
“No one was injured in the accident, but what it shows is the junction, while at construction stage, is not safe and needs urgent safety measures implemented.”
He added that many residents and commuters have also raised this issue, as well as him.
“This is now an urgent issue that needs to be addressed before we have a fatality,” Alan Cheevers said.
Grainne Ní Lochlainn from Connemara is celebrating this week after being named Galway’s Most Inspirational Person at this year’s Gala Retail Inspiration Awards with Virgin Media.
Her extensive and inspirational work in the public health sphere within the local community earned her with the title of Inspirational Person in this year’s awards.
Grainne, from the Béal an Daingin area, really impressed the judges for her work in her local community.
Working as a public health nurse, Grainne put her heart and soul into every patient while also undergoing a Master’s in healthcare.
Grainne has also been known to take care of her patients’ pets when they have been in hospital.
Established four years ago to celebrate individuals who work to create better communities with their selfless acts and inspirational deeds, Gala Retail awarded inspirational people from 26 counties, with each receiving €1,000 in Ireland Hotel vouchers.
Noreen Murphy, from Bantry in County Cork, was named as the Overall Inspirational Person of the Year for her services to mental health with the establishment of Lisheen’s House Suicide Prevention Charity.
According to Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, choosing the winners was a challenging task.
“We’ve heard some truly inspirational stories from people across Ireland during these awards, which has affirmed something we already knew – that we have so many selfless people carrying out great work in our communities,” Gary said.
“Now in their fourth year, the Inspiration Awards pay tribute to people who play a key role in creating a better country for us all.
“Operating in communities throughout Ireland, Gala Retailers have seen first-hand some of the great work that people have been doing and we are proud to have been able to recognise some of these inspirational individuals.”
He said that Grainne, along with the fellow inspirational heroes, are true examples of people who are making Ireland a better place.
Gala Retail has gifted €26,000 of prizes to the winners with the 26 county winners being awarded with €1,000 hotel getaways across Ireland.
Galway University Hospital, Portiuncula University Hospital and Community Healthcare West are implementing further initiatives this winter to promote patient flow.
They will maximise the use of the resources that are available to manage unscheduled care pressure and improve patients’ journeys.
The initiatives identified for this winter are related to admission avoidance and patient flow.
Tony Canavan, CEO Saolta University Health Care Group, said the joint winter plan allocation will increase access for patients to a wider range of services in the community, decreasing demand on acute facilities.
He said these measures will ensure they can provide the best possible support to the population in the coming months.
“Ultimately, reducing long waiting times in our EDs will require more beds in our acute hospitals and in community units and the teams necessary to staff them safely,” said Tony.
“This plan improves upon already established resources, and provides opportunities for improvement. Through collaboration between disciplines and services we can promote optimal patient care closer to home.”
Breda Crehan Roche, Chief Officer, Community Healthcare West, said CHW will continue to provide supports, through available national funds to support admission avoidance including Community Intervention Teams, Home Support, Aids and Appliances, GP Access to Diagnostics and GP Out of Hours.
“Investment has been received for the recruitment of a GP Liaison Nurse to facilitate admission avoidance.
“These measures will ensure the continued development of community services and the growth in care to people at home or in community-based HSE facilities so they don’t have to be admitted to hospital unless they really need to be.”
Ireland’s premier health and safety event will take place this Friday, 11 November in the Galmont Hotel & Spa in Galway City.
The 58th NISO Annual Health & Safety Conference will see an esteemed panel of national and international speakers discuss this year’s theme — Health and Safety Mindset.
The NISO conference is the perfect opportunity for people to stay up-to-date with current occupational health and safety issues today, network with like-minded professionals and make new connections in the safety world.
For more information and tickets, see here.
The Children’s Remembrance Committee at University Hospital Galway will hold their annual Golden Enrolment Mass this Saturday.
The mass, in memory of deceased colleagues, will take place at 7pm on November 12 in the Chapel of all Saints at Merlin Park University Hospital.
For those who are unable to attend in person, the mass will be streamed live on the Children’s Remembrance Committee UHG YouTube channel.
Anyone who has a family member who worked in University Hospital Galway or Merlin Park University Hospital, and would like them remembered in this mass and the Golden Enrolment Book, can contact Vivian Roche-Fahy on 087 9684271 or Anne McKeown on 087 4418574.
A new study has found that hospitality employees who perceive they are on a ‘zero-hour’ contract, where their hours are unspecified, are particularly vulnerable to burnout.
The study was carried out by Dr Elaine Wallace, University of Galway, and Professor Joseph Coughlan, Maynooth University, and was published in the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management.
As part of the study, researchers examined how challenges such as workload, antisocial hours, emotional demands, and the attitude of customers can lead to burnout in the hospitality sector.
They also looked at how this risk is compounded by the uncertainties many hospitality employees face about their working hours.
The study gathered responses from 260 employees, 56% female and 44% male with an average age of 23, working in hospitality in Ireland.
Researchers found that almost half had less than a year’s experience in their role, and several perceived they were on a zero-hour contract.
Results showed that 58.8% of participants felt burnt out at least once per month, 35% multiple times a month, and 18.1% of participants felt burnt out at least once a week.
As managerial support, and employees’ own commitment to their employer can sometimes mitigate against burnout, these variables were also measured.
In addition, some employees ‘act out’ when they are under burnout, and therefore the study also investigated whether the employees ever engaged in counterproductive workplace behaviours, such as coming to work late or leaving work early without permission, neglecting to follow bosses’ instructions, or acting rudely to someone at work.
The results found among the group of employees those who were aware of their hours, had managerial support and were committed to the job helped to mitigate against burnout.
However, when this group of employees experienced burnout, they engaged in counterproductive behaviours against both the organisation and their colleagues.
This result was especially evident when employees were younger, perhaps to fit in with a culture where work stresses are high.
When employees who believed they were on a ‘zero-hour’ contract experienced burnout, managerial support or commitment to the job did not help to mitigate against it – suggesting that these employees may be more disconnected from the organisation, feeling like an ‘outsider’, yet experiencing burnout from the work.
At the same time, this group of employees did not ‘act out’ through counterproductive workplace behaviours when they experienced burnout, unlike those who knew their hours in advance.
Dr Elaine Wallace, co-author of the study and lecturer with J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics at University of Galway, warned that the study raises questions about the effect of burnout for staff on zero-hour contracts, and its effects on their wellbeing.
“They seem to be less able to draw from supports in their organisation, such as having a good manager,” said Dr Wallace.
“At the same time, although these employees don’t engage in ‘acting out’ behaviours when they experience burnout, their stress must go somewhere. This may manifest in unhealthy behaviours which could affect their own health and wellbeing.
“Hospitality managers should put supports in place to protect the wellbeing of precarious workers, and also recognise the vulnerability of younger employees who may also be more susceptible to burnout than their older colleagues.”
The full study is available to read at: https://www.emerald.com/
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