Forty-nine people were on trolleys at University Hospital Galway earlier today waiting for a bed – the second highest in the country.
University Hospital Limerick remains the most overcrowded hospital in the State with 81 patients on trolleys.
Cork and Letterkenny University Hospitals both have 34 people waiting for a bed.
A total of 507 patients were on trolleys across the country when the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation data was taken earlier today.
Seventeen of those were at Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe.
The latest HSE data shows that 779 people who have tested positive for Covid are in hospitals nationally. Of those, 41 are at UHG and 12 are at Portiuncula Hospital.
The Immigrant Council of Ireland is calling on potential political candidates from a migrant background in Galway to attend a webinar series exploring diversity in politics.
The first session in the series will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, 9 March at 6pm.
The Immigrant Council, in partnership with Dublin City University, is running the series throughout March and April.
It will feature contributions from former election candidates and currently sitting councillors of migrant backgrounds, as well as experts in the political system and campaigning.
Entitled ‘Promoting Democratic Participation: An Active Citizenship for Migrants’, the webinars aim to introduce potential candidates to the Irish political system.
It will cover topics such as party systems in Ireland, the mobilisation of migrant voters, migrant women in politics, party affiliation, electoral campaign organisation, outreach strategies, and social media campaigning.
According to research carried out by the Immigrant Council on the experiences of migrant election candidates in 2019, migrants experience additional campaigning barriers that other candidates do not have to face.
In order to combat these barriers, the Immigrant Council has delivered a number of projects including voters’ education workshops and internship schemes for migrants.
The webinars will be jointly coordinated by Teresa Buczkowska, Immigrant Council of Ireland and Dr Valesca Lima, Dublin City University.
Commenting on the upcoming webinar series, Teresa Buczkowska said that migrant political participation has significantly increased in recent years.
“Currently we have 12 local councillors from a migrant background, and we are working with a number of potential election candidates,” she said.
“The local councillors are the best trainers and role models that can provide knowledge and encouragement to migrants who are considering running for local elections in Galway in 2024.
“There are many capable migrant community leaders in Galway and across Ireland who would make excellent local councillors and we hope we can reach them with our webinars.”
Also commenting on the upcoming series, Dr Valesca Lima, Assistant Professor in Politics at Dublin City University, said: “Active citizenship is an important part of migrant integration and a healthy democracy.
“Having diverse voices at the decision-making table supports equality and ensures the success of all of our communities and a cohesive society.
“We are hoping that the webinar series will help migrant candidates to run successful election campaigns in 2024 and beyond.”
All webinars are free to attend and people interested in attending can register here.
Stefan Griesbach of The Gannet Fishmongers, Galway who took home an award at the Irish Food Writers’ Guild Awards. Photo: Paul Sherwood
There were three Galway winners at the 2022 Irish Food Writers’ Guild Awards, with the county taking more than a third of the awards announced this morning.
Coolfin Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese won the Food Award, All About Kombucha took home the Irish Drink Award, and Stefan Griesbach of Gannet Fishmongers was awarded the Notable Contribution to Irish Food award.
Announcing the winners today, Caroline Hennessy, Chair of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild (IFWG), said that the pandemic changed the very nature of consumer behaviour.
This, she said, forced Ireland’s food producers to change the way in which they operated.
“24 months since we first heard the term COVID-19we are today celebrating the artisan producers and food businesses that stepped up to the plate, continued to serve communities and dug deep during the pandemic, despite all obstacles.”
“We are recognising those who kept moving, got creative, started new ventures and found new ways of reaching their customers.”
The Galway winners
Coolfin cheese, which took home one of the three Food Awards, is an Alpine-style hard cheese made in the foothills of the Slieve Aughty mountains in East Galway by Teresa Roche.
The cheese is handmade on the family farm using only summer milk, is fully traceable and has a low carbon footprint.
It takes up to ten months to mature and has a deliciously smooth texture with distinctively sweet, creamy and nutty flavours and a lingering aftertaste.
Teresa Roche of Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese. Photo: Paul Sherwood
The Irish Drink Award was presented to All About Kombucha which was established in 2017 by two young entrepreneurs from Galway, Emmett Kerrigan and Keith Loftus.
All About Kombucha brews freshly fermented sparkling tea from organic ingredients.
Each bottle is hand-brewed from the organic ingredients of tea, sugar and water. The drink is currently available in three core flavours: raspberry, ginger & lemon and carrot & turmeric, which can be found in over 250 stockists across the country and also purchased online.
All About Kombucha, Claregalway. Photo: Paul Sherwood
Stefan Griesbach of Gannet Fishmongers came to Ireland in 1997, having worked in fish shops in Paris, and started his business with a single stall outside Sheridan’s in Galway.
Since then, this stall has evolved into Gannet Fishmongers, known for sourcing the very best quality of locally caught fish.
Through its online store, Gannet Fishmongers deliver the freshest of Irish fish nationwide; shoppers see what came in from the boats, place their order and receive it soon after, cold-packed and spanking fresh.
Stefan Griesbach of The Gannet Fishmongers, Galway who took home an award at the Irish Food Writers’ Guild Awards. Photo: Paul Sherwood
Since 1993, the IFWG Food Awards have celebrated local producers and food heroes who have nourished and brought pleasure to the lives and tables of so many.
“Many of our 2022 winners are traditional products, but with a twist. From fishmonger to baker, cheese maker to the Galway duo who have played with the traditional Irish love of tea, innovative producers are putting their own stamp on things, creating something unique and something quite delicious,” said Caroline Hennessy.
Full list of winners of the 2022 Irish Food Writers’ Guild Food Awards:
Food Award: Bread 41, Dublin
Food Award: Calvey’s Achill Mountain Lamb, Mayo
Food Award: Coolfin cheese, Galway
Irish Drink Award: All About Kombucha, Galway
Notable contribution to Irish Food Award: Stefan Griesbach of Gannet Fishmongers, Galway
NUI Galway has joined a new European project to investigate how local initiatives can help meet climate change targets.
The five-year Shared Green Deal will see researchers working with families in fuel poverty, schools, housing associations and businesses to slash carbon emissions.
The overall project involves 24 separate social experiments – taking place in neighbourhoods across Europe – looking at how organisations and individuals can work together to make daily lives more sustainable.
The research is intended to assist the EU in reaching the target of carbon neutrality by 2050 and to create change at the local level.
Researchers in Geography at NUI Galway are leading the Clean Energy strand of the research, working with communities in four locations across the continent to develop community visions for desirable energy futures.
The NUI Galway research team is led by Professor Frances Fahy, a leading scholar and international researcher in social science and sustainability.
“Over the next five years we will be working alongside communities and local authorities to gain a deeper understanding of what local stakeholders want and expect for the future of energy and what EU energy targets can be most beneficial to local communities,” said Professor Fahy.
Under Shared Green Deal, 22 partner institutions across Europe will work together to examine the role social sciences can play in helping countries, communities and neighbourhoods to dramatically reduce carbon emissions.
Professor Fahy added: “Much of the recent focus on tackling climate change has centred on green technology development.
“However aspects of social justice and exploring how communities can respond at a local level are key pieces in the jigsaw of climate action.
“This new Shared Green Deal project provides more social scientists in NUI Galway with valuable opportunities to build on our existing significant sustainability research profile and more importantly, to work with our communities on the transition toward sustainable futures.”
As part of the project, skill-sharing workshops, toolkits for other local networks, and accessible training videos will be developed which especially focus on sharing energy-saving know-how between generations.
Diversity and inclusivity will be a key priority in Shared Green Deal, to ensure disadvantaged and vulnerable social groups are supported with the changes.
More than €1.5 million has been donated to GoFundMe fundraisers launched in Ireland as the world shows its support for the people of Ukraine.
Figures from GoFundMe released today show that over 18,000 donations have been made to more than a hundred campaigns across the country so far, raising over €1.5 million.
This number is expected to rise significantly over the coming days as people dig deep to help Ukrainians in need.
Nearly €500,000 has been raised by a group of Ukrainian doctors working in the Irish healthcare system. Funds raised by this campaign will go towards assisting Ukrainian hospitals and medical staff in their efforts to heal those wounded and support their families.
A campaign to support 5 year old Leonid has raised over €65,000. Leonid was due to receive a bone marrow transplant treatment in Kyiv last week in a hospital that has since been bombed. Leonid and his parents have safely arrived in Ireland where funds donated will help him to receive his treatment.
Three friends have traveled to the Ukrainian border in Poland and are bringing urgently needed food, medicine & supplies to the people of Ukraine who are under attack from the Russian regime. Their campaign has raised close to €30,000.
A fundraiser has been set up to help Ukrainians with disabilities. So far the campaign has raised over €230,000 to assist those with disabilities to flee and support people who cannot evacuate.
Tim Cadogan, CEO of GoFundMe said that the response from people across Ireland and around the world to support the people of Ukraine has been extraordinary.
“GoFundMe’s mission is to help people help each other and that’s why we’re working around the clock to ensure funds get safely, securely and quickly to where they are needed as people step up to help.”
Galway United supporters who used pyrotechnics at Eamon Deacy Park on Friday evening in a 2-2 draw with Waterford have been criticised by the club.
Galway United said that the FAI will now issue the club with a fine, and that financial penalties will have an influence on its ability to ‘put the best team possible on the pitch’.
The club also said that using pyros is a ‘genuine safety hazard’ to those around and has the potential to cause injury.
In a statement, Galway United said: “Flares disrupt play and people’s enjoyment of games and the toxins they contain can seriously damage health which can cause life-threatening injury or concern, FLARES ARE NOT PERMITTED FOR USE IN EAMONN DEACY PARK.”
Galway United thanked fans for their fantastic support recently however, and said they hope supporters continue to create an amazing atmosphere in Eamonn Deacy Park without the use of any pyrotechnics or flares going forward.
A motorcyclist has died following a single vehicle collision in Galway city on Monday evening.
The collision occurred at around 7.30pm on Bóthar na dTreabh and a man in his 20s was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash site remains closed for a technical examination by Forensic Collision Investigators and local diversions are in place
These diversions are expected to remain in place on Tuesday morning.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the Bother na dTreabh area of Galway City at the time of the collision are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Galway Garda Station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Galway City Council has invited residents associations, community groups and allotment schemes to apply for the Local Amenity Grant Scheme 2022.
The scheme will provide assistance to groups who want to contribute to their local areas by carrying out improvement works, with a focus on litter clean-ups and litter pickers, graffiti removal and community workshops.
2021 was the first year that the application process moved online, with over 80 Residents Associations and groups availing of grants of between €150 and €450.
Tiarnan McCusker, Environmental Awareness Officer with Galway City Council, said that the online application has proven successful and he hopes even more groups will apply this year.
“In total, the funding for the Local Amenity Grants Scheme for 2022 is €26,000. It is a great resource for community groups to avail of and create some positive changes in their neighbourhoods.”
All applications for the 2022 scheme must be completed electronically by visiting www.galwaycity.ie/amenity-grantsPaper application forms are no longer accepted.
Completed applications should be submitted no later than the closing date of 4:00pm Friday 15 April.
World-renowned Irish soprano Celine Byrne will perform her first ever Galway concert on Saturday 23 April, raising vital funds for mental health charity Let’s Get Talking.
Those in attendance at the Town Hall Theatre in Galway city will hear Celine sing popular arias from the world of opera and operetta as well as beautiful Irish melodies, film music, and songs from musicals.
Celine will be joined by her ensemble for a programme including the famous O Mio a Babbino Caro, Moon River, I could have danced all night, and themes from Schindler’s list.
Celine was announced as Let’s Get Talking’s Ambassador in 2021 and hopes the concert can raise enough funds to support the work of the organisation.
Speaking about the charity, she said: “What I love about Let’s Get Talking is no one is left behind.
“We all need support every now and again and I am looking forward to preforming in Galway and raising much-needed funds for this vital service.”
Tickets are €30 and are available now on the Town Hall Theatres website www.tht.ie with all proceeds going to Let’s Get Talking.
Met Éireann has issued another status yellow wind warning for tomorrow and motorists have been told to expect hazardous driving conditions on Tuesday night and Wednesday.
The second wind warning will come into effect at 10pm on Tuesday and remain in place until 3pm on Wednesday.
Heavy rainfall on Tuesday night and Wednesday could turn wintry in places and this will be accompanied by strong to near gale force winds.
Met Éireann said that this will lead to hazardous driving conditions and localised flooding.
A wind warning will also begin in Galway at 4am on Tuesday morning, lasting until 3pm.
Researchers at NUI Galway are to carry out a large-scale project that aims to protect private well owners from infection from dangerous bacteria.
A team based at the university was awarded funding by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the project will focus on pathogenic E. coli VTEC.
These bacteria are carried naturally and harmlessly in the gut of cattle and sheep, but can cause severe infection in humans.
Ireland has the highest incidence of VTEC infection in Europe with between 700 and 900 cases a year.
Most people recover fully, but in up to 10% of cases the infection can progress to the potentially fatal kidney disease Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome, which may lead to long-term health consequences.
The innovative research project will develop new, rapid, on-site detection methods, as well as risk models and open-source risk-management software to predict private drinking water contamination.
“Ireland represents the perfect storm for groundwater contamination with VTEC, as we have a lot of livestock and unfavourable geology, with often thin layers of soil and permeable underlying rock,” said Principal Investigator Dr Liam Burke.
“Our frequent heavy rainfall also helps move pathogens from dung and land spread slurry, and even from our domestic wastewater treatment systems, into surface and ground waters.”
The research will be an important step for Irish authorities in implementing risk-based ‘source to tap’ approach under the new European Drinking Water Directive.
Dr Burke added: “To protect well owners, we need to understand more about how VTEC is transported in natural water catchments.
“We want to identify the importance of factors such as climate and geology in order to be able to predict VTEC contamination under changing conditions.
“It’s also important that we can detect VTEC, and part of the project is focused on the development of rapid molecular tests that can be used on site.”
The researchers will use DNA sequencing methods to characterize the VTEC found in water and compare them to VTEC causing human infection and to those found in animals and food.
The project will begin in April 2022 and involves collaboration with University College Cork (UCC), Technological University Dublin (TUD) and Teagasc.
Once the study catchments are selected in summer 2022, the DERIVE team will engage with private well and private group scheme owners, farmers and local water groups to participate in the project.
Ciarán Cannon TD has called for a registration portal for Irish people who want to open their homes to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war.
The Galway East TD, who opened up his Galway home to Afghan refugees last year, said he has been contacted by families across Ireland looking to shelter Ukrainian people fleeing Vladimir Putin’s terror.
He urged the Government to establish a registration portal and in the shortest possible timeframe, so that people can help as part of a powerful national effort.
“I know that the Red Cross is already doing good work in this area, but they need support and our Government needs to step up here and provide it,” said Deputy Cannon. “The portal can immediately serve the needs of Ukrainians as they make their way to Ireland.”
“Rather than having to be housed in emergency accommodation, they can instead have access to a significant database of families, growing every day, who are willing to welcome them into an Irish home which has been vetted and checked by the relevant authorities.”
He said that ‘we can and should’ be seen as leaders in developing this model.
“Our Government should tap into our natural Irish empathy and generosity and lead the way in the European Union in developing a model that really works for all.
“This is a pivotal moment in our continent’s history. It’s the first time that that our generation is witnessing major forced migration across the EU.”
Deputy Cannon saif that in Ireland we have a deep understanding of what that means, of the trauma and fear associated with being uprooted from your home and family.
“That’s why so many Irish families are ready to open their hearts and their homes to those fleeing Ukraine, and it’s vital that we offer them an opportunity to register their interest in a very straightforward and seamless manner.”
The tenders are closed for the long awaited Kilrickle Water Supply Scheme and the tender evaluation is now being carried out, a Galway TD has confirmed.
Galway East TD Seán Canney said that the next stage in the process is for the council to prepare the tender report, and seek approval from the department to appoint the contractor.
The Independent TD said that it is now imperative that all households and farms sign up for connections to the scheme to ensure it is finally delivered for the community.
“For decades there has been a campaign to bring a water supply to the communities in Kilrickle,” he said.
“The major issue causing delays was the lack of a reliable water source. However, following intensive testing, the water source in Cappataggle was deemed suitable with adequate supply for the additional demand.”
Deputy Canney said that Cappataggle Group Water Supply acting in good faith and in a community spirited gesture agreed to share their water supply with the community of Kilrickle.
The project will also provide a new water supply to the community in Kilcooley including a supply to Kilcooley National School.
“The Department of Local Government approved the project for funding following a visit by the former Minister Eoghan Murphy TD to Kilrickle which I was in a position to organise on behalf of the committee.”
An Bord Pleanála has approved plans for a massive expansion of a hotel in Galway City Centre.
Skeffington Arms Limited has received approval to demolish the DNA nightclub at Ballalley Lane, and build a new six storey extension to the Skeffington Arms Hotel in its place.
This after the city council refused planning permission for the development due to concerns about its design being out of character with the Eyre Square area, and the plot density.
The proposed extension would contain guest bedrooms, a reception, breakfast areas, and restaurant with outdoor seating area, and would be connected to the existing hotel building through a link corridor at the second floor.
The city council’s decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála, disagreeing with the council’s assessment of its design and whether the density was a disqualifying factor.
The appeal argued that there are many modern buildings are visible within the skyline of the Eyre Square Architectural Conservation Area.
It also stated that more compact development is encouraged by the National Planning Framework, and that many buildings within the Eyre Square area exceed the plot ratios outlined in the City Development Plan.
The appeal argued that the originally proposed seven storey hotel development is reasonable for a city centre location, and that the nightclub building which is to be demolished is not an historical building.
The city council responded to the appeal with a submission to An Bord Pleanála reiterating many of the concerns in the original rejection.
It said that the proposal was substandard in its design and scale, and would overall have a negative impact on Eyre Square.
Planning permission was ultimately granted for the hotel extension with 16 conditions attached by An Bord Pleanála.
The Bord stipulated that the original plans for a seven storey development should be reduced to six storeys, with the set back restaurant retained as the top floor.
An archaeological appraisal of the site must also be carried out before any works take place there.
Along with the local element, the route will also form part of the EuroVelo 1 (‘Atlantic Coast’) route, which is an 11,000km long-distance cycling route between Norway and Portugal.
The project has now entered Phase 2 (Option Selection) and the project team would now like to invite the residents of the local area, members of the public and other interested parties to participate in a non-statutory public consultation.
The Brochure and Area Drawing for the greenway project can both be found online.
The public consultation will run until Tuesday, March 22, with feedback to be submitted by post or email.
To have your say, email galwaytooughterardgreenway@aecom.com, or post your feedback to Connemara Greenway Project, NRPO Office, Galway County Council, Corporate House, City East Business Park, Ballybrit, Galway, H91 KT67.
Funding of €50,000 has been awarded toward the redevelopment of Woodford’s old cinema and courthouse into a community and tourism hub.
The money, which will enable pre-development works on the project, is part of €850,000 allocated under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme this week.
The rejuvenation of the old Woodford courthouse and cinema will progress to the construction stage at a later date, with the aid of further funding.
Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon welcomed the announcement, saying that this is a “sound investment in an extraordinary community”.
A total of 19 projects were awarded €50k each, with the money under the Project Development Measure of the Scheme to help local authorities get projects to a shovel ready state, before applying for further funding.
Announcing the projects this week, Minister Heather Humphreys said that the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is about combating the “scourge” of dereliction and vacancy in rural communities.
“It’s about creating Public Plazas, Green Spaces and Community Parks in the centres of our towns and villages – building on the objectives set out in our Town Centre First strategy.”
“But importantly, it’s also about taking old iconic buildings – the likes of old garda stations, train stations, old factories, cinemas and convents – and giving them a new lease of life.”
This funding is on top of €18.5 million for 99 projects under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme announced last week.
An Enterprise Plan directing €18.9 million towards projects that will support job creation in Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon has been published this week.
There have been a total of nine projects approved for funding in the West Regional Enterprise plan, which aim to support important and emerging sectors in the area.
The government has developed 9 Regional Enterprise Plans directing how up to €180 million in regional investment funds will be spent creating new jobs and helping companies grow.
The plan for Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon was launched by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar this week.
“The government is committed to balanced regional development, meaning we are constantly looking at ways to bring jobs and prosperity to every part of the country,” Leo Varadkar said.
“We’ve developed 9, region-specific plans, which will each look at how best to drive investment and create long-term, sustainable jobs in each of the areas they cover.”
He said that the plan for Galway examines strengthening existing sectors such as Life Sciences, AgTech and Food, as well as the cultural and creative sectors.
It will also look at how to realise the potential of new and emerging industries such as renewable energy.
“I believe the West has the potential to become a renewable energy powerhouse, fulfilling Ireland’s electricity needs and also some of Europe’s too,” the Tánaiste said.
The plans were developed by a steering committee chaired by a senior member of the private sector, and with representative of multiple state agencies, colleges, and others.
Evelyn O’Toole, Chair of the West Regional Steering Committee said that it resulted from “deep and engaged” consultation across the region.
“I am very proud of the finished product which is ambitious and inclusive of the variety of strengthens of the West.”
The West Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024 can be view online here.
The nine projects allocated €18.9 million in funding across the three counties are:
Project
REDF funding
RETS funding
Project description
BIA Innovator Campus CLG
€2,466,148
n/a
Workspace for a dynamic regional food and drink innovation center.
Galway City Innovation District CLG
€2,487,400
n/a
Co-working and event space for technology and MedTech scale-up companies.
Midc Páirc Na Mara
€2,000,000
n/a
Development of a Marine Innovation and Development Centre (MIDC).
The Burren Lowlands CLG
€182,786
n/a
An enterprise platform to provide a focal point to create and attract additional jobs to this area.
Comhoibriú CLG
€2,694,833
n/a
Centre of Excellence providing co-working space, incubation, accelerator programmes, training and outreach services to the creative sector
Galway City Innovation District (GCID)
€1,205,833
n/a
New space to help export oriented fast-growth tech companies.
Galway Technology Centre DAC
€4,023,400
n/a
Expansion of the Centre and to develop ‘Academy West’ to assist scaling enterprise across the West.
SCCUL Enterprises CLG
€1,239,408
n/a
Enterprise centre helping Start-ups, SMEs and Social Enterprise across the region including scaling and expanding their ‘Bizmentors’ programme.
Grow Remote CLG
€449,442
n/a
Fostering community chapters of remote workers using their ChangeX platform to provide education and assistance to hubs.
Galway City Innovation District (Bowling Green)
n/a
€285,858
Enhancements to the proposed development at the Warehouse building to mitigate the issues that COVID-19 has caused for shared workspaces. Additions include higher specification ventilation system, improved furniture and shared spaces as well as 2 additional employees. Funding was sought for a Return to Work Manager and a Technical Manager, Consultancy, Promotional expenses, Structural changes to improve access to the facility with COVID-19 in mind, including improved HVAC systems and ventilation, partitions and hot desk facilities.
Galway Technology Centre
n/a
€238,584
This development of the Cube provides the appropriate space within a section of the GTC for remote, hybrid and blended workers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes will assist existing and new tenants of the GTC. Funding is for Promotion, Consultancy to project manage the rapid build and for Renovation and fit out costs
BIA Innovator Campus CLG
n/a
€1,645,552
Funding for this project is mainly sought for Building and Equipment fit out works to expand the originally approved 1,008 sq.m. centre by 242 sq.m. For the existing centre funding is also sought to improve COVID-19 ventilation systems, enhanced systems, showcasing manufacturing 4.0 practices and additional entrepreneurship programmes and assistance. This funding will help the centre in its requirement to provide not only a COVID safe environment and best practice for its clients and a safe place from where to host its training programs.
Minster for Health Stephen Donnelly T.D. with Philip Parackal Augusthinose, Simulation Nurse Educator (left), and medical student Shauna Moore-Davis at the official opening of the Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility at NUI Galway. Photo Martina Regan.
The Minister for Health has officially opened a state-of-the-art medical training facility at NUIG Galway this week.
The Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility was created by the university in partnership with the Saolta Hospital Group.
The facility spans more than 20 immersive learning rooms, fitted out to hospital standard, and simulating all aspects of a leading healthcare environment.
All training rooms are fitted with high-powered cameras and audio-visual equipment with remote and observation spaces for assessing and reviewing learning.
Patients are replaced by complex manikins with physiological characteristics that respond to medical treatments and procedures in safe and realistic environments.
Minister Stephen Donnelly said at the opening that this facility is “at the forefront” of delivering modern training for healthcare students and medical providers.
“Healthcare simulation brings the students and professionals together in a modern methodology for training.”
“Advances such as this have tangible benefits to the staff delivering quality care within our health service and this, of course, benefits patients.”
“This type of innovation and forward thinking is what will help to elevate the delivery of our world class health service and it is the cornerstone of the future of healthcare in Ireland.”
Complex manikins range in age from premature infants to adults and maternity manikins simulate pregnancy and childbirth.
Audio-visual system for recording training, streaming and linking to all areas of Saolta University Health Care Group
Education and training for more than 600 medical students in clinical years and accessible space for more than 4,000 multi-professional clinical staff in Galway University Hospitals.
Observational rooms with one-way glass and multi-functional rooms with mobile furniture, easily switching from clinical to tutorial and debrief rooms.
Prof Dara Byrne of NUIG and the Saolta Hospital Group said “The old, apprentice-style of learning for healthcare students and clinicians is no longer considered acceptable because of the increasing concern for the quality of patient care and safety and change in health care systems.”
“As a result, there are fewer opportunities for the student to experience and build confidence dealing with a wide variety of diseases, traumas and treatment responses.”
Prof Byrne wrote the National Strategic Guide for using simulation in healthcare, which was also launched alongside this opening.
