Morning Focus opened with a rise in drug-related deaths in the Midwestern Region. There's been a significant rise, over the last decade, in the number of drug-related deaths in this region, new figures reveal. Data from the Health Research Board shows a 46 percent increase jump in fatalities linked to drug use between 2004 and 2014. The HRB's recorded a 62 percent rise nationally over the same period. A total of 38 drug-related deaths were recorded in the Midwestern Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force area.
Morning Focus opened with a rise in drug-related deaths in the Midwestern Region. There's been a significant rise, over the last decade, in the number of drug-related deaths in this region, new figures reveal. Data from the Health Research Board shows a 46 percent increase jump in fatalities linked to drug use between 2004 and 2014. The HRB's recorded a 62 percent rise nationally over the same period. A total of 38 drug-related deaths were recorded in the Midwestern Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force area. 21 of these were due to the toxic effects of drugs, while 17 were down to medical causes or suicide specifically linked to drug use. In its analysis of the figures, the HRB notes that it's just illicit drugs that are resulting in death. There's been a rise in the number of deaths involving prescription drugs and cocktails of different drugs. Alcohol is implicated in one in three deaths. Mixing drugs increases the risk of death, a factor the HRB says is reflected in these figures. Gavin was joined on the line by Dr Suzi Lyons, Senior Researcher at the Health Research Board and Co-Author of the report, and Dr Mosajee Bhamjee, Consultant Psychiatrist.
Talk then turned to Shannon airport. It's just over seven months since our next guest took one of the most important jobs in the region. Shannon Group CEO Matthew Thomas has since seen the Airport secure services from Lufthansa and SAS Scandanavian Airilnes, as well as low-cost transatlantic carrier Norwegian Air, as well as overseeing plans for investment by the group and, this week, officially opening their one million euro development at Bunratty As you heard yesterday, that includes a new store, cafe and retail brand and Matthew Thomas has said it's world class. He spoke with the media at Monday's launch.
A phone-based counselling service for survivors of abuse is urging men, particularly those in rural areas, to get in touch if they need their support. Connect Counselling was set up in 2006 at the request of survivor’s groups and is funded by the HSE. It saw a 4 percent rise in calls last year and representatives are concerned that there are more men out there who could benefit from the service. Connect says that the gender of callers in 2016 is on target to be two thirds female and one third male, which is similar to years to-date. The service points out that this isn't reflective of a gender balance. Connect also says that in 2016 there's been an increase in younger callers. The most common overall setting for abuse is in the family (48%), followed by the community (34%) and 18% institutional. This is set to represent a slight shift from previous years with 4% more in the community compared to 2015. Their freephone helpline is 1800 477 477. Gavin was joined on the line by Theresa Merrigan, Connect Service Manager.
*A North Clare listener got in touch with the show to raise his concerns about his phone credit which seemed to be disappearing from his account. John explained that when he would top up his credit by €20, only €10 would be added to his balance. He also said that, on one occasion, when he had €11 on his account, he was told he had in sufficient credit to make a call. John says her relies on his phone as his 'lifeline' and doesn't use it for anything other than calls.
The virtues of volunteerism, bravery and generosity in some of Clare's young people have been honoured at a wonderful event in Ennis. The 2nd Annual Clare Garda Division Youth Awards, supported by Shannon Airport, honoured young people from throughout the county for their efforts in helping their community, and making a difference. The event was held in Ennis last week – our own Michael Glynn was there, and has sent this report.
Concerns are intensifying over recruitment of nurses to public hospitals. It's after the high profile 'Bring Them Home' campaign attracted just 20 percent of its target. The HSE launched the scheme in July 2015 they aimed to attract 500 nurses. However, after spending a quarter of a million euro, they've hired just 88. Meanwhile, it's reported that private hospitals are offering staff bonuses to entice new nurses to work for them. The Mater Private Hospital advertised recently offering a €6,000 bonus for staff who stay with them for two years. Gavin was joined on the line by Dave Hughes, Deputy General Secretary of the INMO.
It seems that nearly every day we’re congratulating someone or some group here in Clare for winning award and I hope it stays that way. The most recent winners are the Freagh Castle Clean Coast Group and Clare Water Safety who have beaten off competition from all over Ireland to win the Ocean Hero Beach Clean of the Year Award in recognition of their coastal clean-up near Miltown Malbay in 2016. Joining Gavin live in studio was John O’Malley, founder, Freagh Castle Clean Coast Group and Clare County Council, and Claire McGrath from Clare Water Safety.
Now the children of 6th class in Parteen National school are beginning a very interesting and challenging history project with their teacher Cathal Crowe. Cathal recently acquired the death plaque of a World War 1 soldier and are now trying to reunite the plaque of the late ‘Edward Lynch’ with his family. They’re trying to learn as much about the man as they can in their endeavour to deliver the heirloom to his descendants. Cllr Cathal Crowe joined Gavin on the line with two of his students Colleen Hogan and Darragh Hanley.
**Ennistymon Vocational Schools is running the Fuel Drive for the second year in a row. When you shop in Fitzpatricks Supervalu, Cullinan's hardware and Sons or the Kerry Co- Op. Pay for any type of fuel at the check out. Volunteers will collect the fuel and deliver to the elderly in the community. Hayley Hendy, a pupil at Ennistymon Vocational School joined Gavin on the line.
**Ennis Rugby Club is hosting a Munster A game (v Rotherham Titans) in the British & Irish Cup on Sunday next (Dec. 18). Up to 800 are expected to attend. Half-time will be a Minis display. Gavin was joined live in studio by Stuart Holly, PRO Ennis RFC.
And to finish the show we had as usual John Underhill from Burren vets. This week John discussed epilepsy in animals.
