Carmel Dunne

“I was in total shock when the doctor said I was borderline type 2 diabetes, but I was delighted then to be invited onto a course that really helped me,” according to Marie Keegan. “They show you what you should eat, what exercises to do. We also had meetings where we could learn and share, so it’s been great.”

HSE Tallaght Community Integrated Care Hub

Marie benefitted from a course that features among the free education programmes offered through the HSE Tallaght Community Integrated Care Hub. The courses and services are designed for those living with chronic conditions including diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Specialist teams help individuals make practical, realistic changes that feel achievable in the long term. They also link patients with other services in their community – providing care and support closer to home.

Carmel Dunne’s experience was similar to Marie’s:

“Beforehand I didn’t know anything really about it. But then I came on the diabetes course and they gave me my information pack and that became my bible. I found it all very good.”

Support to manage conditions 

According to Gillian O’Loughlin, Operational Lead, Tallaght Community Integrated Care Hub: “A large number of people are living with chronic disease in Ireland and need support to manage their conditions safely at home. The Integrated Care Hub provides support to people through a multi-skilled team working across the hospital and community.  They aim to help prevent, treat, and delay the progression of these illnesses.

“Discover Diabetes is among the courses they offer. It provides self-management, education, and support to people living with type 2 diabetes. They also provide a clinic service that offers one-to-one consultations.”

Lynda Parke, Senior Dietitian, adds: “We know that people who are empowered to self-manage their type 2 diabetes have improved health outcomes. It means that they can make better, more informed decisions for their own day-to-day care.”

Mary O’Kelly, HSE Interim Chief Officer, Dublin South, Kildare, West Wicklow Community Healthcare noted how the team provides “quality community-based, patient-focused care for residents of the greater Tallaght, Clondalkin, Saggart, Rathcoole, and Newcastle areas. We are delighted that individuals who have experienced the services have advised that they have received high-quality care that has been developed to meet their individual needs.”

“Patients are supported at every step of the process and encouraged to support one another on their journey to better health. Our Enhanced Community Care programme efforts are all part of the future of care that will be provided under Sláintecare where we aim to deliver the right care, at the right place, at the right time.”

Watch Marie and Carmel describe their experience of the Tallaght Community Integrated Care Hub diabetes course - YouTube.com