Northridge House Education and Research Centre, Cork, which is operated by Saint Luke’s Charity, Cork, hosted its 7^th Annual Conference in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, County Cork  on Thursday April 11^th.  The conference is now the leading conference in Munster for those working with older adults.

Northridge House Education and Research Centre, at St Luke’s Charity, Cork ,7th annual Conference – Enhancing Quality of life in Unrestricted Healthcare Environments – held at The Radisson Blu Hotel, Cork.
Photography by Gerard McCarthy

The conference theme this year was ‘Enhancing Quality of Life in Unrestricted Healthcare Environments’ which was chosen to reflect current legislation and upcoming HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) thematic inspections.

A full conference room with over 175 attendees was welcomed by the President of St Luke’s Charity, and Chairman of the Board of Directors,  Dr Paul Colton who encouraged the attendees to slow down and enjoy the broad canvas being presented on the day.

Bishop Paul Colton, Chairman of the Board of Directors, gives the opening address at the conference with, Dr Catherine Buckley, and Mr Peter Groarke, Ronan, Daly, Jermyn, Solicitors.
Photography by Gerard McCarthy

Prof. Amanda Phelan (UCD) gave the key note address on Restrictive Practice and understanding how we promote rights.  Mr. Peter Groarke (RDJ Solicitors) and Prof. Shaun O’ Keeffe (NUI, Galway) spoke about the implications of the forthcoming Capacity Legislation from differing perspectives. Dr. Suzanne Timmons (Mercy Hospital, Cork ), Ms. Deirdre Lang (National Lead Older Persons Service, HSE) and Ms. Fiona Ryan (Physiotherapist at St Luke’s Home gave unique insights into the areas of psychotrophic medication use, frailty and the physiotherapist’s approach to restraint reduction.

Members of staff from St Luke’s Home, Cork at the Conference.
Photography by Gerard McCarthy

Mrs. Nora Owen, former Minister for Justice, shared eloquently her journey of care with her husband Brian following his diagnosis with Dementia. Professor Tony O’Brien (Marymount University Hospice) spoke with great insight on the journey and values of End of Life Care.

Mrs Nora Owen at the Northridge House Education and Research Centre, St Luke’s Charity, 7th annual Conference, – Enhancing Quality of life in Unrestricted Healthcare Environments – held at The Radisson Blu Hotel.
Photography by Gerard McCarthy

The following day two Master Classes took place at Northridge House with Prof Phelan explored further how a person’s rights may be enhanced and Dr Maeve Hurley (Ag Éisteacht) shared on the gift of listening. Ag Éisteacht, a charity focusing on the importance of interpersonal relationships, is based at Northridge House Education and Research Centre in Cork.

The conference was a wonderful success with very positives reflections shared on social media throughout the day with a breadth of speakers and topics being celebrated.

At the 7th annual Conference hosted by St Luke’s Charity, Cork were (l-r) Tony O’Brien CEO (St Luke’s Charity), Ms. Deirdre Lang (National Lead Older Persons Service HSE) , Prof Amanda Phelan (UCD), Dr. Suzanne Timmons (Mercy Hospital, Cork ), Prof. Shaun O’ Keeffe (NUI, Galway), Dr Paul Colton (President St. Luke’s Charity and Chairman of the Board of Directors), Dr Catherine Buckley (Northridge House) ,Nora Owen (former Minister for Justice), the Rev. Bruce Pierce (Director of Education, Saint Luke’s Charity, Cork), and Mr Peter Groarke (Ronan, Daly, Jermyn, Solicitors)
Photography by Gerard McCarthy