a medical perspective on the

executivemanagement board

a fond farewell to colleagues

The Executive Management Board (EMB) isone of those concepts I had heard of, butknew very little about. That changed veryrapidly when I came back from a week’sleave in mid-June to discover that mycolleagues had chosen me as an EMBmember. The new EMB has been activelyfunctioning for six months now; and as aMedical member, I have found it much morerewarding than I had expected.

The EMB’s main function is to ‘provide strategicleadership.’ Its focus is to review importantstrategic matters and to support the ChiefExecutive Officer in making informed andresponsive decisions on the strategicmanagement of the Hospital. For me, at anyrate, the way the EMB has gone about its’business has been quite impressive. There is awide process of consultation with nursing, para-medical, medical and administrative staff beforedecisions are made. In a complex organisation,like Mercy University Hospital, an individual mayfeel that they are ignored or not listened to, butstaff can be assured that the EMB listenscarefully to all advice and opinions given to it bythe various strands within the Hospital. Allinformation is carefully weighed before adecision is made.

The EMB’s discussions have been very robust attimes, but never personal. Members realise thateveryone is working toward the same objective –the betterment of the Hospital for our patientsand staff. Difficult decisions have to be madesometimes, due to a finite budget, but they arenot made recklessly or without full consideration.Having to deal with the Department of Healthand Children (DOHC) as an EMB member hasbeen a culture shock for me; and I have beenquite impressed with the careful preparationsprior to any necessary trips to Dublin.

Dr. Raymond Lovett pictured with Sr. Concepta Twomey at the retirement celebration held in their honour.

MERCY UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, CORK LIMITED Issue No.5 January 2005

A Quarterly Newsletter

Dr. Raymond Lovett & Sr. Concepta TwomeyCelebrate their RetirementsRay Lovett has been a fantastic and very enthusiastic team player from the time he took up hisappointment as Consultant Radiologist in late 1979, to his recent retirement from MercyUniversity Hospital after 25 years of service.

As a Radiologist, Ray was accustomed to working aspart of a team during his training in Dublin, Londonand Miami. He established an excellent reputation inhis years as a Consultant in Tralee until such timethat his friend, Michael Bennett, persuaded him tojoin the team at Mercy Hospital.

In conjunction with Michael Bennett and the Mercy Sisters, Ray Lovett introduced angiography,ultrasound and percutaneous biopsies to theHospital. Ray and his Radiology Team went about expanding the Department from two to eight rooms; and together with another Team(including John Murphy, Noel Parkes and the lateSr. Fidelma), he set out with a vengeance tofundraise and commission a Nuclear MedicineService for the Hospital and its patients. Someyears later, together with John Murphy, MichaelBennett, the Sisters and the Consultants of theHospital, he raised enough funds to set up a CT Service.

During all this time, Ray Lovett worked tirelessly toform the best possible team in the Radiology andImaging Department. He set and maintainedextremely high standards for himself and all whoworked with him. He still astounds those of us whoworked with him - with his ceaseless enthusiasmand search for knowledge. Despite his manyresponsibilities, he always put the patient first andat ease. Ray is no longer working full-time;however, all of us were delighted when he agreedto assist the Department in a locum capacity. Welook forward to seeing his infectious smile andbenefiting from his experience early in 2005.

In a previous article, Garry Lee summed upMichael Bennett in one word ‘practical.’ I willattempt to do the same for Ray Lovett, but willneed to use a few words - ‘enthusiastic teamplayer.’ These words attempt to sum up a specialcolleague and valued friend.

Dr. Eddie Fitzgerald, Consultant Radiologist

continued on page 2 continued on page 2

times2

children inhospital ireland play day

welcomeWelcome to the fifth edition of the ‘MercyTimes’ – this newsletter is published on aquarterly basis.

We wish to express our thanks to everyonewho submitted articles, information and/orphotos for this edition. This newsletter isyours and it is important that we cover itemsof interest to you. We welcome yourcomments and ideas, and would be delightedto consider for publication any article,photograph or other item of interest that youmay have. We encourage you to submit itemsto one of the Editorial Committee members or to the following address/e-mail:

Ms. Donna Peytonc/o Sheares Street Office, Mercy UniversityHospital, Grenville Place, Cork.Tel: (021) 4271971 Ext: 5009Email: dpeyton@muh.ie

Please clearly label all submissions –“NEWSLETTER”. The deadline for the nextedition is 18th March 2005. Unfortunately,we cannot guarantee to publish or to returnsubmitted items, but will do our very best.

Thank you,‘Mercy Times’ Editorial Committee

editorial committeeTherese Egan Siobhán O’MahonyBernice Glavin Tony O’ReganClare Horgan Seán O’BulmáinDeirdre O’Connor Donna Peyton (Editor)

Mary Twohig

Our thanks to Liz O’Sullivan for her service tothe Committee over the past year.

Hospital ‘Baker Supreme’ Vicky Curtis in the newly refurbished Bake House, handing over the ‘NOVELTY CAKES’ to nursesEimear Russell and Roisin Walsh from St. Anne’s Children’s Ward.

X-Ray staff say farewell to Dr. Raymond Lovett.Presentation to Sr. Concepta Twomey by Helen G.McCarthy.

a fond farewell to colleaguescontinued from page 1

continued from page 1

Sr. Concepta Twomey retired on 28th October 2004. She worked in Mercy University Hospitalsince the 1950’s and ministered for some years on various wards before her call to Corkand Ross Diocesan Missions. On her return from the Missions in the 1980’s, she tookresponsibility for the School of Nursing as the Principal Tutor, until her recent retirement.

Sr. Concepta worked tirelessly and gavegenerously of her time and talent to patients,staff and students, while never counting thepersonal cost to herself. She will beremembered greatly by many students andstaff.

Members of Sr. Concepta’s family joined in acelebration, which was held in her honour.A presentation was made by both Managementand the Department of Nursing in appreciationof Sr. Concepta’s enormous contribution overthe years.

EMB and Mercy University Hospital decisionshave always been made according to the Mercyethos and in the best interest of our patientsand staff; and will continue during this time ofchange with the establishment of the HealthService Executive (HSE) and the new NationalHospitals Office (NHO).

The past six months have entailed much morework than I had expected, but have given me abetter understanding of how the Irish HealthcareSystem works and how everyone in the Hospitalcontributes in their own way.

Dr. Eddie FitzgeraldConsultant Radiologist

a medical perspective on the

executivemanagement board

The play day was organised to increase awareness about a National Play and RecreationPolicy aimed to ensure that all children have access to at least a minimum standard of playand recreation facilities. It was a great success and our special thanks to the Canteen Staff.

3

the mercy of Mother Catherine McAuley

development updates

Patrick Naughton, a staff member of theHaematology Department (currently ona career break) painted the Madonnaand Child Painting after the birth of hisnephew, Patrick. The painting is aboutthe strong relationship and bondbetween mother and child and he hopesthat it is a warm and happy painting,which will be exhibited at MercyUniversity Hospital.

(The painting was painted in an old outhouseat the end of the back garden of No.10Mardyke Parade next to the Ogras Building,which served as Patrick’s studio for the pastthree years.)

Makes 8-10 large or 12 small scones.

1+1/4 lb. plain flour1 teaspoon baking powder5 oz. butter (or flora / margaine)4 oz. caster sugar4 oz. sultanas1/2 pint milk with 3 beaten eggs added to it

Method:

Rub butter into flour until fine breadcrumb-like mix. Add baking powder, sugar andsultanas and give a quick mix. Add milk andeggs until mixture comes together in doughform. Knead and roll out onto flouredsurface (the less you handle the dough thebetter). Roll out to inch-thick and cut outrounds. Place on a greased tray orparchment and bake in a pre-heated ovenat 160 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes.

Bon Apetit!

On entering the Hospital the word Mercy catches one’s eye. This word should touch ourhearts, as it was with mercy and compassion for the sick, poor and marginalised that MercyUniversity Hospital was established. The ethos, on which the Mercy was founded, stemsfrom the first Sister of Mercy - Mother Catherine McAuley.

Consultant Posts:

We are delighted to announce the approval of fournew Consultant posts for Mercy University Hospital.

Consultant Anaesthetist with a special interest in Pain Medicine

Consultant Physician /Associate Professor in Therapeutics

Consultant General Surgeon with a special interest in Upper GI

Consultant Geriatrician

artist at work

Vicky’s fruit scones

L-R: Patrick Naughton and Mary Dunnion

Service Developments:

NEW CORONARY CARE UNIT (CCU)

Work is due to commence on the above Unit on4th January 2005. The 4-bedded CCU will beintegrated into St Finbarr’s Ward on the secondfloor of the Lee View Block, and will be awelcome addition to service provision at MercyUniversity Hospital.

This work is scheduled to be completed by theend of February.

Born in 1778 to a prosperous family in Dublin,Catherine’s childhood was disrupted with thedeath of her father - a man of deep faith, who asa doctor was sympathetic to Dublin’s poorcommunity. Catherine was deeply influenced byhis humanity and faith.

In the years that followed she lived with variousrelatives, at a time when Catholics were beingpersecuted in Ireland and when there was littleprovision for the poor of the city. In her earlytwenties, Catherine was invited to live with anelderly Quaker couple so as to provide them withcompanionship and help. She remained withthem for almost twenty years, until their deaths.

Through these experiences, Catherine alwaysmaintained her compassion for the poor. Whenthe Quaker couple bequeathed their fortune toher, she immediately began to plan theestablishment of a home and school for the poorchildren of Dublin. The building, House of Mercy,still stands in a prominent position in Dublin’sBaggot Street. Catherine then set aboutrecruiting the help of other young women in the

care of the poor. Her intention to set up areligious order was not immediate, but in 1831along with Sister Doyle and Sister Hurley theyfounded the Sisters of Mercy. Their order metmuch opposition as nuns were cloisteredaccording to established tradition. The Sisters ofMercy, however, worked within the communityitself and visited the poor neighbourhoods in thecity, providing a home nursing service and evendelivering meals to the poor - pioneering socialservices in Ireland.

Catherine died in 1841, only ten years after thefounding of the order of the Sisters of Mercy.Within one hundred years of its establishment,there were 23,000 Sisters of Mercy working incommunities world wide - caring for the sickand poor, and running hospitals and schools.These institutions today, which Mercy UniversityHospital is proud to be a part of, maintain theethical standard of compassion on whichCatherine McAuley founded the order over 170years ago.

Siobhán O’Mahony, Reception

Congratulations to Lynda O'Neill, Children's Leukaemia Unit, who was the winner of the Mercy TimesTrivia Quiz, which was featured in the October 2004 issue.

you’reawinner

Vicky Curtis, Catering Assistant

times4

leg ulcer conference

ladies run for cork cancer research

The Outpatients Department, in conjunction with Nurse Practice Development at MercyUniversity Hospital, were delighted with the success of the recent Leg Ulcer Conference heldin Jury's Hotel.

The Conference focused on the diagnosis, management and treatment of venous and arterial ulceration. Itwas attended predominantly by nurses working in the community and hospitals throughout Cork, Kerry andLimerick with a few General Practitioners also in attendance.

Carol Cregan - CNM2, Outpatients Department

the ideal worldIf the ideal world was here to stay,There would be no bed shortages day by day,Life would be so easy it would wander by,Without a care in the world our workday would fly.

The ICU would have bunk beds in place,To double patient numbers and to make extraspace,The other wards would have hammocks up high,Over the existing beds and looking to the sky.

The OPD would be open day and night,and the other departments would say “yes thislooks right,”There would be four new lifts constantly on thego, shuttling people to and fro.Perhaps in the ideal world an escalator or two,To transport weary workers like me and you.

The final thing would be the best,The parking problem would no longer be a test,Transport carriers would park outside,With four upper decks and two cars wide,A multi-story car park would be built on the river,A park-n-ride would also deliver.

But alas dear friend this is only a dream,If you dwell too much on this you may want toscream.So for the moment aspire for the moon,Who knows perhaps you may get your wish soon.

Bernice Glavin - CNM1, ICU

Speakers and Organisers: Front Row L-R: Anne O’Reilly, Carmel O’Brien, Sheila Connolly-Sullivan, CarolCregan, Mary Crowley and Sineád O’Shea. Back Row L-R: Nellie Bambury, Karen O’Leary, Ber Gleeson-Murray, Bridie O’Sullivan, Paula O’Donovan and Marie Byron.

Presentation of cheque to Prof. Gerry O'Sullivan for Cork Cancer Research. The well-deserved funds wereraised by staff on the second floor of the Thomas Moore Block, who completed the Ladies Mini Marathon.L-R: Olivia Scott, Mary Quinn, Tracey Dinneen, Trudy Caffrey, Prof. Gerry O'Sullivan, Josephine Griffin,Mary Barry-Murphy, Lorraine O'Sullivan and Annette Martin.

Pictured above are Cork City Fire DepartmentRecruits (Class 2004) during their visit to MercyUniversity Hospital as part of their TrainingProgramme. Included with the recruits areAdrian Spillett, Course Director and TomCroghan, Station Officer (pictured in the BoilerHouse in the Lee View Block).

fire recruits visit muh

5

a day in the life . . .bacteriology laboratoryTypically, many departments at Mercy University Hospital provide their services 24 hours aday, 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year - and the Bacteriology Laboratory is no different.Our 24-hour service is provided by a team of 15 staff.

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms (forexample: bacteria, viruses and fungi). It is thejob of the Microbiology / Bacteriology Laboratoryto examine samples of urine, sputum, faeces,swabs, blood, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and anyother body fluids we receive. Each specimen wereceive is given a laboratory number and isregistered in the computer system along with thecorresponding patient details. Each specimenwhich needs bacteriological examination, iscultured onto specific media plates and incubatedovernight. At this point, the plates are examinedfor bacteria. Once the organisms have beenidentified, they are tested against numerousantibiotics to determine which ones are effectivein treating the infection. Once the tests have beencompleted, the data is entered into the computersystem and results released in report form to theWard or GP. Urgent results are phoned in toensure that patients are treated as rapidly andeffectively as possible. Department personnelwork closely with our Infection Control Nurses, soif there is any evidence of an infection outbreak inthe Hospital, action can be taken immediately tominimize its spread.

Viruses such as Hepatitis and HIV do not grow asreadily as bacteria and so they are detected bytesting for antibodies in blood samples. Theseantibody tests are carried out on an automatedanalyzer, which provides results within the hour.

Automated analysis is also used to test bloodsamples for tumour antigen levels, which isimportant for monitoring therapy in cancerpatients.

Our Department particularly specializes in thearea of Helicobacter pylori testing. We are one ofonly a few centres in the country testing bothblood samples and breath testing for thisinfection. Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria whichinfects the stomach and can lead to peptic ulcers.We offer a blood test that indicates if the patienthas been infected with the organism in the pastand also a breath test. A positive result indicatesa current infection.

Many infectious organisms are isolated here inthe Department - several of them beingresponsible for causing serious disease. TB (alongwith AIDS and Malaria) ranks among the topinfectious disease killers globally and it is veryencouraging that Irish TB notification ratescontinue a general downward decline. Theisolation rate at Mercy University Hospital and inthe Cork-Kerry Region has reflected this trendwith rates falling about one-third over the lastdecade. In 2002, 77 cases of TB were notified inthis Region with a male-to-female ratio of 2.3:1.The majority of cases were Irish born (81%). Ofthe 19% non-indigenous cases, only four caseswere from the refugee /asylum seeker population.

L to R: Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Stella Meyler-Bowles and Tony Fitzgerald.

A prompt diagnosis is essential, as opencases pose a risk to contacts untilsatisfactorily responding to treatment. No caseof multi-drug resistance was reported in thisRegion in 2002.

In addition to the decline in TB, there has alsobeen a marked decrease in BacterialMeningitis over the last decade. Meningitisdue to Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib) was amajor cause of Meningitis in infants, but nownears elimination following the introduction ofHib conjugate vaccine in 1992. Theintroduction of Meningococcal Group Cvaccine introduced in Ireland in October 2000also had a major impact in reducingMeningitis. However, Group B MeningococcalMeningitis (for which there is no vaccine) isstill common in Ireland, with 10% of infantswho get the disease dying as a result of it.These trends have been reflected in ourlaboratory reports over the last decade.

With the explosion of travel to an ever-increasing range of destinations, the role ofMicrobiology is becoming increasingly morecomplex. An increasing number of tests forHepatitis A status are received, especiallyfrom GP’s. Hepatitis A is the most commonviral infection preventable through vaccination.The risk of Hepatitis A in the unprotectedtraveler is estimated to be 3 per 1,000 permonth of travel. Hepatitis A prevention isespecially important in the over 65-agecategory where there is a mortality rate of3%.

So as you can see, we conduct many tests inthe Microbiology / Bacteriology Departmentand we are expanding constantly. In 1993, thenumber of specimens analysed was 53,500.In 2003 - ten years later, we analysed 85,000specimens. To date this year, we havereported 82 enteric pathogens and 6 parasiticinfections - not to mention numerous cases ofsepticaemia and hundreds of respiratory,urinary tract and wound infections. In additionto our continued expansion, we are dedicatedto the implementation of new developmentsand procedures to ensure the most up-to-date methods are available for the patients inthe hospitals we serve - Mercy UniversityHospital and South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital.

Microbiologists were once described assomebody stuck between two stools – theone they sit on and the one they look at.Things have greatly improved since then.

Tony FitzgeraldChief Technologist

times6

bubble gum club

generous donation

Thirty-eight children were accompaniedby St. Anne' s Ward nurses and MercySocial Work Department staff on theirway to visit Santa.

A cavalcade of vintage cars escorted byGarda outriders and the Ambulance Servicebrought the children to Fota House wherethey were entertained by Santa, his Elvesand Snowmen (ably assisted by DJs fromRed FM). The outing was organised by theBubble Gum Club in association with theChildren's Fund in Cork University Hospitaland the Kinsale Lions Club.

Many thanks to all in the Mercy whocontributed to the festive air on themorning and to our colleagues in theCatering Department who providedrefreshments for parents and carers on the day.

Colman Rutherford, Principal Social Worker

interview tipsTrust Your Own Ability….. Everyone approaches a job interview with some degree ofapprehension. Nerves are perfectly natural; the trick is not to let them weigh you down. Themain thing to remember is that you have been invited to the interview because the panel isinterested in what your job entails and how capable you are regarding the post advertised.Their time is precious and they will be hoping, just as fervently as you, that you are theperfect solution to the vacancy.

At the interview, your main aim is to reinforce theexcellent impression made by your CurriculumVitae (CV). You do not want to be stuck for words;so it is important beforehand to think about whatyou are going to say, how you are going to say itand how you are going to act.

Here are a few proven strategies that willhelp you to ensure that the whole processgoes smoothly.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Research the department where the vacantposition will be. If the opportunity to use thisknowledge arises, you'll be able to demonstratean impressive level of interest in the department.

MAKING A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION

Look smart and professional.

Allow enough time to get to the interview.

Be courteous, smile and shake hands firmly.

BODY LANGUAGE

You may be superbly qualified for a job, but youmust also look motivated and interested. The wayyou act, your posture, gestures and facialexpressions, will reveal a lot about you.

Look the interviewer in the eye and don't beafraid to smile when it is appropriate.

As is customary at Mercy University Hospital,more than one person will interview you. In thissituation it is always advisable to look at andaddress the person who posed the question, thenglance at the others when you have finished youranswer.

Adopt a good posture. Don't cross your arms,fidget, tap your feet, sprawl or lean forwardanxiously.

SOUNDING POSITIVE

You must be ready to expand on, not simplyregurgitate, the information presented on your CV and anticipate what route the interviewermight take. No one fits a job perfectly, soemphasise your most relevant skills and slantanswers to reassure the interviewer that anyshortfall is not a problem.

Don't use tentative language. Phrases suchas 'I feel I could' - 'I think I can' - 'Perhaps I would' dilute the strength of your case.

Don't confine your answers to monosyllabic yes and no’s, which make the interview more like an interrogation.

Be enthusiastic but don't constantly interrupt.

Don't be evasive.

Be honest.

HANDLING TOUGH QUESTIONS WITHCONFIDENCE

At times you may be asked specific questions tohighlight how you behave and react in certainsituations. Giving a positive, fluent answer isn't asdifficult as it might seem. With a little advanceplanning, it's perfectly possible to anticipatecommon general enquiries and prepare acoherent, effective response. In fact, you can turnthese questions into an opportunity to take theinitiative and 'sell' the exact message you want.

Never answer a question you don't understandwith a knee-jerk response. Always seekclarification before answering and if you don'tknow an answer, it’s much better to admit thisthan guess.

THE INTERVIEW IS A TWO-WAY PROCESS

At the end of the interview you will be asked ifyou have any questions about the job. This is agood chance to clarify any points of doubt - afterall, you need to make sure that the job is exactlywhat you expected and what you want.

CLOSING ON A CONFIDENT NOTE

Leave the interview panel with a good finalimpression. Smile and thank the interview panelfor their time.

Take Note: If the job is right for you and you areright for the job, then with adequate preparationthis will shine through. If you are not successfulat interview, it may not always mean that youhave not done a good interview - it just mightsimply mean the position is not best suited toyour skills and experience. Don’t lose heart - theright job is out there for you! Good Luck!

Submitted by Niamh Glennon, Recruitment andTraining Officer

Ms. Miriam Murphy presenting a cheque to Sr. Laurentia in aid of the Paediatric / LeukaemiaWard.

Ruth Fitzgerald, St. Anne's Ward nurseaccompanying Niamh and Kate Clifford.

7

human resources department news

donation to st. anne’s wardLittle Niamh O'Connor holding a Cheque for €2,500 which was presented to St. Anne's Children'sWard from the Last Wishes Children Foundation.

Front Row : Evonne Low, Linda Kearney, Finola Murphy, Marie Tobin, Ceila O’Donoghue, Fionnuala Murphy.Back Row : Gillian Prendergast, Marion O’Connell, Mary Ambrose, and Nick O’Keeffe.

staff newsCongratulations and very best wishes tothe following staff members:

engagements

Carmel Carey – Emergency

Denise Harrington – Physiotherapy

Sara Mongan – Risk Management

weddings

Carol Bradley – Labs

Nicola Collins – St. Therese’s Ward

Susan Hillard – St. Therese’s Ward

Evelyn Keane – Emergency

Bernadette McSweeney – St. Mary’s Ward

Finola Murphy – St. Anne’s Ward

Mary O’Driscoll – St. Mary’s Ward

it’s a girl

Jackie Healy – Pharmacy

Catherine O’Connell – St. Anthony’s Ward

Louise O’Donovan – Noonans

it’s a boy

Caroline Byrne – Patient Accounts

Fiona Kevane – Radiology

Angela O’Riordan – St. Mary’s Ward

In each issue of the Mercy Times, we would liketo include the names of staff members whorecently: became engaged, got married, orwelcomed a new addition to their family. If you orone of your colleagues has staff news to share,would you please contact the Editor or anyEditorial Committee member.

Despite our best efforts, there may be someomissions due to our inability to obtain timelyapproval.

August/September

Sandra Clancy Staff NurseMaria Coffey Staff NurseAnne Healy Staff NurseJudy Hennessy Staff NurseTeresa Marshall Staff NurseAnn-Marie McCarthy Staff NurseSinead Moore Staff NurseEileen O’Driscoll Staff NurseMary O’Driscoll Staff NurseCatherine O’Mahony Staff Nurse

OctoberAlva Barry Staff NurseCathy Brady Clerical OfficerNoelette Corrigan Ward AttendantAnna Feeney Staff NurseAileen Frawley Staff NurseJennifer Kirwan Staff NurseMary McSweeney Staff NurseSarah Murphy Ward AttendantLinda O'Connell Clerical OfficerMaureen O'Connor Ward AttendantCaroline O'Regan RadiographerMichael O'Rourke Staff NurseAoife O'Shea Staff NurseConor O'Sullivan Ward AttendantNicola Qualter Ward AttendantCecily Ryan Clerical OfficerLaoise Wallace Ward Attendant

welcome new appointmentsWe wish to welcome the following staff, who recently joined Mercy University Hospital.

November/DecemberCarol Bradley Clerical OfficerEdel Caples DieticianMajella Cotter Staff NurseLouise Fearnside Clerical OfficerEleanor Horgan Clerical OfficerLorraine Kelly RadiographerDeirdre O'Donovan Staff NurseBernadette Wiseman Catering Assistant

consultant appointment

Welcome to Dr. Terry O’Connor, ConsultantRespiratory Physician, who recently joined Mercy University Hospital.

retirementsMercy University Hospital would like to thank thefollowing employees for their service over the yearsand wish them a long and happy retirement.

Dr. Raymond Lovett Consultant RadiologistSr. Concepta Twomey Principal Tutor

service recognitionMercy University Hospital would like to take thisopportunity to pay tribute to the following individualwho has moved on from the Mercy, having givenmore than 10 years of service. We thank her for herdedication and wish her all the best in the future.

Anna O’Brien Clinical Nurse Manager 2

times8

managingyourmoney

benefit matchThe inaugural match of the MUH Perpetual Trophy Challenge Benefit Match kicked off at theUCC Mardyke all-weather soccer pitch on the 27th November 2004. Many departmentsprovided players for both teams: Catering, Laundry, Maintenance, Medical, Physiotherapy,Portering, Purchasing, Radiology and Campbell's.

Bills have a nasty habit of arriving whenyou don’t want them to, even though at theback of your mind you knew that they weredue to arrive. Unless you are a shrewdmoney manager, their arrival can cause afinancial headache.

While many people can get by on a day-to-dayor week-to-week basis, it only takes anunexpected bill or a family crisis to throw us offbalance. No matter how much or how littlemoney you have, you still have to makedecisions about how to spend it - and like mostother things, this requires a little planning.

First, you should consider your basic needs (forexample food, clothing and shelter) -althoughsome people might take the clothing need tothe next level where it could be regarded asdiscretionary. Once these needs have beenconsidered, it is time to look at personal ordiscretionary expenditures, such asentertainment and holidays.

By planning your spending, you can makeyour money work for you! The only way tobalance what goes out with what comes in is towrite it down. Try using the following verysimple Budget Plan. For those of you with kidsdoing the Junior Cert., get them to do it for you- it is a popular question on the Junior Cert.Commerce Paper!

Income: SalaryChildren’s AllowanceSocial WelfareLone Parents AllowancePension, etc.

Total Income: €

Expenditure: FoodMortgage / RentClothingLight and HeatLoanInsurance Car Expenses (tax,insurance, petrol, etc.)Savings, etc.

Total Expenditure: €

Total Income less Total Expenditure =Surplus / (Deficit) Income

Happy Budgeting!

Submitted by Geraldine O’Leary

Design: Dowling & Dowling Design Consultants Limited Tel:021 4821971

Dedicated spectators included Tony O’Regan andJohn Murphy.

Keano’s Army Lee Rovers

The two teams were: Keano's Army (captainedby Michael Keane) and Lee Rovers (captained byLee Murray). The team managers were LiamMoroney and Hugo O'Connor, and Dave Walshrefereed the game which resulted in 4-3 toKeano's Army.

A great evening of festivities was enjoyed by allin Barbucha, Mardyke and our thanks go out tothem and to everyone who supported thisBenefit Match. Special credit is due to all playersand organisers of the event.

The spirit of caring and sharing is alive andwell at the Mercy!

thought for thedayThe Four Agreements

Be impeccable with your wordSpeak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or togossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Don’t take anything personallyNothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, theirown dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim ofneedless suffering.

Don’t make assumptionsFind the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others asclearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, youcan completely transform your life.

Always do your bestYour best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy asopposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Written by: Don Miguel Ruiz “The Four Agreements – a practical guide to personal freedom”Submitted by Sr. Catherine Quane, Pastoral Care