A round-up of this week's health news in brief
Hospital fights infection with copper knobs
A midlands hospital is to introduce copper door handles in a bid to reduce infections such as MRSA.
The 140-bed St Francis Private Hospital in Mullingar, Co Westmeath made the decision on the basis that copper surfaces such as taps and door handles can reduce microbial contamination significantly. The hospital management said research shows that MRSA and Clostridium difficile microbes die much more quickly when they come into contact with copper-based surfaces.
First nutrition screening week begins today
The first Irish Nutrition Screening Week starts today with members of the Irish Nutrition Dietetic Institute (INDI) taking part in an attempt to track the prevalence of malnutrition among Irish patients in hospitals and residential care settings. The screening involves taking heights and weights of patients and monitoring their dietary intake while in hospital.
In Ireland, studies have found that 11 per cent of patients admitted to hospital were malnourished and 63-84 per cent were at nutritional risk. The INDI hopes the screening results will help identify the prevalence of malnutrition and identify where additional resources are required.
New guide for people living with fibromyalgia
A new guide has been launched to help people living with fibromyalgia or widespread muscle and connective tissue pain.
The Kerry Fibromyalgia Support Group has launched a practical guide to living with the condition. Dr Muriel Soden, rheumatologist at the Bons Secours Hospital in Tralee said: “Living with the symptoms of fibromyalgia on a daily basis can be a debilitating experience. The book sets out advice and practical help on how best to achieve the best quality of life by managing the condition.” The group’s helpline is 086-1607355.
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