‘We’re here to support staff so they can support patients’
By Mary Dennehy
MEET Róisín Carthy, the community’s new contact for the Tallaght University Hospital Foundation.
Originally from Firhouse and now living in Knocklyon, Róisín is the charity’s new Donor Care Executive, with the primary focus of supporting the community in supporting the hospital.
Roisin Carthy, the new Donor Care Executive at Tallaght University Hospital Foundation
The Tallaght University Hospital Foundation (TUHF) raises money for Tallaght University Hospital (TUH), working with the hospital in delivering projects that improve patient care.
Having grown up in the area, Róisín is aware of the impact Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) has on its surrounding community, and the comfort and care that its staff provide.
However, over the past year this has become even more apparent to Róisín, a factor which encouraged the former Scoil Carmel and Scoil Treasa pupil to make a move into community-based work.
“I got a new-found respect for people working in healthcare over the last year or so,” Róisín said.
“I was working as a ‘matchmaker’ in a matchmaking agency before this and have a background in HR, but wanted a change, I wanted to work on a ground level.
“My family is very active and involved in the community… and when I saw the job come up for the Tallaght University Hospital Foundation, I jumped at it straight away.”
Go the distance for Tallaght Uniersity Hospital over the summer months
Based at TUHF for the past month, Róisín is now the point of contact for every individual and groups who wants to get active, get involved and get fundraising for their local hospital.
“I’m here to support the community in whatever way they would like to get involved and help raise funds for their local hospital,” Róisín said.
“I’m the first point of call for anybody who would like to host an event, big or small, or take part in one of our designated events.
“I’m here to help and provide assistance and guidance if needed.
“I’m the community’s contact on TUHF.”
Last year, the community fundraised €140,000 for the Tallaght University Hospital, money which has funded many innovative staff-led projects that responded to emerging needs as a result of the pandemic.
Movable workstations were introduced on wards, Rest and Reconnect rooms created for staff and virtual consultations with patients in their homes made a reality thanks to community support.
‘Virtual visiting’ for patients was also introduced, providing patients who could not see their family with a virtual link to their loved ones via iPads –a system which also made it possible for a family member to be present during consultations.
“The money fundraised by the community was put to work straight away,” Róisín said.
“It responded to emerging needs from the pandemic.
“It was amazing really how people pulled together last year [and raised €140k] for the staff and patients at the hospital.
“The money raised funded really simple things that no-one could have foreseen [before the pandemic].
“The fund has been a solace to staff, who know the Foundation is only an email or phone call away.
“We’re here to support staff so they can support patients.”
Thanking the community for their support to date, Róisín has encouraged members of the public to continue thinking of the hospital over the summer months.
“If you’re having a family picnic, make it a TUHF picnic,” Róisín said.
“If you’re going on a hike, make it a TUHF hike.”
She added: “I’m here for the community.
“I’m here to support people to sign-up to the Mini-Marathon or do their own event, big or small.”
For further information on the Foundation and how you can help, visit www.tuhf.ie or email Róisín at rcarthy@tuhf.ie.
