Latest news with #CUH
Irish Examiner
15 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Esther McCarthy: As my nephew waits for a kidney donor, a chat today is worth a life tomorrow
He doesn't go to soccer training anymore, even though he was player of the year for Kanturk AFC, not so long ago. He doesn't bother trying to get tickets for the hurling semi-final between Cork and Dublin, even though he'd LOVE to see his county get through to the All-Ireland. He knows he can't go. He's stopped asking his mam if he can go to the local disco. The answer will be no. He doesn't worry about end-of-school exams; he didn't even get to sit them, he was too tired to make it into school. My nephew Kieran is 16. He's on the kidney donor list. And all the things that he used to take for granted are out of his reach now. Kieran suffered complete renal failure, out of the blue, in March last year. Since then, he's gone from travelling from Bweeng with his mam to Temple Street three times a week, to transferring to CUH when he turned 16 in October. But his mam couldn't go in with him for his treatment any more, there's no space, and in medical terms, he's an adult now. So when the nurse asks how he is, he just says fine, even when he's not. He's too embarrassed to say he was vomiting for hours that day. Or that he was scared watching a resuscitation team try to save the man on the bed next to him with a crash cart. He can't find the words to say he's worried the line into his heart is infected. So Kieran and his mam got trained to do dialysis themselves at home this month. Four times a day, every four hours. While his friends are talking about discos and penos, Kieran is practising tying off lines and helping order an IV pole online. Learning how to disinfect and insert things he shouldn't know about. And they never have any reprieve or break, because every day is parcelled into sickness slots; getting ready for dialysis, hooking up to the machine; cleaning up and disposing the waste, then prepping to do it all again, hoping they're doing it right, because one mistake could be deadly. He's one teenager who won't be given out to about having his phone on him all the time, he's watching, hoping, for an unknown number, his bag is packed, ready by the front door. Waiting for the unimaginable to happen to another family, for their loss to be his salvation. It's a tough thing for a 16-year-old to manage. And for his brother. And his dad. And man-oh-man, it's hard for his mam. Kieran Harkins from Bweeng Co Cork in June 2023 when he won Player of the Year at Kanturk AFC. Kieran is waiting for a kidney donation after suffering renal failure in March 2024. Life is different now. The constant fatigue — he can't get out of bed the whole day sometimes. The restricted diet — he's either starving or can't eat at all. The upset stomach. The fear of going anywhere where there are crowds — if he gets a simple bug, his compromised immune system won't cope. The complications around toileting. The missing out on simple, silly things, like just hanging around with his friends. We can talk about these things. He has a great sense of humour, he doesn't complain, he's a sunny, funny kid. We don't talk about the fear. The concrete block in the stomach. We don't talk about the worry. The constant, gnawing, tumbling thoughts that don't turn off. What if? What if? The legislation that kicked in this month simply means everyone over 18 in Ireland is now automatically presumed to consent to donate their heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, or kidney — unless they specifically opt out. And that's their prerogative. Of course it is. But please, do know that even under the new system, donation can't proceed if your family objects. A designated person still must confirm there's no known objection from the deceased. Kieran never got to meet his maternal grandfather, but we often tell him the story about his fake eye. He had a tumour when he was in his 50s, but the eye itself was perfect, and he donated the cornea and the sclera, so two people benefited from his loss. We, as a family, were proud of that; we always had a donor card in our wallets. I know none of us wants to talk about our own death. It's not easy. But it could be the most important conversation you have today. Just let your family know your thoughts on it all. If your legacy might be giving someone a chance at life, isn't that worth a chat? Kieran is one of 500 or so people in Ireland waiting for a kidney transplant. And of course, legislation is just one piece of a much larger, complex puzzle involving trained staff, hospital processes, and the health system logistics. So when you hear about the law, don't let it drift past like just another headline. Think of the boy with the bag by the front door. The one who ties medical lines instead of lacing boots for training. Who doesn't ask to go out anymore, because he already knows the answer. Think of Kieran — and the hundreds like him — whose lives are held in place, quietly, painfully, while they wait for that call. All this law asks is that we talk. That we tell the people we love what we would want, should the unthinkable happen. One conversation — it won't cost you anything. But to Kieran, it could mean absolutely everything. Please visit for more info
Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Man poured boiling water on sleeping wife: 'Beyond cruel'
A man who poured a kettle of boiling water over his sleeping wife and attacked her with a claw hammer will be sentenced in November. Noel Twomey of Carbery Grove, Knocknaheeny in Cork previously pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm to his wife of forty years, Jackie Twomey, on January 15th, 2024. The 63 year old was due to be sentenced today at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Dermot Sheehan had agreed to adjourn sentencing last month to facilitate the preparation of a psychiatric report on the accused. However, the court today heard that a doctor had indicated that there was no basis for a referral through the prison system. Defence barrister Seamus Roche, SC, said that his client 'clearly has difficulties' which need to be assessed. Efforts will be made to obtain a private psychiatric report prior to the sentencing hearing in November. Meanwhile, Ms Twomey previously gave a victim impact statement in relation to the trauma which was inflicted on her by her husband. The mother of three said that 'her life changed' forever on January 15th, 2024 when her husband Noel 'brutally assaulted' her in her bedroom. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week Ms Twomey (63) said that Noel Twomey came in to her bedroom armed with a kettle of boiling water and a claw hammer and attacked her with both. "It was beyond cruel and evil what he did to me. He poured the boiling water on me and hit me a number of times over the head with the hammer. He didn't seem to care about the damage he was doing to me. I thought I was going to die. I remember the pain and screaming. I couldn't believe what was happening. I was in CUH for six days and needed a lot of follow up care. That was the physical side. The psychological trauma is worse. I don't think I will ever be the same person as I was before that night.' Ms Twomey fears going to bed at night following the attack on her person by her husband . 'The nightmares return every night, the pain and memories are there al the time but worse at night. It's hard to put in words how my life has changed and the anxiety and terror that have become part of my life. I should have been safe asleep in my own bed. I need that evil man to be gone for good.' Meanwhile, Det Garda Michael Dolan previously told Judge Dermot Sheehan that Mr Twomey was arrested at 5am on January 15th, 2024 at Bakers Road in Gurranabraher in Cork after he flagged down a patrol car. Ms Twomey had gone to sleep in the safety of her own bed at around 3.30am having arrived home from a social occasion. Det Garda Dolan stated that Mr Twomey made a very conscious decision to boil a pot of water on the stove and to retrieve a claw hammer from his tool box. Det Garda Dolan noted that Mr Twomey 'considered his actions for a short period' and then entered the bedroom where his wife was sleeping. He hit her in the head a number of times with a claw hammer and poured the boiling water over her. Dt Garda Dolan said that Mr Twomey later described the movements of his wife from that night. He had watched the CCTV system that was on the exterior of the property. Det Garda Dolan said that Mr Twomey expressed surprise that his was able to jump up and leave the property following his offending behaviour. He also left the property and flagged down a patrol car. He was visibly soaked in blood and in possession of a blood-stained hammer in a plastic bag. Ms Twomey was treated in intensive care following the incident. A medical report was furnished to the court. Ms Twomey still suffers from 'obvious scarring' to her scalp arising out of the attack. She has a 3.5cm scar on her scalp. When she was hospitalised there was concern that her extensive burns could lead to sepsis. Doctors say that Ms Twomey narrowly avoided a serious cranial injury. She suffers from PTSD arising out of the incident. Mr Twomey will be sentenced on November 26th next. He was further remanded in custody until his next court appearance.
Irish Examiner
19-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Pitch (and putt) perfect at sleek €825k Carrigrohane home
THE value of getting things right from the start will not be lost on house hunters who come to view this handsome home in Rocklodge, Carrigrohane by a popular pitch and putt club. Rocklodge Pitch and Putt course is over the garden wall It has the crisp finish of a new build, but the truth is it dates back to 2008. Built by Colm Desmond, and designed by the owners, their combined efforts laid the groundwork for lasting success. The desire for a home filled with light was the vision that guided them from the start. 'Light was our overwhelming consideration. Our previous house was dark, especially the entrance hall and stairs. Out here in Rocklodge, there's no better way to start the day than descending to the light-filled entrance hall,' the owners say. Light-filled hallway It's uplifting for sure. Natural light floods through soaring glass panels that frame the doorway and rise above it to the double-height ceiling where two skylights amplify the brightness. The homeowners were ahead of the curve in prioritising energy efficiency before it became standard practice. The property has a B2 energy rating, helped by underfloor heating downstairs and a series of solar panels which help reduce the electricity bills, by supplying hot water. From the buyer's viewpoint, it makes them eligible for more advantageous green mortgage rates. Bright landing The quality of the property and the price point – guide is €825,000 — puts it at the upper end of the family home market. Expansive rear lawn and patio area Professionals are likely to dominate and the likelihood is it will attract medics as it's west of the city — the right side for anyone travelling into Cork University Hospital (CUH) campus in Wilton or the Bon Secours Hospital on College Road. It could also suit academics travelling to UCC or MTU, or high networth individuals working in tech in Dell EMC's nearby Ballincollig campus, or up in Apple on Hollyhill, reachable by car in about 10 minutes. Linda O'Donovan of Bowe Property is the agent selling this five-bed, 254 sq m home, with detached garage and lots of storage. With viewings about to get underway, interest is mainly from families looking to trade up. 'Rocklodge is a desirable enclave that families trading up tend to seek out if they want to stay west of the city, but with good access to the western suburbs. It offers the best of both worlds – countryside living, and close-to-the-city convenience,' Ms O'Donovan says. One of the reception rooms The house itself has plenty to offer. Rooms are of generous proportions, ceilings are high, picture windows are plentiful. There's a touch of luxury to the kitchen with its sleek cabinetry and striking central island with quartz worktop. Surrounded by garden and countryside views, it's open to the dining area which has direct access to the patio via French doors. Off the kitchen is the family room, one of two deluxe reception rooms, of which the larger, with engineered hardwood floor, is to the front of the property. One of two reception rooms The owners say it's a tough choice to pick a favourite feature. 'It's a close call between the open plan nature of the kitchen dining and living area, or opening the curtain of the large window in the master bedroom with views over the valley and hills beyond,' they say. They add that the beauty of the area 'was brought home during covid times' when they made the most of country walks and beautiful views. They were blessed too to have one third of an acre of tastefully landscaped, mature, private gardens with lots of patio areas to choose from. 'It's the best of country living, yet 10 minutes from the city,' the owners say. VERDICT: Upmarket family home with good access to transport links and schools, in Ballincollig and Cork city.
Sunday World
19-06-2025
- Sunday World
Prisoner suffers scald injuries to face after attack by inmate, court told
Ms Godfrey said that the prison attack on Minto Ahmed required his transfer to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) and he was then transferred to Cork University Hospital (CUH) A 44-year old remand prisoner was attacked in recent days by another prisoner in prison and suffered scald injuries across the right side of his face, a court has heard. At Ennis District Court today, solicitor for Minto Ahmed of Acha Bhile, Lahinch Rd, Ennis, Tara Godfrey told the court that Mr Ahmed was a victim to an assault at Limerick prison 'when he was scalded in an attack by another prisoner'. Mr Ahmed was produced in court today by personnel from the Irish Prison Service (IPS) and looking at the extent of Mr Ahmed's facial injuries, Ms Godfrey said that she did not appreciate the full extent of her client's injuries. Judge Alec Gabbett said that Mr Ahmed 'is very distressed by his appearance'. Ennis District Court News in 90 Seconds - June 18th Along with extensive scald injuries to the right side of his face, Mr Ahmed was also wearing a white bandage around his left wrist and lower arm. Ms Godfrey said that the prison attack on Mr Ahmed required his transfer to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) and he was then transferred to Cork University Hospital (CUH) for further treatment. She said that Mr Ahmed was then discharged from CUH and returned to prison. Five prison officers today accompanied Mr Ahmed into court. Mr Ahmed is on remand concerning a charge of producing a hammer in the course of a dispute at his home on May 7th contrary to Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act and was refused bail at Ennis District Court last month. Ms Godfrey said that given her client's current circumstances she was applying for bail. Ms Godfrey said Mr Ahmed's brother was in court to assist. Sgt John Burke said that Gardai has no objection to bail. Judge Gabbett adjourned the bail application to later in the day to ascertain if Mr Ahmed has been taking his medication while on remand in custody. When told by prison staff that Mr Ahmed last took medication on May 30th, Judge Gabbett said: 'I don't think I am in a position to grant bail.' The judge said that there is a serious public risk here with Mr Ahmed not taking his medication. He added that Mr Ahmed is also facing allegations of a very serious assault on a social worker during the course of their duty. Judge Gabbett further remanded Mr Ahmed in custody to re-appear before Ennis District Court on July 2nd. Sgt John Burke said that there will be DPP directions on that date.
BBC News
10-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
New ultrasound forecast to cut Addenbrooke's treatment times
NHS patents will be the first in Europe outside a trial setting to have access to a liver cancer treatment described as "cutting-edge and non-invasive".Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge will start using a histotopsy system, an ultrasound treatment that can be delivered in a single short session. It could potentially take no longer than 30 minutes with limited or no pain and a quick Sinker, chief executive of Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH), said the technology could make a "huge difference" and reduce cancer treatment times. The Edison Histotripsy System, made by US-based HistoSonics, is expected to be fully installed at CUH later this year. It will initially be used to treat patients with primary and secondary liver tumours, and research is exploring its potential on treating other hard-to-reach Sinker said: "Histotripsy is an exciting new technology that will make a huge difference to patients. "By offering this non-invasive, more targeted treatment, we can care for more people as outpatients and free up time for surgeons to treat more complex cases. "The faster recovery times mean patients will be able to return to their normal lives more quickly, which will also reduce pressure on hospital beds, helping us ensure that patients are able to receive the right treatment at the right time." The incisionless surgery uses pulsed sound waves to create "bubble clouds" from gases present in the targeted form and collapse in microseconds, creating mechanical forces able to destroys tumours without surgery, scalpels or has been procured following a donation to the University of Cambridge from the Li Ka Shing Foundation, a supporter of cancer research at the Deborah Prentice, vice-chancellor of the university, said: "Through his longstanding support of cancer research at Cambridge, Sir Ka-shing Li continues to make a significant impact on outcomes for cancer patients. "Cutting-edge technology such as this histotripsy machine allows Cambridge to remain at the forefront of understanding and treating cancer, a position we aim to strengthen further with Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital."Previously, 23 patients from Europe were recruited in a histotripsy clinical trial. More than 1,500 patients worldwide have received the treatment, mainly in the United States. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
