Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or background. In this episode of CNME Connects, we sit down with Ivana Lyons, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Eating Disorders, to explore the realities behind these often misunderstood illnesses.

Ivana shares her expertise on recognising the early signs of eating disorders, understanding the different diagnoses, and the importance of compassionate, person-centred care. We discuss assessment, treatment, recovery, and the vital role that healthcare professionals, families and support networks play in helping individuals on their recovery journey.

This episode is essential listening for nurses, midwives, healthcare assistants, allied health professionals, students and anyone interested in improving their understanding of eating disorders and reducing stigma through education.

Useful Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, help is available. Reaching out early can make a significant difference, and recovery is possible with the right support.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Forced Early Marriage (FEM) are serious human rights violations that continue to affect millions of women and girls worldwide. While these practices may be perceived as occurring elsewhere, healthcare professionals in Ireland are increasingly likely to encounter women, girls and families who have been affected. This episode aims to increase awareness, improve understanding and equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and confidence to respond safely, compassionately and appropriately.

In this episode of CNME Connects, Selene Daly Tarpey speaks with Bethlehem Solomon, Project Coordinator with AkiDwA, whose work focuses on supporting migrant women and advocating for the rights of women and girls affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and forced early marriage.

Together, they explore:

This conversation is particularly relevant for nurses, midwives, doctors, allied health professionals, social care staff and anyone working with women, children and families across acute, community, maternity, primary care and mental health services.

Health Service Executive (HSE)

AkiDwA – Migrant Women's Network Ireland

Irish Red Cross

Tusla

An Garda Síochána

Discussions relating to FGM, forced marriage and safeguarding can be emotionally challenging. HSE staff who feel affected by the issues explored in this podcast can access confidential support through the HSE Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

HSE Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Thank you for listening to CNME Connects, where we bring healthcare professionals together to share knowledge, strengthen practice and improve care for patients, families and communities.

In this episode of CNME Connects, Selene, Dennis and Ken explore the power of coaching conversations and how deep listening and thoughtful guidance can support personal growth, professional development and wellbeing.

The discussion explores what coaching is, how it differs from mentoring or counselling, and how reflective conversations can help individuals gain clarity, build confidence and navigate challenges.

The episode also reflects on self-awareness, emotional regulation and reflective practice, particularly for healthcare professionals working in busy clinical environments.

What coaching is and how it differs from advice-giving

The importance of deep listening

Guiding rather than directing conversations

The role of reflection in personal and professional growth

Coaching as a tool for leadership and wellbeing

Asking thoughtful questions that support insight and change

Healthcare staff in Ireland can access confidential coaching through the HSE.

HSE National Coaching Service

https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/training-and-development/coaching/

Researcher and author exploring vulnerability, courage, empathy and leadership.

Recommended reading

Dare to Lead

Atlas of the Heart

The Gifts of Imperfection

Website

Writer known for thoughtful reflections on spirituality, compassion and personal growth.

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Bird by Bird

Help, Thanks, Wow

Website

Spiritual teacher and author who speaks about emotional healing, self-awareness and spiritual hygiene.

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Acts of Faith

In the Meantime

Peace from Broken Pieces

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Coaching skills can strengthen communication and leadership in healthcare settings by helping professionals:

listen more effectively

support colleagues through reflection rather than advice

encourage psychological safety

develop insight and self-awareness

improve teamwork and decision-making

Even simple coaching skills such as curiosity, listening and thoughtful questioning can transform everyday conversations.

As you listen to this episode, consider:

When was the last time someone truly listened to you without trying to solve the problem?

And equally:

How often do we offer that same quality of listening to others?

In this episode of CNME Connects, we are joined by Rachel Wirtz, Clinical Specialist Paediatric and Neonatal Chartered Physiotherapist at Sligo University Hospital, alongside Fiola Murphy, for a practical and evidence-based discussion on newborn positioning.

Rachel shares clear, clinically grounded guidance on how early positioning strategies can help prevent common infant conditions while supporting healthy development in the first months of life.

The importance of safe sleep positioning

Why tummy time matters — and how to introduce it safely

Recognising early signs of positional head shape changes (such as flattening)

Practical tools and supports to optimise infant positioning

How to balance safe sleep guidance with developmental needs

When to seek professional advice

This episode is particularly valuable for:

Parents and caregivers

Public health nurses

Midwives

Neonatal and paediatric healthcare professionals

Back to sleep, every sleep remains essential for safe sleep.

Supervised tummy time while awake supports motor development and reduces the risk of positional head shape changes.

Early recognition and simple positioning adjustments can prevent more complex interventions later.

Clear, consistent messaging across maternity, community, and acute services is vital.

For trusted, evidence-based information on infant safe sleep and positioning:

The Lullaby Trust

Health Service Executive – MyChild

These resources provide up-to-date guidance for parents and healthcare professionals.

As always, CNME Connects shares stories and expertise that inspire, educate, and connect those working across healthcare.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with colleagues, students, or parents who may benefit from practical guidance on newborn care.

In this episode Fiola Murphy is joined by Rachel Wirtz, Clinical Specialist Paediatric and Neonatal Physiotherapist at  Sligo University Hospital, for a rich and practical conversation on infant development and early movement.

Rachel brings nearly 19 years’ experience in children’s physiotherapy, including 13 years in early intervention and school-age community services. She is a member of the Executive Committee of Chartered Paediatric Physiotherapists and the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists. During the episode, she shares insights from her specialist neonatal role.

The discussion explores:

The importance of infant positioning and tummy time

Practical do’s and don’ts for carrying and handling babies

Night-time routines and safe sleep considerations

Supporting parents with clear, evidence-based guidance

This is an engaging and informative episode for parents, healthcare professionals, and anyone involved in early infant care.

Helpful resources mentioned in this episode:

https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk

https://www.mychild.ie

January can be one of the toughest months of the year.

In this episode of CNME Connects, Selene Daly Tarpey is joined by Dennis O’Brien and Ken Hogan for an honest and compassionate conversation about the January Blues. Together, they explore the new year in a realistic, grounded way — without pressure, guilt, or unrealistic expectations.

The discussion looks at:

Why January can feel emotionally and physically heavy

Reflecting on the new year without falling into comparison or self-criticism

Setting goals that don’t overwhelm or exhaust

Navigating post-Christmas challenges such as fatigue, low mood, financial stress, and loss of routine

Practical, achievable ways to create a positive start to the year

Building healthy routines that feel supportive rather than restrictive

Embracing change gently, at a pace that works for you

This is an informative and reassuring episode for anyone who finds this time of year difficult, confusing, or draining. There is no pressure to feel motivated, optimistic, or “fixed”. Instead, this conversation offers permission to pause, reflect, and take small, meaningful steps forward — one day at a time.

If this episode resonates with you, you’re not alone. Support and resources are available, and a selection is linked below:

HSE Health & Wellbeing

Samaritans Ireland 

SpunOut (for young people and young adults)

Welcome to CNME Connects, a podcast sharing stories that inspire, educate, and connect those working across healthcare.

In this episode, Fiola Murphy and Gertrude Doddy open a thoughtful and down-to-earth discussion on bedwetting in children, tweens, and teens — a topic that’s often whispered about, yet deeply impacts family life.

🎙️ What We Explore in This Episode

Why bedwetting happens

💡 The bowel–bladder connection

💬 Emotional impact

🛏️ Practical management tips

⏰ Bedwetting alarms

✔️ Do’s and Don’ts

🎙️ This conversation brings empathy, reassurance, and clarity — helping parents feel less alone and giving healthcare staff practical insights to support them.

          Leaflet for Parents:

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/primarycare/community-funded-schemes/continence/healthcare-professionals/leaflet-bedwetting-in-children.pdfERIC Assossiation

         Bristol Stool Chart for Children

Welcome to CNME Connects, the podcast that shares stories to inspire, educate, and connect those working across healthcare.

In this episode, Ken Hogan sits down with Donna McGee, Addiction Services Lead for Social Inclusion in the North West, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma-informed practice.

Donna brings warmth, honesty, and deep professional insight as she explores:

What adverse childhood experiences are and why they matter;

How early adversity can shape lifelong health and wellbeing;

The meaning of trauma-informed care and how we can bring it into everyday practice;

Why compassion, trust, and understanding are the foundation of healing.

It’s a wonderful conversation — both reflective and practical — reminding us that trauma is not just about what happened to someone, but also about what didn’t happen: safety, connection, and belonging.

If this episode brings up any difficult emotions for you, please remember support is available:

HSE Employee Assistance Programme (EAP):

Pieta:

🎙️ Produced by CNME Sligo–Leitrim–West Cavan

Welcome to CNME Connects, a podcast sharing stories that inspire, educate, and connect those working across healthcare.

In this episode, Ken and James continue the important conversation on childhood anxiety, following on from James’ earlier podcast on “August Anxiety.” Together, they explore the power of storytelling—how children can use stories to make sense of their worries and express feelings that may otherwise feel overwhelming.

The discussion also introduces Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), explaining how these evidence-based approaches can support children and families. Practical insights and compassionate perspectives are shared, offering tools that can make a real difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling:

Samaritans Ireland: Call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org/ireland

Information on CBT:https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/

Information on EMDR:https://emdrireland.org/

In this special episode for HSE National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, we welcome Lynn, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infant Feeding and Lactation at Sligo University Hospital. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Lynn’s dedication to supporting mothers and babies has been recognised through national healthcare awards and nominations. She reflects on the power of breastfeeding, the difference that timely help and encouragement can make for mothers, and the vital role of midwives and nurses in supporting and sustaining breastfeeding journeys. This conversation highlights the impact of skin-to-skin contact, the progress made in increasing breastfeeding rates in Sligo’s maternity services, and the compassion and commitment that drive positive change for families. For more information on Breastfeeding supports in your area, please visit the dedicated HSE page here: https://tinyurl.com/mtum72w6