LISTEN - Western Trust hosts Asthma, Disability and Epilepsy Awareness events

by Gráinne Connolly

The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) is hosting free Asthma, Diabetes, Epilepsy and awareness evenings to educate those involved with young people outside of school, about these conditions.

The awareness evenings will take place on Wednesday 7 March 2018 at 7:00pm in the Education Centre, South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen and on Wednesday 14 March 2018 at 7.00pm in the Education Centre, Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex.

These awareness events are for anyone who is a leader or supervisor of young children at youth groups or sports clubs. 

Those who attend will be provided with specialist advice delivered directly by Specialist Nurses, with a question and answer opportunity included.

Damien McHugh, Western Trust Paediatric Diabetes Specialist Nurse, has been explaining what the event entails to Q Radio. 

He says the idea arose following an incident with a young diabetes girl at a sports event: 

Damien is encouraging anyone who is involved with children outside of schools to attend the awareness evening, so they're prepared in the event where something may happen.

He also explained that Asthma, Epilepsy and Diabetes are on the increase in Northern Ireland and across the UK: 

“The awareness evenings were organised in recognition of the need for educating those involved with young people about conditions such as Diabetes, Asthma and Epilepsy as well as managing a severe allergic reaction.

"We wish to hit home the importance of being aware of these conditions and what to do when children who have these conditions might need their support.”

For further information or to register for the event, contact by email  Damien.McHugh@westerntrust.hscni.net or Rebecca.harte@westerntrust.hscni.net  or telephone (028) 6638 2188.  To avoid disappointment, it is recommended that you book your place for the event.