Saint John of God Hospital

19/11/2025

Our minds were not built for constant screens, notifications, and noise. Nature gives them space to rest.

In Episode 3 of "The Stigma Shift", Senior Social Worker Shirley Gleeson explains how the gentle sounds and movements of nature, such as birdsong, flowing water, and the rustle of trees, help calm our minds and restore focus.

This idea, known as soft fascination, describes how nature captures our attention in a soothing way, allowing the brain to recharge. Research shows that even short time outdoors or small daily interactions with the natural world can reduce stress and improve concentration.

Search “The Stigma Shift” to listen wherever you get your podcasts.

17/11/2025

Audrey Purcell, Chief 2 Pharmacist at St John of God University Hospital, will be presenting at the Irish Medication Safety Network Conference this Friday, 21 November. Audrey has been selected to deliver both a poster and an oral presentation on her work developing patient-centred education booklets for Direct Oral Anticoagulants and warfarin.

Her presentation forms part of the Pearls section, highlighting local medication safety and quality-improvement initiatives across Irish healthcare. This project represents a collaboration with the HSE National VTE Clinical Programme, with Audrey contributing through the programme’s Patient Information Group.

We are proud to see this work recognised at national level and the commitment to safer, more informed patient care represented.

14/11/2025

You don’t need to go far to reconnect with nature.

In our latest episode of "The Stigma Shift", Shirley Gleeson reminds us that the parks, trees, and green spaces around us can have a real impact on mental health. Starting small is often the most sustainable way to create lasting habits.

Listen to the latest episode, "Modern Disconnect: Restoring Mental Health Through Nature" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

11/11/2025

Our minds were not built for constant screens, notifications, and noise. Nature gives them space to rest.

In episode The Stigma Shift, Senior Social Worker Shirley Gleeson explains how the gentle sounds and movements of nature, such as birdsong, flowing water, and the rustle of trees, help calm our minds and restore focus.

This idea, known as soft fascination, describes how nature captures our attention in a soothing way, allowing the brain to recharge. Research shows that even short time outdoors or small daily interactions with the natural world can reduce stress and improve concentration.

Hear more in Modern Disconnect: Restoring Mental Health Through Nature, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Search “The Stigma Shift” to listen.

07/11/2025

A very warm welcome to our new first year Mental Health Nursing students, who joined us earlier this week at St John of God University Hospital.

As they begin their journey toward becoming mental health nurses, we’re proud to support them in developing the skills, knowledge and compassion that define this profession.

We wish each of them the very best as they start this new chapter and look forward to being part of their learning and growth in the years ahead.

06/11/2025

Senior Social Worker Shirley Gleeson explains how short breaks outdoors, even just ten minutes in a garden or park, can lower stress and restore calm.

Search the full episode of "The Stigma Shift" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

05/11/2025

We were delighted to attend the Irish Healthcare Awards last night, where St John of God University Hospital was shortlisted in four categories.

A huge congratulations to our Pharmacy Team, who won Research Project/Paper of the Year for their study Metformin for the Prevention of Antipsychotic Induced Weight Gain, carried out in collaboration with University College Dublin.

Congratulations to Aoife Carolan, Dolores Keating, Caroline Hynes-Ryan, and Professor Brian O’Donoghue on this fantastic achievement and for their ongoing work to improve outcomes for people living with mental illness.

We’re proud of all our colleagues who were nominated and of the incredible projects represented across our hospital. Well done to everyone who took part and to all the nominees recognised on the night.

04/11/2025

Wishing our colleagues the very best of luck at the Irish Healthcare Awards tonight.

Team members throughout the hospital have been shortlisted across several categories in recognition of their commitment to patient care, innovation and research. This includes:
• Patient Advocacy Project for our Consumer and Carer Advocacy Group
• Research Project/Paper of the Year for Metformin for the Prevention of Antipsychotic Induced Weight Gain by our Pharmacy Team
• Sustainable Healthcare Initiative for our environmental and wellbeing efforts
• Non Pharmaceutical Patient Education Project for our Wellbeing Series

A huge congratulations to everyone involved!

03/11/2025

Today is One Health Day, which highlights the connection between the health of people, animals, and the environment. It reminds us that human wellbeing depends on a healthy planet.

To mark the day, we are launching a new episode of our podcast, The Stigma Shift, titled Modern Disconnect: Restoring Mental Health Through Nature. In this episode, Senior Social Worker Shirley Gleeson explores how reconnecting with nature can support psychological wellbeing and recovery.

With more than 25 years of experience in social work and a background in both health promotion and nature-based therapies, Shirley discusses the emerging field of planetary health and the use of nature-based interventions in mental health care.

Together, we explore:
• The science behind why time in nature improves mood and reduces stress
• The role of therapeutic horticulture and green exercise in treatment
• Why equal access to green spaces matters for public health
• Practical nature-based activities anyone can try, even in urban settings

You can listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. To find it, search “The Stigma Shift” in your podcast app.

A thoughtful, accessible podcast from St John of God University Hospital in Dublin that aims to demystify mental healthcare and reduce stigma through expert conversations and relatable content. With each episode you get practical insights in a friendly, non-clinical tone. Whether you're personally e...

31/10/2025

In Episode Two of The Stigma Shift, Denise McGinley, Health Promotion Nurse Specialist, explores how stress and burnout differ, what the warning signs look like, and how to protect your wellbeing before you reach breaking point.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

30/10/2025

We are pleased to mark the upcoming 35th Annual St John of God Research Conference, taking place on the 11th November 2025, at the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan.

Organised by our colleagues in St John of God Research, this year’s theme, Exploring Addiction: Research, Regulation and Rehabilitation, will bring together researchers, clinicians, policymakers and community advocates to discuss new developments in addiction science, treatment and policy.

The conference will include keynote presentations, panel discussions and research papers on prevention, early intervention, harm reduction, digital trends, recovery and policy reform.

Among the speakers is Professor Colin O’Gara, Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of Addiction Services at St John of God University Hospital.

CPD Credits: PSI = 4 | CPSychI = 5.5

29/10/2025

“We weren’t born to communicate this way. Our brains are not a good fit for the amount of information that’s being thrown at us.” – Dr Amy Watchorn

On episode one of The Stigma Shift, Dr Watchorn explores how constant digital connection is changing how we think and interact, and how taking time to disconnect can protect our mental wellbeing.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.