MedEx, a community based chronic illness rehabilitation programme which has run in DCU successfully for the last ten years has now been introduced to Tallaght University Hospital.
A recent HSE evaluation of the programme showed positive effects on psychological wellness, cognition, strength, aerobic capacity, body composition, inflammatory markers, fasting glucose, physical activity levels, 24-hour blood pressure, falls risk as well as disease specific improvements in COPD (CAT score) and claudication (improved initial and absolute claudication times).
Tallaght Hospital said that as we knew, much of the disability and impaired quality of life associated with any chronic illness was caused by inactivity and deconditioning.
“Consultants and GPs in the Tallaght area can now refer patients to the rehabilitation programme where there are programmes available for heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer, peripheral vascular disease and neurodegenerative conditions.
“New programmes will commence this year for chronic pain, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis and for renal failure patients on dialysis. There is a specific interest in a mental illness programme in Tallaght.”
Those who want to refer a patient to MedEx should write a brief referral letter to Dr Noel McCaffrey MedEx, Tallaght Leisure Centre, Fortunestown
Way, Whitestown, Dublin 24 with a brief note with the patient name, address, DOB, patient contact details including phone number, primary diagnosis, comorbidities, medications and any specific comments, concerns or suggestions they wish to include.
“The patient will then be contacted directly by Tallaght Leisure Centre to offer an appointment at the next induction session.”
