Saint John of God Hospital

13/12/2025

Christmas can bring added emotional pressure, even when things appear settled on the surface. For many people, this time of year highlights fatigue, uncertainty or a sense of being stretched, particularly after a long and demanding year.

There is no single way to experience the season. Feeling less energised or less festive than expected is not unusual, and it does not mean something is wrong. Often it reflects the need for rest, simplicity or a reset in routine rather than more activity.

Small, practical choices can help support mental wellbeing over the coming weeks. Keeping some structure in the day, allowing plans to be flexible and checking in with how you are really feeling can make the season more manageable.

If you notice ongoing changes in your mood, sleep or stress levels, it can help to talk things through with someone you trust or a healthcare professional. Paying attention to your mental health now is a proactive step that supports wellbeing into the new year.

12/12/2025

Last Friday, we were delighted to celebrate 12 newly qualified Mental Health Nurses from the Class of 2021, who have now completed their Bachelor of Science in Mental Health Nursing at University College Dublin. This year’s ceremony held particular significance as it coincided with the centenary of nursing education at St John of God University Hospital, a legacy that began in 1925 when we became Ireland’s first recognised psychiatric nurse training hospital

That ethos continues today through our close collaboration with UCD, where students complete the academic component of their training while gaining hands on experience within our specialist services.

Over the past four years, this cohort undertook their primary clinical placements across child and adolescent mental health, dementia care, eating disorder recovery, intellectual disability services, and other core areas of practice. Their journey has been shaped by the dedication of the Nurse Practice Development Team, preceptors, Clinical Nurse Managers, and the wider clinical staff who supported them throughout their training.

We are immensely proud of the Class of 2021 and wish them every success in the years ahead.
If you would like to read more about our nursing graduation or our nursing education centenary, follow the link: https://www.stjohnofgodhospital.ie/information/resources/news

11/12/2025

“Pick one small thing and do it consistently. Try not to change everything at once.”
– Dr Clodagh Cremen

Improving brain health does not require perfection. It requires consistency. Dr Cremen encourages choosing one manageable habit and practising it regularly. This could be a short walk, a small routine change or a simple wellbeing activity. Small daily actions, repeated often, support lasting change in the brain.

Hear more in Episode 4 of The Stigma Shift, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

10/12/2025

The weeks leading up to Christmas often bring a mix of celebration, pressure and competing demands. For many people this means longer days, reduced downtime and an increased expectation to be endlessly available. These patterns mirror the cycle that Denise Mc Ginley explores in Episode Two of The Stigma Shift, where she discusses how ongoing stress without proper recovery can shift into burnout.

Denise highlights that stress, in itself, can be useful. It helps us meet deadlines, organise busy schedules and manage the natural intensity of this time of year. But when the pressure becomes constant and rest slips out of reach, it can begin to take a physical and emotional toll. Understanding that tipping point is key, particularly during a season when the pace can accelerate without us noticing.

If you want to explore the signs of burnout, the role of recovery and the difference between healthy stress and harmful strain, Episode Two offers a grounded and practical guide: https://podfollow.com/stjohn/view

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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...

09/12/2025

Professor Colin O'Gara, Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of Addiction Services at St John of God University Hospital, recently spoke with Cormac Ó hEadhra about the rise in problematic po*******hy use and its wider impact on mental health and society.
Professor O’Gara highlighted growing concerns about the influence of violent and extreme online content, particularly on younger people, and the need for better awareness, education and support. His insights emphasise the importance of addressing digital addiction as a public health issue and understanding how harmful content can shape attitudes, relationships and wellbeing.
You can listen back to the full interview on RTÉ Radio One

07/12/2025

The human brain can change and adapt throughout life, not just in childhood. In this new episode, Dr. Clodagh Cremen, senior clinical psychologist, explains how neuroplasticity allows the brain to form new pathways, recover from challenges, and keep learning at every age.

Dr Cremen talks about why one small consistent change, such as a daily 20 minute walk, can influence brain health. She also shares insights from TILDA research showing the remarkable contribution adults over 70 make to their communities through volunteering, caring and staying connected.

Listen to The Stigma Shift on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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...

05/12/2025

Today is International Volunteer Day, a moment to recognise the people who give their time, experience and insight to support meaningful change. This year’s theme, Every Contribution Matters, speaks directly to the impact of our Consumer and Carer Advocacy Group. This group is made up entirely of volunteers whose lived experience as patients, family members or supporters shapes real improvements across the hospital.

Members bring their stories, ideas and questions to the table and help us understand what is working well and where we can do better. Their feedback guides patient materials, informs service changes and supports events that raise awareness and understanding.

On International Volunteer Day, we thank every member of the Consumer and Carer Advocacy Group.

04/12/2025

The Christmas tree is now up at St John of God University Hospital, bringing a bit of light and calm as we move into the final weeks of the year. The festive season can mean different things for different people, and we hope this small touch adds a little warmth for anyone visiting or staying with us over the coming weeks.

27/11/2025

Small, everyday moments in nature can make a big difference.

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.

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

24/11/2025

Warm congratulations to Audrey Purcell, Chief 2 Pharmacist at St John of God University Hospital, who presented both a poster and an oral presentation at the Irish Medication Safety Network Conference on her work developing patient education materials for Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) and warfarin.

Audrey presented under the Pearls section, showcasing local medication safety and quality-improvement initiatives across Irish healthcare. Her presentation received the Best Oral Presentation Prize, recognising the depth of expertise, collaborative leadership and commitment to improving how patients understand and manage their anticoagulation therapy.

This project represents an advancement in delivering practical, consistent and accessible patient information. It stems from extensive collaboration with the Health Service Executive National VTE Clinical Programme, including Audrey’s role on the programme’s patient information group. Implementation research, developed in partnership with the NCP VTE and RCSI, is now underway and will further support this work’s national impact.

Congratulations again to Audrey and the wider team.

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.

Where listening creates hope Saint John of God Hospital is an independent acute psychiatric teaching hospital based in South County Dublin.

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.