Blackrock Health

07/02/2025

This week marks Tinnitus Awareness Week, an opportunity to raise awareness about this common condition that affects approximately 10% of adults in Ireland. Tinnitus, characterised by the perception of phantom noises in the ears, can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.

Symptoms can vary widely, including ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking, and whooshing sounds. These phantom noises can be intermittent or constant, ranging from subtle to severely disruptive.

At Blackrock Health, our dedicated audiology team provides comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and personalised treatment plans for tinnitus, including tinnitus counselling and sound therapy, designed to help individuals effectively manage their condition and improve their overall well-being.

For more information on our audiology services, please visit: https://www.blackrockhealth.com/treatments-procedures/audiology

04/02/2025

On World Cancer Day, we acknowledge the significant impact of cancer, affecting over 40,000 individuals in Ireland annually. At Blackrock Health, we're dedicated to providing advanced and compassionate cancer care.

We understand the importance of early detection and prevention.
Some key risk reduction strategies most of us can engage with include;
• maintaining a healthy weight,
• avoiding to***co and excessive alcohol consumption, protecting skin from sun damage, and
• undergoing recommended screenings.

Blackrock Health is investing and resourcing across cancer care to collaboratively improve cancer survival rates and quality of life.
For more information about our comprehensive cancer care services visit: https://www.blackrockhealth.com/treatments-procedures/oncology

31/01/2025

Accidents don't take a bank holiday but luckily, Blackrock Health Emergency Department is here for you.

With three locations in Dublin and Galway, we provide expert and compassionate care when you need it most. Fast-track access to diagnostic tests and procedures means you get the right care, quickly.

Call us on 1800 283999 and select your nearest Blackrock Health clinic.

Visit https://www.blackrockhealth.com/emergency-department to view our opening times.

20/01/2025

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and this week (Jan 20-26) is European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. A crucial reminder about the importance of regular screenings and HPV vaccinations. According to the Irish Cancer Society, around 250 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in Ireland.
Key symptoms to watch for include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after s*x, or after menopause),
• Unusual discharge with odour
• Pelvic pain or discomfort, and pain during s*x.

While these can be caused by other conditions, it's vital to get checked out.

For more information about diagnosis, treatment, and other cervical cancer resources please visit https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/cancer-types/cervical-cancer

Speak to your GP for advice and learn more about our specialist services at Blackrock Health - https://www.blackrockhealth.com/treatments-procedures/gynaecology

08/01/2025

Kickstart your New Year's health resolutions this month with these top nutrition tips from our Senior Dietitians at Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic. Prioritise your health this year by following some simple guidelines:

- Prioritise whole foods: Swap processed snacks for nourishing, nutrient-dense snacks such as nuts and dried fruits, fruit and yogurt, cheese and crackers, nutty flapjacks, oat snacks. When opting for convenience snacks be aware of the ingredient list, some snacks which may label themselves as 'healthy' alternatives may have a long list of ingredients, generally the more whole ingredients and the shorter the list the better!

- Stay hydrated: Start each day with a glass of water and aim for 8 glasses throughout the day. Proper hydration is key for energy and overall well-being.

- Limit alcohol: Alcohol dehydrates and can cause fatigue which leads to poorer food choices as well as negatively impacting overall health. Swap alcoholic drinks for non-alcoholic alternatives where possible and aiming for at least three alcohol free days per week.

- Stay active: Incorporating some daily movement (outside if possible) will support overall mood, energy levels and health.

- Plan ahead: Try not let busy schedules derail your healthy eating goals. Meal prepping, batch cooking and planning snacks will help you stay on track.

At Blackrock Health, our Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition department is made up of Registered Dietitians who help manage and support a variety of nutritional and medical concerns to patients across our clinics.
If you are interested in outpatient dietetic support please visit our Dietetics & Nutrition pages (https://www.blackrockhealth.com/treatments-procedures/dietetics-nutrition) where you will find the many options available.

02/01/2025

Our Emergency Department operating hours are back to normal following the Christmas period.

If you ever experience an emergency, Blackrock Health is here to provide the care and support you need to get back on your feet as quickly as possible. We have a team of highly skilled and experienced medical professionals who are committed to providing immediate and effective care. With world-class technology and facilities, we ensure you receive the best possible care in the shortest amount of time.

https://www.blackrockhealth.com/emergency-department

Blackrock Health emergency departments offer expert medical care urgently, with teams dedicated to providing the best for patients. View our opening hours.

01/01/2025

Happy New Year!

If you're putting your health first this year, Blackrock Health can help support you on your health journey in 2025. If you'd like to proactively manage your health and maintain your wellbeing, consider booking a HealthCheck available at Blackrock and Hermitage Clinics. Our experts will measure your key health metrics such as blood pressure, body mass index, lung function, heart rhythm, along with conducting a comprehensive blood, risk and history analysis. Further screenings will be tailored to your age and gender specifics.

No referral is necessary to access this service. For further information or to book an appointment, please see below for details: https://www.blackrockhealth.com/treatments-procedures/health-check

If you want to be proactive about your health and wellbeing, you may want to consider a complete Health Check.

27/12/2024

At Blackrock Health, our core values of compassion, innovation, and excellence drive us to deliver the highest quality healthcare. Our major investment of €500M will continue to fuel this mission over the next five years, creating hundreds of jobs and expanding access to world-class care across Ireland.

https://www.blackrockhealth.com/news-events/blackrock-health-announces-eu500-million-investment-1000-new-jobs-once-complete

As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, we're filled with excitement and purpose! Ready to embrace new opportunities, drive innovation, and continue making a positive impact on healthcare and our communities. Here's to an incredible future!

Blackrock Health has announced a major investment of €500 million across its Group of hospitals incorporating Blackrock Clinic, Hermitage Clinic, Galway Clinic and Limerick Clinic. The expansion will create 1,000 new jobs in the Dublin and Galway areas, increasing its total workforce to 4,000.Over...

24/12/2024

🎄 Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from everyone at Blackrock Health! 🎄 A heartfelt thank you to our incredible staff for your unwavering dedication and compassion throughout the year. Your hard work and commitment to delivering exceptional care truly make a world of difference to our patients and their families. Here's to a joyful holiday season and a bright year ahead!

And to our patients, thank you for entrusting us with your care. We wish you a season filled with joy, peace, and good health. Merry Christmas!

https://www.blackrockhealth.com/

Blackrock Health has three modern private hospitals and a diagnostic clinic, conveniently located at our Blackrock, Galway, Hermitage and Limerick clinics.

20/12/2024

Throughout the festive period, Blackrock Health's Emergency Department and Rapid Cardiac Care services in Blackrock, Hermitage and Galway Clinics will be operating per the schedules below. While we hope you don’t need us over the break, we are here to provide quality care in case you do.

https://www.blackrockhealth.com/emergency-department

19/12/2024

✨ 2024 in Review ✨
In November, during Afib Awareness Week, we launched a comprehensive campaign to educate the public about Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). Raising awareness and empowering people with knowledge for better heart health!

This initiative, driven by our core value of "patients first," focuses on raising awareness of AFib symptoms, the importance of early diagnosis, and the available treatment options.

We understand that knowledge is power when it comes to managing your health. Our campaign is designed to empower individuals to recognise the signs of AFib and seek timely medical attention. Early detection and proper management of AFib are crucial for preventing serious complications and improving long-term outcomes. We are committed to providing patients with the information and support they need to take control of their heart health.

https://www.blackrockhealth.com/news-events/irregular-or-fast-heartbeat-take-charge-your-rhythm-atrial-fibrillation-awareness-week

Atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as ‘AFib’ or ‘AF’ is a heart condition where the heart rhythm is irregular and, in many cases, very fast beating above 100 beats per minute. AFib is the most common arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) in Ireland. It can affect people of any age but is mo...

18/12/2024

✨ 2024 in Review ✨

October was a standout month for Blackrock Health, showcasing our unwavering commitment to public health and cutting-edge medical advancements. Progress and innovation were at the heart of everything we achieved!

We were proud to announce our role as Lead Partner for the new RCSI public health gallery, set to open in Spring 2026. This innovative gallery will serve as a vital hub, connecting the public with the latest advancements in health sciences and medical research.

https://www.blackrockhealth.com/news-events/rcsi-announces-blackrock-health-lead-partner-irelands-first-public-health-gallery

Further demonstrating our pursuit of excellence, Blackrock Clinic also achieved a remarkable milestone in October by performing the first procedure in Europe using the Biosense Webster Varipulse™ Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) platform for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. This groundbreaking achievement underscores our dedication to pioneering new technologies and providing our patients with access to the most advanced treatment options available.

https://www.blackrockhealth.com/news-events/blackrock-health-first-europe-use-new-technology-treat-atrial-fibrillation

These two initiatives exemplify our core value of excellence, driving us to push the boundaries of healthcare for the benefit of individuals and the wider community.

RCSI has announced that Blackrock Health is its Lead Partner for the new RCSI Public Health Gallery, which will open in spring 2026.

17/12/2024

✨ 2024 in Review ✨

In September, we took a bold step toward the future of healthcare with the announcement of a €500 million investment. This milestone will drive transformative expansion across Blackrock, Galway, and Hermitage Clinics, creating 1,000 new jobs in Dublin and Galway. It’s all about enhancing capacity, expanding services, and putting patients first.

This investment translates directly into improved care for our patients. The expansion includes 187 new beds (77 inpatient and 110 ambulatory care), 14 new operating theatres, 6 new cardiac cath labs, and a new state-of-the-art cancer centre.

Link to news post: https://www.blackrockhealth.com/news-events/blackrock-health-announces-eu500-million-investment-1000-new-jobs-once-complete

Later in September, we partnered with GP Buddy for their inaugural GP Educational Day, bringing valuable in-person training and expert insights to GPs, ultimately benefiting patient care.

https://www.blackrockhealth.com/news-events/gpbuddy-gp-study-day-partnership-blackrock-health

We also launched our orthopaedic campaign to address patient concerns about hip and knee replacement surgery, focusing on recovery and dispelling common fears.

https://www.blackrockhealth.com/news-events/hip-knee-replacement-fears-debunked-new-research-highlights-short-hospital-stays-quick

These initiatives demonstrate our dedication to providing comprehensive, patient-centred care at every stage of the healthcare journey.

16/12/2024

✨ 2024 in Review ✨

In August, we celebrated 20 incredible years of putting patients first at Galway Clinic! This milestone was a proud moment for Blackrock Health as we strengthened our bond with the Galway community through meaningful initiatives and celebrations.

As part of our 20th-anniversary celebrations, we launched the "Ask the Expert" segment on Galway Bay FM in August. This ongoing initiative provides a platform for our dedicated healthcare professionals to share their expertise and offer valuable advice on a wide range of health topics directly to the people of Galway. Empowering our community with knowledge and promoting proactive health management is a core element of our "patients first" philosophy.

https://www.blackrockhealth.com/news-events/ask-health-expert

We also continued our proud tradition of sponsoring the Blackrock Health Streets of Galway 8k run for the ninth consecutive year. This vibrant community event brings people together to celebrate health and wellbeing, and we are thrilled to be a part of it. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to going beyond the walls of our clinic to engage with and support the health of our community.

As our Galway Clinic team celebrates 20 years of delivering patient care to Blackrock Health’s broad community, we have partnered with Galway Bay FM to bring health advice to our listeners on 'Galway Talks'.Throughout the rest of the year a selection of Galway Clinic’s health specialists enjoy f...

13/12/2024

✨ 2024 in Review ✨

July was all about redefining healthcare through innovation! We proudly unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Medtronic, Apian, and Wing to pioneer drone delivery of medical supplies to Blackrock Clinic—a further step toward the future of faster, smarter care.

This initiative represents a significant leap forward in medical logistics, promising faster, more reliable, and sustainable delivery of critical resources. This innovative approach is a direct reflection of our core value of innovation, as we strive to find new and improved ways to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure timely access to essential resources.

At Blackrock Health, innovation is at the heart of everything we do, driving us to explore and implement cutting-edge solutions that enhance patient care.

https://www.blackrockhealth.com/news-events/blackrock-health-starting-drone-delivery-medical-supplies

Blackrock Health, Blackrock Clinic, through a partnership with healthcare technology company Medtronic and medical drone delivery partners Apian and Wing, will begin receiving medical supplies via drone delivery in the coming days.

12/12/2024

✨ 2024 in Review ✨

June marked a milestone achievement for our team at Hermitage Clinic! We successfully completed six Farapulse Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) procedures for Atrial Fibrillation in a single day, setting a new benchmark for excellence in cardiac care.

This accomplishment, led by the incredible catheterisation lab team and the skilled Dr Zain Sharif, marks the first time this volume of PFA procedures has been performed in Ireland within a day. This achievement underscores our dedication to providing cutting-edge and excellent care at Blackrock Health.

https://www.blackrockhealth.com/consultants/dr-zain-sharif

Dr. Sharif is a consultant cardiologist with a particular interest in cardiac electrophysiology.

11/12/2024

“Back pain is very common and affects 80% of us in our lifetimes and about 50% in any given year.

The vast majority of it is not harmful and we have to look out for some of the more harmful things. People like me in my job look out for those harmful things in the general practise. Physiotherapists are also well trained to look out for the harmful problems with back pain and to differentiate those things that need more investigations.”

Mr. Odhran Murray, a highly regarded orthopaedic surgeon specialising in spinal care spoke to Galway Bay Fm about his role at Blackrock Health, the wide range of spinal issues his diverse patient base presents with, the modern patient journey and cutting-edge technology that is now available for spinal surgery.

Listen back to the interview here: https://www.blackrockhealth.com/news-events/ask-health-expert

As our Galway Clinic team celebrates 20 years of delivering patient care to Blackrock Health’s broad community, we have partnered with Galway Bay FM to bring health advice to our listeners on 'Galway Talks'.Throughout the rest of the year a selection of Galway Clinic’s health specialists enjoy f...

10/12/2024

✨ 2024 in Review ✨

In May, we launched our impactful Rapid Cardiac Care campaign, shining a light on the often-overlooked symptoms of heart issues. Raising awareness can save lives.

Our research revealed a concerning disconnect between experiencing symptoms and taking appropriate action. While 77% of respondents reported experiencing at least one symptom associated with chest pain, heart failure, or heart arrhythmia, a startling 20% admitted to taking no action whatsoever.

The initiative focuses on recognising the signs and symptoms of heart problems and emphasises the importance of seeking immediate medical attention when necessary. Our aim is to empower individuals to take control of their heart health and seek timely medical care. We are committed to continuing our efforts to raise awareness and improve heart health outcomes in our community.

https://www.blackrockhealth.com/news-events/chest-pain-arrhythmia-heart-failure-are-main-reasons-people-are-presenting-heart-health

We were also honoured to be recognised as one of Ireland's top 10 most reputable companies in the 2024 RepTrak® study! This achievement reflects the dedication and unwavering commitment of our teams across Blackrock, Galway, Hermitage, and Limerick Clinics to providing exceptional patient care.

https://www.blackrockhealth.com/news-events/blackrock-health-listed-top-10-irelands-2024-reptrakr-study

New data has shown that the top reasons why people seek heart health investigations are chest pain at 51%, palpitations caused by possible heart arrhythmia at 30% and heart failure at 10%, according to 2023 admission data from Blackrock Health’s Rapid Cardiac Care service which is available at Bla...