Working life: Fiona McGrane, nurse manager
This is en route to my base in Tallaght Hospital, where I work as a clinical nurse manager/research nurse for children with Down syndrome.
I am the only nurse in the country to provide this service which is supported by Down Syndrome Ireland.
I check voicemails and emails, responding to queries from parents and medical professionals.
They include parents requesting appointments for their children here in the hospital and asking for assistance during their children’s visits.
I have a good team around me and the family is central to that.
I contact members of an early intervention service, who I have regular contact with, to update them on a little boy who was in hospital recently.
I am the clinical link between the hospital setting and the community.
In this case the child needs to see a dietician and thankfully the early intervention service are in a position to provide this to the family on an ongoing basis.
The majority of children with Down syndrome will have little or no healthcare problems, but they do have to get more regular checkups.
Children have to get their eyes and ears examined and their bloods taken to screen for problems with the thyroid gland and also for coeliac disease on an annual basis. It’s my job to assist with these checks and organise follow up appointments if necessary.
I have a quick lunch with my colleagues.
Education and training is a core part of my role. I give talks to medical professionals, parents and student doctors, nurses and midwives.
I receive contact from maternity and paediatric hospitals requesting support and information for parents of a new baby born with Down syndrome.
A key part of my role is to support parents, listen to concerns, help them negotiate the healthcare system and provide information they can use throughout their child’s life.
On the way home, I pick up Clive, give him cuddles and usually go for a walk or to the gym in the evenings.
n HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays Campaign in support of Down Syndrome Ireland continues until the end of June. To host your own party freephone 1890 37 37 37 or register online at www.downsyndrome.ie
