Working Life: Vanda Cummins, physiotherapist, HSE

Vanda Cummins, physiotherapist, HSE Primary and Community Care Services

Vanessa Cummins, physiotherapist, HSE.

Vanda Cummins is a physiotherapist at the HSE Primary and Community Care Services. Here she tells us about a typical day.

8.45am

I arrive at the Ballymun Health Centre, as my husband works from home and keeps an eye on our three children, aged 10, 13, and 15 years.

Despite little traffic on the route, the car park is full, as the building is now a local headquarters for planning of Covid-19-related services.

9am

After practising hand hygiene, I log on to my computer and check for new referrals.

9.45am

I phone a 93-year-old and get an update from her daughter. This lady fell at home and hurt her back. Following much discussion, her care is being managed in her own home.

11am

A woman, who attends a weekly exercise group I run in partnership with Dublin City Council, phones to thank me for a booklet of exercises I posted to her.

She is also going to check out ‘Make Movement your Mission’ on Youtube, or live on Facebook, which broadcasts 10-minute movement slots three times a day.

1pm

I go for a short walk — within a 2km radius. We’re encouraged to eat lunch at our desks during these restrictions.

2pm

I catch up with a man whose replacement foot splints have arrived by post. We arrange that his daughter will collect them from the health centre and he’ll phone me if he wants to follow up.

3pm

I check over emails, including HSE Covid-19 updates, new advice on HSE staff wellbeing, and an email of support.

4.55pm

I arrange a house visit en route home to drop off a new walking aid to a lady living alone, who reports her old one is broken.

We discuss the safety precautions on the phone and we agree I will drop it to her front door and not go in.

See hse.ie/coronavirus for factual information on Covid-19