120 HEALTH MATTERS me and my job
Getting to KNOW YOU...
NAME: Adrian Ahern
JOB TITLE: Manager, Mental Health Services
BASE: Galway
I am in daily contact with the three Clinical Directors, Directors of Nursing and the various Heads of Department dealing with day-to-day issues ranging from maintenance, patient issues, HR, finance and budget. It is a very varied day in which I am involved in managing a wide range of issues. I usually finish at around 6 p.m. but am generally available should emergencies arise.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB? No two days are the same. The ability to influence the changes in service improvements across Galway, which impact positively on patient care and staff morale.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED WITH THE HSE?
Since 1977, in various roles from student nurse to staff nurse, clinical nurse specialist, administrator and manager.
DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN FIVE WORDS Providing quality mental health services.
WHAT'S YOUR AVERAGE WORKING DAY LIKE? I am responsible for managing Mental Health services in Co. Galway, including Regional Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. As we are developing services in line with Vision for Change, my role can be very demanding. A typical day generally begins in St. Brigid’s Hospital, Ballinasloe, at 8.45 a.m., where I deal with outstanding emails and correspondence.
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB WHAT WOULD IT BE? Increase autonomy to deal with issues as they arise.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK AND WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT IT? Great Irish Speeches by Richard Aldous. The inspirational nature and the ability of the orators to say what they meant without jargon.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE FILM AND WHAT DID YOU LOVE ABOUT IT? Manhattan. I love Woody Allen’s wit.
WHAT'S THE MOST MEMORABLE THING YOU HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED?
From a work perspective, it was the signing of the contract for the new Child and
Adolescent Mental Health Unit in Merlin Park, Galway. From a personal point of view, it was the birth of my four children.
WHAT TEAM WOULD YOU DIE FOR? Connacht Rugby, as both my sons are keen rugby players and have represented Connacht.
FAVOURITE SPORTING MEMORY? Seeing my son Robert be part of the Ballinasloe winning team in the All-Ireland U18 Rugby Final
WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU THE MOST? Parents, family and Dr. Noel Browne.
PET HATE? Poor decision making.
TOP THING ON YOUR DREAM LIST IF YOU WON THE LOTTO?
I am lucky in that I have most things I want. However, to win the Lotto would be great – I would probably buy a boat and retire.
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