Local heart and stroke charity Croí has scooped a number of prestigious healthcare awards.
It received national recognition for its work in heart disease and stroke prevention by winning the top honours at the Irish Medical Times 10th Anniversary Medical Healthcare Awards recently.
The “Croí MyAction Programme” which is the country’s first dedicated lifestyle intervention initiative targeting those most at risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke clinched a top award by being voted the “Nursing Project of the Year”.
This award is in recognition of the pioneering work being undertaken by Croí which is helping to transform lives by reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The project is managed by Croí nurse, Irene Gibson and is delivered by a multi disciplinary team which includes nurse specialists, a dietician, a physiotherapist and a physical activity specialist under the direction of Dr Ger Flaherty and consultant cardiologist Dr Jim Crowley. The project has received financial support from the HSE West’s primary, community and continuing care department in Galway and the pharmaceutical company MSD Ireland.
The charity scooped its second award in the area of risk factor screening. Its work in Co Mayo as part of the “Croí HeartSmart Mayo Project” was recognised by being announced as runner up in the “Best Public Health Initiative” category. This project is managed by Croí nurse, Ailish Houlihan and is a collaboration with the HSE West’s primary, community and continuing care department, in Mayo.
Croí was also shortlisted in a third awards’ category - “Best use of Information Technology” for a “Croi Educational App”. It was developed by NUI Galway medical students as part of a summer medical research project under the direction of Dr Ger Flaherty, a senior lecturer in clinical medicine and medical education at the university. The app is due to be launched officially early next year.
Commenting on the awards, Croí CEO Neil Johnson paid tribute to the commitment and hard work of all involved.
“This is great news for Croí and gives significant recognition to the pioneering and innovative work being undertaken in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Awards such as this confirm the value of the work being done by Croí and while it is a great boost to everyone in the charity it also serves to confirm that the funds raised through our various fundraising activities are being put to good use in a real and meaningful way.”
