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Hospitals at Saolta University Health Care Group

Sligo University Hospital Pilot new Midwifery Service to Enhance Postnatal Care

A new pilot service, which will further enhance midwifery care, has been launched by the Maternity Department at Sligo University Hospital (SUH). The establishment of a community midwifery service, as an outreach service from the hospital, will provide women and babies with integrated care as close to home as possible.

Sligo University Hospital is under significant pressure due to COVID outbreaks and high ED attendances

Sligo University Hospital (SUH) is under significant pressure due to COVID outbreaks and high numbers of people attending the Emergency Department. SUH is managing five COVID outbreaks and the public are asked to be extra vigilant if visiting the hospital. Do not visit the hospital if you are feeling unwell.  

Sligo University Hospital to hold Remembrance Service for families who have experienced the loss of a baby or child

Sligo University Hospital (SUH) is inviting parents and their families who have experienced bereavement, through the death of a baby or child or who have experienced pregnancy loss to remember their loved ones in a special Mass of Remembrance, which will take place on Wednesday, 15 November at 8pm in St Anne’s Small Chapel, Cranmore, Sligo, F91 R250.
 

Sligo University Hospital delighted to launch upgraded Paediatric Facilitates

Young patients attending the Paediatric Outpatients and Physiotherapy Departments in Sligo University Hospital (SUH) can enjoy renovated spaces which focus on stimulation and play.

Emergency Department in Sligo University Hospital is extremely busy with long delays

The Emergency Department in Sligo University Hospital is extremely busy today with high numbers of patients being admitted, many of whom present with complex needs requiring admission. The hospital is advising that patients who attend ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times. There are 38 patients on trolleys awaiting admission to an inpatient bed and we apologise to those patients and their families for the upset this is causing.

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Information for Open Water Swimmers, Surfers, Kayakers and all Cold Water Athletes

What is Surfer’s Ear?

Well for starters, it’s not just for surfers. In fact, all cold water athletes are at risk of developing the condition. Surfer’s Ear is a medical condition clinically known as External Auditory Canal Exostoses (EACE) or Exostoses, which is caused by repeated exposure to cold water and wind.

Exostoses are formed in response to a continuous change of temperature within the ear canal. As cold water regularly swirls along the ear canal, the body responds by warming the affected area, this also stimulates bone-producing cells within the ear canal, which cause the bone surrounding the ear to develop a bony growth.

These benign bone growths can lead to infections, water trapping, hearing loss and complete closure of the ear canal if left untreated

The condition develops slowly over time and it may take 10 to 15 years for the symptoms to appear.

Cause?

Research shows that Surfer’s Ear is most likely in exposure to cold water below 19deg. In Ireland, the water is usually at its warmest in August and even then the average temperature ranges from 13 to 17 degrees. The bottom line is – the water in Ireland is always too cold for our ears!

Surfer's Ear Clinic

Doctors from Sligo University Hospital held a Surfer’s Ear clinic to raise awareness of the condition.         

 

 
What does Surfer’s Ear look like?

                                                                             

How do you protect your ears?

Wear earplugs.

The advice couldn’t be simpler; this truly is a practical and cost-effective way to reduce your risk of developing exostoses. Hearing loss associated with wearing earplugs was identified through our study as the main deterrent for athletes across all sporting disciplines. However, modern earplugs are not only discrete but also let sound in and keep water out.

What to do if you are worried?

Visit your GP and ask him/her to check your ears. Your GP may then refer you to your nearest hospital to see a specialist Ear Nose and Throat doctor to examine your ears further.

Research at Sligo University Hospital

A team of consultants, doctors and staff from the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) department conducted a year-long project to examine Irish cold water athlete’s awareness and understanding of exostoses as well as athlete’s attitudes towards preventative measures such as wearing earplugs.

The ENT team held five “Surfer’s Ear Clinics” which examined almost 100 cold water athletes, concluding that 1 in 2 athletes had Surfer’s Ear.

The Irish Institute of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery provided Dr Seamus Boyle, ENT SpR at the hospital, with financial support in the form of a small grant to progress this research. The Institute plans to work with him to expand this project, as outlined by Professor Nash Patil in the video below:

                                                                                     

Questionnaire
Calling all triathletes, surfers, open water swimmers, sub aqua and non-water athletes –  help us with our research 'To Determine Water Athletes Awareness of Surfers Ear or Exostosis and Attitudes to wearing Ear Plugs', click here

 

Information coming soon