HSE’s Athenry Primary Care Team
The Athenry Primary Care Team is one of a number of Primary Care Teams which was set up by the HSE in 2008. The Team serves a population of 12,000 in the environs of Athenry and Craughwell, and is made up of Family Doctors, Public Health Nurses, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist and Registered General Nurse. The Athenry Primary Care Team, which is based in the local area, is supported by a wider network of health professionals from HSE departments such as Clinical Psychology, Speech & Language Therapy, Early Intervention Team, Dental, Community Mental Health, Social Work, Nutrition & Dietetics, Home Help, Ophthalmology, Audiology and Community Welfare.
The Athenry Primary Care Team, which is based in the local area, is supported by a wider network of health professionals, such as Clinical Psychologists, Speech & Language Therapists, Early Intervention Team, Dental Staff, Community Mental Health Nurse, Social Workers, Dieticians, Home Help Organisers, Ophthalmologists, Audiologists and Community Welfare Officer.
General Practitioner
General Practitioners/family physicians exercise their professional role by promoting health, preventing disease and providing cure, care, or palliation. This is done either directly or through the services of others, according to the health needs and resources available within the community they serve, assisting patients where necessary in accessing these services ref: www.icgp.ie.
Home Help

Home Helps work with vulnerable people in the community who, through illness or disability, are in need of help with day to day tasks. A home help might visit for a couple of hours a day to help with housework, shopping, or sometimes may provide more personal care, such as help with dressing and bathing.
Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy is a treatment that provides opportunities for each person to maintain or improve their independence. Occupational Therapists assess everyday activities and aim to make these easier for the client and carer. An Occupational Therapist will assess you in your home and work with you in addressing the difficulties identified. Occupational Therapy may consist of:
Advice and demonstration on how to change your approach to specific tasks, e.g. dressing, washing, cooking.
Recommending changes in the home to ensure a safe environment, e.g. taking up rugs and mats, rearranging furniture, lighting, keeping every day objects within easy reach.
Provision of aids and appliances to facilitate continued independent living, e.g. bathing and toileting requirements.
Provide advice on adapting your house to ensure it is accessible.
Provide an individual treatment programme based on your needs.
Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists deliver a broad range of services to clients who have acute and chronic health problems. Physiotherapists carry out assessment/treatment and provide education and advice on the management of many different medical conditions. The primary goal of physiotherapy is the restoration of the client to full participation in their normal role as quickly as possible. This may be achieved by the provision of therapy, the prescription of exercise programmes, the provision of education and advice and the prescription of appliances, which will assist with and support safe independence. Physiotherapy assessment and treatment takes place in Craughwell Health Centre or where appropriate in the client’s home.
Public Health Nursing

Community Nursing provides advice and support to all mothers and families of new babies. They support breast-feeding mothers, all parents and toddlers, provide information and advice on child development and immunisations, and also provide a preventative health service within the school system where children are screened for vision and hearing defects. Community Nursing also provides a clinical nursing service e.g. dressings. The needs of the elderly and other people with illness are assessed and care is provided when necessary. They also visit families of people with disabilities, providing support and liaising with other health professionals. The Public Health Nurse is available for consultation from 9.30am to 10.30am at the local Health Centre.
Clinics Available

Child Development Clinic and Child Health Clinic by appointment with Public Health Nursing.
Breast Feeding Support Group meets every Wednesday at 11.00am in The Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry.
Parent and Toddler Group meets every Thursday at 11.00am in The Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry.
Immunisation by appointment with G.P. or Practice Nurse.
Diabetic Clinic held by Practice Nurse.
Dietetic Clinic by appointment with the Dietitian.
Cholesterol Clinic.
To contact your Primary Care Team Members

Athenry Primary Care Team or for more information regarding your Team, Tel: Michelle Spellman at 091 872724.
Public Health Nurse / Registered General Nurse: Athenry - Tel: 091 850172 / 091 850173 ; Craughwell - Tel: 091 846125
General Practitioners: Dr. Louise O’Grady / Dr. Hilary Allen / Dr. Peter Kemple. Athenry Health Centre, New Line, Athenry. Tel: 091 844274 Dr. Michael McGloin / Dr. Bridget Keane / Dr. Ian O’Connor / Dr. David Meehan. The Surgery, Caheroyan Crescent, Athenry. Tel: 091 844489