Round 3 of the HANA Project will begin over the coming weeks to assess and enhance the overall health landscape of Tallaght.
To prioritise the health and wellbeing of the Tallaght community, Professor Catherine Darker of Trinity College Dublinis leading the third round of the Health Assets and Needs Assessment (HANA) Project. In collaboration with the Health Service Executive, Tallaght University Hospital, Adelaide Health Foundation, Childhood Development Initiative, South Dublin County Partnership and South Dublin County Council, the project aims to assess and enhance the overall health landscape of Tallaght.
The foundation for this ground-breaking project was launched in 2001 and 2013 during Rounds 1 and 2. The HANA Project reviewed health and wellbeing through mapping health and community services in 13 electoral divisions of Tallaght. Household letters were sent inviting the main carers in randomly selected households to have their say, resulting in the response of over 1,000 people. Their opinions have since played an important role in shaping the development of Tallaght, ensuring that the services provided meet the needs of the community.
In Round 3, Prof Catherine Darker and her team are focusing on the positive developments that have occurred since the beginning of the project. This round will emphasise healthcare, sport and hobby facilities, and community amenities, to better understand the current health landscape in Tallaght.
How will Round 3 of the HANA project work and how you can get involved: Between May and July, main carers in households across Tallaght will be invited to interview, providing an opportunity for community members to voice their opinions on necessary services. The information gathered will contribute to a report that will be made available to healthcare planners, allowing the community’s needs to be accurately represented. It is important to note that participation in this study is entirely voluntary. Prof Catherine Darker emphasizes that individuals have the option to decide whether to take part or not, with full respect for their decision.
Highlighting the positive outcomes from previous rounds, including the establishment of a community radiology unit in Tallaght Cross and the launch of ‘out of hours’ doctors’ services, Prof Catherine Darker is optimistic about the impact of Round 3.
She said: “We have seen real improvements in the community’s health services based on the valuable input from previous rounds. This is a testament to the power of community engagement and the importance of each voice in shaping the future of healthcare in Tallaght. We look forward to further enhancing the health and wellbeing of our community in Round 3.”
The HANA Project stands as a community effort to create a healthier, happier, and more vibrant Tallaght. Together, the residents of Tallaght are invited to be a part of this transformative journey, ensuring that their voices shape the future of healthcare in their community.
Further information www.tcd.ie/medicine/public-health-and-primary-care/research/hana/
