About ISAT - Profile
The Irish Sleep Apnoea Trust (ISAT)
is
a non-political, non-profit making Voluntary Patient Support Group for
sufferers (and their families) of Sleep Apnoea.
The ethos and management style of the Irish Sleep Apnoea Trust is one of
transparency in its decision making process coupled with a commitment to
serve and deliver benefits to the members. Effective communication is a
cornerstone of this style.
To ensure delivery of these and our principal aims, our Committee is
elected annually and is governed by membership approved Rules, and
Accounting and Administrative Procedures and Controls. This is in
addition to the normal regulations governing corporate bodies.
Regular contact is also maintained through our newsletter and email
updates. Our web site is used as an information, awareness and
communication portal for our members and the general public. It also
acts as an important communications portal for interaction with other
groups, feedback and membership surveys and general discussion.
A Management Committee, comprising the Honorary Officers (Chairman, Vice
Chairman, Company Secretary, and Honorary Treasurer) and a
representative from our Medical Council deal with the day to day running
of the Trust.
Establishment of ISAT
ISAT was established in May 2000 following an initial exploratory
meeting of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), at
St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4. The initial specific
aims of the Trust were to support patients with OSAS and their families,
to promote improved facilities for the investigation and management of
this disorder, and to support medical research. A steering
committee initially worked over the lead 9 months to develop a detailed
set of rules and regulations in addition to articles of association.
Almost 200 patients with OSAS signed up to attend the inaugural Annual
General Meeting. The First annual meeting of the Irish Sleep
Apnoea Trust (ISAT), in Irish, "Iontaobhas Apnoea Codlata na hÉireann"
was held at St. Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4 on
Saturday 3rd March 2001. Delegates were asked to and approved the
rules and regulations and articles of association. A formal committee
structure was established for the Trust. It was envisaged that, as
interest grew, regional branches of ISAT would be established throughout
the country.
The Respiratory Sleep Disorders Unit at St. Vincent's University
Hospital was established in 1985 and provides a national referral
service for the investigation and treatment of patients with OSAS.
Treatment with nasal CPAP is highly effective and can transform the
lives of affected patients.
The Aims of the Irish Sleep Apnoea Trust
-
To increase public and professional understanding of the significance of the diagnosis and the correct treatment of Sleep Apnoea in terms of good health, safety and the economy.
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To reduce the incidence of health and safety problems related to insufficient sleep and undiagnosed and untreated Sleep Apnoea.
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To actively lobby for and support increased education about and scientific research into the diagnosis and treatment of Sleep Apnoea.
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To advocate public policy initiatives which promote education about, research into and treatment of Sleep Apnoea.
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To research and collate information on the dangers to sufferers of Sleep Apnoea and disseminate this information to the public, patients, healthcare professionals, the appropriate public authorities and employers through active advocacy, information leaflets, media releases, educational events and a website.
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To work with government agencies, professional bodies and industry to increase public awareness of the problems related to Sleep Apnoea.
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To promote evidence-based best practice and promote the availability of such clinical services for Sleep Apnoea sufferers in all areas of Ireland.
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To seek governmental, charitable and commercial funding for research into Sleep Apnoea to allow improved treatment.
Achieving the Aims of the Irish Sleep Apnoea Trust
It is not possible to place a time constraint on the aims of our group, mainly because situations change, particularly in the medical field. The nub of our aims is to deliver both tangible benefits and relevant information to our members, to improve facilities and resources (within Ireland) for the diagnosis and treatment of Sleep Apnoea and to assist in or fund research into the disorder.
To achieve this ISAT will:
-
Promote and Advocate awareness of Sleep Apnoea
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To the Public
-
To the Medical Profession
-
To Government
-
To Employer Groups
By way of:
-
Production of promotional printed and visual materials
-
Committed positive advocacy
-
Use of all local media resources
-
Use of all national media resources
In partnership with the Department of Health and Children/Health
Service Executive
Provide support to medical, nursing and treatment services
By way of:
-
Identifying specific needs and shortcomings
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Being aware of global developments through effective networking with other groups
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Being proactive in our approach
-
Working in tandem with existing services
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Encourage the formation and development of an Irish Sleep Society by the medical and technical professionals dealing with Sleep Apnoea in Ireland.
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Encourage the Department of Health and Children to introduce a suitable national structure for clinics dealing with Sleep Apnoea.
Develop an effective lobbying body
By way of:
-
Development of a flexible, effective results driven lobbying plan for Politicians,
-
Health Insurers, Industry and Legal groups
-
Use of the Freedom of Information Act and/or Parliamentary Questions
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Liaise closely with and form firm links with similar type groups
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Develop close links with the media, politicians and state agencies
Officers:
Chairman/Webmaster: Arthur O'Hara
Vice Chairman: Jim Whelan
Treasurer: Aileen Kavanagh
Assistant Treasurer: Laurence Woods
Honorary Secretary General: Dan Smyth
Chairman of Medical Council: Prof. Walter McNicholas
| Note: |
|
| With the formation of
The Irish Sleep Society, a group representing all the
medical and technical professionals involved in Sleep Medicine
and Respiratory Sleep Medicine we believe that our Medical
Council will become defunct. The Irish Sleep Apnoea Trust is in
regular contact with the Steering Committee of The Irish Sleep
Society and will develop formal links with it. |
