Heart screening is a huge success at Hazelwood College

Pictured are (left to right) Dr Ciaran Boyce who was the chief medical supervisor of the Heart Aid campaign at Hazelwood College along with Kate Farrissey TYP, Ms Elizabeth Dolan, deputy Principal of Hazelwood College, Ciara O’Callaghan, first year, and Saoirse Murray TYP. All four members of the Hazelwood College community benefited from the Heart Aid programme, coordinated by Ms Ciara Broderick.

Over the past few weeks and months, staff at Hazelwood College led by Ms Ciara Broderick has worked very hard to organise cardiac screening in the school. This has been attempted in order to prevent Sudden Adult Death Syndrome from occurring within the school community.

Tragically, instances of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) have increased over the past few years. Approximately 100 young people under the age of 35 die in Ireland from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome every year. As a result of these shocking statistics, and to help protect our students, the school organised for the screening to be carried out in the school.

During the month of March, HeartAid, a company from Cork came to the school and screened over 200 students and staff for heart conditions related to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome. This test has, potentially, saved the lives of many within the school community, ensuring a long and healthy life for those who participated.

This is a huge achievement for the school and one in which we are very proud of.