Longford's Sara O'Dwyer captains Tallaght University Hospital ED Team to All-Ireland success

Longford's Sara O'Dwyer was the captain of the Tallaght University Hospital ED Team that took the title of Ireland's Fittest Emergency Department this year. 

For the month of February, twelve different Emergency Departments competed in the increasingly competitive Ireland’s Fittest Emergency Department challenge. 

Staff from across the country clock the kilometres they have walked, ran, cycled and swam. All activity is recorded on strava, then calculated into points, with a weekly national scoreboard published. This is a fun challenge, but also a great way to encourage staff to spend more time outdoors. 

There were 72 on the Tallaght University Hospital ED team with representatives from the nursing, medical, healthcare assistants, administration, phlebotomy, physiotherapy, social work and occupational therapy disciplines taking part.

Granard native Sara explained, "The competitive streak was real with increasing urgency to get more kilometres on the clock and stay ahead of the competition! The competition is just three years old and this year was the Hospital teams second time to enter.

"Having missed out narrowly last year coming in second place, there was a collective determination to win this year. Working in such a busy department, the challenge was wonderful for staff morale.

"The competition created a great atmosphere and was a wonderful way to get to know colleagues. Every grade and discipline took part; it really was a team effort. February was not the best month weather wise but the perseverance and the commitment shown was phenomenal. The team battled wind, rain and snow each week to get the kilometres in to earn those precious points! Encouraging one another along the way it was also a great way to form some healthy habits."

Congratulations to all of the team that took part. In the end it was a tight margin with the team winning by 185 points. Every kilometre really did count!