Regular gatherings will celebrate diversity and inclusivity
Chidi Omolu (Staff Nurse SUH) Teresa Donnelly (Director of CNME Sligo, Leitrim and Cavan)
Sligo Champion
Yesterday at 18:00
The Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Education (Sligo, Leitrim and West Cavan) (CNME) in partnership with Sligo University Hospital has launched a new series of informal, café-style events designed to celebrate diversity and strengthen inclusive, patient-centred care.
The first Cultural Café took place recently at the CNME and brought together health and social care professionals from across the region.
Director of Nursing at Sligo University Hospital, Maura Heffernan, formally opened the session.
The conversation at the heart of the event featured Chidi Omolu, a much-valued staff nurse at Sligo University Hospital, in dialogue with Dr Teresa Donnelly. Together they explored the similarities and differences between Nigeria and Ireland, reflecting on Chidi’s journey to making Sligo his home.
Their discussion highlighted the richness that cultural diversity brings to both workplace and community life.
Participants also heard an engaging presentation from Vikki Sheeran, who delved into the concept of culture itself – what shapes it, how it is expressed and why it matters for inclusive care.
Joining online from Edinburgh, Dr Caroline Dickinson, Honorary Nursing Lecturer at Queen Margaret University and founder of ListenUp Storytelling, introduced her innovative wellbeing toolkit CAKE – Caring for Self and Others, Attending to What’s Happening, Keeping Connected, and Enabling and Empowering.
Drawing on storytelling, CAKE offers a practical recipe for self-care and team development, enabling healthcare professionals to co-create and embed wellbeing strategies into everyday practice.
The atmosphere throughout the afternoon was informal, interactive and energising.
Attendees described leaving the event with fresh insights, new connections and renewed enthusiasm for fostering inclusion and wellbeing in their own settings.
Organisers confirmed that the Cultural Café will run as an ongoing series, with future sessions continuing to explore culture, diversity and wellbeing in healthcare.
Dr. Donnelly said: “The Cultural Café is about listening to one another’s experiences and learning together. It enriches our practice and strengthens the care we deliver,”