Tuesday was a big day for Donegal man Paul Gallen as he helped launch the HSE Health Passport and showcased his starring role in a short film 'Mission: Possible'.
The 22-year-old from Termon played the lead role as a secret agent in the thrilling film, which was premiered in Century Cinemas yesterday. In the drama, Paul had a huge mission to complete which was to educate the world about the new HSE Health Passport.
Paul Gallen, Lead Actor and Dr Siobhan O’Halloran, Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health launch the HSE Health Passport at Century Cinema’s, Letterkenny, Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson
The short film was created by the Donegal-based Re-Act Productions and it is now on Youtube so anyone can watch it especially families, carers and healthcare staff to help launch the HSE Health Passport.
Watch the explosive spectacle here:
The launch was attended by over 200 delegates in Century Cinemas in Letterkenny including representatives from the Department of Health and local media.
An impressive singing flash mob took over the screen just before the film premiere:
A standing ovation at the launch of the HSE Health Passport took place at Century Cinemas, Letterkenny, Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson
Working collaboratively on this piece of work and in attendance on the day were the Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland and Ulster University.
Paul did an amazing job in the film conveying the importance of the Health Passport and how people with Intellectual Disability deserve to have equal access to healthcare.
Paul commented on his involvement in the film, “Being involved in the making of the movie to promote the HSE Health Passport has been a wonderful experience for me. This passport allows me to communicate my health needs to staff working in the HSE.”
Lead Actor, Paul Gallen at the launch of the HSE Health Passport at Century Cinemas, Letterkenny, Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson
Paul also got to pay a visit to Áras an Uachtaráin on Sunday where he presented the HSE Health Passport to President Michael D. Higgins.
Niamh Walsh, PhD Researcher, Ulster University, stated “Earlier this week Paul Gallen and I had the unique opportunity to present President Michael D Higgins with a copy of the passport at the Blooms Day Garden Party in Áras an Uachtaráin.
“I don’t think you could have a better endorsement than that,” she added.
Niamh Walsh, PhD Researcher, Ulster University speaking at the launch of the HSE Health Passport at Century Cinemas, Letterkenny, Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson
Dr Gerry Lane, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Letterkenny University Hospital spoke at the launch stating, “The benefits of a Health Passport for people with an Intellectual Disability when accessing acute services are many including enabling their voice to be heard by frontline health care professionals”.
Dr Gerry Lane, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Letterkenny University Hospital at the launch of the HSE Health Passport
The HSE Health Passport will be available to people with an Intellectual Disability within the Saolta University Healthcare Group and the Community Healthcare Organisation Area 1 following the launch.
