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News: April 2009

Over-70s payments to GPs are cut again by Harney

Dara Gantly | 30 April 2009 | Industrial Relations

The Minister for Health has decided to cut the over-70s capitation fee to GPs by a further 8 per cent, just months after the payment was reduced by more than a half. The fee is being reduced from €308.76 to... Read more

Pandemic alert phase 5: nonessential travel to Mexico 'should be avoided'

Gary Culliton | 30 April 2009 | Public Health

The Department of Health and Children has issued advice to avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. It is considered "likely" that additional cases of swine 'flu' in humans will emerge in Europe and internationally over the coming days. Full travel... Read more

Court deal: no NCHD cuts this year

Gary Culliton | 29 April 2009 | Industrial Relations

The IMO has settled a court action against the HSE in which it represented junior doctors. in relation to a €43m programe of proposed cost-saving measures. Following the institution of a High Court action by the Irish Medical Organisation, the... Read more

Thirteen complaints of pharmacists' dispensing errors

Gary Culliton | 29 April 2009 | Regulation

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland PSI has reported 13 complaints due to dispensing errrors (27 per cent of the total) against pharmacists in the last year. Complaints recorded included:... Read more

BreastCheck holdup slammed

Niamh Mullen | 29 April 2009 | Public Health

Labour Party candidate, Susan O’Keeffe (pictured), said it was a disgrace women in Donegal were being denied the service. “It seems that no matter what promises are made, what timelines are put in place the Government believe they can deceive... Read more

Pregnancy-associated deaths to be reviewed

Niamh Mullen | 29 April 2009 | Health Management

THE circumstances of the deaths of women during or after pregnancy will be reviewed and reported on under a scheme announced by Health Minister Mary Harney. CEMACH (Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health) Ireland is a collaboration between the... Read more

Guidelines issued on swine 'flu' management

Gary Culliton | 29 April 2009 | Health Management

The HSE has issued guidelines for doctors in relation to management of persons with acute febrile respiratory illness who may have swine influenza A (H1N1). As soon as the patient mentions a febrile respiratory illness and travel in the last... Read more

Enzolve launches PKU screening test

Dara Gantly | 29 April 2009 | Public Health

An Irish company was due to launch a novel newborn screening test for phenylketonuria (PKU) at a major international meeting in Prague this week. Based at the innovation and technology transfer centre NovaUCD, Enzolve Technologies was due to formally launch... Read more

Galway University Hospitals top MRSA list

Niamh Mullen | 29 April 2009 | Research and Education

Galway University Hospitals reported the highest number of MRSA cases in 2008 at acute public hospitals. The University College Hospital, Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital together reported 47 cases of MRSA to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) in... Read more

Students win four awards for film on alcohol abuse

Niamh Mullen | 29 April 2009 | Public Health

A film about hazy memories of night’s drinking session has won four awards at the DARE2BDRINKAWARE Awards Ceremony. The competition for third-level students aims to highlight young people’s attitudes to alcohol. The winners were Gobias Productions, a group of students... Read more

Bowel cancer detection rate of 11 per cent

Gary Culliton | 28 April 2009 | Public Health

The first year of a two-year pilot Bowel Cancer Screening Programme which has been taking place at Dublin’s Tallaght Hospital, has revealed a Bowel Cancer detection rate of 11% in those tested. Speaking to the Oireachtas Committee on Health and... Read more

Lack of follow-up of psych concerns

Dara Gantly | 28 April 2009 | Public Health

Doctors are omitting to address various psychological concerns reported by women at midwife booking clinics, new research has found. The review of psychological services at the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital found that nearly 12 per cent of the... Read more

Prof Kenny rewarded for France research collaborations

Niamh Mullen | 28 April 2009 | Research and Education

A PROFESSOR at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) has won a €10,000 award for his contribution to research collaborations with France. Prof Dermot Kenny, Director of the Clinical Research Centre at the RCSI and Beaumont Hospital, was... Read more

Irish Cancer Society urges sun awareness

28 April 2009 | Public Health

A public sun-awareness lecture will take place at the RCSI on May 14 to mark Melanoma Awareness Month, from 6pm to 7.30pm. It is being organised by La Roche-Posay and supported by the Irish Cancer Society. Topics include ‘Melanoma Awareness... Read more

Commercial drivers found to have higher risk of sleep apnoea

Niamh Mullen | 28 April 2009 | Public Health

Commercial drivers are more likely to suffer from sleep apnoea than people working in other industries. Research carried out at the Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine in James Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown also found commercial drivers were more... Read more

HSE denies massaging ED figures in Mater Hospital

Dara Gantly | 28 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

The HSE has denied accusations that the Mater Hospital is placing trolleys in wards to show improvements in its ED. In a reply to Independent TD Finian McGrath, HSE Hospital Network Manager Angela Fitzgerald said that the Mater utilises ‘holding... Read more

Health system 'should prepare for possible pandemic'

Dara Gantly | 28 April 2009 | Public Health

The ICGP believes it is ‘opportune’ for all health professionals and organisations to review how they would deal with clinical workload, infection control and business continuity in the event of an influenza pandemic. In advice posted on the College’s website... Read more

Ireland 'well prepared for swine 'flu''

Niamh Mullen | 27 April 2009 | Public Health

IRELAND’S Chief Medical Officer has said the country was well-prepared for an outbreak of swine flu, with enough anti-viral drugs to cover half the population. Dr Tony Holohan said the advice to anyone with flu-like symptoms who recently travelled to... Read more

Awards make health literacy crystal clear

Niamh Mullen | 27 April 2009 | Public Health

One in four Irish people are affected by literacy difficulties, which could impact on their ability to make good decisions about their health. The Crystal Clear MSD Health Literacy Awards tackled the issue by encouraging healthcare professionals to communicate more... Read more

TRUST Director is overall winner

Niamh Mullen | 27 April 2009 | Research and Education

A campaigner who ‘em-powers those sleeping on the streets of Dublin’ is the overall winner of the Health Literacy Awards for her life’s work providing services for the homeless. Alice Leahy — a trained nurse and midwife — is the... Read more

NCHDs 'should get mobiles'

Dara Gantly | 27 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

The IMO should enter discussion with the HSE to develop a contract with a mobile operator to provide every NCHD with a mobile phone, a delegate at the IMO AGM has suggested. Mater NCHD Dr Mark Murphy said the move... Read more

Media irresponsible on mental health issues

Terence Cosgrave | 27 April 2009 | Public Health

Mental health issues rarely get the attention they deserve, and when they do, the media often sends out irresponsible messages in the way they report mental health stories, according to Irish Times Social Affairs correspondent, Carl O’Brien. O’Brien was speaking... Read more

Repressing feelings can affect teenagers' studies

Niamh Mullen | 27 April 2009 | Research and Education

TEENAGERS whose parents have separated should not repress their feelings because it can affect their studies and involvement in activities outside school. That is the message from Teen Between, a support service operated by the Marriage and Relationship Counselling Service... Read more

HSE cutbacks will affect services

Dara Gantly | 27 April 2009 | Public Health

Even a ‘kindergarten child’ would realise that you cannot maintain existing levels of service with the cuts that are currently taking place in the HSE, he newly elected Chair of the IMO Public Health Doctors Committee Dr Paula Gilvarry has... Read more

NCHD travel-expenses fund has 'disappeared'

Dara Gantly | 27 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

A former IMO President wants the HSE to explain where more than E10 million in travel and subsistence funding for NCHDs has ‘disappeared’. NCHD Committee member Dr Mick Molloy said an additional £1 million per year in the form of... Read more

Doctors advised on morning-after pill

Dara Gantly | 27 April 2009 | Medico-Legal

Irish Courts are moving towards acceptance of the UK’s ‘Gillick Competency’ test, which could give legal guidance over the issue of prescribing the morning-after pill to those aged under 16. Solicitor John O’Connor told delegates at the IMO AGM that... Read more

Hold on consultants’ pay to make up HSE shortfall

Dara Gantly | 24 April 2009 | Industrial Relations

The Minister for Health has sanctioned only part-payment of the new consultant contract salary rates in order to plug a €147 million hole in the HSE’s budget. In total, €143 million less will be paid to consultants than previously envisaged... Read more

Mid-west fears more deaths after ED closure

Niamh Mullen | 24 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

The death of Clare man in an ambulance on the way to Limerick Regional Hospital has ‘reflected the worst fears of the people of the mid-west’ about the reconfiguration of acute services. Fine Gael spokesperson on health, Dr James Reilly,... Read more

Doctors must bear child abuse in mind

By Dara Gantly | 24 April 2009 | Public Health

While the child protection process may not come naturally to doctors, it is vital that they consider the possibility of child abuse, otherwise they may not recognise it, Irish Medical Organisation conference delegates were told. Speaking at a scientific session... Read more

Instances of TB fall in 2008

24 April 2009 | Public Health

The provisional figure for last year is also lower than the figure of 465 cases in 2006. The provisional rate for 2008 is10.3/100,000, while the rate for the indigenous Irish population is 6.9/100,000. The HSPC said in EPI-Insight – its... Read more

Altering of NCHD timesheets is a nationwide issue

Dara Gantly | 24 April 2009 | Industrial Relations

If NCHD timesheets are being altered at one hospital — the IMO is in the midst of a challenge with Mayo General Hospital — then the practice is going on across the country, IMO delegates were told in Killarney. Regional... Read more

IMB: no Bonjela restrictions

Gary Culliton | 23 April 2009 | Regulation

The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has said it is aware of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) decision to restrict the use of salicylate containing products for oral use in children under 16. This decision has been taken... Read more

Jaffry to step down as non-EU Chair

By Dara Gantly | 23 April 2009 | Industrial Relations

The Chairperson of the Irish Medical Organisation’s Non-EU Doctors Committee, Mr Syed Jaffry has decided to step down after more than four years in the post. The Galway Consultant Laparoscopic Urological Surgeon has decided to give up the Chair in... Read more

Reform sees budgets for mental health 'cut in half'

Terence Cosgrave | 23 April 2009 | Public Health

Doctors at the IMO conference heard that the net effect of mental health strategies was that they halved the mental health budget. The first scientific session of the conference focused on mental health. The President of the College of Psychiatry... Read more

Motions carried at the 2009 IMO AGM

23 April 2009 | Health Management

Motions carried at this year’s IMO conference included: * A call that inpatient detoxification should be paid for under the National Treatment Purchase Fund;... Read more

Clinical missed-directors

Gary Culliton | 23 April 2009 | Industrial Relations

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has pledged new funding and supports to address problems with hospital Clinical Directors – particularly in the west and mid-west – after doctors claimed there wasn’t enough Clinical Directors at the Irish Medical Organisation’s annual... Read more

Demoted: Minister for Elderly who 'wasn't consulted' on over 70s medical cards

Gary Culliton | 22 April 2009 | Health Management

Two Ministers of State in the Health Department have been dropped, including junior Minister for the elderly Maire Hoctor who admitted she was not consulted about controversial medical card changes for 0ver 70s, despite having direct responsibility for older people.... Read more

Ryanair considering charge for 'fat people'

Gary Culliton | 22 April 2009 | Public Health

Ryanair, Europe’s largest low fares airline, today announced that it will now consider how to charge a ‘fat tax’ after more than 30,000 passengers voted in favour of charging excess weight fees for very large passengers in an online vote... Read more

Clinical review of Clare patient death

Gary Culliton | 22 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

The HSE is conducting a clinical review of circumstances surrounding Mr Dan McDonnell's care and death with specific reference to the impact the closure of the 24 hour Emergency Department at Ennis General Hospital had on his care. A formal... Read more

HSE: 13,000 temporary jobs under threat

Gary Culliton | 22 April 2009 | Industrial Relations

There will be redeployment “within the HSE’s employment ceiling,” the HSE’s HR Director Mr Sean McGrath (pictured) said today. The HSE has 13,000 temporary staff and “if their purpose or the duration for which they are required changes, those contracts... Read more

Pharmacies must display registration certificates

Gary Culliton | 22 April 2009 | Public Health

The PSI (Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland), the pharmacy regulator, has issued new certificates of registration to pharmacies which must now be clearly displayed on the premises so that the public can ensure that the pharmacy they use is properly registered... Read more

Past president of RCSI elected President of the European Surgical Association

Greg Baxter | 21 April 2009 | News

Professor Gerald O’Sullivan, Director of Cork Cancer Research Centre, was elected President of the European Surgical Association at its recent annual meeting in Vienna. Prof O’Sullivan, who is immediate past president of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland (RCSI),... Read more

Mumps rise: MMR Vaccine for post Junior Cert students

Gary Culliton | 21 April 2009 | Public Health

The HSE) today announced that it will offer MMR vaccination to Transition, 5th and 6th Year students in secondary schools nationwide before the summer break. This measure is being taken in response to continued increases in cases of mumps in... Read more

New book to help parents play a role in helping children recover

Niamh Mullen | 21 April 2009 | Public Health

A book for parents who want to play a bigger role in helping their sick children recover will be published next month. When Your Child is Sick is written by consultant paediatrician Prof Alf Nicholson of the Children’s University Hospital,... Read more

GAA ladies at risk of soft-tissue injury

Niamh Mullen | 21 April 2009 | Public Health

More than 80 per cent of ladies senior club Gaelic football players have been injured at least once, and a lack of knowledge about how to treat soft-tissue injuries remains. A study called Female Gaelic Football Players’ Knowledge and Practice... Read more

DUMP campaign sees 3.5 tonnes collected

Greg Baxter | 21 April 2009 | Health Management

More than 3.5 tonnes of unused medicines have been collected in Cork and Kerry as part of a collection campaign to raise awareness of the risks of taking old medicines, or having them around the home. The HSE South, working... Read more

Activist for the homeless wins health literacy awards

Niamh Mullen | 20 April 2009 | News

A campaigner who empowers those sleeping on the streets of Dublin is the winner of the 2009 Crystal Clear MSD Health Literacy Awards. Director of TRUST, Alice Leahy, won the overall award for her life’s work providing a social and... Read more

Need for men to avail of counselling

Mary Ann Kenny | 20 April 2009 | Public Health

Connect received an average of 506 calls per month during 2008, compared to 384 per month the previous year. Twenty-six per cent of callers said they had been abused in institutions and 23 per cent of callers either have had... Read more

Quality health services should be provided

Dara Gantly | 20 April 2009 | Health Management

The new Expert Group on Resource Allocation in the Health Sector will have no impact on how the health service is run in the immediate future, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has claimed. Chaired by the Director of the ESRI... Read more

€10m paid in tribunal fees

Dara Gantly | 20 April 2009 | Medico-Legal

The Minister of State at the Department of Health John Moloney has confirmed that the gross fees paid to date for mental health tribunals held last year was e9,755,433 including VAT. However, he noted that a number of unclaimed fees... Read more

Docs can't foot CA bill

Dara Gantly | 20 April 2009 | Regulation

With clinical audit likely to make up a major strand of any future mandatory professional competence structures, the Government cannot expect individual doctors to foot the entire bill of setting up the schemes, leading experts have warned. RCPI CEO Leo... Read more

Calls for smears will be based on woman's age

Niamh Mullen | 20 April 2009 | Public Health

THE METHOD of calling women for cervical smear tests will move from self-registration to a call/re-call format as the screening programme becomes more established. In future years women will be called for smears according to their age. A national database... Read more

Job cuts due in coming weeks

Gary Culliton | 20 April 2009 | Industrial Relations

Major jobs cuts in the HSE’s community services will be unveiled shortly, Chief Executive Prof Brendan Drumm has said, Prof Drumm admitted that the HSE is facing likely staff cuts right across hospital and community services. “A lot of our... Read more

Views sought on the issue of human tissue

Gary Culliton | 20 April 2009 | Research and Education

Health Minister Harney has urged the public and interest groups to submit views as part of a public consultation process on proposals for a Human Tissue Bill. The Bill will regulate the removal, retention, storage, use and disposal of human... Read more

Prisoners' health standards below general populations'

Dara Gantly | 20 April 2009 | Research and Education

Standards of healthcare for prisoners are often below those of the general population, despite clear evidence of their widespread need. Any revision of the landmark Declaration of Tokyo from the World Medical Association must emphasise the importance of privacy and... Read more

New chairman for Temple Street

20 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

PSYCHOLOGIST Dr Frank Dolphin has been appointed chairman of the Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street. Dr Dolphin was formerly a clinical research psychologist at the hospital. He is currently chairman of Rigney Dolphin Ltd, which provides customer, technical and sales... Read more

Malaria Day focuses on global problem

20 April 2009 | Foreign News

THE FOCUS will be on Malaria as a global health problem on April 25 when the World Health Organisation holds the third annual World Malaria Day. The disease continues to affect 40 per cent of the world’s population. It infects... Read more

Most adults believe underage drinking cannot be stopped

Niamh Mullen | 20 April 2009 | News

Most adults are aware underage binge drinking is a problem that poses a health risk but feel there is nothing they can do to stop it. Findings from an HSE survey were released today to coincide with a campaign aimed... Read more

New 20-bed unit for Merlin Park

Dara Gantly | 20 April 2009 | Private Healthcare

Local Galway firm Cordil Construction Ltd has been named as the company to construct a new 20-bed inpatient unit for child and adolescent psychiatric services at Merlin Park Hospital. St Anne’s unit will cost €5.755 million to build and will... Read more

Co-location must end now – IMO CEO

Dara Gantly from the IMO agm | 17 April 2009 | News

The Government must call a halt to the ‘ill-conceived’ co-location project and instigate an honest debate on the privatisation of the health service, the IMO has urged. Chief Executive George McNeice told delegates at the IMO AGM that now was... Read more

Still more to do in tackling obesity

Niamh Mullen | 17 April 2009 | News

Progress has been made implementing most of the recommendations of the National Taskforce on Obesity, according to a report from the Department of Health. An inter-sectoral group was set up by Minister of State Mary Wallace in late 2008 to... Read more

Net effect of mental health strategies is that they reduce spending on mental health

Terence Cosgrave at the IMO agm | 17 April 2009 | News

Doctors at the IMO conference heard a harrowing account of life inside one of Ireland’s mental institutions from a former patient at the first scientific session of the conference that focused on mental health. The session heard from ‘Aine’ –... Read more

Front-line must be protected

Dara Gantly | 17 April 2009 | Industrial Relations

The chief executive of the IMO George McNeice has said the recession only made it more important than ever that the majority of our scarce resources were aimed at front-line rather than back-room services. He poured particular scorn on recent... Read more

HSE to push for discharge increase

Gary Culliton | 17 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

The HSE will shortly launch a major new initiative to cut levels of delayed patient discharges from hospitals which will require major changes in the way hospitals operate. New figures show the extent to which beds are blocked by patients... Read more

48 hours call 'provocative'

Dara Gantly | 17 April 2009 | Industrial Relations

The IMO has described as ‘provocative’ the unilateral announcement by HSE Chief Executive Prof Brendan Drumm that all Interns will be given 48-hour compliant contracts from July. In his report to the Board of the HSE in February, Prof Drumm... Read more

40% say arthritis affects relationships

Greg Baxter | 17 April 2009 | Public Health

Two in five people with arthritis say the condition has had a negative effect on their sex lives, with some stating they no longer have a sex life, according to a national survey on patient well-being and relationships, conducted by... Read more

HSE sets a target to reduce MRSA rates

By Niamh Mullen | 17 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

The HSE has set a target of reducing MRSA rates by six per cent in 2009. From now on, rates of the superbug will be reported on a quarterly basis. A statement from the HSE said: “We did not have... Read more

IMO has no confidence in Government's health strategy

By Terence Cosgrave at the IMO agm | 16 April 2009 | News

The Irish Medical Organisation today passed a motion of no confidence in the Government's current health policy. The motion was carried unanimously at the IMO’s agm in Killarney.... Read more

Ennis should be downgraded — report

Gary Culliton | 16 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

Following its recommendation that Ennis hospital should be significantly downgraded because of safety concerns, HIQA has urged that reviews be carried out of similarly configured hospitals. Clare TD Pat Breen said that HIQA’s report was ‘the beginning of the end... Read more

Highest rate of resistance recorded to antibiotics – HPSC

Niamh Mullen | 16 April 2009 | Public Health

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has reported a significant rise in resistance rates in streptococcus pneumoniae. In the last quarter of 2008, 32 per cent of 124 isolates tested penicillin non-susceptible. The rate was up 21 per cent since... Read more

HSE to look at lab work abroad

Greg Baxter | 16 April 2009 | Public Health

The HSE has made it clear to existing Irish laboratories that if they cannot demonstrate efficiencies and competitive rates, the HSE will look at alternatives. Martin McDonald, Head of Workforce Planning and Professional Education, HSE, told the annual conference of... Read more

196 beds for St James's

Dara Gantly | 16 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

Synchrony Properties Ltd has sought planning permission from Dublin City Council (DCC) to develop the long-awaited 196-bed co-located hospital at St James’s Hospital in Dublin. The eight-storey development will be on a 1.148 hectare site in the south western section... Read more

Finance body to review pay rates

Dara Gantly | 16 April 2009 | Industrial Relations

The Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector is to complete a fresh review of top-level pay rates, including those for consultants and public health doctors, by July. In his Supplementary Budget statement, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan... Read more

30% of Irish adults binge drink at least once a week - RCSI

Niamh Mullen | 15 April 2009 | Public Health

More than a quarter of adults report binge drinking at least once a week, according to research presented at the annual Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) Research Day. A total of 28 per cent admitted having six or more drinks... Read more

Skin-cancer site to help patients monitor moles

Niamh Mullen | 15 April 2009 | Public Health

A public health website dedicated to promoting the early screening of skin cancer will go live next month. The website — www.my-skincheck.com — will allow people to evaluate their personal risk of developing cancer. It will provide advice on how... Read more

Red Cross introduces its bike units to Limerick city

Niamh Mullen | 15 April 2009 | Public Health

Bikes used to administer first aid at large public gatherings have been introduced in Limerick by the Red Cross. A bike unit was launched in the city after being used at the St Patrick’s Day Parade. It is the second... Read more

Associate Medical Director for Beacon

Gary Culliton | 15 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

Prof Jan Smith has been appointed Associate Medical Director at Beacon Hospital, Dublin and will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the medical staff, practices, protocols and physicians at the hospital. He has worked in the USA, Italy, South... Read more

Elective services are cut

Niamh Mullen | 15 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

ELECTIVE services at Cavan and Monaghan general hospitals were curtailed for almost two weeks over Easter and the restrictions will apply to roughly a further six weeks this year at each hospital. Elective and gynaecological surgery, minor procedures, endoscopy, day... Read more

1 in 5 should not be in hospital

Gary Culliton | 14 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

A major drive has been launched to reduce inappropriate admissions to hospitals, starting with the north east (NE) — where new figures reveal the number of patients who should never have been admitted is 65 per cent higher than in... Read more

Hynes Report blames system failure in eight-year delay of child abuse inquiry

Dara Gantly | 14 April 2009 | News

A formal investigation into allegations of child abuse in Galway took more than eight-and-a-half years to complete because of a litany of system flaws rather than personal failings, a new report has found. Carried out by former Secretary General of... Read more

AGP founder Dr Mary Grehan dies

Dara Gantly | 14 April 2009 | General Practice

Dundalk GP, local politician and founder of the Association of General Practitioners (AGP), Dr Mary Grehan, died last week. Dr Grehan (née Rowe), who was in her early sixties, was originally from Ann Street, Dundalk. She graduated from UCD in... Read more

Acute care to cease at Ennis

Gary Culliton | 09 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

Following its recommendation that Ennis hospital should be significantly downgraded because of safety concerns, HIQA has urged that reviews be carried out of similarly configured hospitals. Clare TD Pat Breen said that HIQA’s report was “the beginning of the end... Read more

Funding group has strong medical input

Terence Cosgrave | 09 April 2009 | Health Management

The expert group which was established last week by Minister Mary Harney to review how funding is allocated in the health service includes several prominent doctors such as Prof Arnold Hill, Prof Peter Kearney, Dr Colin Doherty and Prof Andrew... Read more

'National emergency' in EDs still exists three years on from statement

Greg Baxter | 09 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

An urgent national capital plan is needed to rebuild the seven emergency departments that were deemed ‘unfit for purpose’ three years ago by the ED Task Force – and are still deemed unfit, according to President of the Irish Association... Read more

Ireland scores low in patient empowering

Greg Baxter | 09 April 2009 | Public Health

Ireland ranked 20th out of 31 European countries in a comparison of ‘patient empowerment’, it has been revealed. A Health Consumer Powerhouse survey measured empowerment across all Euro-pean countries. Empowerment was defined by four categories – patients’ rights; information; health... Read more

Dogs and cats fetch owners’ infections

Niamh Mullen | 09 April 2009 | Public Health

Man’s best friend is in the doghouse after a study has revealed pets are becoming infected with MRSA and transferring the superbug back to their owners. Preventing the spread of zoonoses – human diseases acquired by infection from animals –... Read more

Funding to follow patients

Terence Cosgrave | 09 April 2009 | Health Management

A radical change to the method of funding the health service was announced by Minister Mary Harney last week — an initiative that will have huge implications for doctors, patients and all healthcare professionals. The move could herald the introduction... Read more

Labour Court for public health docs

Dara Gantly | 09 April 2009 | Industrial Relations

The Chief Executive of the IMO believes the long-running dispute over the withholding of a 2.5 per cent pay increase due to public health doctors is destined to go all the way to the Labour Court. Speaking exclusively to Irish... Read more

Minister denies rumours of Mallow closure

Niamh Mullen | 09 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

Health Minister Mary Harney has denied rumours Mallow General Hospital is to be closed. She said there were no plans to close any acute hospital and her aim was to provide the right type of acute care in the right... Read more

Simple steps lead to UK lab savings

Gary Culliton | 08 April 2009 | Information Technology

A laboratory in the UK saved £31,000 in 12 months due to better organisation, the Director of Diagnostics, NHS Improvement, revealed at the Annual Conference of the Academy of Medical Laboratory Science (AMLS) last weekend. “All savings were achieved with... Read more

IMO calls HSE's handling of medical card review 'chaotic'

Niamh Mullen | 08 April 2009 | News

The IMO has described the HSE’s handling of the review of medical card entitlements for the over-70s as ‘shambolic’. IMO President Dr Martin Daly, speaking at the Organisation’s pre-AGM media conference in Dublin today, said the HSE wrote to GPs... Read more

ICGP set to review CA pilot schemes

Dara Gantly | 08 April 2009 | General Practice

The ICGP is drawing up an official review of two competence assurance (CA) pilots completed by the Medical Council last year. The review is being led by Dr Ailís Ní Riain, the newly appointed Director of Advocacy and Professional Competence,... Read more

New mental health service for kids and teens opens in Cork

Mary Anne Kenny | 08 April 2009 | Public Health

A new HSE service for children and adolescents with mental health issues commenced in Cork last Friday. The new eight-bed inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, on the grounds of St Stephen’s Hospital, Glanmire, Co. Cork, was officially opened last... Read more

National lab would mean faster swabs

Greg Baxter | 08 April 2009 | Private Healthcare

A national laboratory should be set up to allow GPs to improve turnaround times on swab tests for infectious diseases, an infection control nurse at the Mater Private Hospital told Irish Medical Times. Ann Higgins, Assistant Director of Nursing Infection... Read more

Mental Health Act increased workload

Dara Gantly | 08 April 2009 | Health Management

More than two thirds of psychiatrists believe that the Mental Health Act 2001 has increased their workload. A new survey, carried out one year after full implementation, also found that over a quarter said the amount of time they spent... Read more

Kenny pledges reform

Dara Gantly | 08 April 2009 | News

Fine Gael (FG) has promised to develop an agreed plan to introduce the Dutch system of universal health insurance within its first 100 days in government. Speaking at the FG Ard Fheis last weekend, party leader Enda Kenny said the... Read more

IPHA rejects claims of anti-competitiveness

Dara Gantly | 08 April 2009 | Public Health

The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) has rejected claims by the European Commission that the industry it represents has in any way hampered competition. In a strongly-worded response to a preliminary report from the Commission, which has been seen by... Read more

Beacon: Beaumont co-location construction 'to start this year'

Gary Culliton | 08 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

Beacon Medical Group is confident that its co-location project at Beaumont in Dublin will begin construction later this year and that its hospitals in Limerick and Cork will also proceed. Beacon Medical Group has said it is confident that co-located... Read more

Stakeholders' view needed in HTAs

Dara Gantly | 08 April 2009 | Research and Education

A body representing the medical technology industry in the EU has called for greater stakeholder involvement in health technology assessments (HTAs) across Europe. Eucomed welcomed a compromise adopted by the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food... Read more

Vhi urges Quinn patients to switch

Mary Anne Kenny | 08 April 2009 | Private Healthcare

Vhi Healthcare has ann-ounced that it will provide immediate insurance for Quinn Healthcare customers who no longer have cover for St Patrick’s University Hospital in Dublin and St Edmundsbury Hospital in Lucan. The health insurer has called on Quinn Healthcare... Read more

HPV tests reduce advanced cancers

Niamh Mullen | 08 April 2009 | Public Health

Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing significantly reduces the number of advanced cervical cancers compared with cytology testing or visual inspection with acetic acid, a study has found. Results of the eight-year-long trial involving over 130,000 women in India, published in The... Read more

Call for recruits to help the poor of Uganda this autumn

Mary Anne Kenny | 08 April 2009 | Planning and Development

An Irish development agency is looking for participants to join it on a fund-raising field trip to Africa this autumn. Self Help Africa is seeking recruits to take part in the trip to Uganda. Participants will meet with local communities... Read more

Five year plan urged by Disability Federation

Gary Culliton | 08 April 2009 | Public Health

The Disability Federation If Ireland (DFI) responding to the Budget, welcomed the decision not to reduce the level of social welfare payments as it assists disabled people with the extra everyday costs of being disabled. However, it went on to... Read more

Harney responds to Supplementary Budget

Greg Baxter | 07 April 2009 | News

The Minister of Health said measures associated with today’s Budget will make a significant contribution to addressing financial pressures related to shortfalls in the health service. However a reduction in €20 million to the 2009 health capital provision will be... Read more

CF unit to go ahead at St Vincent's - Harney

Greg Baxter | 07 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

Minister for Health Mary Harney last night reversed the decision to delay the building of a new €40 million facility that will contain a dedicated cystic fibrosis facility. A new way of funding – which has the State paying the... Read more

Errors led to delay of cancer diagnoses

Gary Culliton | 06 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

Diagnoses of prostate cancer in two patients at University College Hospital Galway (UCHG) were delayed for two years as a result of errors made by a locum consultant pathologist, according to a report released today by the Health Service Executive.... Read more

Clear path needed through recession for A Vision for Change

Dara Gantly | 06 April 2009 | Public Health

The President of the College of Psychiatry of Ireland believes that the profession needs to find a ‘clear path’ through the present economic difficulties and continue to reform and change services within the parameters of A Vision for Change. “The... Read more

Only six centres have full primary care teams

Niamh Mullen | 06 April 2009 | Health Management

The HSE has confirmed there are 107 primary care teams (PCTs) up and running but only six centres housing full teams. The established teams are located in 23 counties – only Monaghan, Louth and Meath do not have one yet.... Read more

Inhalers should be assessed for storage issues

Dara Gantly | 06 April 2009 | Regulation

Makers of pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) have been advised by the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) to carry out studies on the possibility that storage of their products in certain positions may increase or decrease dosage. If such ‘storage orientation’... Read more

Judge to hear NCHD case in three weeks

Dara Gantly | 06 April 2009 | Industrial Relations

A judge will be made available by the president of the High Court in three weeks to hear the case taken by six NCHDs and the IMO against the HSE. The legal challenge over proposed cuts in overtime rates, grants... Read more

NCHD cuts are slammed

Dara Gantly | 03 April 2009 | Industrial Relations

Surgical trainees believe that the HSE’s unilateral imposition of cuts in NCHD overtime and allowances will ‘substandardise by stealth’ the health service and endanger patients. In a hard-hitting position paper on the proposed cost-containment measures, the Irish Higher Surgical Training... Read more

Nothing safe in upcoming Budget, says Department

Dara Gantly | 03 April 2009 | Health Management

Nothing has been, or can be, ruled out for consideration in next week’s supplementary Budget, the Department of Health has told IMT. The dire warning comes just days before the Government unveils its far-reaching and comprehensive response to the worsening... Read more

Decentralisation worsens ED overcrowding

Greg Baxter | 03 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

Overcrowding in emer-gency departments is getting worse as centralisation continues without increased resources, and the problems are going to multiply if the health service faces funding cuts, a spokesman for the Irish Association of Emergency Medicine told IMT. James Binchy... Read more

Female abuse linked to severe mental illness

Dara Gantly | 03 April 2009 | News

Women with severe mental illness are more likely to have been abused in childhood than the general population, new research suggests. But the same association has not been found in men. Researchers from the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London,... Read more

Clonmel hospitals: 'totally unacceptable'

Gary Culliton | 03 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

"Very serious issues" about standards of care and treatment in the mental health services in Clonmel, have been exposed in the Report of the Committee of Inquiry to Review Care and Treatment Practices in St. Michael’s Unit, South Tipperary General... Read more

Irish teens drink more than European peers

Niamh Mullen | 03 April 2009 | Public Health

A EUROPEAN study of students has found Irish 15- to 16-year-olds get drunk more often than most of their foreign peers, and that half of those who had smoked first tried it at primary school. The European Schools Project for... Read more

Problem of female genital mutilation growing in the EU

Niamh Mullen | 03 April 2009 | Public Health

The practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) is spreading, with 180,000 girls in the EU in danger of being subjected to it every year — according to a report by the European Parliament on the prevention of the practice. The... Read more

Teen services get a boost at St Patrick's

Dara Gantly | 03 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

St Patrick’s University Hospital has announced that its first dedicated inpatient unit for adolescents will open later this year. Services for adolescents with mental health problems will also be boosted with the opening this month of a new, community-based Adolescent... Read more

IMO 2009 conference to address child protection

Dara Gantly | 03 April 2009 | Industrial Relations

Representatives of the medical, social services and legal professions will address the issue of child protection at this year’s IMO AGM in Killarney. Speakers have been confirmed for the second scientific seminar on Friday April 17, and will include: Dr... Read more

Lifestyle disease set to increase

Gary Culliton | 03 April 2009 | Public Health

Dr Bernadette Carr, Medical Director of Vhi, discussed ‘The Importance of Preventive Care and Lifestyle Disease Management in the 21st Century’ at the Annual Irish Healthcare Conference and Exhibition on March 26, where she presented the results (to date) of... Read more

CF unit decision is 'psychological blow'

Greg Baxter | 03 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

There is enough money to build the much-needed new ward at St Vincent’s that will house a 30-bed isolation unit for cystic fibrosis patients – if CF is prioritised, and if the Government takes into account dropping building costs, the... Read more

Beacon applies again for planning

Niamh Mullen | 03 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

BEACON Medical Group has lodged a second planning application for its proposed private women’s, children’s and maternity hospital in Sandyford. Around €160 million is earmarked for investment in the hospital, which would have the capacity to deliver 3,000 babies every... Read more

Mater Private strategy eliminates MRSA

Greg Baxter | 03 April 2009 | Hospital Medicine

The Mater Private Hospital has eliminated MRSA infections following implementation of a programme that reduced infection rates in Scandinavian countries, according to the hospital. The ‘Search and Destroy’ programme was introduced at the Mater Private over the past few years,... Read more

Doctor suspended after Fitness to Practise report

Gary Culliton | 03 April 2009 | Regulation

The Medical Council has welcomed the High Court’s decision to suspend the registration of Dr David West, formerly known as Rory Patrick Doyle, pending the Council's determination of sanction on foot of a report of the Fitness to Practise Committee's... Read more

Expert group contains strong medical element

Terence Cosgrave | 01 April 2009 | Health Management

Patient-focused reform in the manner in which funding is allocated to the health service will depend on the input of of several prominent doctors who are members of the group. Among them are Prof Arnold Hill, Prof Peter Kearney, Dr... Read more

Universal healthcare system mooted as expert group established to review health funding

Terence Cosgrave | 01 April 2009 | Public Health

A radical change to the method of funding the health service was announced by Minister Mary Harney today — an initiative that will have huge implications for doctors, patients and all healthcare professionals. The move could herald the introduction of... Read more

UPMC 'still interested in co-location'

Gary Culliton | 01 April 2009 | Private Healthcare

American firm UPMC has said it remains interested in working with the Beacon Medical Group towards the development of co-located hospitals in Ireland. “Like many other industry leaders, UPMC is not immune to the effects of the deteriorating economy," the... Read more

Ireland 'needs a health provider catalogue'

01 April 2009 | Health Management

Ireland ranks number 20 in a table of the most empowered patients in Europe. The report urges that this country should have a provider catalogue "with quality ranking, to enable patients’ choice." Denmark has the most empowered patients. So says... Read more