Many university students in Dublin are experiencing depression, suicidal tendencies and alcohol use problems, a new study shows. The findings of Curran et al, published in the Irish Medical Journal, suggest that students are a vulnerable group and underscore the need for mental health education and psychosocial support. Students would benefit from an expansion of [...]
Ireland sank to thirteenth place in Europe last year for deceased organ donation, compared to its seventh place ranking in 2007. An unpublished report on organ transplants – which has been seen by Irish Medical Times – targets system shortcomings and outlines ways of raising the number of organ donations. This country’s deceased donor rate [...]
Continuing our ‘top tips’ series, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Sleep Specialist, Dr John Faul gives his advice on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders Top Tip 1: Obtain a good history Since sleep medicine patients are, by definition, unaware of their sleep patterns, valuable information can be gleaned from bed partners or room mates: [...]
The first civil proceedings against former Drogheda surgeon Michael Shine are understood to have been given priority listing in the High Court in November. A dozen men started civil actions against the struck-off doctor earlier this year, seeking damages for alleged assault. The cases were first due to be heard in May and later in [...]
The Medical Council has taken the unusual step of recommending that all medical practitioners receive the swine flu vaccine when it becomes available. Immunisation to prevent contraction of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus is to “protect themselves, patients and colleagues when assessing, treating and vaccinating members of the general public.” In a statement issued yesterday [...]
The Department of Health (DOH) has acknowledged that the establishment of the HSE has led to overstaffing in management and administrative grades in the health service. In a confidential submission to An Bord Snip Nua, the Department also accepted that there had ‘undisputedly’ been ‘grade drift’, or unjustified upgrading, to senior posts since 2005, when [...]
The HSE is consulting its legal advisors as to the extent to which it can be held liable for the failure of HSE-funded agencies to comply with the European Working Time Directive (EWTD), Irish Medical Times has learned. Under Irish legislation, employees may seek a hearing with a Rights Commissioner regarding alleged breaches of working [...]
A new guide for students with ADHD who are considering third-level education has been published, as rising numbers of students with ADHD are entering third level education. Entitled ‘HADD 3rd Level Guide for Students with ADHD: Preparing Students and Parents for 3rd Level’, the book is aimed at providing support and guidance for students and [...]
Regulation of clinics providing fertility treatments to couples is necessary to ensure a robust legal framework, according to the Women’s Health Council (WHC). Director of the WHC, Geraldine Luddy, said: “The need for legislation is really important. The clinics would prefer it. They need it themselves because at the moment anyone can set up one.” [...]
Broaching obesity in GPs’ surgeries often has no effect, particularly if the doctor is overweight themselves. Cork-based GP Dr John O’Riordan told delegates at the RCPI/RCSI Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine Annual Scientific Conference that from a primary care point of view you could only deal with those who were looking for help with [...]
Loading ...
