Irish Medical Times | News

News: Public Health

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Transplant and dialysis figures highlighted on World Kidney Day

Gary Culliton | 11 March 2010

The numbers of people with a functioning kidney transplant, or who are on long-term dialysis, is expected to rise by 5 to 6 per cent per year, the HSE’s National Renal Office has said. At present, about 1,850 patients have... Read more

Glaucoma on increase as Irish population ages

Aoife Connors | 11 March 2010

The prevalence of glaucoma is expected to rise significantly in Ireland, according to a leading consultant ophthal-mologist, as the number of people over 65 in Ireland is predicted to increase by almost two-fifths by 2016 and to treble by 2041.... Read more

28 hospitals vie for screening involvement

Dara Gantly | 10 March 2010

Twenty-eight hospitals have expressed an interest in providing endoscopy services as part of the national colorectal screening programme. Last December, the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) invited 37 publicly funded hospitals, which currently provide endoscopy services, to submit expressions of... Read more

EU superbug survey to take place in May

Gary Culliton | 08 March 2010

A second EU-wide superbug survey is set to take place during May. Dr Fidelma Fitzpatrick, Consultant Microbiologist, is directing the Health Protection Surveillance Centre’s (HPSC) involvement in the Healthcare Associated Infections in European Long Term Care Facilities (HALT) project. Dr... Read more

GAA doctor concerned over cuts

Dara Gantly | 04 March 2010

The Chair of the GAA’s Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee is to raise the Association’s decision to limit physiotherapy reimbursement as part of its player injury scheme with President Christy Cooney. Dr Danny Mulvihill told Irish Medical Times that limiting... Read more

Triage system of HPV testing mooted

Dara Gantly | 04 March 2010

The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) is considering the introduction of a triage system of HPV testing for women with an abnormal smear test result. The NCSS has established a Scientific Advisory Group on HPV Testing, chaired by Prof Ciaran... Read more

Asthma Society welcomes prioritisation

Mary Anne Kenny | 02 March 2010

The Asthma Society of Ireland has welcomed the news that asthma is to be a priority in the Health Service Executive’s National Service Plan for 2010. Dr Jean Holohan, the CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland, commented, “This is... Read more

Young people urged to be 'body positive'

Staff reporter | 02 March 2010

Young people consider poor body image to be one of the biggest problems that they face. As part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which is taking place this week, Bodywhys (the Eating Disorders Association of Ireland) has launched the ‘Be... Read more

Support group for dementia carers launches in Mayo

Staff reporter | 02 March 2010

Relatives and carers of people with dementia in Co Mayo now have a support group. The group was developed by the Psychiatry Of Old Age Team in the HSE‘s Mayo Mental Health Service. The Support Group for Carers of People... Read more

600,000 short on swine flu

Dara Gantly | 25 February 2010

The HSE CEO estimates that the Executive needs to vaccinate an additional 600,000 people if it is to protect the population against a further wave of swine flu. Prof Brendan Drumm has indicated that while overall vaccine coverage has been... Read more

Parents must embrace HPV vaccination programme — RCPI

Niamh Mullen | 22 February 2010

The RCPI’s Faculty of Public Health Medicine has said it is essential parents fully embraced the HPV vaccination programme for their daughters. “What remains essential is that women aged 25-60 years take up their invitation from CervicalCheck and that parents... Read more

Sanofi Pasteur, maker of Gardasil, wins contract to supply cervical cancer vaccine in Ireland

Gary Culliton | 10 February 2010

The contract to supply a cervical cancer vaccine which has been awarded to Sanofi Pasteur, the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, confirmed at yesterday’s meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health. The vaccine, Gardasil, will be given to first-year... Read more

Swine flu vaccines extended to general population

Gary Culliton | 09 February 2010

The swine flu vaccination programme is moving into its final phase, with pandemic vaccines being made available to the general population through HSE clinics nationwide. Anyone in the target groups who has not yet been vaccinated is advised to come... Read more

EU group praises Irish cervical cancer awareness campaign

Brian Herron | 08 February 2010

The Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) has received international recognition for its campaign to raise awareness of cervical cancer in Ireland. The charitable organisation scooped up the Pearl of Wisdom Award, which is given by the European Cervical Cancer Association... Read more

Automatic medical cards for dying patients

Niamh Mullen | 28 January 2010

A leading consultant in palliative medicine believes patients expected to live for six months or less should be entitled to a medical card. In a personal submission to the Expert Group on Resource Allocation in the Health Sector, Dr Liam... Read more

New H1N1 wave expected - CMO

Staff reporter | 20 January 2010

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at the Department of Health has slammed a ‘complacency’ factor that has led to only half of those offered the swine flu vaccine through schools taking up the offer. Dr Tony Holohan told IMT: “I’d... Read more

Harney would consider HPV vaccine for boys

Niamh Mullen | 19 January 2010

Health Minister Mary Harney has said she would consider introducing the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) for boys in the future but they were not the priority group. Minister Harney said she discussed immunising males with the co-creator of the vaccine,... Read more

Soy product withdrawn over thyroid risk

Niamh Mullen | 18 January 2010

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has issued advice to doctors following the withdrawal of a soy milk product from the Irish market by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). BonSoy has been withdrawn following the detection that it... Read more

Safety concerns expressed over smoked flavourings

Mary Anne Kenny | 18 January 2010

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has expressed concern over certain ‘smoke flavourings’ in foodstuffs, in its first-ever review of these products. Out of the 11 smoke flavourings evaluated, experts found that the margins of safety for two of the... Read more

Explicit warnings on alcohol

Dara Gantly | 15 January 2010

The Government has been urged to introduce explicit health warnings on alcohol products, including a French-style logo warning of the dangers of drinking during pregnancy. The call came in a series of submissions to the Department of Health as part... Read more

HSE issues advice following water supply disruption

Gary Culliton | 13 January 2010

The HSE has issued advice to householders, schools, childcare facilities and catering businesses following disruption to water supplies in certain parts of the country. A statement, below, from the HSE outlines how to prepare and use water if you are... Read more

HSE urges vigilance on swine flu

Gary Culliton | 13 January 2010

The HSE is urging everyone in the at-risk groups to get vaccinated against a possible second wave of the swine flu virus, despite a sharp decrease in the rates of the disease to levels below the season flu threshold. The... Read more

Submissions sought on cancer screening

Niamh Mullen | 06 January 2010

The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) is seeking submissions from health professionals with ideas to promote screening among hard-to-reach populations. “The purpose of the consultation is to seek community network input on special initiatives for BreastCheck, CervicalCheck and any future... Read more

Adverse reactions for H1N1 vaccine at 483

Gary Culliton | 14 December 2009

A total of 483 reports of suspected adverse reactions to the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccines have been received by the Irish Medicines Board (IMB), as of December 2. The reports received to date remain consistent with the expected pattern of... Read more

VTEC increase may be linked to floods

Gary Culliton | 14 December 2009

Twenty-six cases of Verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) have been reported in November, compared with between two and 10 cases for the same period in previous years, according to HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) specialist in public health medicine, Dr... Read more

'Herbal Viagra' full of prescription agents

Dara Gantly | 08 December 2009

The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has warned that many so-called ‘herbal Viagra’ products may contain dangerous levels of prescription-only medications for erectile dysfunction (ED). In a warning issued earlier this week (November 30), the IMB said such products promoted either... Read more

National information BP campaign needed

Niamh Mullen | 07 December 2009

A national campaign is needed to educate Irish people about blood pressure, because 40 per cent do not know their blood pressure, and 54 per cent are unaware what constitutes a normal level. A study conducted by doctors at the... Read more

Skunk linked to increased risk of psychotic illness

Dara Gantly | 07 December 2009

Heavy use of the high-potency form of cannabis known as sinsemilla or ‘skunk’ has been shown to dramatically increase the risk of developing psychotic illnesses, psychiatrists have found. People who smoke skunk are in fact almost seven times more likely... Read more

Home dialysis treats hundreds in Ireland

Gary Culliton | 07 December 2009

More than 3,500 Irish people with kidney failure have been treated with home-based peritoneal dialysis (PD) since it was launched in Ireland, a conference on kidney disease in Dublin last week was told. There are currently over 2,400 people on... Read more

HIV infections have doubled in 2009

Niamh Mullen | 03 December 2009

There has been a 100 per cent increase in the number of new HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending St James’s Hospital this year. Overall, there has been a 20 per cent increase in the... Read more

Patients to be asked about their drinking at Emergency Departments

Niamh Mullen | 01 December 2009

PATIENTS presenting at emergency departments in four hospitals will be asked about their drinking habits from today (December 1). The initiative has been set up by the HSE following a pilot scheme during the summer.... Read more

Cervical cancer vaccine should be in Budget plan

Niamh Mullen | 01 December 2009

Provision for the introduction of the cervical cancer vaccine for all 12-year-old girls should be made in next month’s Budget. A pre-Budget submission made by the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Society for... Read more

€55 million in funds available for swine flu

Dara Gantly | 01 December 2009

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has been advised that funding up to a level of €55 million is available to cover the projected costs associated with H1N1 in 2009. The Executive is working with the Department of Health (DOH) in... Read more

Trauma a big killer for drug addicts

Niamh Mullen | 01 December 2009

Trauma, such as a car crash, caused two-thirds of deaths among drug users between 1998 and 2005 with medical causes like cardiac events, respiratory infections and liver disease accounting for the other third. In the first piece of research of... Read more

Seven-point plan to reduce childhood deaths launched

Dara Gantly | 30 November 2009

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Unicef have launched a seven-point plan to cut the number of child deaths from diarrhoea. Launching a new report on the disease in New York and Geneva recently (October 14), Unicef Executive Director Ann... Read more

RCPI strongly urges vaccine for children

Gary Culliton | 26 November 2009

The RCPI’s Faculty of Paediatrics has strongly backed swine flu vaccination for all children over six months of age and for people in household contact with children aged less than six months. Immunisation may be obtained through HSE Clinics and... Read more

Cross-border diabetes initiative has formed

Dara Gantly | 24 November 2009

A formal cross-border initiative in diabetes research has been set up by teams at NUI Galway and the University of Ulster to develop innovative solutions to the growing problem of the condition. Together with the HSE West and the Western... Read more

Expert nomination to be agreed by IMO and HSE

Dara Gantly | 18 November 2009

The IMO and the HSE are due to meet this week to agree upon the nomination of an independent expert to review the current interim out-of-hours public health doctors’ (PHD) service. Following the deferral of a planned meeting recently, both... Read more

Act on smuggling says ASH

Niamh Mullen | 09 November 2009

The Government must do more to tackle tobacco smuggling because it increases smoking prevalence and will increase the national spend on tobacco-related disease. That is the message from anti-smoking organisation ASH Ireland, which said it is ‘seriously concerned’ about tobacco... Read more

Swine flu vaccine off to a disorganised start

05 November 2009

The Irish Medical Times will run a daily news update on the progress of the roll-out of the swine flu (H1N1) vaccine to general practitioners throughout the country from this week. Dr John Casey of Ardfert, Co Kerry, told IMT... Read more

Out-of-hours public health docs seek pay

Dara Gantly | 04 November 2009

An independent public health doctor (PHD) agreed between the HSE and the IMO will have less than a month to complete a review of the interim out-of-hours PHD service. The expert, who is understood to be from the UK, is... Read more

Ireland near top of EU HIV/AIDS study

Dara Gantly | 02 November 2009

The care and conditions for people living with HIV/AIDS in Ireland are good but could improve, according to a new European-wide survey. The Euro HIV Index 2009 ranked Ireland 10th out of 29 countries, scoring 736 points from a potential... Read more

Influenza-like illness continues to climb

Gary Culliton | 27 October 2009

Last week there was an Influenza Like Illness (ILI) rate being reported through the sentinel system of general practitioners of 97.1 per hundred thousand of population, it has emerged. The figures include seasonal and H1N1 flu and represents an increase... Read more

EU body sticks with two-dose H1N1 policy

Dara Gantly | 23 October 2009

The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has reiterated that its recommendations adopted in September - that the three licensed H1N1 vaccines be preferably used as two doses, at least three weeks apart - be maintained. The announcement today (October 23) comes... Read more

Two-thirds screened by Vhi at risk of diabetes

Niamh Mullen | 21 October 2009

Almost two-thirds of people screened by Vhi Healthcare were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, the company has revealed. A pilot screening programme for type 2 diabetes has now been extended and will invite up to 30,000 people.... Read more

Minister must reduce drink-driving limit - IMO

Dara Gantly | 21 October 2009

The IMO is calling on the Minister for Transport Mr Noel Dempsey to introduce and publish the proposed legislation to reduce the legal limit for drink driving without further delay. The union believes the evidence from other countries is very... Read more

HSE South to 'eliminate' addiction waiting lists

Gary Culliton | 19 October 2009

A major investment in addictions services involving additional methadone clinics in Cork City, Tralee, Waterford, Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny was announced this week by Pat Healy, the Regional Director of Operations, HSE South. The new clinics will ‘eliminate waiting lists... Read more

Survey: 3 of 4 adults will opt for H1N1 vaccine

Gary Culliton | 14 October 2009

The H1N1 vaccination campaign is likely to take between 6 to 12 months to complete, but the estimated date of delivery of the vaccines has yet to be confirmed, the HSE has said. There has never been a mass vaccination... Read more

Cervical screening 'ground to a halt'

Niamh Mullen | 14 October 2009

Cervical screening has ‘ground to a halt’ and the free national programme is ‘being rapidly dismantled’, IMO GP leader Dr Ronan Boland has said. Dr Boland described as ‘regrettable’ a letter sent to GPs on October 2 by the National... Read more

IBTS issues tender for new security contract

Dara Gantly | 09 October 2009

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has issued a renewal tender for a dedicated security service for it headquarters in Dublin. The full-time manned guarding service at the National Blood Centre at St James’s Hospital will be tasked with maintaining... Read more

EU to push for 100% screening

Dara Gantly | 08 October 2009

A new European cancer initiative wants to achieve 100 per cent population coverage for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening throughout the continent, dramatically cutting deaths from the disease. The European Partnership for Action against Cancer, launched in Brussels last... Read more

Oral assessment for pre-schoolers needed

Niamh Mullen | 08 October 2009

An oral assessment should be part of every developmental visit from the age of eight months, guidelines from University College Cork (UCC) to reduce tooth decay in children recommend. The Health Research Board (HRB) funded initiative recommends increased emphasis on... Read more

GPs to get €10 per swine flu vaccination

Gary Culliton | 01 October 2009

A letter has been sent by the Department of Health to GPs asking them to identify people at risk of swine flu and to vaccinate them. The GPs will be paid a fee of €10 per vaccination to do so.... Read more

Young women binge drink more often than young men

Niamh Mullen | 29 September 2009

Young women have almost caught up with their male peers when it comes to how often they drink alcohol, according to research from the Women’s Health Council (WHC). Although more men than women abuse drugs and alcohol, the WHC said... Read more

EU health ministers meet for EGM on H1N1

Dara Gantly | 23 September 2009

A new EU strategy paper on pandemic (H1N1) 2009, and five associated working documents on swine flu, will form the basis of discussions at an ‘extraordinary meeting’ of EU health ministers on October 12. The European Commission adopted the strategy... Read more

More alarm needed over obesity epidemic - McAleese

Niamh Mullen | 17 September 2009

President Mary McAleese has said the concern expressed about swine flu must be translated into the same level of reaction to the global obesity epidemic. “It just strikes me in watching the kind of reaction to the swine flu -... Read more

Warning over mutations of swine flu virus

Gary Culliton | 16 September 2009

Continued virological monitoring for any mutations of the swine flu virus will be imperative over the coming months, a new Irish study has stated. Currently pandemic H1N1 is the main influenza virus circulating in Ireland, but there are likely to... Read more

Swine flu response may be ‘alarmist’

Dara Gantly | 16 September 2009

The public health measures taken in response to swine flu may be seen as ‘alarmist’, ‘overly restrictive’, or even ‘unjustified’, a US researcher has claimed. Peter Doshi, a doctoral student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, argues in a new... Read more

Service cuts a big worry for disabled

Mary Anne Kenny | 15 September 2009

People with disabilities have serious concerns about cuts in services, it has emerged. John Dolan, Chief Executive of the Disability Federation of Ireland said that the next Budget has ‘the capacity to derail’ the National Disability Strategy (NDS) – given... Read more

Employees may need two days for vaccine

Gary Culliton | 14 September 2009

Employers need to budget for a worst-case scenario, which would see employees being missing for two days — a day for each shot of the swine flu vaccine, Dr Paul Gueret, the Dean of the Faculty of Occupational Health at... Read more

Obesity conference to address resource issues

Niamh Mullen | 14 September 2009

How the Government should use resources effectively to minimise the economic impact of obesity and its treatment will be discussed at a conference taking place in Dublin this month. The 19th European Childhood Obesity Group meeting will run from September... Read more

Tobacco vendors urged to register

10 September 2009

The Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) has urged all tobacco vendors to register with it before October 1. Under legislation implemented on July 1, retailers who do not register by then will not be legally entitled to continue selling tobacco... Read more

National Eczema Awareness Week launch

10 September 2009

National Eczema Awareness Week begins on September 13 with an open day for sufferers. Hosted by the Irish Eczema Society and supported by skincare brand La Roche-Posay, it takes place from 12 noon to 4pm on Sunday, September 13 at... Read more

Irish Heart Foundation backs salt-reduction plan

Niamh Mullen | 09 September 2009

The Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) has backed a commitment from the Food Safety Authority (FSAI) to reduce salt intake by 2012, saying ‘people in Ireland are eating too much’ of it. Health Promotion Manager, Maureen Mulvihill said: “If salt consumption... Read more

No routine tests carried out on swine flu patients

Gary Culliton | 09 September 2009

Routine testing is not currently being carried out on patients presenting with swine flu. However, people with pre-existing ‘at risk’ conditions are all tested, as are people who have flu symptoms and are likely to be admitted to hospital or... Read more

Massive increase in cocaine users treated

Niamh Mullen | 03 September 2009

There has been a massive rise in the number of cocaine users treated for their addiction, a study from the Health Research Board (HRB) has found. Two reports from the HRB on trends in treated cocaine and opiate use between... Read more

Suicide families blame medical secrecy for risk

Niamh Mullen | 01 September 2009

Psychiatrists have been accused of using doctor-patient confidentiality as an excuse for not giving families information about relatives at risk of suicide. Fine Gael TD and President of the Irish Association of Suicidology, Dan Neville, is urging doctors to ‘advise... Read more

Migrant hostels cost €30 million

Niamh Mullen | 01 September 2009

Paying for hostel accommodation for migrant children cost the taxpayer almost €30 million since 2004. To June 2009 €2.9 million was spent. During that period 33 children went missing. Of those, 29 are still missing.... Read more

Alternative healers should join flu fight

Greg Baxter | 27 August 2009

Alternative health practitioners should be enlisted in the fight to get children and healthcare workers vaccinated for swine flu, new research has argued. Parents and healthcare workers may refuse to get immunised or vaccinate their children against a pandemic virus... Read more

16,000 on swine flu website alert

Greg Baxter | 27 August 2009

Up to 16,000 people every week have been logging on to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre’s (HPSC’s) website – www.hpsc.ie — since the WHO declared swine flu a pandemic. The site has seen a 300 per cent increase in the... Read more

HSE to broadcast swine flu information to public

Gary Culliton and Niamh Mullen | 26 August 2009

A five-week radio and TV public information campaign from the Health Service Executive costing E160,000 has hit the airwaves. The advertising campaign concerns the H1N1 virus, otherwise known as human swine flu, and is designed to let parents know what... Read more

DoH rejects call for vCJD group

Dara Gantly | 21 August 2009

The Department of Health (DoH) has rejected a call from the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) to urgently re-establish an independent expert advisory group on variant Creutzfeldt Jakob disease (vCJD). The request comes as the IBTS believes ‘robust decision making... Read more

Second person in Ireland dies after contracting swine flu

Niamh Mullen | 18 August 2009

A second Irish person has died after contracting swine flu. The victim was said to be a man from the east of the country who had no underlying health condition and caught the virus from another person in Ireland.... Read more

No pre-emptive mass school closures over swine flu

Dara Gantly | 13 August 2009

The EU does not presently see the need to enact pre-emptive mass school closures as a public health measures to control the spread of influenza A (H1N1). However, the approach to locally close schools reactively upon infection being found among... Read more

Submissions sought for strategies for older people

Dara Gantly | 13 August 2009

The Department of Health is seeking submissions on the strategic direction for all future policies, programmes and services for older people in Ireland. Launching the consultation phase of the National Positive Ageing Strategy last week (June 17), Minister for Older... Read more

Call for vaccine for CF sufferers

Terence Cosgrave | 12 August 2009

The Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland have called on the HSE to make the H1N1 vaccine available to people with CF at the same time as front line health workers, and has stated that Irish people with CF have contracted... Read more

New Tsar for family and child services

Gary Culliton | 06 August 2009

The Health service executive (HSE) has recently advertised for the post of Assistant National Director Children and Family Social Services. A senior manager will, for the first time, have sole responsibility for child and family services. A review of existing... Read more

Guidelines for reporting suicide due later this year

Gary Culliton | 05 August 2009

Research indicates that copycat suicides account for approximately six per cent of all suicides and this imitative behaviour can follow certain types of news reports and other portrayals of suicide. The HSE recently hosted a forum for the media on... Read more

HSE signs €88m deal for flu vaccine

Dara Gantly | 30 July 2009

The HSE has signed advance purchasing agreements with Baxter Healthcare and GlaxoSmithKline (Ireland) worth E88 million for the supply of human pandemic influenza vaccines. As exclusively revealed in Irish Medical Times last month, the HSE has also identified the location,... Read more

CervicalCheck will now invite women for screening

29 July 2009

The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) has today (July 29) announced that Cervical Check – the National Cervical Screening Programme – will move to population-based screening model. Women aged 25 to 60 will be invited for screening.... Read more

Termination notices given by 776 pharmacists to HSE

Gary Culliton | 29 July 2009

The HSE has said that 776 pharmacist contractors have given the Executive agreement termination notices. A total of 867 pharmacies will be open for medical card and other State drugs schemes from August 1, as 30 days’ notice is required... Read more

11% increase in male self-harm

Dara Gantly | 28 July 2009

Last year saw a dramatic 11 per cent increase in male deliberate self-harm cases, the National Suicide Research Foundation has revealed. In total, 11,700 deliberate self-harm presentations involving 9,218 individuals of both genders were made to hospital emergency departments in... Read more

Bowel screening identifies 50 cases

Dara Gantly | 28 July 2009

Fifty people tested positive for advanced neoplasia or cancer in the initial phase of the first comprehensive bowel cancer-screening programme in the country. The results were released on July 27 at the launch of the annual report of the Tallaght... Read more

GP co-op launches cheaper HPV vaccine initiative for patients

Niamh Mullen | 28 July 2009

A co-op of 190 general practitioners has launched an initiative to provide the human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical cancer vaccine at a discount to its patients. North East Doctor on Call Ltd (NEDOC) has agreed a deal to buy the vaccine... Read more

Leas Cross probe set to cost over €2m

Dara Gantly | 24 July 2009

The total cost for the Commission of Investigation established to investigate the management, operation and supervision of the former Leas Cross Nursing Home is expected to be in the region of €2.1 million. The figure for producing the report —... Read more

Routine swabs not advised

Niamh Mullen | 24 July 2009

ONLY GPs participating in the Influenza Sentinel Surveillance scheme should continue to routinely swab people who are presenting with suspected swine flu. A total of 60 general practices are taking part in the scheme, comprising 136 GPs and covering some... Read more

Some pharmacies to shut on Wednesday

Gary Culliton | 21 July 2009

Some pharmacies may be closed for the morning and early afternoon of Wednesday, 22 July as pharmacists are expected to attend an emergency information session in Dublin, which is being organised by the Irish Pharmacy Union. Pharmacists are advising patients... Read more

Anti-virals to be free

Gary Culliton | 20 July 2009

There have now been over 150 cases of influenza A(H1N1) confirmed in Ireland. Since April, the HSE’s public health doctors have been managing cases as they arose while finalising plans to respond to a more severe evolution of what is... Read more

New HSE pharmacies being set up

Gary Culliton | 20 July 2009

As part of the ongoing programme to lower medicine prices, some pharmacists have advised the HSE that from 1st August 2009 they will stop filling prescriptions under these Schemes, as a result of the HSE's move the reduce the rates... Read more

Cancer Society provides €1 million for bowel cancer screening

Gary Culliton | 20 July 2009

The Irish Cancer Society has offered €1m in funding towards the rollout of a national bowel cancer screening programme, for all men and women aged 55 – 74 years living in Ireland. The Society has also welcomed the recent HIQA... Read more

GPs: deficit in epilepsy care

Gary Culliton | 20 July 2009

A deficit in epilepsy care expertise among GPs was acknowledged by over a third (35 per cent) of doctors surveyed in a study on epilepsy care in general practice by Varley et al, based at Beaumont Hospital. GPs reported difficulty... Read more

Swine flu: new guidelines for frontline staff

Gary Culliton | 18 July 2009

There are now 144 confirmed cases of A(H1N1) influenza in Ireland. The number of in-country transmissions is four. Numbers of cases continue to rise at an increased rate in Ireland. The HSE will be communicating with health service frontline staff... Read more

Diabetes 'twice as high among travellers'

Gary Culliton | 18 July 2009

Pre-diabetes, Diabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome were at least twice as common in the traveller population when compared to data available for the background Irish population, a study by Tan et al, based at NUI Galway and published in the... Read more

Poor women are more likely to have abnormal smear test results

Mary Anne Kenny | 17 July 2009

Poorer women are more likely to have abnormal smear-test results. Figures from the 2008 Well Woman report show that the rate of abnormal smear results requiring further investigation was higher among medical-card holders. From 2002 to 2008, Well Woman conducted... Read more

1,900 wait on Galway BCG list

Niamh Mullen | 16 July 2009

A staggering 1,900 babies are on the waiting list for a BCG vaccine in Galway – twice the figure reported this time last year. Asked about the reason for the backlog, the Health Service Executive (HSE) said the number of... Read more

GPs must address weight problem in kids

Niamh Mullen | 15 July 2009

GPs need to broach obesity during consultations with patients who come to them with other ailments, according to Dr Eva Orsmond. A star of the hit RTE weight-loss show Operation Transformation and proprietor of Orsmond Clinics, she said she found... Read more

President opens Galway cancer centre

Gary Culliton | 14 July 2009

President Mary McAleese has officially opened Cancer Care West’s new Cancer Support Centre in Westside, Galway.  A range of psychological, practical and complementary therapies are offered at the centre. It is modelled on the Maggie’s Centres co-founded in Britain in... Read more

'Tougher law needed' on selling cigarettes to children

Gary Culliton | 13 July 2009

Fine Gael Health Spokesperson, Dr James Reilly TD, is seeking to amend the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill so that the maximum penalty of 90 days suspension from the retail register applies to retailers who sell cigarettes to minors.  Dr... Read more

Eleven new cases of swine flu

Gary Culliton | 10 July 2009

A total of eleven new cases of swine flu have been confirmed by the Department of Health. The number of confirmed cases of Influenza A(H1N1) has reached 104 in Ireland. The number of in-country transmissions is nine. Numbers of confirmed... Read more

Thalidomide survivors to lose social welfare Christmas bonus

Dara Gantly | 10 July 2009

Ireland’s 32 thalidomide survivors are to be included in the Government’s planned withdrawal of the Christmas bonus for social welfare recipients, it has emerged. Minister of State at the Department of Health John Moloney told the Dáil on June 23... Read more

9,000 babies still waiting for BCG

Niamh Mullen | 10 July 2009

More than 9,000 babies in Cork remain on the waiting list for a BCG vaccine nine months after the universal Neonatal BCG Programme began. This means little progress has been made clearing the backlog since last summer, when around there... Read more

Early diagnosis system for scleroderma launched

Mary Anne Kenny | 10 July 2009

A new programme to speed up the diagnosis of scleroderma in Ireland has just been launched. Under the VEDOSS (Very Early Diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis) system, GPs are being asked to refer to a rheumatologist any patient with two or... Read more

Most who died of swine flu 'had other underlying causes'

07 July 2009

It has been estimated by the CDC that over one million Americans have had swine flu, even though only 34,000 cases have been confirmed in laboratory tests. An analysis of 99 US residents who have died of swine flu shows... Read more

Delays with Capacity Bill will hurt patients

Greg Baxter | 07 July 2009

People who are mentally incapacitated will continue to be unprotected because of the Government’s decision to delay the new Mental Capacity Bill until the end of the year, the College of Psychiatry of Ireland has warned. The Bill will replace... Read more

New prostate cancer treatment 'has fewer side effects'

Gary Culliton | 06 July 2009

An Experimental cancer therapy for prostate cancer may be able to treat men without surgery and offer fewer side effects according to the results of a UK study published in the British Journal of Cancer. A group of 172 men... Read more

Cut out cancer bias says EU

Dara Gantly | 03 July 2009

Ireland could soon have a new cancer initiative that would achieve 100 per cent population coverage for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening — courtesy of the European Union. The EU wants to see the programme established throughout the continent,... Read more

Smear format queried

Niamh Mullen | 03 July 2009

GPs are worried they will be forced to turn away eligible women who want a smear test if they do not have an invitation when CervicalCheck moves to a call/re-call format in the autumn. The new system will be randomised... Read more

Unhealthy food adverts face ban?

Gary Culliton | 03 July 2009

TV advertisements for foods high in fat, sugar and salt should be banned between the hours of 6am and 9pm, the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources heard recently. Representatives from the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) informed the... Read more

Minister to discuss the banning of practice of female genital mutilation

Niamh Mullen | 03 July 2009

THE African and Migrant Women’s Network in Ireland will meet with Health Minister Mary Harney this month to discuss the possibility of introducing legislation to ban female genital mutilation (FGM). AkiDwA wants to see common legislation throughout Europe to prevent... Read more

Pharmacists threaten to withdraw from drugs schemes

Gary Culliton | 02 July 2009

The Irish Pharmacy Union has been informed by 1,000 individual pharmacists that they have written to the HSE giving 30 days notice of their intention to discontinue providing services on the community drugs schemes. The means that to date effectively... Read more

Asthma warning at Oxegen

01 July 2009

The Asthma Society of Ireland’s asthma nurse specialist will attend the Oxegen Music Festival from July 10 to 12, to give advice to festival goers on how to avoid asthma and allergy triggers at the festival. The Asthma Society of... Read more

EU adopts plan for smoke free Europe by 2012

Greg Baxter | 30 June 2009

The European Commission on health has adopted its official recommendation for EU member states to create a smoke free Europe by 2012. The proposal calls on all member states to protect their citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke by 2012.... Read more

HSE launches 'safe gay sex' campaign

26 June 2009

As part of the ongoing actions by the Gay Health Network (GHN) the, Rubber Up With Pride Campaign 2009, takes place tomorrow (Saturday). To encourage men who have sex with men (MSM), to practice safer sex by using condoms, the... Read more

Administrators of nursing homes receive €12.8m

Dara Gantly | 26 June 2009

The administrators of the nursing homes repayment scheme, KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald, have received €12.8 million since the launch of the process, which was back in August 2006. In excess of 17,400 payments have been made to claimants at a value of... Read more

19 prosecuted for selling to minors

Gary Culliton | 26 June 2009

There were 19 prosecutions for sales of tobacco to minors last year. The offences resulted from test purchase inspections by Environmental Health Officers (EHOs), according to the Annual Report of the Office of Tobacco Control. A two-day test purchase training... Read more

GP teams to implement community oncology plan

Niamh Mullen | 26 June 2009

Teams of GPs, community based nurses and other professionals are being established at seven locations to work with the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) to implement the Community Oncology Programme. The Regional Implementation Teams will develop localised work plans, which... Read more

Aggressive therapy needed for Crohn's

Mary Anne Kenny from Killarney | 26 June 2009

The current treatment method for Crohn’s disease (CD) might show better patient outcomes if it were to be reversed, according to a world expert on the condition. Dr Stephen Hanauer – Chief of Gastroenterology and Nutrition at the University of... Read more

Self-harm patients not being assessed

Dara Gantly | 26 June 2009

A high proportion of deliberate self-harm patients leave emergency departments (EDs) before receiving an assessment, new research has found. Since 2002, the National Registry of Deliberate Self Harm has recorded presentations of deliberate self-harm (DSH) to hospital EDs. Over the... Read more

Swine Flu clinics chosen

Dara Gantly | 26 June 2009

The HSE has identified the location, logistics and staffing required to set up 121 ‘Flu Clinics’ across the country to deal with an escalation in the swine flu pandemic, Irish Medical Times has learned. These flu clinics will provide diagnostic... Read more

Early treatment always best

Dara Gantly | 26 June 2009

The slogan for Men’s Health Week — ‘don’t wait until it’s too late’ — applies as much to mental health as it does to physical wellbeing, the College of Psychiatry of Ireland has stressed. Commenting on the theme of ‘Men... Read more

Monitoring of food marketing to children urged

25 June 2009

Representatives from the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) yesterday appeared at a meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, advocating close monitoring of food marketing to children. They also stressed the impact promotion of unhealthy food can... Read more

Prosecutions for tobacco sales to minors

23 June 2009

Test purchase inspections conducted by Environmental Health Officers (EHOs), resulted in 19 prosecutions for sales to minors offences last year, the Annual Report of the Office of Tobacco Control reveals. A comprehensive two-day test purchase training programme was Operated in... Read more

Drumm suggests code of conduct for pharma

By Dara Gantly | 22 June 2009

The Department of Health has acknowledged that rules governing the relationship between doctors and the pharmaceutical industry in Ireland are not as far reaching as measures adopted in some other countries. HSE CEO Prof Brendan Drumm suggested to the Department... Read more

Meret contracted for ten centres

Niamh Mullen | 22 June 2009

MERET Healthcare has been contracted by the HSE to build primary care centres at 10 locations. The first three centres will be built in the next 18 months in the north-west, west and east, in partnership with Sisk Group, which... Read more

Men's Health Week launched

Mary Anne Kenny | 22 June 2009

GPs must make their practices as user-friendly as possible to help men overcome one of the biggest risks to their health — their reluctance to seek help when necessary, or to take part in health improvement programmes. This is according... Read more

Nurses urged to find solution

Dara Gantly | 22 June 2009

The Irish Association of Directors of Nursing and Midwifery has urged all parties to the nursing dispute at Sligo General to find solutions that will ensure patients are not exposed to further risk. Commenting on last month’s one-day strike, President... Read more

Pilot elder mediation service is launched

Niamh Mullen | 22 June 2009

The ALZHEIMER Society of Ireland has launched a Dublin-based pilot elder mediation service for families living with dementia. The Society believes elder mediation services could provide a new model to meet the needs of families dealing with stress and family... Read more

New psychiatrist for Wexford

22 June 2009

A new psychiatrist has been appointed in Wexford and will take up his post in August, Irish Medical Times has learned. The HSE National Recruitment Service (NRS) recently received instruction from the National Employment Monitoring Unit to proceed with the... Read more

Concern for kids' mental health

Dara Gantly | 15 June 2009

The legal implications of admitting children to adult psychiatric centres have yet to be resolved, some three years after the full implementation of the Mental Health Act. A new paper examining the implementation of the legislation has found that while... Read more

Swine flu: global pandemic declared

Gary Culliton | 12 June 2009

The World Health Organisation has raised the phase of the Influenza Type A (H1N1) to level 6. 'Pandemic' means that an influenza virus, new to humans, has appeared, is spreading and is causing disease in many parts of the world.... Read more

Drumm given more power to fight swine flu

Dara Gantly | 12 June 2009

The Board of the HSE has given CEO Prof Brendan Drumm the power to incur all necessary expenditure in the fight against a possible swine flu pandemic. Prof Drumm informed the Board recently that the current level of influenza A... Read more

Doctors call for moratorium on GM foods

12 June 2009

THE IRISH Doctors’ Environmental Association (IDEA) has backed calls for an immediate moratorium on genetically modified (GM) foods. A new position paper from the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) had said that GM foods ‘pose a serious health risk’... Read more

Uptake of MMR vaccine hits 73 per cent

12 June 2009

UPTAKE of the campaign to deliver MMR vaccines in schools to combat the ongoing outbreak of mumps is 73 per cent. The campaign began in April and targeted 132,000 4th-, 5th- and 6th-year pupils in 735 schools. Provisional data from... Read more

Over 400 new AIDS cases last year

Gary Culliton | 11 June 2009

New figures released today by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre show 405 newly diagnosed case of HIV in Ireland during 2008 – a 3.6% increase compared with 2007 – and 28 new cases of AIDS. The cumulative number of AIDS... Read more

Physical activity guidelines launched

Gary Culliton | 11 June 2009

The Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive have launched The National Guidelines on Physical Activity for Ireland –‘Get Ireland Active’. The aim of these guidelines is to: highlight the importance of physical activity to the health... Read more

Number of swine flu cases here is now 12

Gary Culliton | 10 June 2009

A new case of swine flu has been confirmed here and a US tourist is being treated for swine flu at Roscommon County Hospital. The number of laboratory confirmed cases of Influenza A(H1N1) in Ireland is now 12. The number... Read more

New hospice website for carers

Gary Culliton | 10 June 2009

RTE’s Miriam O’Callaghan has today launched a new website www.carers.ie which aims to provide advice and support for family carers who are caring for a loved one who is in their last few months of life. The website was launched... Read more

Blood for Life Week

09 June 2009

BLOOD for Life Week begins on Sunday, June 14 to coincide with World Blood Donor Day. The IBTS will mark the day with a donor awards ceremony in Kells, while donors who have donated blood or platelets 100 times will... Read more

Downturn means less cosmetic surgery

09 June 2009

An post Medical Officers have been awarded a 64 per cent pay increase as part of a deal to apply outstanding national wage agreements unpaid since 1996. Agreed with the IMO last week, An Post will pay the 200 to... Read more

Musculoskeletal disorders hurt work

09 June 2009

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) cause up to 50 per cent of absences from work and costs the Irish economy €750 million annually, a new report has estimated. MSDs account for more than twice the number of working days lost due to... Read more

Public health docs get overdue monies

Dara Gantly | 08 June 2009

The ‘comprehensive’ acceptance of a new out-of-hours service by public health doctors (PHDs) will see two long-overdue payments to medics finally secured. The interim arrangement, accepted by a ballot of PHDs last week on May 27, will resolve the withholding... Read more

Dublin stroke outcomes fare badly in new study

Niamh Mullen | 08 June 2009

The rate of stroke causing severe disability or death is higher in north Dublin than in Oxfordshire in the UK. A new study led by consultant neurologist, Prof Peter Kelly, of the Mater Hospital in Dublin, also found stroke incidence... Read more

New standards published for hospital bugs

Gary Culliton | 08 June 2009

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published new standards to combat the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). The National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections provide direction for health and social care providers on... Read more

€1 billion invested in mental health services in 2008

Gary Culliton | 05 June 2009

The annual investment in mental health services is in the region of €1 billion, the HSE’s Annual Report reveals. At the end of 2008, 47 Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) teams, which provide community-based, multidisciplinary, mental health support for... Read more

FG: Govt. failed to implement obesity report

Gary Culliton | 05 June 2009

Fine Gael Health Spokesperson, Dr James Reilly TD has said the HSE’s Health Status report’s warnings about obesity highlighted the Government’s failure to implement over 85% of the recommendations of the National Taskforce on Obesity. Dr Reilly said: “The Report... Read more

Irish life expectancy rises by three years in a decade.

Gary Culliton | 04 June 2009

The Health Status report published by HSE today shows that life expectancy has increased by about three years over the course of a decade. This dramatic improvement brings Ireland from being close to the bottom of the EU league table... Read more

Roscommon hits vaccine targets

Dara Gantly | 03 June 2009

Roscommon has reached the 95 per cent target rate set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for all childhood vaccines, the HSE has confirmed. In total, 12 local health office areas reached or exceeded the 95 per cent target for... Read more

Shoppers can demand details of chemicals

By Niamh Mullen | 03 June 2009

Shoppers can now demand information on toxic chemicals contained in everyday household products under EU legislation. REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) legislation gives consumers the right to ask manufacturers for details of chemicals in products and packaging,... Read more

Three more swine flu cases

Gary Culliton | 03 June 2009

Dr Tony Holohan (pictured), Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health yesterday confirmed a further three cases of Influenza Type A (H1N1) bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Ireland to seven. Two of the patients, an adult... Read more

Public health docs vote on new deal

Dara Gantly | 29 May 2009

Public health doctors (PHDs) had until Wednesday last, May 27 to return their ballots to the IMO on a proposed new out-of-hours service. The ballots were sent out last week without a recommendation from the IMO PHD Committee. “It was... Read more

Increase in referrals to services for children

Gary Culliton | 27 May 2009

The HSE has published its Review of Adequacy of Services for Children and Families 2007. The report shows a 10.5% increase in reports to the service in 2007 and a 24% increase over the last three years. The increase in... Read more

Third case of swine flu confirmed

Gary Culliton | 27 May 2009

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health & Children of Health and Children has confirmed a third case of Influenza Type A (H1N1) in Ireland. The patient is a woman from the east of the country... Read more

Arsenic warning to hospitals on rice milk

Gary Culliton | 26 May 2009

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has advised that as a precautionary measure, infants and young children up to 4.5 years old should not consume rice milk as substitutes for cows’ milk, breast milk or infant formula. This advice... Read more

Families delay health checks in recession

Terence Cosgrave | 26 May 2009

Many families are putting off vital health checks as the recession puts pressure on family budgets. According to Stephen Duff of the HSF Health Plan, the recession has eaten so deeply into the household income that people are putting off... Read more

Under-fives’ deaths decrease by 27 per cent

26 May 2009

DEATHS of children under five have decreased by 27 per cent since 1990 but other results are mixed, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) first progress report on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). In 2007, nine million children under... Read more

Second swine flu case confirmed

Gary Culliton | 26 May 2009

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health & Children yesterday said that laboratory test results have today confirmed a second case of Influenza Type A (H1N1) in Ireland. The patient, an adult female residing in the... Read more

Public lied to about vaccine

Niamh Mullen | 22 May 2009

Outspoken oncologist Prof John Crown has accused the Government of systematically attempting to ‘disinform’ the public about the cervical cancer vaccine. Criticising Government policy, he said co-location would be ‘Paris Hilton healthcare’ and it was ‘tosh propagated by officialdom’ to... Read more

Meeting on out-of-hours PHDs settles dispute

Dara Gantly | 22 May 2009

Directors and specialists in public health medicine were due to meet this Wednesday (May 20) for a national meeting on the planned new out-of-hours public health doctor (PHD) service. The agreement from the Labour Court — which will see PHDs... Read more

Report reveals gaps in LGBT services

Niamh Mullen | 22 May 2009

Significant gaps in health services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people exist in many rural areas with little or no HSE funding or support. The first ever report to examine existing health services for LGBT people found good... Read more

National Counselling Service contacted by 17,000

Gary Culliton | 20 May 2009

A total of 17,774 adults have contacted the HSE National Counselling Service since the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse was established. Of these, 2,596 (15%) have a history of institutional abuse and institutional clients receive priority service with the... Read more

‘Say No to Ageism’ campaign launched

20 May 2009

The ‘Say No to Ageism’ campaign (2009) was launched last week. The campaign will focus on encouraging individuals to question their own attitude and then say no to ageism, to tackle the problem especially in employment and the provision of... Read more

Mid-west to benefit from new treatment

Dara Gantly | 20 May 2009

The installation of a second linear accelerator at the Mid-Western Radiation Oncology Centre will have a ‘significant effect’ on patient care, a leading consultant has stated. Operated by Mater Private Healthcare, the Limerick centre provides radiotherapy treatment to patients suffering... Read more

Beaumont Hospital to provide CF unit

Dara Gantly | 20 May 2009

Beaumont Hospital plans to reconfigure and refurbish part of its existing building to provide a new cystic fibrosis (CF) outpatient unit, IMT has learned. With a total capital approval of €3.6 million, the unit is expected to cost in the... Read more

20 cigarettes a day costs €3,000 a year

Gary Culliton | 19 May 2009

New HSE research shows that the incidence of smoking increases greatly where both mother and father smoked and that 48% of the population are either past or current smokers but this rises to 62% where both parents smoked. Of the... Read more

Ten per cent could be suffering from IBS

Niamh Mullen | 19 May 2009

More than 10 per cent of Irish people could be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to an Irish professor who is president of the World Gastroenterology Organisation. Professor of Medicine at University College Cork (UCC), Prof Eamonn Quigley,... Read more

Call for diabetes screening in pharmacies

19 May 2009

Pharmacists have called for the introduction of a screening programme for diabetes through pharmacies across the country to counter the growing incidence of the disease in Ireland. As many as 200,000 people in Ireland now suffer from type 2 diabetes,... Read more

New test could speed prostate cancer diagnosis

Gary Culliton | 19 May 2009

A new 3-minute test could help in diagnosing prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men in the UK, according to scientists. Researchers have developed the test by using light energy to measure the level of citrate in fluid samples... Read more

Services for sex workers are vital

Dara Gantly | 18 May 2009

It is absolutely essential that support services for drug-using sex workers continue to be adequately funded in spite of the current economic downturn, a new report has stressed. According to the first qualitative research undertaken on sex workers in Ireland,... Read more

Leas Cross report to go to Department today

Dara Gantly | 15 May 2009

The final report from the Commission of Investigation examining the management, operation and supervision of the former Leas Cross Nursing Home is due to be submitted to the Department of Health this Friday (May 15). “Before the report can be... Read more

Reason for obesity is simply overeating

Greg Baxter | 15 May 2009

The rise of obesity in the US can be explained by overeating and not lack of physical activity, according to new research presented last week at the 17th European Congress on Obesity in Amsterdam. Professor Boyd Swinburn, director of the... Read more

Vaccine price 'grossly inflated'

Dara Gantly | 15 May 2009

The IMO GP Chairman believes figures ‘bandied about’ for the cost of implementing a national vaccination programme for cervical cancer are ‘grossly inflated’, and he has accused the pharmaceutical companies of playing ‘hard ball’ on the price. Dr Ronan Boland... Read more

Criminals may exploit swine flu

Dara Gantly | 15 May 2009

Interpol, the world’s largest international police organisation, has issued a warning over criminals potentially exploiting the swine flu outbreak through spam emails and websites selling illegal, unlicensed or fake medicines. Executive Director of Police Services, Jean-Michel Louboutin, said that following... Read more

Blood from HH patients should be used by IBTS

Gary Culliton | 15 May 2009

An Impact Document on haemochromatosis (HH) was launched at the recent AGM of the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) in Galway, in a bid to raise awareness of the condition. The document is a collaborative effort between the ICGP... Read more

Cancer biobanking report published

Gary Culliton | 15 May 2009

The Minister for Health Ms Harney has published the Report of the Expert Group on Biobanking, which contains recommendations for the establishment of a National Cancer Biobank in Ireland. A biobank is a collection of patient samples and related information,... Read more

Mental health: 20 new community facilities

Gary Culliton | 14 May 2009

A total of 20 community and mental health facilities will be provided in 2009. the HSE said this morning, following publication of the latest report of the Inspector of Mental Health Services. The HSE is committed to providing 200 Community... Read more

Doctors must make own plans

Terence Cosgrave | 14 May 2009

Doctors and health professionals need to start making plans now to deal with a potential swine flu epidemic and not look to the HSE, Government or anyone else to come up with solutions. Dr David Hanlon — a GP who... Read more

WHO clarifies safety of pork products

Gary Culliton | 13 May 2009

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a statement on the safety of pork, in the context of the influenza outbreak. “In the ongoing spread of influenza A(H1N1), concerns about the possibility of this virus being found in pigs and... Read more

Epilepsy-prevalence research to be launched

13 May 2009

New research pinpointing for the first time the prevalence of epilepsy in Ireland will be launched next Tuesday in Dublin. The Prevalence of Epilepsy in Ireland Study was commissioned by Brainwave — the Irish Epilepsy Association — and conducted by... Read more

Monageer: agencies 'must redouble efforts'

Gary CUlliton | 12 May 2009

Following publication by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, of the redacted report on the Monageer Inquiry into the circumstances leading to and surrounding the deaths of the Dunne family in Monageer, Co. Wexford in April 2007, the HSE... Read more

New HSE documents on gay health issues

12 May 2009

The HSE today launched two documents relating to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community in Ireland. The publication of the report LGBT HEALTH: Towards meeting the Health care Needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People and the guidelines... Read more

Skin cancer on the rise in Ireland

Niamh Mullen | 11 May 2009

Cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year increased by 36 per cent in the ten years between 1997 and 2007, new figures from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland show. There were 5,687 new cases of skin cancer in 1997.... Read more

Bowel screening must be rolled out

Niamh Mullen | 05 May 2009

The Irish Cancer Society has said the results of a pilot bowel-screening programme at Tallaght Hospital strengthen the argument for the national roll out of the scheme. So far during the pilot, led by Prof Colm O’Morain, 5,000 people aged... Read more

HSE criticised for lab location policy by MLSA

Gary Culliton | 05 May 2009

The HSE was last week lashed by laboratory scientists who urged it to reconsider ‘a premature decision’ to locate laboratories on greenfield sites, despite the fact that its own report recommended that all options should be appraised carefully. The Annual... Read more

Funding allocated for neonatal CF screening

Niamh Mullen | 01 May 2009

FUNDING has been allocated for neonatal screening for cystic fibrosis (CF). The announcement was made at the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland’s (CFAI) Annual Conference in Cork last weekend. One of the world’s leading CF experts, Prof Philip Farrell, of... Read more

Probable case of swine 'flu' in Ireland

Gary Culliton | 01 May 2009

Results of tests are due later today, following a probable case of swine flu in Ireland in a man from the east coast. It is understood the man had recently returned from Mexico. The World Health Organisation has raised its... Read more

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

Gary Culliton | 30 April 2009

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

BreastCheck holdup slammed

Niamh Mullen | 29 April 2009

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

Enzolve launches PKU screening test

Dara Gantly | 29 April 2009

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

Students win four awards for film on alcohol abuse

Niamh Mullen | 29 April 2009

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

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

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

Irish Cancer Society urges sun awareness

28 April 2009

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

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

Health system 'should prepare for possible pandemic'

Dara Gantly | 28 April 2009

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

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

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

Media irresponsible on mental health issues

Terence Cosgrave | 27 April 2009

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

HSE cutbacks will affect services

Dara Gantly | 27 April 2009

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

Doctors must bear child abuse in mind

By Dara Gantly | 24 April 2009

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

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

Reform sees budgets for mental health 'cut in half'

Terence Cosgrave | 23 April 2009

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

Ryanair considering charge for 'fat people'

Gary Culliton | 22 April 2009

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

Pharmacies must display registration certificates

Gary Culliton | 22 April 2009

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

Mumps rise: MMR Vaccine for post Junior Cert students

Gary Culliton | 21 April 2009

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

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

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

Need for men to avail of counselling

Mary Ann Kenny | 20 April 2009

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

Calls for smears will be based on woman's age

Niamh Mullen | 20 April 2009

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

40% say arthritis affects relationships

Greg Baxter | 17 April 2009

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

Highest rate of resistance recorded to antibiotics – HPSC

Niamh Mullen | 16 April 2009

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

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

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

Niamh Mullen | 15 April 2009

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

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

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

Ireland scores low in patient empowering

Greg Baxter | 09 April 2009

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

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

New mental health service for kids and teens opens in Cork

Mary Anne Kenny | 08 April 2009

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

IPHA rejects claims of anti-competitiveness

Dara Gantly | 08 April 2009

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

HPV tests reduce advanced cancers

Niamh Mullen | 08 April 2009

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

Five year plan urged by Disability Federation

Gary Culliton | 08 April 2009

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

Clear path needed through recession for A Vision for Change

Dara Gantly | 06 April 2009

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

Irish teens drink more than European peers

Niamh Mullen | 03 April 2009

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

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

Lifestyle disease set to increase

Gary Culliton | 03 April 2009

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

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

Terence Cosgrave | 01 April 2009

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

Parents 'making positive changes to children's diet'

Gary Culliton | 31 March 2009

Parents are making positive changes to their children's diet and physical activity levels, research conducted by HSE and Safefood for the 'Little Steps' campaign suggests. 51% of parents stated they are replacing unhealthy food with healthier options and 61% of... Read more

'Big Brew' for Alzheimer's

Gary Culliton | 31 March 2009

The Alzheimer Society has launched its Tea Day, a social occasion where thousands of people - friends,family,work colleagues, neighbours - come together to drink tea and raise money for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. This year it has been dubbed... Read more

Dementia risk not as strong as feared

Greg Baxter | 30 March 2009

Mild cognitive impairment, or memory problems, may not be linked to dementia as closely as previously thought, new research from the University of Leicester reveals. Previously, many doctors told patients with such impairment that their risk of developing dementia was... Read more

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness month

Gary Culliton | 28 March 2009

The first national Bowel Cancer Awareness month will take place this April in a bid to raise awareness and understanding of the second most common cancer in Ireland, which is accountable for some 12-14% of all cancer deaths in Ireland.... Read more

NI drug use is double south’s

Dara Gantly | 27 March 2009

Approximately one in ten adults have taken tranquillisers or have used antidepressants at some stage in their lives, according to a new report. The major new survey on drug prevalence also found that use of such medications in Northern Ireland... Read more

Ireland rates poorly in lung-cancer outcomes

Greg Baxter | 26 March 2009

Ireland has the highest percentage – among European countries – of people with lung cancer who do not receive anti-tumour treatment. Almost 55 per cent of all lung cancer patients in Ireland do not receive anti-tumour treatment for their condition,... Read more

'Slap in the face' for Carers' Association

Dara Gantly | 26 March 2009

Carers and the Opposition have lambasted the Government over its decision not to publish a National Carers’ Strategy. The Carers’ Association described the move as a ‘slap in the face’ for the 161,000 family carers across the country. “We’re devastated... Read more

Quarter of men are overweight

Gary Culliton | 26 March 2009

Nearly a quarter of Irish men (23.6 per cent) and 22.2 per cent of women are overweight, a new survey shows. A pilot diabetes screening project which is currently being undertaken by Vhi Healthcare shows that 8.1 per cent of... Read more

Number of deceased donors falls by eight per cent

Gary Culliton | 25 March 2009

In Ireland last year, there were 136 deceased donor kidney transplants, 58 liver, 4 heart and 4 lung transplants. 12 pancreas were transplanted simultaneously with a kidney transplant. Ten extra kidney transplants were conducted via living donors making an overall... Read more

More hepatitis B cases reported than ever before

Niamh Mullen | 25 March 2009

MORE hepatitis B cases were reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) in 2008 than any other year since reporting began in 1988. A total of 954 cases of the disease were notified to the HPSC, an increase of... Read more

Research set to ease the pain of bedsores

Dara Gantly | 24 March 2009

New award-winning research being carried out at the University of Ulster could help ease the pain of thousands of bedridden patients. The university’s Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Research Institute, based at the Jordanstown campus, is investigating how pressure ulcers, or... Read more

IPU: medical card scheme 'could collapse'

Gary Culliton | 24 March 2009

Pharmacists have warned that the Medical Card Scheme could collapse, 5,000 jobs could be at risk and up to 300 pharmacies could close, if cuts to the payments schemes of the magnitude that the HSE proposed last year were re-introduced.... Read more

New book details patient experience

By Dara Gantly | 20 March 2009

EU Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou has unveiled a new book detailing the experience of those throughout Europe who have been diagnosed with a rare disease. The Voice of 12,000 Patients, co-funded by the European Commission, was presented to mark Rare... Read more

HIQA completes screening HTA

Dara Gantly | 20 March 2009

The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the cost-effectiveness and resource implications of introducing a national screening programme for bowel cancer has been completed, IMT has learned. A spokesperson for the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) confirmed that the team... Read more

Ireland needs more lactation consultants

Niamh Mullen | 19 March 2009

HOW to instil confidence in pregnant women about their ability to breastfeed will be the focus of the spring meeting of the Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland (ALCI). The title of the study day is ‘Breastfeeding, Weaning and Contemporary... Read more

Funding cuts come at worst possible time

18 March 2009

A 12.5 per cent reduction in funding for suicide prevention has been described as a decision to save money at the expense of lives. Fine Gael spokesperson on Mental Health, Dan Neville TD, said the reduction by the National Office... Read more

Legislation to ban genital mutilation

Niamh Mullen | 18 March 2009

Health Minister Mary Harney is examining the possibility of introducing specific legislation to ban female genital mutilation (FGM). The Department of Health confirmed it was considering it in the context of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the... Read more

Belfast expert to speak on diabetes and pregnancy

Niamh Mullen | 18 March 2009

A Belfast-based expert on diabetes will discuss at an international symposium later this month the first successful case of a pregnant diabetic being treated with insulin. Prof David R. Hadden, an honorary staff member at the Royal Victoria Hospital, will... Read more

Helmets 'ineffective' against HGV crushes

Niamh Mullen | 16 March 2009

Cycling to work could reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and obesity but do not bother wearing a helmet because it will not protect you from injury. Cyclist.ie, Ireland’s national cycling lobby group, has said helmets are ‘ineffective against... Read more

IBTS looks at vCJD screening tests

June Shannon | 16 March 2009

THE IBTS is carrying out qualitative research among donor groups to guage their reaction to the possible introduction of a potential screening test for vCJD, currently being tested in France and the UK. Although there is no confirmatory test available... Read more

Recession is not yet affecting claims

Dara Gantly | 16 March 2009

There is no evidence of an increase in personal injury claims due to the recession, according to the chief executive of the Injuries Board. While some insurers have commented recently on a surge of personal injury claims due to the... Read more

Coombe study reveals low breastfeeding rates

Niamh Mullen | 16 March 2009

A STUDY of the feeding practices of 450 women who gave birth at the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital (CWIUH) found only one woman exclusively breastfed her baby for six months — as advised by the World Health Organization.... Read more

Call for colon screening

June Shannon | 13 March 2009

The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has called for the roll out of a free national bowel cancer-screening programme for everyone over the age of 50, which it believes would ‘save lives immediately’ and pay for itself in five years. The... Read more

Up to 60,000 youths committing self-injury

Dara Gantly | 13 March 2009

One in 15 young people in Ireland are potentially at risk of self-injury, experts at a seminar at TCD revealed last week on March 2. There were approximately 11,000 presentations to emergency departments in Ireland with self-inflicted injuries in 2007.... Read more

Today is World Kidney Day

Gary Culliton | 12 March 2009

Today is World Kidney Day 2009. The event aims to highlight the global pandemic of kidney disease and its inextricable link as a catalyst for other significant and potentially fatal diseases which are common, harmful, but treatable. This campaign in... Read more

'Cut price of nicotine replacement products' – ASH

Gary Culliton | 11 March 2009

ASH Ireland has contacted all the main pharmaceutical companies, who manufacture and supply nicotine replacement products asking that they reduce the price of these products to the consumer by 10%. Nicotine replacement products are much more expensive in the Republic... Read more

‘Spike Milligan’ public speaking competition

Gary Culliton | 11 March 2009

The 2009 ‘Spike Milligan’ public speaking competition, involving all medical universities on the island, will be held at 6pm on Wednesday 25th March at the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin. The theme for this year’s debate is - “Mental Health –... Read more

Helmets an unproven distraction say cyclists

Gary Culliton | 11 March 2009

As National Brain Week approaches, Cyclist.ie, the Irish national cycling lobby group have released a briefing paper setting head injuries to cyclists in their proper context. Cyclist.ie favours a focus on preventing accidents in the first place rather than reducing... Read more

Vaccines urged as HPSC warns of mumps outbreak

Gary Culliton | 10 March 2009

The HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre today warned all young people, particularly second and third level students, to make sure that they are protected against mumps following a huge rise in cases since the start of 2009. Already 848 cases... Read more

HSE highlights National Brain Awareness Week

Gary Culliton | 10 March 2009

The Health Service Executive is highlighting “National Brain Awareness Week” by drawing attention to its services in the South East for those with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), including Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). An Acquired Brain Injury is as a result... Read more

NCBI's UV sunglasses campaign

Gary Culliton | 10 March 2009

The “Be Sunwise with SunEyes” campaign will see the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) receive a donation of €1 for every pair of UV sunglasses from the SunEyes, Ted Baker, Pepe Jeans, Bloc and Ripcurl range that... Read more

Kidney Day Conference to focus on blood pressure

Gary Culliton | 10 March 2009

A World Kidney Day Conference will be held in Croke Park on March 12, titled “Put ‘em Under Pressure, Keep the Pressure Down”. During the day Secondary schools are invited to an educational and a general public awareness campaign event... Read more

Nursing home patients can't access services

June Shannon | 09 March 2009

More than half of stroke patients who reside in nursing homes do not have access to appropriate levels of physiotherapy and occupational therapy services — despite very high levels of dependency and disability — a new study has revealed. The... Read more

Health risk from mobiles probed

Dara Gantly | 09 March 2009

Radio frequency fields used in wireless communication technologies are unlikely to lead to an increase in cancer in the human population at large, EU experts have stated. However, further studies are needed to clarify if long-term exposure to mobile phones... Read more

Drug and alcohol treatment centre opened in Cork

Gary Culliton | 06 March 2009

A HSE drug and alcohol treatment centre was officially opened in Cork today. Arbour House Treatment Centre, is being opened following the demolition and complete redevelopment of its former premises at St Finbarr’s Hospital, Douglas Road, Cork City. Rebuilt at... Read more

OK for plan on Radiation Oncology

Dara Gantly | 06 March 2009

The National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) and the HSE have completed the appointment of three major professional advisors for the long-awaited National Plan for Radiation Oncology (NPRO). Last week, A&L Goodbody and KPMG were confirmed as winning the contracts to... Read more

Retailers must refuse underage smokers

Niamh Mullen | 06 March 2009

Refusal rates of 90 per cent are needed among retailers to significantly reduce the number of underage smokers, the latest report from the Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) has found. That level of compliance is needed because it means that... Read more

€3m awarded to research tobacco control

Gary Culliton | 06 March 2009

The Research Institute for a Tobacco Free Society has just been awarded a €3 million research contract on a project entitled, ‘Pricing Policies and Control of Tobacco in Europe’ (PPACTE). The first meetings designed to shape the project were held... Read more

WHC focuses on ovarian cancer

Niamh Mullen | 06 March 2009

To mark the beginning of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the Women’s Health Council (WHC) has warned of the importance of recognising symptoms and early detection. Ovarian cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer in women in Ireland, according to... Read more

One in three people in Ireland cannot name a warning sign of bowel cancer

Gary Culliton | 05 March 2009

The Irish Cancer Society is launching a major campaign to increase awareness of bowel cancer signs and symptoms and the importance of early detection, at an event in their Dublin headquarters today. This follows the publication of a national bowel... Read more

IMB warns against 'tanning drug'

June Shannon | 05 March 2009

The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has issued a precautionary safety alert in relation to the unauthorised ‘tanning drug’ Melanotan (I and II), which is illegal on the Irish market. Melanotan (I and II) is not available in pharmacies or authorised... Read more

IVF surrogacy is not under RCPI's remit

June Shannon | 04 March 2009

Following a number of recent media reports on IVF surrogacy, the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists at the RCPI has issued a statement clarifying its role in the approval of the practice, which it said did not fall under its... Read more

CervicalCheck forms now available electronically to smeartakers

Gary Culliton | 04 March 2009

Data quality is a key consideration of CervicalCheck – The National Cervical Screening Programme to ensure every smear test result is accurately matched to the woman. To assist smeartakers, a number of providers of General Practice management software products have... Read more

Hanafin: no National Carers' Strategy

Gary Culliton | 04 March 2009

The Minister for Social and Family Affairs Mary Hanafin T.D., and Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with responsibility for Older People Maire Hoctor T.D., has met with representatives from the Carers Association and Care Alliance... Read more

Recession stress makes employees sick

04 March 2009

STRESS in the workplace caused by the recession can manifest in employees with increases in high blood pressure, panic attacks and other physical illnesses, a work-life balance workshop has heard. Psychologist Karen Belshaw said absenteeism, sick leave due to stress,... Read more

Greater role for pharmacists in medicine monitoring urged

Gary Culliton | 03 March 2009

A greater role for pharmacists in the management and monitoring of medicine use, including the medicine use reviews endorsed in the Barry report, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), Dr Bernard Leddy has said. Speaking at a... Read more

Irish study backs vitamin B12 use in pregnancy

Gary Culliton | 02 March 2009

Irish women with the lowest vitamin B12 levels were five times more likely to have a baby with a neural tube defect than those with the highest levels, researchers wrote in the journal Pediatrics. Before becoming pregnant, women need to... Read more

Smoking may be banned in cars carrying children

Dara Gantly | 02 March 2009

The issue of introducing a ban on smoking in cars carrying children under 16 years of age is being kept under review by the Department of Health. Minister of State Mary Wallace told the Dáil that the harmful effects of... Read more

Oesophageal cancer outcomes improve

Terence Cosgrave | 02 March 2009

Survival rates and outcomes for oesophageal cancer have improved significantly over the last five years, according to leading Irish consultants. If oesophageal cancer is diagnosed early enough, approximately half of patients can receive curative therapy. However, the number of new... Read more

HSE defers NCHD cuts so labour relations talks can take place

Gary Culliton | 02 March 2009

The Health Service Executive has deferred cuts which would have seen junior hospital doctors losing the equivalent of €10,000 each per year. This was to allow talks with the Irish Medical Organisation to commence at the Labour Relations Commission last... Read more

It's the eye of the Tiger

Niamh Mullen | 27 February 2009

More athletes are controversially opting for laser eye surgery to enhance their performance. Natural vision is 20/20 but laser eye surgery can improve some patients’ sight to 20/10, meaning they can clearly see objects further away better than a person... Read more

Six children under three ingested Ecstasy

Gary Culliton | 26 February 2009

In the period 2004-2007 the National Poisons Information centre (NPIC) received 286 enquiries regarding Ecstasy poisoning. Six of these enquiries concerned suspected Ecstasy ingestion in children aged three years or less. Fourteen of these children were asymptomatic on presentation to... Read more

€450,000 repairs 'needed for visually impaired centre'

Gary Culliton | 25 February 2009

It would have cost €450, 000 to repair to repair Clonturk House, a home for visually impaired adult men in Drumcondra, which is to shut at the end of May. Staff and the HSE have determined that the facility cannot... Read more

Irish study to look at tax effects on smoking

Gary Culliton | 25 February 2009

The Research Institute for a Tobacco Free Society (RIFTFS) has just been awarded a €3m euro research contract on a project entitled, Pricing Policies and control of Tobacco in Europe.(PPACTE) The first meetings designed to shape the project will be... Read more

Irish scientists reveal prostate cancer advance

Gary Culliton | 25 February 2009

Better potential "markers" for prostate cancer have been identified by Irish scientists, that will allow detection of the disease earlier and with more certainty than is currently possible, it was revealed today. The ‘building’ of a prostate cancer tissue bank... Read more

Smoking 'should be banned in cars containing under 16s'

Gary Culliton | 25 February 2009

ASH Ireland has held a briefing for all members of the Oireachtas in Dublin on the issue of having smoking banned in cars transporting children under 16 years. Dr Angie Brown, Chairperson ASH Ireland, speaking at the briefing prior to... Read more

DMD debate to be held in Dáil, says Tánaiste

25 February 2009

Fine Gael Deputies Joe McHugh TD and Andrew Doyle TD last week secured a Government commitment to hold a Dáil debate on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Tánaiste Mary Coughlan TD agreed to facilitate a debate on the topic, following speeches... Read more

Patients being let down by neurology services — Reilly

Niamh Mullen | 25 February 2009

Fine Gael spokesperson on health, Dr James Reilly TD has hit out at the lack of investment in neurosurgery. Speaking in the Dáil after the publication last week of The National Report on Traumatic Brain Injury, Deputy Reilly said Ireland... Read more

Obese teens run similar risks to smokers says Swedish study

Dara Gantly | 25 February 2009

Obese adolescents have the same risk of premature death in adulthood as people who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day, new research has found. Those who are merely overweight have the same risk as less heavy smokers, according to... Read more

New group to tackle alcohol sponsorship

Dara Gantly | 24 February 2009

The composition of a new working group to examine sports sponsorship by alcohol companies is expected to be finalised in the forthcoming weeks. Letters of invitation to join the Consultative Panel on the Codes of Practice on Alcohol Marketing, Communications... Read more

Positive mental health 'high'

Gary Culliton | 24 February 2009

Most Irish adults have a reasonably high level of positive mental health, according to the Mental Health and Social Well-being Report of the National Health and Lifestyle Survey (SLÁN 2007). Men report higher levels of positive mental health than women,... Read more

Women not aware of heart-attack risk

Niamh Mullen | 24 February 2009

Women underestimate their risk of having a heart attack and often do not present with typical symptoms, a report by the Irish Association of Emergency Medicine (IAEM) has found. Mr Fergal Hickey, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Sligo General Hospital... Read more

Global cancer summit here in August

Gary Culliton | 23 February 2009

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) announced today that the premiere LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit will take place Aug. 24-26, 2009 in Dublin, immediately following LAF founder and chairman, cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong's participation in the Tour of... Read more

Guide for smeartakers launched

Gary Culliton | 20 February 2009

CervicalCheck – The National Cervical Screening Programme has announced the publication of a ‘Guide for smeartakers’. Developed as a resource manual for GPs, practice nurses and medical practitioners that take smear tests as part of the CervicalCheck programme, the ‘Guide... Read more

If you have the look of the Irish...

Mary Anne Kenny | 20 February 2009

People with stereo-typical Irish looks have double the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, according to a new study published in the Annals of Neurology. Researchers at the Harvard University School of Public Health found that the risk of Parkinson’s disease... Read more

Work to begin in July on new city morgue

Dara Gantly | 20 February 2009

Work on a new city morgue and office for the State Pathologist is expected to commence in July, Irish Medical Times has learned The project – a unique joint initiative between the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and... Read more

BreastCheck CEO slams bogus fundraising

19 February 2009

BreastCheck has warned people not to support bogus fundraisers being carried out on its behalf. The National Cancer Screening Service has received reports that members of the public were contacted by telephone and asked to buy tickets to raise money... Read more

Study shows prison suicide risk

June Shannon | 19 February 2009

Suicide is 20 times more common in female prisoners than in the general female population, a new study has revealed. But Irish prisoners may be at less risk of suicide than their counterparts in the UK because of different procedures... Read more

Mad cow risk for haemophilia patients 'low'

Gary Culliton | 17 February 2009

There is concern for haemophilia patients in Britain who received clotting factors from the same infected human donor as a haemophiliac in his 70s, who recently died and was found to be infected with variant Creutzfeldt-Jackob Disease (vCJD) – although... Read more

Drug strategy plans due by end of March

Dara Gantly | 17 February 2009

Proposals for a new National Drugs Strategy, covering the period 2009-2016, are expected to be finalised by the end of March. The end of deliberations of the Steering Group chaired by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is... Read more

Man infected with vCJD dies in UK

June Shannon | 16 February 2009

The National Hamophilia Council of Ireland has written to all those with haemophilia and related bleeding disorders in Ireland to inform that a man in his 70’s with haemophilia who died in the UK had evidence of vCJD infection in... Read more

Shops should pay for denying toilet access

Mary Anne Kenny | 16 February 2009

Ireland should consider fining retailers who do not allow people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to use employee restrooms, according to Betty Lattimore of the Irish Society for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. Such a move is currently being considered by... Read more

Irish Life says 20% of deaths linked to alcohol

Dara Gantly | 16 February 2009

One in five accidental or sudden deaths claims paid by Irish Life last year involved alcohol in some shape or form, the finance and insurance company has revealed. Overall, Irish Life paid out €16 million in respect of 167 accidental... Read more

Reduction in flu numbers at last

June Shannon | 16 February 2009

GPs are seeing a reduction in the numbers of influenza-like illnesses (ILI), as consultation rates for ILIs decreased from 42.9 per 100,000 to 34.6 for the five days to February 1, according to the latest report from the Health Protection... Read more

Irish children gain 24 extra kilos since 1948

Dara Gantly | 13 February 2009

Irish children now weigh 24 kilos more than they did in 1948, new research has revealed. Published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, the findings are based on three large-scale national surveys of heights and weights of children... Read more

Waiting times for severely disabled varies

Dara Gantly | 11 February 2009

A UK company has been chosen by the HSE to carry out the first hygiene audits of 24-hour residential healthcare facilities. Based in north London, Infection Control Solutions Ltd is to carry out between 75 and 100 separate audits of... Read more

Keane: Ireland's cancer survival rates well below Scandanavia

Gary Culliton | 11 February 2009

Ireland ranked 18th out of 23 comparable countries for five year cancer survival rates, cancer Tsar Prof Tom Keane revealed at the launch of the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day. Prof Keane said that in five to ten years Ireland... Read more

Report reveals hours put in by women carers

11 February 2009

Half of all women carers over 65 devote more than 43 hours per week to caring, according to a new report from the Older Women’s Network (OWN). Other issues highlighted in the report include the fact that cardiovascular disease is... Read more

Drugs found to block HIV in Monkeys

editor@imt.ie | 10 February 2009

The Washington Post is reporting that AIDS researchers gathered in Montreal yesterday heard encouraging results from studies of three strategies for preventing HIV infection using pharmaceuticals, particularly in women. Two experiments in monkeys showed that antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, given by... Read more

'Close pubs' that break MEAS rules

Niamh Mullen | 10 February 2009

A public health specialist has said there are no sanctions for licensed premises found in breach of MEAS (Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society) guidelines, and naming them in its latest report just amounted to a public slap on the... Read more

61 years adds 24 kilos to Irish kids

Dara Gantly | 10 February 2009

Irish kids now weigh 24 kilos more than they did in 1948, new research has revealed. A rapid increase in prosperity has gone hand in hand with the surge in obesity in Ireland, the authors of the report from UCC... Read more

Teens use smoking to cope with stress

June Shannon | 09 February 2009

Irish teenagers are using cigarettes as a coping mechanism to manage everyday stress, with the move from primary to secondary school being a trigger point for many to start smoking, according to a new report. The research found that the... Read more

MRSA rate falls by 25% — survey

Gary Culliton | 09 February 2009

The rate of MRSA in hospitals nationwide has fallen according to a Heath Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) report. Key findings in the study indicate that MRSA rates have fallen by 25 per cent from 2006 to the latter half of... Read more

Measles outbreak shows need for vaccinations

Dara Gantly | 06 February 2009

A recent measles outbreak in Germany has highlighted the need for vaccination reminders and better information for parents, according to the WHO. Research published this week in the international public health journal, the Bulletin of the World Health Organization, found... Read more

Cutbacks will affect muscular dystrophy

04 February 2009

HSE cutbacks will result in persons worst affected by muscular dystrophy being denied more than 100,000 personal assistance (PA) hours in 2009, according to the group representing those with the condition. Muscular Dystrophy Ireland CEO Mr Joe Mooney said that... Read more

Kids' TV time affects their diet in later life

Dara Gantly | 03 February 2009

New research from the US has established that TV viewing during adolescence predicts poorer dietary intake patterns five years later. Published in the International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity, the study followed almost 2,000 high- and middle-school children... Read more

Rise in rate of antibiotic prescribing

Gary Culliton | 03 February 2009

Ireland is one of three European countries where the rate of anti-biotic prescribing is increasing, a consultant microbiologist has said. Between 20 per cent and 30 per cent of the drug budgets at acute hospitals, are accounted for by antibiotics.... Read more

Patients being held to prevent disease outbreak

Gary Culliton | 03 February 2009

Two people are currently being detained under Section 38 of the Health Act 1947, which applies to the detention and isolation of a person who is a probable source of infection. And now a woman who has been detained in... Read more

Social acceptance 'more important than health' to teen smokers

Gary Culliton | 03 February 2009

Teenagers think smoking plays an important role in being accepted by their peers and that being socially accepted is more important than their health, according to a new report. ‘The Voice of Young People - A Report on Teenagers’ Attitudes... Read more

Pharmacists' profit margin 'is six per cent'

Gry Culliton | 02 February 2009

The average net profit margin of a community pharmacy is 6%, a new survey shows. This includes profits arising from non-medicine retail activities such as the sale of cosmetics. The savings associated with pharmacy services to the community which are... Read more

New arthritis helpline launched

Gary CUlliton | 30 January 2009

A new national helpline for people with arthritis has been launched. This is the first helpline of its kind in the country and aims to provide vital emotional and practical support for people affected by this condition. Arthritis is not... Read more

Irish women living 4.8 years longer

Gary Culliton | 30 January 2009

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has published the 15th official Irish Life Tables. The release contains estimates of life expectancy for the period 2005 to 2007. Some of the key points highlighted in the release include: * Period life expectancy... Read more

Child placements in adult psychiatric facilities to cease?

June Shannon | 30 January 2009

The Minister with responsibility for Mental Health has made a public commitment to cease the inappropriate practice of admitting children and adolescents to adult psychiatric facilities by the end of next year. Responding to a question from Irish Medical Times... Read more

IMO calls for action now on suicide

30 January 2009

The IMO has called for the full implementation of both Reach Out: The National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention and the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Sub-Committee on the High Level of Suicide in Irish Society. In a new... Read more

New dialysis pilot considered for the South-East

Dara Gantly | 30 January 2009

The HSE is considering a pilot project in the South East to provide training to patients or their carers to allow them to carry out their own dialysis treatment. It is envisaged that the pilot project would operate for a... Read more

Irish doctors push for equality of ages

Dara Gantly | 30 January 2009

Two Irish doctors at the Centre for Ageing, Neuroscience and the Humanities, at the Trinity Centre for Health Sciences have stressed that a major drive to improve health equity across the globe should not discount ageism when addressing the social... Read more

Supplements to be available only on prescription?

Mary Anne Kenny | 30 January 2009

‘Draconian’ EU legislation on food supplements was the subject of an Irish petition to the EU Petitions Committee last week. Under the proposed Food Supplements Directive, sales of vitamins and minerals will be restricted to recommended daily allowance (RDA) levels.... Read more

National Men's Health Policy launched

Gary Culliton | 28 January 2009

The government has launched a National Men’s Health Policy. The aim of the policy is to promote optimum health and well being for all men in Ireland while integrating a health promotion and preventative approach in the delivery of services.... Read more

Obesity drug available over-the-counter

Gary Culliton | 27 January 2009

Dr Donal O'Shea of the Weight Management Clinic in Dublin's Loughlinstown has expressed reservations about a slimming pill available over the counter. Orlistat, under the trade name Xenical, has been available in a prescription dose of 120mgs for 10 years.... Read more

Average of 23 pharmacy visits per year

Gary Culiton | 26 January 2009

The average person visits a pharmacy 23 times per year and the average net profit margin of a community pharmacy is 6%, a new survey indicates. This margin includes profits arising from non-medicine retail activities, such as the sale of... Read more

Cheap HPV vaccine to be offered to girls in Coolock

June Shannon | 23 January 2009

GlaxoSmithkline has agreed to donate a quantity of HPV vaccine to the Well Woman Clinic, which plans to roll out a limited HPV vaccination scheme at its centre in Coolock in Dublin next month. Announcing the plans as part of... Read more

St Vincent's appeals for help to combat norovirus

Gary Culliton | 23 January 2009

An outbreak of norovirus, commonly referred to as ‘winter vomiting virus’, was last week affecting 50 patients spread over a number of wards at St Vincent’s University Hospital. To help curtail the spread of the virus within the hospital, St... Read more

Presumed consent boosts donor rates

Dara Gantly | 23 January 2009

A system of presumed consent for organ donation can result in a significant increase in donor rates, new research from the British Medical Journal has found. Published a week after the Minister for Health Mary Harney launched a public consultation... Read more

FDA warning on topical anesthetics

Gary Culliton | 21 January 2009

America's Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) is issuing an advisory to remind patients, healthcare professionals, and caregivers about potentially serious hazards of using skin numbing products, also known as topical anesthetics, for relieving pain from medical tests and conditions.... Read more

New information guide launched for carers of people with dementia

June Shannon | 21 January 2009

Home Instead Senior Care has published a new information guide for carers of people with dementia. The free guide, ‘Helping Families Cope’, covers issues such as communication and activities as well as some of the conditions associated with dementia including... Read more

Children's head and neck MRSA rises

Gary Culliton | 20 January 2009

Pediatric head and neck infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have risen alarmingly in recent years, according to an analysis of 300 hospitals nationally in the US. Multidrug resistant strains are also becoming more common, reported Steven E. Sobol, M.D.,... Read more

HPV vaccine at reduced rate for Coolock

Gary Culliton | 19 January 2009

The Dublin Well Woman Centre has said that it will begin providing the HPV vaccine at its Coolock centre from February. The first two shots of the vaccine Cervarix will be provided free by GlaxoSmithKline which manufactures the drug. The... Read more

HSE South: Teamwork report due by March

Gary Culliton | 16 January 2009

The Teamwork consultants report on hospital services in the HSE South area of the country will be published in late February or early March, the HSE said today. Commenting on the review of acute hospital services across HSE South, including... Read more

Campaign against recreational cocaine use deemed a success

Dara Gantly | 15 January 2009

A €636,940 campaign last year aimed at dispelling the myths around cocaine use has been described as a success by the Health Service Executive, with nearly three-quarters of under-35s agreeing that the poster ads would make them think differently about... Read more

Rate of flu highest since 2001

Gary Culliton | 15 January 2009

The rate of flu-like illness is the highest since 2001, and the season is only midway. Dublin’s Wexford Street pharmacy can’t keep shelves stocked with fever remedies and cough drops this week as snuffling customers seek relief. “We’re only seeing... Read more

C Diff superbug linked to 100 deaths here

Gary Culliton | 14 January 2009

Up to 2,500 cases of the lethal superbug Clostridium difficile (C diff) – which probably was associated with over 100 deaths – were reported at Irish hospitals and residential homes last year. Most of the cases of C diff reported... Read more

Cancer screening to be discouraged

June Shannon | 13 January 2009

Opportunistic screening for cervical cancer is not effective and will be discouraged now that the National Cervical Screening Programme is in place, the National Cancer Screening Service (NCCSS) has said. According to the Service’s first annual report (2007/08), “Smear tests... Read more

Plenty of ‘face’ but no breasts on Facebook

Mary Anne Kenny | 13 January 2009

Mothers have launched an online campaign against social networking site Facebook, after the website removed photographs of breastfeeding. The pictures had been reported as ‘obscene’. Facebook’s decision has angered some users and led to the creation last month of the... Read more

Flu: meningococcal and pneumococcal link

Gary Culliton | 12 January 2009

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has asked people who have recently recovered from flu and who have become very unwell again with high fever shortly after, to seek medical attention as they may be at slight risk from meningococcal and... Read more

Increase in cervical cancers likely

Gary Culliton | 09 January 2009

The incidence of cervical cancer in Ireland is expected to increase, as the national cervical screening programme — now available across the country — picks up incidences of the disease that heretofore would not have been identified, according to a... Read more

More patients enter psychiatric hospitals

June Shannon | 09 January 2009

The number of people admitted to Irish psychiatric hospitals has seen a year-on-year increase for the first time in over a decade, new figures from the Health Research Board (HRB) have revealed. According to the HRB annual report on Activities... Read more

Pork dioxin meeting opens

08 January 2009

The Oireachtas agriculture committee inquiry into the handling of the pork dioxin crisis opens this morning at Leinster House. The joint Oireachtas committee agreed to suspend all other business to investigate the scare which saw the recall of Irish pork... Read more

Four people in Dublin get rabies vaccine

08 January 2009

Four people had to be given emergency vaccination in a Dublin hospital following a rabies scare in the Republic, it has emerged. The scare was prompted after they were bitten by an illegally imported kitten suspected of having rabies. However,... Read more

Teenagers advised to get MMR vaccines

Gary Culliton | 08 January 2009

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has warned that teenagers and young adults should have two doses of MMR vaccine following over 1,000 cases of mumps in 2008. Some 1,166 cases were reported for last year, as of 16 December... Read more

Continued rise in flu cases

Gary Culliton | 07 January 2009

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre today urged people in high-risk categories to get vaccinated against influenza, as the number of reported cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) in Ireland continues to rise. ILI rates have risen from 72.8 per 100,000 in... Read more

Decrease in work-related deaths

Gary Culliton | 07 January 2009

Figures published by the Health and Safety Authority show that there were 57 work-related deaths in 2008. This represents a 15% decrease on the 67 work-related deaths reported in 2007. However, the loss of life in the agriculture sector (21),... Read more

IBTS Cork centre finally gets go-ahead

June Shannon | 07 January 2009

The development of a new multi-million-euro centre for the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) in Cork has finally received Government approval. The approval for the centre comes more than ten years after it was first mooted. Welcoming a Government announcement... Read more

Tobacco control efforts rewarded with medals

June Shannon | 07 January 2009

THE Tom Power Medal for commitment to tobacco control was awarded to Valerie Coghlan of ASH Ireland and members of the HSE Dublin-Mid Leinster smoking cessation team. The awards were presented by the Chairperson of the Office of Tobacco Control... Read more

HCV patients not getting antivirals

Gary Culliton | 06 January 2009

Relatively few patients who contracted hepatitis C (HCV) through intravenous drug abuse receive effective antiviral therapy, a new study has found. The aim of the study, reported inIrish Medical Journal, was to determine if supervised treatment in a drug treatment... Read more

Obese patients likely to have less education

Gary Culliton | 06 January 2009

Consultant Endocrinologist Dr Donal O’Shea, Director of the Weight Management Clinic at St Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown recently spoke on male obesity at a conference on ‘Lifestyle Diseases and their Management in the 21st Century’. The conference was hosted by Vhi... Read more

Workplace schemes help employees to quit

Gary Culliton | 06 January 2009

A follow-up survey for one Irish company has suggested that corporations should not only provide smoking cessation services for employees, but they should also expect results. Up to 70 per cent of ESB employees who attended ‘The Easy Way to... Read more

Link between obesity and ovarian cancer

05 January 2009

A link between obesity and ovarian cancer has been highlighted by a study of almost 95,000 women. Researchers in the US found that among women aged 50 to 71 being obese raised the risk of the disease by almost 80%.... Read more

Flu vaccine urged

Gary Culliton | 18 December 2008

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre today urged people in high-risk categories to get vaccinated against influenza, as the number of reported cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) in Ireland has doubled in the past week. ILI rates have risen from 20.3... Read more

More that 2,700 BreastCheck cancers found

Gary Culliton | 17 December 2008

Since the BreastCheck service began, a total of 442,612 BreastCheck mammograms have been provided to women aged 50 to 64 and 2,717 breast cancers have been detected and treated (2000–September 2008). The Board of the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS)... Read more

More that 2,700 BreastCheck cancers found

Gary Culliton | 17 December 2008

Counselling service to open over Christmas

17 December 2008

Connect, which is a free and confidential counselling service for adults who were abused in childhood is to extend its hours to open every day over Christmas. The service is normally available Wednesday to Sunday 6-10pm, however it will open... Read more

Teenage and adult mumps cases exceed 1,000

Gary Culliton | 16 December 2008

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre today warned teenagers and young adults to make sure that they have had two doses of MMR vaccine following over 1000 cases of the disease in 2008. 1166 cases have been reported so far compared... Read more

Nutrition supplements claims rejected

Gary Culliton | 12 December 2008

Calls for restrictions on the use of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) have been strongly criticised by professionals working in the field. British-based consultant gastroenterologist Dr Mike Stroud, who chaired a UK committee on ONS, said the supplements were ‘cost effective’... Read more

Person dies of botulism poisoning

Gary Culliton | 11 December 2008

Over the past two weeks the HSE has been investigating an outbreak of Botulism among heroin users in Dublin. Four possible cases were notified in the week of November 24th. The incident is being managed by an outbreak control team... Read more

Rise in cannabis growing

Gary Culliton | 10 December 2008

The vast majority of cannabis users are being supplied by family and friends, a cross-border study has revealed. There has also been an upsurge in the amount of the drug being grown in the Republic and Northern Ireland.... Read more

€1m for colorectal cancer screening

Gary Culliton | 10 December 2008

The Government has provided €1 million through the national screening service to prepare for the roll-out of a colorectal cancer screening programme, Health Minister Harney told last week’s Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children. “We are aware that there... Read more

Forecasting method to predict flu numbers

Greg Baxter | 10 December 2008

Researchers at UCC will try and use an innovative forecasting method to predict how many people in Ireland will catch the flu this winter. The project is being led by Dr Dylan Evans, Lecturer in Behavioural Science at the School... Read more

Cold sore virus could be behind Alzheimer's

Gary Culliton | 09 December 2008

The virus behind cold sores is a major cause of the insoluble protein plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer's disease sufferers, University of Manchester researchers have revealed. They believe the herpes simplex virus is a significant factor in developing... Read more

Pharmacists could substitute generics

Ian McGuinness | 09 December 2008

The President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland said he would not have a problem with a pharmacist being allowed to substitute a generic product for one that he prescribed to a patient. Dr John Donohoe said the... Read more

Stillorgan programme shows way for IBTS

Alan Deeley | 05 December 2008

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) hopes to synchronise blood-letting treatment with blood donation for the exceptional numbers of Irish people with the iron-accumulating condition, haemochromatosis, following a successful programme run at the blood centre in Stillorgan, County Dublin. Writing... Read more

HPSC urges doctors to watch out for botulism

Gary Culliton | 05 December 2008

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has urged clinicians and other health professionals to be on the lookout for botulism in injecting drug users following four suspected cases of the disease. HPSC and the HSE East Public Health Department have been... Read more

GAA moves to control drugs/alcohol ASAP

Gary Culliton | 04 December 2008

To date, four provincial officers and 32 county officers have been appointed to implement an Alcohol & Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) Programme, which is a joint venture by the HSE and the GAA. The aim is to help local clubs... Read more

Reactions to HPV vaccine in Australia 'uncommon'

03 December 2008

New research describes hypersensitivity reactions to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Australian schoolgirls. A total of 35 schoolgirls aged 12 to 18.9 years with suspected hypersensitivity reactions to the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine, were studied. True hypersensitivity to the quadrivalent... Read more

Exercise in pregnancy linked to fatal raised blood pressure condition

03 December 2008

The results of a study involving more than 85,000 pregnant women surprised researchers as it was thought exercise would have a beneficial effect. Pregnant women are recommended to take 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per day and the latest... Read more

Calls for report into binge eating

Alan Deeley | 03 December 2008

A national charity has stated that the latest figures on Irish obesity illustrate the need for a report on binge eating disorder [BED], which could affect up to four per cent of the adult population. Bodywhys Communications Officer, Ruth Ni... Read more

Total of 170 new AIDS cases

Gary Culliton | 02 December 2008

The latest statistics from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre show almost 5,000 people in Ireland had tested positive for HIV by the end of June this year. There were 170 new cases in the first six months of the year.... Read more

WRH launch cancer awareness project

Gary Culliton | 02 December 2008

The Waterford Healing Arts Trust, in partnership with the Oncology/Haematology Services of Waterford Regional Hospital (WRH) and the HSE Health Promotion Unit, have launched My Breast Friend, a creative project that aims to raise awareness around Breast Health in WRH.... Read more

Half of people with HIV face discrimination

02 December 2008

Almost half of all people with HIV are discriminated against by friends. The report by Irish Aid, the Department for Health and Children, people living with HIV (PLHIV) and national and international NGOs, found 54% of the public took a... Read more

'Marked improvement' in cancer survival

Gary Culliton | 02 December 2008

New figures from the National Cancer Registry published at the fourth all-Ireland cancer conference in Dublin, show a marked improvement in cancer treatment and survival. However, the number of newly-diagnosed cancers is set to double in the next 20 years.... Read more

New hope for bone growth

Gary Culliton | 01 December 2008

Bone growth is controlled in the gut through serotonin, the same naturally present chemical used by the brain to influence mood, appetite and sleep, according to a new discovery from researchers at Columbia University Medical Center. Until now, the skeleton... Read more

Botulism alert after four suspected drug user cases

Gary Culliton | 28 November 2008

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre today urged clinicians and other health professionals to be on the lookout for botulism in injecting drug users following four suspected cases of the disease. HPSC and the HSE East Public Health Department have been... Read more

Cervical cancer rates 'set to increase'

Gary Culliton | 27 November 2008

The incidence of cervical cancer in Ireland is expected to increase, as the national cervical screening programme is now available across the country, a new report says. The Women’s Health Council today launched a report on “Cancer Treatments: A review... Read more

Half those with HIV face discrimination from friends

Gary Culliton | 27 November 2008

Bill mooted to block 'proliferation' of head shops

Gary Culliton | 26 November 2008

Fine Gael Health Spokesperson, Dr James Reilly TD has asked the Taoiseach if he or his Ministers have any plans to deal with the proliferation of so called "head shops" and "hemp shops" selling mind-altering products, party pills and other... Read more

Doctors cannot take over handling of patients' debt problems

Alan Deeley | 26 November 2008

Irish doctors cannot be depended on for the ‘detailed handling’ of debt problems among patients, however much they wish to care for society’s vulnerable, Dr Timothy Jackson of the Department of Public Health has said. The doctor spoke as a... Read more

Tallaght treatment services area should be expanded

Alan Deeley | 26 November 2008

The acting co-ordinator for the Tallaght Drugs Task Force has suggested that the catchment area for treatment services in the suburb could be expanded, to remove an anomaly whereby drug users in other neighbouring communities bypass Tallaght for treatment.... Read more

Addicts 'should undergo oral cancer screening'

26 November 2008

All residents at adult addiction treatment centres in Ireland should undergo an oral cancer screening examination upon admission to the centre, according to Dr Eleanor O’Sullivan of Cork University Dental School and Hospital in her report on Oral Cancer Screening... Read more

€400,000 wasted on returned vaccines

26 November 2008

Some €400,000 has been wasted between January and August 2008 on out-of-date or unusable vaccines, according to Dr Anna Clarke, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the Department of Public Health. “We’re seeing a huge number of returned vaccines to... Read more

One adult in four is obese

Gary Culliton | 25 November 2008

Almost one Irish adult out of four is obese and approximately two out of three is at an unhealthy weight, a new survey shows. It appears that overweight and obesity has generally levelled off across the three SLÁN surveys of... Read more

Carer of the Year Awards

Gary Culliton | 24 November 2008

Máire Hoctor, TD, Minister for Older People presented the Carer of the Year awards at the National Awards ceremony in the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham in Dublin at the weekend. Four regional award winners were chosen from all the nominations received... Read more

Ireland one of just three EU states with rising antibiotic use

Gary Culliton | 24 November 2008

Ireland is one of only three EU countries showing an increasing use of antibiotics and recent Irish research showed that medical card holders (30% of the population) account for over 50% of antibiotic use.The HSE has launched a three week... Read more

Are Brian and Enda fit to govern? asks Owen

Dara Gantly | 21 November 2008

Anyone who runs for a high office such as Taoiseach should have an independent health examination to ensure their ability to govern. Lord David Owen, a trained doctor and member of the House of Lords, also believes that political leaders... Read more

Dust and dirt key to asthma research

Ian McGuinness | 21 November 2008

Asthma research is being conducted into dust and dirt to see if a form of inoculation can be created that will prevent people from developing the illness, the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health has been informed. Dr Pat Manning, Chairman... Read more

MRSA screening is 'not clinically indicated'

Ian McGuinness | 21 November 2008

Public concern and anxiety are the reasons behind most requests for consultant microbiologists to conduct MRSA screening on samples sent from the community, the HSE South has said. The statement was made at a recent meeting of the HSE South’s... Read more

Top rate health tax relief axed

Gary Culliton | 21 November 2008

Health expenses relief will be granted at the standard rate only from 1 January 2009 with the exception of nursing home expenses which will be available at the taxpayers marginal rate in 2009, under the new Finance Bill. Most medical... Read more

MS services are poor

Greg Baxter | 19 November 2008

Ireland has scored poorly, relative to the rest of Europe, on care for multiple sclerosis from the EU body Multiple Sclerosis — the Information Dividend (MS-ID). According to the Dividend’s MS Barometer 2008, which compares MS services around Europe, Ireland... Read more

60,000 self-harm cases ‘hidden’ and untreated

Ian McGuinness | 19 November 2008

There are approximately 60,000 ‘hidden’ instances of people deliberately harming themselves every year, the Director of Research at the National Suicide Research Foundation has said. Speaking to the Joint Oireachtas Sub-Committee on the High Level of Suicide in Ireland, Dr... Read more

Conference for carers

Gary Culliton | 18 November 2008

Máire Hoctor, the Minister for Older People recently addressed the Carers Association National Conference for Family Carers. The focus of the conference was the health and wellbeing of Carers. It included presentations on the needs of carers and the affects... Read more

Belfast obesity conference

Gary Culliton | 18 November 2008

An international conference has been held in Belfast to look at modern developments in tackling obesity. The ‘All Island Conference on Obesity – Obesity: Weighing up the evidence’ was jointly opened by Northern Ireland Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey and Republic... Read more

Doctors begin free screening after HSE scraps programme

Greg Baxter | 17 November 2008

Doctors in Dublin and Belfast, working in the private sector, have begun their own free diabetic retinopathy screening programme, because the HSE scrapped a screening programme that should have started a year ago. The Leeson Eye Institute has started to... Read more

Confusion over NCSS's integration into the HSE

Ian McGuinness | 14 November 2008

The Department of Health and the National Cancer Screening Service are issuing different statements about when the latter organisation is due to be integrated into the Health Service Executive (HSE). When Health Minister Mary Harney announced a rationalisation of 15... Read more

TDs and senators engage with mental health advocates

Ian McGuinness | 13 November 2008

Mental health advocates and organisations have been engaged in private information and education sessions with groups of TDs and senators of different political parties for the past two and a half years, it has emerged. The latest meeting, involving the... Read more

Franciscans' centre gets go-ahead

Ian McGuinness | 12 November 2008

Franciscans who provide services to homeless people and drug users in Dublin’s inner city have succeeded in appealing against a council decision that could have resulted in having to close a proposed new multi-million euro development within four years. The... Read more

Over 60s die from drug-poisonings

Ian Mcguinness | 12 November 2008

Nearly ten per cent of people who died from drug-related poisoning from 1998 to 2005 were aged 60 years or over, it has emerged. Health Research Board research shows that in this period there were 2,442 drug-related deaths, of which... Read more

Suicide prevention idea would need resources

Alan Deeley | 11 November 2008

A radical overhaul of suicide prevention services taking place in Wales would have limited effect if applied here, a prominent consultant in child and adolescent psychiatry has said. Dr Yvonne Begley, a key assessor for young people brought to the... Read more

Mater and ICGP to tackle alcohol abuse

Dara Gantly | 11 November 2008

THE ICGP and the Mater Hospital have joined forces to produce a new health information leaflet on the dangers of alcohol. The new updated pamphlet, ‘Alcohol – Body and Soul’, was launched last Saturday by Dr John Sheehan, Mater Consultant... Read more

First case identified of influenza-A virus

Gary Culliton | 11 November 2008

The National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL) has identified the first case of influenza-A virus this winter. The case was detected by a network of 54 sentinel general practices who report weekly on the number of patients with influenza-like illness. The... Read more

HPV vaccination axing lashed

05 November 2008

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has criticised the Government's decision not to provide free cervical cancer vaccines to girls between 10 and 12 years old. During Leaders' Questions in the Dáil today, he said the move was short-sighted and was... Read more

Waterford city gets screening services

Derbhile Dromey | 04 November 2008

Two screening program-mes that aim to prevent sudden death as a result of cardiac arrest are being offered in Waterford city. The screening services aim to detect abnormalities in cardiac rhythm that may lead to cardiac arrest. The Whitfield Clinic... Read more

NCSS tenders for two-year contract

Ian McGuinness | 04 November 2008

The National Cancer Screening Service has invited companies to tender for a two-year contract to provide it with a service, even though the NCSS is due to be integrated into the HSE next year. On 17 October, an invitation to... Read more

Outdated medical terms need updating

Alan Deeley | 30 October 2008

Outdated terminology needs to be tackled alongside service deficiencies for patients who suffer a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), so the public learn the real implications of a ‘minor’ stroke, a group of doctors at Adelaide and Meath Hospital have stated.... Read more

Psychiatric health issues up for debate

Gary Culliton | 30 October 2008

Representatives of the Irish College of Psychiatrists have met with Senator Frances Fitzgerald, Fine Gael Seanad Leader and Health spokesperson and Dr James Reilly, Opposition spokesperson for Health and Children, to discuss a number of psychiatric health related issues. The... Read more

Health workers must boost women's awareness of smoking-related cancers

Alan Deeley | 28 October 2008

Healthcare workers across the board need to boost women’s awareness of the range of smoking-related cancers, a public meeting launching results from the EU HELP campaign heard today. This may include taking measures to provide smokers presenting with the human... Read more

Abortion service criticised

Ian McGuinness | 24 October 2008

A number of doctors have criticised Marie Stopes International’s new telephone abortion consultation and counselling service, which the organisation said is the first one for Irish women. MSI said the service is staffed by professionals and will allow women to... Read more

Irish Heart Foundation disappointed at 'token' rise in cigarette price

Gary Culliton | 24 October 2008

The Irish Heart Foundation has said it is very disappointed with the ‘token’ budget tax increase on tobacco. Dr Brian Maurer, Medical Director Irish Heart Foundation said: “It is well proven that price is the most effective deterrent to young... Read more

30,000 suffer due to wrong prescription

Greg Baxter | 22 October 2008

A researcher at the Waterford Institute of Tech-nology has told the Vision Impaired Service Providers Alliance (VISPA) conference that preventive measures should be enacted to reduce the most common cause of visual impairment in developed countries: age-related macular degeneration (AMD).... Read more

Care for elderly is disjointed and lacks cohesion

Greg Baxter | 22 October 2008

Care for the elderly is disjointed and has no clear auth-ority responsible for strategy and development, a speaker told a conference of the Vision Impaired Service Providers Alliance (VISPA) in Dublin last week. Michael Bruton, who works with the Department... Read more

State faces €.5 billion cost for MRSA claims

Dara Gantly | 21 October 2008

The number of claims for alleged healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) lodged with the State Claims Agency (SCA) is nearing 100, the Minister for Health has confirmed. Minister Mary Harney said that the exact number of cases was 98, and that... Read more

Addict refused help to quit

Ian McGuinness | 21 October 2008

An addict was refused a grant by the Health Service Executive to meet the costs of accessing rehabilitation facilities and, as a result, was at risk of homelessness and addiction, according to a report in a Citizens Information Board bulletin.... Read more

iPods at volume can lead to permanent hearing loss

Dara Gantly | 17 October 2008

Listening to personal music players at a high volume over a sustained period can lead to permanent hearing damage, European experts have warned. A report from the EU Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) released this... Read more

Supermarkets could play healthcare role

Greg Baxter | 16 October 2008

Supermarkets could provide a crucial and as yet unavailable health service for people who have had acute episodes and may not know where to go next, or how to get there, according to Vincent Barton, Managing Director of Prospectus Strategy... Read more

Failure to raise spirits tax slammed

Gary CUlliton | 15 October 2008

The RCPI has welcomed the budget increase in the duty levied on wine but slammed the failure to increase the duty on other alcohol products and spirits in particular. Dr. Declan Bedford, Faculty spokesperson on alcohol said the evidence is... Read more

'Fair Deal' nursing homes Bill published

Gary Culliton | 09 October 2008

The Minister for Health, Mary Harney, has published the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008. The Bill provides the legislative basis for the new Nursing Homes Support Scheme- A Fair Deal. Families should not find themselves under big financial pressure... Read more

Vhi screens for diabetes

Greg Baxter | 09 October 2008

Vhi Healthcare will shortly introduce a pilot screening programme for type II diabetes for 60,000 of its members, according to a statement by Dr Bernadette Carr, Vhi’s medical director. Dr Carr, who was addressing the Irish Hospital Consultants Association’s AGM... Read more

MRSA infections down on previous years

Greg Baxter | 08 October 2008

MRSA infections for the first six months of 2008 have fallen by 3.5 per cent compared with 2007 and seven per cent when compared with 2006, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). However, Dr Robert Cunney, HPSC microbiologist,... Read more

Stigma attached to mental illness still

Mary Anne Kenny | 07 October 2008

New research has found that the stigma still attached to mental illness means that 62 per cent of patients experienced symptoms of mental ill health for at least one year before getting help. As part of Mental Health Awareness Week,... Read more

Failure to increase tobacco taxes a 'missed opportunity', says RCPI

Ian McGuinness | 07 October 2008

The Government’s failure to increase taxes on tobacco after it introduced the smoking ban has been described as ‘a missed opportunity’ by a prominent public health doctor with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. Dr Fenton Howell made the... Read more

Website to promote 'breastway' feeding

Terence Cosgrave | 07 October 2008

A new website dedicated to improving breastfeeding rates in Ireland has registered 130 new users in its first few days of operation. The site — www.thebreastway.ie — was set up in response to concerns of mothers and doctors that not... Read more

Call to increase cigarette costs

02 October 2008

The Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) called on the Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan TD, to increase the cost of cigarettes by a minimum of €1. Mr Éamonn Rossi, OTC Chief Executive, said the extra revenue generated by the increase... Read more

No more medical cards for elderly?

Ian McGuinness | 02 October 2008

Any moves by Government to remove automatic eligibility to the over-70s’ medical card would have to be discussed with the Irish Medical Organisation, the trade union’s President has said. Dr Martin Daly was speak-ing after it was reported that the... Read more

Reilly pushes for patient safety body

Greg Baxter | 01 October 2008

The most recent breast cancer misdiagnosis in Ennis General Hospital only underlines the need to create a Patient Safety Authority that advocates for patients before ‘mounting public, media and political pressure’, the Fine Gael spokesman for health, Dr James Reilly,... Read more

Ireland ranked ninth for diabetes care

Gary Culliton | 30 September 2008

Ireland's diabetes care was ranked ninth in Europe in the first Euro Consumer Diabetes Index. Denmark led the Index followed by the UK, France and the Netherlands. The Diabetes Index compares care systems around Europe from a consumer point of... Read more

Launch of strategy for dementia care

Gary Culliton | 30 September 2008

The Minister for Older People, Máire Hoctor TD, last week launched the report, ‘Social Space, Equal Place: The Social Club Model of Dementia Care.’ The report, which was undertaken by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, explores the impact of a... Read more

Cutbacks to drug services will be fought

Greg Baxter | 26 September 2008

The chairman of the South Inner City Local Drugs Task Force, Cllr Dermot Lacey, has warned that any attempt by Government to break free of its partnership with the drugs services sector will be met with resistance. The former Lord... Read more

Irish language doctors to host a conference on ageing

Ian McGuinness | 23 September 2008

A group of doctors who hold frequent meetings through the medium of the Irish language are to stage their autumn gathering on Saturday, September 27 in St John of God’s Hospital in Stillorgan, Co Dublin. Acadamh na Líanna will host... Read more

RCPI calls for patient identifier

Greg Baxter | 19 September 2008

The Royal College of Physicians in Ireland has called for the introduction of a single unique patient identifier for all Irish patients, calling the case of its introduction, through legislation, ‘inarguable’. In its submission to the Department of Health for... Read more

Karl Henry meets Minister Harney

Gary Culliton | 18 September 2008

Karl Henry, the husband of Ann Moriarty, who died of breast cancer after being given the all-clear at two hospitals, met with Health Minister Harney yesterday and now says he is hopeful that an independent inquiry will be held. Following... Read more

Savings of €100m still possible

Gary Culliton | 18 September 2008

Savings of €100 million through better distribution arrangements under the Community Drugs Scheme are still achievable, in spite of last week’s High Court judgment, Health Minister Mary Harney has told Irish Medical Times. She pointed to larger savings which have... Read more

Index to measure care for diabetics

Gary Culliton | 18 September 2008

A ‘Diabetes Index’, which covers all 27 EU Member States as well as Norway and Switzerland, will be launched on 30 September. It ranks the consumer-friendliness of diabetes care across Europe for the first time. The Index will allow patients... Read more

IMB teams up with IPHA

Greg Baxter | 18 September 2008

A new collaboration bet-ween the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) is expected to increase the number of health professionals who report suspected adverse reactions to drugs. IPHA has enhanced its website, www.medicines.ie, as well... Read more

IMO urge booze scales, higher spirits tax

Gary Culliton | 17 September 2008

The IMO has urged the Government to introduce a sliding scale of alcohol taxes, with the lowest tax on low-alcohol beer and the highest tax on spirits, in its 2009 pre-Budget submission. In its submission, the IMO called on the... Read more

HPSC warns of E. coli well threat

Gary Culliton | 12 September 2008

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has strongly advised householders who use water from private wells to ensure that their wells are properly maintained, following an increase in Verotoxigenic E.coli (VTEC) cases. Some 139 VTEC cases have been reported so... Read more

New guidelines issued to manage pneumonia risk

11 September 2008

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), in collaboration with the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA), has issued guidance to improve the safety of patients in the NHS in England and Wales by reducing the risk of pneumonia... Read more

Radiology delays 'were significant'

Gary Culliton | 10 September 2008

Delays in diagnosis of a number of patients’ lung cancers “were of significance” in the care those patients received, the report of the lookback enquiry into radiology in the northeast will find. Treatment delays of several months between missed x-ray... Read more

'No question' of defective x-ray equipment in north east lookback

Gary Culliton | 10 September 2008

External examiners who visited the hospitals at the centre of the north-east radiology enquiry have confirmed that there is ‘absolutely no question’ of defective x-ray equipment at either site. And a letter obtained by IMT, from Mr Des O’Flynn, Group... Read more

Home births down in 2005

Alan Deeley | 09 September 2008

ESRI figures for 2005 show that planned domiciliary births decreased for the second year running — a development the Homebirth Association of Ireland attributes to centralisation and insurance changeovers being more important than growing demand. Co-ordinator Ms Krysia Lynch told... Read more

More calls to hit smoking in Budget

Alan Deeley | 09 September 2008

Minister Brian Lenihan may not have an abundance of options this October 14, but yet another doctor has suggested he turn to cigarettes for Budget 2009 – and announce a substantial increase in the cost of each pack. Dr Fenton... Read more

Study says attacks can be cut

Alan Deeley | 08 September 2008

Managing the heart rate of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients who have already suffered one attack can cut cardiac arrests by a third, the far-reaching international study ‘Beautiful’ revealed this week. Irish investigator Dr John Barton told the Irish Medical... Read more

No 'glut' of applications for State-acquired HIV

Alan Deeley | 08 September 2008

People with State Acquired Hepatitis C or HIV are well informed of the approaching State insurance deadline, and there will be ‘no glut’ of applications in the closing days, according to a leading representative. The Government Insurance Scheme open period... Read more

Researcher backs low suicide claims

Alan Deeley | 05 September 2008

A leading researcher on suicide believes the death toll in Ireland is again being masked by inquests citing undetermined intent. Dr Ella Arensman of the National Suicide Research Foundation issued cautious support for the claims of TD Dan Neville, who... Read more

Outbreak of mumps affects 20 in Mayo

Alan Deeley | 05 September 2008

More than a score of people are now believed to have contracted mumps in the Claremorris region of Mayo – including some in their twenties who said they had been vaccinated. Ballindine-based GP Dr Ken Egan commented to Irish Medical... Read more

Health needs to be part of overall government policy

By Alan Deeley | 05 September 2008

A new report argues for holistic policy-making for health across all Government departments, allowing the Department of Health some rest from criticism. The authors – the Combat Poverty Agency and the Institute of Public Health – claim that many of... Read more

Large hike in price of cigarettes needed

Gary Culliton | 05 September 2008

The Medical Director of the Irish Heart Foundation has called for a 20 to 30 per cent increase in the price of cigarettes, saying this is needed to keep pace with inflation. “Research has shown that when the excise duty... Read more

Alzheimer's problems controlled

Terence Cosgrave | 04 September 2008

New data reported in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry has shown that behavioural problems in Alzheimer’s patients can be controlled and the emergence of new behavioural problems can be delayed by drug treatments. Antipsychotic medications have been commonly used... Read more

Students warned to get two doses of MMR vaccine

Gary Culliton | 01 September 2008

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has warned all students to make sure that they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine following an increase in the number of mumps cases reported in recent weeks. Mumps has been on the... Read more

Oncology unit gets planning approval

Ian McGuinness | 27 August 2008

A five-storey building containing oncology and other medical services at the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork has been granted planning permission. Cork City Council gave permission for the project last month. The plans show that one level of the new... Read more

8,200 added to medical card list

Ian McGuinness | 27 August 2008

An extra 8,200 patients have been added to medical card lists in just one month. The latest figures from the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (formerly the General Medical Services Payments Board) show that the vast majority of these additional patients... Read more

PSA screening not advised for over-75s

27 August 2008

A major US task force on prostate cancer has recommended against PSA screening for men over the age of 75. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), updating its 2002 report, concluded that there was insufficient scientific evidence to recommend... Read more

HSE launches 2007 drug misuse report

Gary Culliton | 26 August 2008

The Health Service Executive South has published its seventh annual ‘Overview of Drug Misuse’ report (2007), which covers the five counties of the south-east region: Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary. The report gives a breakdown of alcohol and... Read more

Heroin users start drugs at 12 years old - but parents are using as well

Ian McGuinness | 23 August 2008

The average age at which opiate dependent teenagers tried any illegal drug was just over 12 years, according to a new study carried out among patients at the Drug Treatment Centre Board. Eighty-three per cent cited cannabis as the first... Read more

Small increase in breastfeeding mums

By Ian McGuinness | 14 August 2008

There has been a slow but steady increase in the number of mothers who are breastfeeding their newborn babies, according to the latest perinatal statistics from the Department of Health. The Perinatal Statistics Report 2005, which was compiled by the... Read more

Cancer-causing radon levels higher in Ireland

By Gary Culliton | 14 August 2008

People in Ireland are exposed to higher levels of radiation than people living in many other European countries, according to a new report. The results of the report by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) are based on a... Read more

Chronic disease funding used 'to meet financial pressures' - Reilly

By Greg Baxter | 14 August 2008

Only a fraction of the money set aside for chronic disease management in 2007 was actually spent on those services, said Fine Gael Health Spokesperson, Dr James Reilly. He said that only €70,000 of the €5 million budget was spent... Read more

Special Report: Still waiting for answers on suicide

Ian McGuinness | 12 August 2008

Irish Medical Times reports from an Oireactas meeting on suicide prevention and finds that answers are still not forthcoming on the progress of implementing the Reach Out report. There are just no answers to suicide. Or so it would seem.... Read more

Some suicides don't count

Ian McGuinness | 08 August 2008

Up to 200 suicides might not be accounted for each year because some car crashes, drownings and other incidents are not being acknowledged as suicide, a prominent TD and activist has warned. Deputy Dan Neville, who is the Chairman of... Read more

Blood service to use merchandise products

Ian McGuinness | 06 August 2008

Pens, key rings, car stickers, fridge magnets, shopping bags, ponchos, towels and backpacks are among the merchandise that the Irish Blood Transfusion Service is going to buy in order to promote itself. The Service is going to award a two-to-three-year... Read more

No catch-up vaccine programme for cervical

Gary Culliton | 06 August 2008

A catch-up HPV vaccination programme will not be put in place for 13- to 15-year-olds, Health Minister Harney has announced. A cervical cancer programme for all 12-year-old girls is to commence from September 2009. It has been left to the... Read more

Childhood vaccine increase

Terence Cosgrave | 05 August 2008

There has been an improvement in the uptake of childhood vaccinations to 90 per cent in the four-year period up to 2006 and there was a similar improvement for MMR vaccine from 70 to 85 per cent over the same... Read more

Downturn hits HRB conference

05 August 2008

A conference that was to be held in November by the Health Research Board has been postponed because of the economic downturn and the budgetary restraints being imposed because of that situation. The conference, Working Together To Improve People’s Health,... Read more

Platelets labelled with wrong information: IBTS

Ian McGuinness | 04 August 2008

A unit of platelets was mislabelled with the wrong blood group at the National Blood Centre, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has said. The IBTS acknowledged that the incident occurred at its headquarters in Dublin city in January this... Read more

HIQA calculate 'cost per life gained'

Gary Culliton | 31 July 2008

Gary Culliton reports on HIQA's Health Technology Assessment Directorate, which is charged with establising the cost-effectiveness of new public initiatives. A Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is about more than deciding whether a programme is cost-effective. HIQA’s cervical cancer HTA recently... Read more

GP fees were not part of screening contract talks

Ian McGuinness | 31 July 2008

The fees payable to GPs for participating in Ireland’s cervical screening programme, which is expected to begin in the autumn, did not form part of the discussions between the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS).... Read more

Treatment delay: up to 12 cancers not spotted on X-ray

Gary Culliton | 30 July 2008

Another cancer nightmare looms for Health Minister Harney: the look-back inquiry into radiology in the north east has established that treatment was delayed in up to a dozen further cases of lung cancer, where the disease was not spotted on... Read more

Gates and Bloomberg invest in smoking cessation

Terence Cosgrave | 30 July 2008

Public health doctors in Ireland and around the world will be delighted at the news that two of the world’s richest men are investing a huge sum of money into smoking cessation in a bid to cut smoking rates around... Read more

NUI Galway has made major changes to cut risk

Greg Baxter | 24 July 2008

Major changes have been made that will decrease the risk of breast cancer misdiagnosis, according to the Faculty of Pathology, RCPI, and Galway University Hospitals. The HIQA report found that two errors were made in the examination and interpretation of... Read more

Smear service on course for autumn

Ian McGuinness | 23 July 2008

General practitioners will be actively involved in the cervical smear screening programme within one or two months, the National Cancer Screening Service has said. A spokeswoman for the Service said that the development was related to the contract talks the... Read more

‘Narrative medicine’ can help ease pain

Greg Baxter | 23 July 2008

Cancer patients who write down their emotional thoughts – a process known as ‘narrative medicine’ – can experience an improvement in pain and general well-being, according to a new study in the Journal of Pain & Symptom Management. Narrative medicine... Read more

HSE Community Games are launched

23 July 2008

An estimated 6,500 young people are set to take part in this year’s HSE Community Games National Finals, which were officially launched in Dublin’s Docklands last Sunday. The National Finals themselves take place from 16-17 August and from 23-24 August... Read more

New obesity surgery clinic for Dublin 4

Gary Culliton | 22 July 2008

An obesity surgery clinic has opened in Donnybrook, Dublin, charging between €5,000 and nearly €20,000 for procedures. Obesity Solutions specialises in gastro-abdominal surgery including gastric banding, gastric ballooning, gastric bypass and stomach reduction. It is owned by Q Medical and... Read more

In-store ban on tobacco advertising welcomed

Mary Anne Kenny | 22 July 2008

ASH Ireland has welcomed the announcement that ‘point of sale’ advertising and promotion of tobacco products will be removed from all of the country’s retail outlets next year. The ban on in-store advertising will come into effect on 1 July... Read more

More people detained against their wishes

Ian McGuinness | 22 July 2008

More people are being involuntarily detained in psychiatric institutions, according to monthly statistics released by the Mental Health Commission. The figures for May 2008 show that there were 151 instances in which a patient was involuntarily detained under the Mental... Read more

X-ray reviews due in August

Gary Culliton | 22 July 2008

The HSE anticipates that the ‘look back’ review of x-rays and CT scans under way in the north east will be complete by 18 July and that a final report will issue in the middle of August. The radiology review... Read more

Hundreds contest nursing-home fees

Alan Deeley | 22 July 2008

Four hundred cases will go before the courts to contest matters under the Nursing Home Repayment Scheme, while thousands more people do not have the money to enter litigation, according to estimates given by Age Action Ireland on the extent... Read more

Women buying abortion online

Sandra Ryan | 18 July 2008

Irish women are buying drugs online to enable abortions at home, according to new research. The study, published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, looked at 400 women from 70 countries, including Ireland, who had used one of... Read more

Genetic testing for several diseases to be done overseas

Greg Baxter | 18 July 2008

Genetic testing for haemochromatosis, for fragile X, and for children over a year old with developmental delay will have to be carried out overseas, joining a host of testing and diagnostics services that are leaving Ireland. The National Centre for... Read more

Daily fruit juice linked to diabetes

Greg Baxter | 18 July 2008

Fruit juice has been linked to a slight increase in type 2 diabetes in women, according to new research in Diabetes Care. Three servings a day of fruit and leafy vegetables were not associated with the development of diabetes in... Read more

Heart Index criticised for lack of references

Sandra Ryan | 18 July 2008

Ireland’s provision of cardiovascular care ranks sixteenth out of 29 European countries, according to the latest figures from the Euro Consumer Heart Index, a comparison of how ‘consumer-friendly’ healthcare systems are throughout Europe. However, the study has been strongly criticised... Read more

Department of Health to review the HSE’s home care package

Greg Baxter | 18 July 2008

The Department of Health is set evaluate home care packages, as well as assess the HSE’s management of the Home Care Support Scheme. The Department has issued a tender offer for a quantitiave and qualitative evaluation of home care packages... Read more

Thinking about death makes you eat more

Greg Baxter | 18 July 2008

People who think about their own deaths want to eat more, new research has claimed. “Consumers, especially those with a lower self-esteem, might be more susceptible to over-consumption when faced with images of death during the news or their favourite... Read more

Cork should get Dublin plan — Senator

Gary Culliton | 17 July 2008

A change in the National Cancer Strategy which will see hospitals in Dublin maintaining existing cancer services and working together in a bid to delivering the best possible patient care should be applied to hospitals in Cork, according to Fine... Read more

Children born onto waiting list for BCG shot

Alan Deeley | 17 July 2008

Children in Galway have been born into a waiting list for the crucial tuberculosis shot since a neonatal BCG vaccine was made policy last autumn, a HSE spokesperson has conceded. The Executive is now reviewing workloads to find space in... Read more

Support needed for Huntington’s patients

Alan Deeley | 17 July 2008

The Department of Health avoids adding to the Long Term Illness list because one new entry could open a ‘Pandora’s Box’ for funding many more conditions, according to Huntington’s disease (HD) cam-paigners. The Department has supported the same 16 illnesses... Read more

‘Cumulative increase’ in reliance on methadone to beat heroin addiction

Alan Deeley | 16 July 2008

The figure of almost 10,000 heroin addicts currently in treatment – as reported last week – represents ‘a cumulative increase’ in reliance on methadone, according to a key project co-ordinator. It is the norm for ‘an individual to get on... Read more

Booze adverts clash with 'get fit' message

Alan Deeley | 16 July 2008

Public health specialist Dr Joseph Barry has slammed the Government’s response to successive reports on alcohol advertising’s place in sport, where the message to teenagers to get fit collides with alcohol promotion. “For instance, rugby’s all about the alcohol: the... Read more

ICE system wins favour of IAEM

Greg Baxter | 16 July 2008

All people should keep the name and telephone number of their next of kin on their mobile phone under the heading ‘ICE’ (In Case of Emergency), the country’s emergency medicine doctors have urged. The Irish Association of Emergency Medicine has... Read more

Terminal diagnoses should involve families

Alan Deeley | 16 July 2008

Involving loved ones in delivering a diagnosis of terminal cancer can facilitate family support for the patient, depending on family dynamics, patient vulnerability and doctors’ judgment of the individual’s willingness to hear. The assessment comes as the Journal of Clinical... Read more

Equalisation of services is key to cancer care

Gary Culliton | 12 July 2008

Gary Culliton speaks to Dr Joseph Ragaz, former colleague of Prof Tom Keane at the highly-successful British Columbia Cancer Agency in Vancouver. When a good cancer treatment is developed, it usually only becomes available to small numbers of people through... Read more

Cancer society plans to double its funding

Sandra Ryan | 10 July 2008

Sandra Ryan writes that the Irish Cancer Society's focus is to increase its funding to deal with the expected rise in cancer rates in Ireland in the future. The National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) says it expects more than... Read more

Sligo goes to EU on cancer

Sandra Ryan | 10 July 2008

Doctors protesting about the Government’s cancer strategy in the north west are drafting a petition for the EU Parliament, aiming to prevent the removal of oncology services from the region. Under the Health Service Executive’s Cancer Control Programme, patients from... Read more

Ireland can lead the way against smoking

Terence Cosgrave | 10 July 2008

Irish public health doctors have an ‘enormous opportunity’ to do research on the health benefits to non-smokers of smoking bans that could save many lives in the undeveloped world. Prof Gregory Connolly — one of the world’s leading tobacco control... Read more

Medical tourism to beat EU waiting lists

Gary Culliton | 09 July 2008

People living within the European Union will be able to receive most healthcare treatments anywhere in the 27-nation bloc without getting prior authorisation, if a long-awaited proposal published on 2 July becomes law. Postponed for months because of fears in... Read more

Sexual health should not be stigmatised

Alan Deeley | 09 July 2008

Observing pamphlets on sexual health in a doctor’s surgery is an important prompt for patients to consult a doctor about serious sexual health matters, according to Mary O’Shea, Dublin AIDS Alliance executive director. She said that such materials ‘normalise sexual... Read more

NCSS cannot give a figure for Quest cervical contract

Ian McGuinness | 04 July 2008

The National Cancer Screening Service has said it does not know how much the cervical screening contract, which was awarded to US firm Quest Diagnostics, will be worth to the company. When it announced the award on the e-tenders web... Read more

Smoking ban does help reduce smokers' habits

Alan Deeley | 04 July 2008

New research suggests that when workplace smoking bans are introduced, a smoker’s cigarette use decreases by two to four cigarettes a day. Although Prof Luke Clancy, of the Research Institute for a Tobacco Free Society, warns that this figure... Read more

Cancer centres reduced

Gary Culliton | 04 July 2008

Prof Tom Keane, the Interim Director of the National Cancer Control Programme, is planning a major change to the State’s national cancer strategy announced last September, which will see three centres of excellence based in Dublin, instead of the planned... Read more

ECT 'going through a revival' — Corry

Alan Deeley | 04 July 2008

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Michael Corry, whose advocacy against forced electroconvulsive therapy led to a Green Party Bill before the Seanad last week, has told Irish Medical Times that the treatment is ‘going through a revival’. The Health Research Board documented... Read more

Push to increase NTPF patient referrals

Gary Culliton | 03 July 2008

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and the HSE have launched a major drive to increase the referrals from a number of hospitals who are not referring sufficient patients to the NTPF, ‘leaving patients waiting needlessly longer than 12 months... Read more

Sale of 'morning- after' pill defended

Sandra Ryan | 03 July 2008

A new UK web-site selling contraceptives, including the morning-after pill, has been defended by its owners, who say it is aimed at women in the UK and Ireland who are ‘busy working mothers’ and live a long way from a... Read more

Irish adults do not eat enough dairy

02 July 2008

Nearly one-third of Irish adults (29 per cent) do not consume the basic three servings of dairy a day, as recommended by the Department of Health & Children, according to TNS mrbi research commissioned by the National Dairy Council. The... Read more

Mother's diet affects baby's future health

Gary Culliton | 02 July 2008

A mother’s diet during pregnancy can affect genetic expression and impact on a baby’s health, a meeting in Dublin was told. Over two hundred nutritionists attended the Nutrition Society meeting from 18 to 20 June in University College Dublin, to... Read more

St Brigid’s Home to get three new units

02 July 2008

The Health Service Executive has been granted planning permission for two palliative care units and a physiotherapy unit in Dublin. The services will be housed in two single-storey extensions at the back of St Brigid’s Home in Brittas, County Dublin.... Read more

Irish surgeons must go for ‘super-specialisation’

Alan Deeley | 01 July 2008

The president of the Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons believes Irish surgeons must push ahead with super-specialisation, despite reports that some patients under the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) must go to the UK for certain reconstructive surgeries. These patients... Read more

Needs of people with MS highlighted

01 July 2008

The physical and societal needs of people with multiple sclerosis will be highlighted in a new exercise scheme for participants of all abilities, provided by MS Ireland. The National Activity, Exercise and Physiotherapy Research Programme – “Getting the Balance Right”... Read more

‘Rambling Together’ in Carlow

01 July 2008

Minister for Older People Maire Hoctor launched the ‘Rambling Together’ community project last week, which brought together two very different generations in Carlow to build mutual respect. The ‘Rambling Together’ booklet collects life stories told to transition year students at... Read more

Patients prefer straight-talk from doctors

29 June 2008

A new study shows that terminally-ill patients prefer their doctors to discuss end-of-life care with them and to be truthful about what the future holds. It may be one of the most difficult things for a doctor to have to... Read more

Prescribing drug abuse

Gary Culliton | 27 June 2008

There has been a significant rise in prescriptions of drugs such as Valium (diazepam, up by a fifth) and Xanax (alprazolam, up by 42 per cent) in the five years since the landmark Benzodazapine Report called for a ‘considerable reduction’... Read more

Pre-hospital care needs changes

Greg Baxter | 27 June 2008

Major innovations are needed in the pre-hospital care of patients with heart attacks, a public health consultant told Irish Medical Times. Dr Siobhan Jennings said GP-administered thrombolysis needs to be happening in more places than Donegal and West Galway.... Read more

HIV screening dilemma shows Catch-22 situation

Alan Deeley | 24 June 2008

The future of HIV screening services rests in a Catch-22 situation: to encourage more people with sexual health concerns to avail of testing without swamping an ‘already-stretched’ system, says the chairman of the Education and Prevention Sub-Committee on HIV and... Read more

New measures needed to counter counterfeits

By Greg Baxter | 24 June 2008

Pharmaceutical industry leaders across the EU have called for new measures to tackle the growing threat of counterfeit medicines. The measures include a ban on medicine repackaging, a standard EU system of identifying medicines, and heavier penalties for trafficking in... Read more

Fat drugs don't allow 'snouts in the trough'

By Alan Deeley | 24 June 2008

A study on the effects of blocking the hunger hormone for obese people, published this week by the University of Texas South-Western Medical Centre, will be of use at the ‘extreme end’ of weight gain, according to public health specialist... Read more

Ireland in line with EU on cancer

24 June 2008

Ireland’s cancer control strategy, which will realign services into regional centres of excellence, is based on the same principles as a report published by the EU Council of Health Ministers, the Minister for Health has said. Mary Harney said the... Read more

Irish abortions abroad have fallen

24 June 2008

The number of Irish women having abortions abroad is continuing to fall, according to latest statistics. According to the Crisis Pregnancy Agency, it is the sixth year in a row that the numbers, which come from the UK Department of... Read more

Harney to rule on 'cost effective' vaccine

Gary Culliton | 24 June 2008

Gary Culliton writes on the possibility that a cervical cancer vaccination programme will be launched in Ireland soon. Health Minister Harney has indicated that a decision will be made this summer on whether a cervical cancer vaccination programme can proceed.... Read more

Maybe baby — women play the waiting game

Dr Nuala O'Farrell | 23 June 2008

Dr Nuala O'Farrell writes that women are torn between furthering their career and having a baby, hoping that they will still be fertile in their late 30s. Many successful young women nowadays find it difficult to choose the right time... Read more

Irish doctors mistrust each other — Prof Keane

Greg Baxter | 22 June 2008

Greg Baxter reports on some recent public comments by Prof Tom Keane who had some harsh words to say about the Irish healthcare system. If you are still talking about healthcare in terms of beds, the conversation has passed you... Read more

Attacks on staff in North still a problem

Ian McGuinness | 21 June 2008

Despite the introduction of a zero tolerance campaign last June, the number of attacks on healthcare workers is still an issue in Northern Ireland. Attacks on healthcare workers has been raised as an issue of concern once more, this time... Read more

More contact required for better diabetes care

Sandra Ryan | 20 June 2008

New guidelines for managing type 2 diabetes have suggested a stronger relationship between GPs and hospital doctors to treat and prevent the disease. A Practical Guide to Integrated Type II Diabetes Care, written by Dr Velma Harkins at the Irish... Read more

Gay couples seek IVF clarity

Sandra Ryan | 20 June 2008

The Equality Authority is examining whether same-sex couples have a right to IVF treatment in Ireland under the Equality Act 2004, following a number of couples contacting them after being refused infertility treatment. Dr Tony Walsh, IVF specialist and medical... Read more

Experts gather at Galway conference

Gary Culliton | 19 June 2008

NUI Galway’s Department of Surgery held an inaugural International Breast Cancer Conference from 19–21 June. The main theme of the conference was multidisciplinary breast cancer care, which was of interest to all professionals involved in breast cancer management including surgeons,... Read more

Obese kids need help and referrals

Mary Anne Kenny | 19 June 2008

GPs should be more pro-active in identifying children who need to lose weight and refer them to specialist clinics, if necessary, according to Dr Eva Orsmond, a medical doctor with a special interest in the treatment of overweight patients and... Read more

Indemnity and insurance issues to be resolved

Ian McGuinness | 19 June 2008

The outstanding issues in the cervical smear contract can be resolved, the Chairman of the Irish Medical Organisation’s GP Committee, Dr Ronan Boland, has said. One of the unresolved issues in the ongoing talks with the National Cancer Screening Service... Read more

Keane shocked by reaction

Greg Baxter | 19 June 2008

Ireland’s new cancer czar admitted he did not expect the political maelstrom which the Government and health service encountered as a result of realigning cancer services. Prof Tom Keane, the interim director of the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), told... Read more

Review of critical care under way

18 June 2008

A review of adult critical care units is under way, which will plan out that sector’s needs to 2020. Prospectus Limited was awarded the contract by the HSE but the cost has not yet been revealed. It is understood that... Read more

Carer’s grant doesn’t go far enough to deliver real support for carers

MaryAnne Kenny | 18 June 2008

The increases in the Respite Care Grant — though welcome — do not go far enough to deliver real support to full-time family carers, according to Ms Catherine Cox of the Carers Association, the national representative organisation for Ireland’s 161,000... Read more

Proven Galway care scheme cannot begin

Alan Deeley | 18 June 2008

A community care scheme for patients with heart failure in Galway, which has a proven track record of success, cannot begin because two vital nursing posts have yet to be filled, according to Dr John Barton, Consultant Cardiologist, Portiuncla Hospital.... Read more

No objections to Rehab hospital

Ian McGuinness | 18 June 2008

No objections have been lodged so far against the National Rehabilitation Hospital’s planning application for a new hospital at its Dún Laoghaire site. The application was submitted last month. With 235 bedrooms, the new hospital will range in height from... Read more

More contact required for better diabetes care

Sandra Ryan | 17 June 2008

HIV figures reveal immigrants at high risk

By Alan Deeley | 14 June 2008

As the Health Protection Surveillance Centre publishes figures revealing a seven and a half per cent increase in HIV diagnoses for 2007, the executive director of Dublin Aids Alliance has asked the healthcare community to ‘get to know’ patients across... Read more

China and UAE make rapid progress to safe blood donation

By Mary Anne Kenny | 14 June 2008

Voluntary blood donation in China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reached close to 100 per cent as a result of both countries’ efforts to tackle the risk of contamination from unsafe blood, according to the World Health Organization... Read more

GPs should be paid for quitters

Greg Baxter | 13 June 2008

GPs should be paid to help patients quit smoking, a European report on GPs and smoking cessation has recommended. The report by the European body PESCE – General Practitioners and Economics of Smoking Cessation in Europe — recommends that GPs... Read more

Imager machines 'will not lie idle', says HSE

Alan Deeley | 13 June 2008

The HSE insists that imager machines typically used for cytology readings ‘will not lie idle’ when all cervical smear tests currently performed in Ireland are outsourced to Quest Diagnostics. A Health Service Executive spokesperson said that imager leases clashing with... Read more

Top-up fee for podiatrists ‘commonplace’

12 June 2008

Podiatrists in Ireland are increasingly asking patients with medical cards to pay a €10-€20 ‘top-up’ fee – otherwise, they are relying on payments under the GMS, which they say are ‘too small’ and procedurally restrictive. Mr Donald Maxwell, administrator for... Read more

Breast cancer increase

Sandra Ryan | 12 June 2008

New research from the UK has shown that cases of breast cancer are on the increase, with predictions that by 2024, one in seven women will be diagnosed with the disease. Researchers at the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Centre in... Read more

Over 10,000 cards allocated in April

Ian McGuinness | 12 June 2008

Nearly 10,700 additional patients have been added to full medical card lists in the space of one month, according to the latest figures from the Primary Care. Reimbursement Service. The figures for 1 May show that in the preceding month... Read more

Celebrating the life of the older woman

Liz McManus | 12 June 2008

Liz McManus, Labour TD, writes about the lives of older women in Ireland today and finds that although there are still issues to be overcome, women aged over 55 have much to look forward to and also much to celebrate.... Read more

FAI to go smoke-free

11 June 2008

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the Health Service Executive met last week in Abbotstown, Co. Dublin to develop a smoke-free policy for Irish soccer. The FAI and the HSE will develop this plan with a view to introducing... Read more

Exercise keeps you younger says report

Mary Anne Kenny | 11 June 2008

Current regular participation in sport is equivalent, in health terms, to being 14 years younger, according to a new report from the Economic and Social Research Institute and the Irish Sports Council. Sporting Lives: An Analysis of a Lifetime of... Read more

Legislation has little impact on drivers

Greg Baxter | 10 June 2008

Drivers continue to use handheld mobile phones at roughly the same rate that they did before it was made illegal to do so — despite the fact that they can now get fined and penalty points for doing so. A... Read more

Hidden horrors come to light

Sandra Ryan | 10 June 2008

Sandra Ryan reports on the issue of female genital mutilation — the results of which, according to anecdotal reports, are now being witnessed by doctors in Ireland. Female genital mutilation (FGM, or ‘cutting’, as is the more politically-correct term) is... Read more

Community services to grow

Greg Baxter | 08 June 2008

Greg Baxter spoke to Mr Jim Joyce, CEO of Point of Care, a company whose specialist infusion clinics spare patients from making trips to hospital. The opening of the second Point of Care clinic – a specialist nursing infusion centre... Read more

'Patchy' services affect patient care

Sandra Ryan | 07 June 2008

Sandra Ryan looks at osteoporosis services in Ireland, after a new study revealed that European patients fare worse than those in other continents. In a first-of-its-kind study on osteoporosis, one in four women surveyed from Europe, North America and Australia... Read more

Jobs embargo causing a BCG backlog

Ian McGuinness | 06 June 2008

The HSE’s recruitment embargo has contributed to 900 children in Galway city and county being on waiting lists to receive the BCG vaccine. The news comes after Irish Medical Times reported last week that 9,654 children were waiting for the... Read more

Hospice Foundation to discuss funds with HSE

Ian McGuinness | 06 June 2008

The Irish Hospice Foundation has said it will wait until after it meets the HSE before deciding whether it will seek the referral of the HSE spending on palliative care in 2006 and 2007 to the Comptroller and Auditor General.... Read more

Contract costs to remain secret

Ian McGuinness | 06 June 2008

The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) has said it does not have to state the financial cost of the cervical screening contract, for which the US company Quest Diagnostics has been declared a ‘preferred bidder’. Irish Medical Times asked whether... Read more

Tattooed Irish should be tested for hepatitis C

Gary Culliton | 06 June 2008

Irish people should consider being tested for hepatitis C if they have ever had a tattoo or body piercing using an unsterilised needle, or are uncertain about the sterility of a tattoo or piercing they received, said Ms Olivia Carr... Read more

Prescribed cannabis outlawed in Ireland

Alan Deeley | 05 June 2008

Doctors who disagree with health officials’ hostile stance on medicinal cannabis should ‘start with the Irish literature’, according to the campaigner highlighting patients’ impasse with Irish Customs to the European Commission. Mr Noel McCullagh, who lives with multiple sclerosis, said... Read more

Government urged to end all tobacco advertising

Greg Baxter | 05 June 2008

Ireland is ‘top of the tree’ when it comes to banning tobacco advertisements, according to Prof Luke Clancy, Director General of the Research Institute for a Tobacco Free Society and Consultant Physician of Respiratory Diseases at St James’s Hospital. But... Read more

Scientists query quality control

Sandra Ryan | 05 June 2008

The Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (MLSA) has warned that smear tests carried out by the HSE-approved American laboratory, Quest, will not be subject to any Irish quality control measures. “The State’s decision to outsource these tests means that all money... Read more

Excessive alcohol linked to enlarged hearts in women

By Greg Baxter | 04 June 2008

Excessive alcohol drink-ing is linked to enlarged hearts in women and to hypertension in men, according to new research co-authored by a Trinity College Dublin academic. Dr Azra Mahmud, a lecturer in Cardiovascular Pharmacology, said excessive drinking has a direct... Read more

Lack of resources hampers gut care

Alan Deeley | 04 June 2008

Ireland leads global re-search on digestive disorders, but ‘lags behind’ in the clinical care provided to citizens affected, according to the President of the World Gastroenterology Organisation, Prof Eamonn Quigley. Doctors’ lack of clinical resources hampers further innovation in detecting... Read more

Cervical cancer vaccination recommended

Gary Culliton | 04 June 2008

A new cost-effectiveness analysis shows that universal HPV vaccination of 12 year old females would be cost-effective in Ireland. A report published today also recommends a once-off vaccination programme for 13 to 15 year-old females. At older ages, the vaccine... Read more

Nurses forced to pay their own wages

Ian McGuinness | 30 May 2008

Nurses in palliative home care teams in Galway help to raise funds that pay their salary, the Irish Hospice Foundation has revealed. Mr Eugene Murray, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, explained that the 25 home nurses based in Galway... Read more

10,000 children wait for TB vaccine

Ian McGuinness | 29 May 2008

Nearly 10,000 children are on a waiting list in the Health Service Executive South to be given a vaccine that will protect them against tuberculosis. The figure was revealed at the latest meeting of the HSE South’s Regional Health Forum,... Read more

NCSS defends choice of Quest Diagnostics

Gary Culliton | 29 May 2008

Any claim that there will not be a facility for a doctor in Ireland to discuss a cervical cancer smear with the person interpreting it in the USA is simply not true, the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) has said.... Read more

TV junkies manipulated by adverts

Alan Deeley | 28 May 2008

Junk food advertisements enter the bedrooms of the one in three Irish adolescents who have their own television set — leaving them open to commercial manipulation, Aaccording to Dr Joe Barry, specialist in public health medicine. Dr Barry told Irish... Read more

Beacon to provide breast cancer surgery

Gary Culliton | 28 May 2008

A new breast cancer surgery service will open in six weeks’ time at Dublin’s Beacon Hospital and aims to operate as a ‘hub’ for a network of private Irish cancer centres. The breast surgery service will augment a ‘comprehensive cancer... Read more

Investment needed in epilepsy services

Alan Deeley | 27 May 2008

Initiatives costing less than €1 million per annum could save millions of euro spent on reactive health and legal services for people with epilepsy. By increasing the numbers of specialist nurses from four to 14, and providing basic GP training... Read more

Microbiologists under pressure to share expertise

Mary Anne Kenny | 27 May 2008

A lack of consultant microbiologists means that those working in the field are under extra pressure dealing with queries from hospitals without adequate microbiology services, according to Dr Niamh O’Sullivan of the Irish Society of Clinical Microbiologists. “Consultants or infection... Read more

In Ireland, you even have to wait to die

Ian McGuinness | 23 May 2008

Dying patients are on waiting lists for admission to hospices, day hospice services and home care services, according to the chief executive officer of Our Lady’s Hospice in Dublin. Ms Mo Flynn was in a delegation to the Oireachtas Joint... Read more

Most prescribed drugs do work for HIV — study

Greg Baxter | 22 May 2008

The most frequently prescribed triple-drug combinations for initial HIV-1 infection is the most effective at suppressing HIV, according to new research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Infectious disease expert and Head of the UCD School of Medicine,... Read more

MSF battles to bring aid to cyclone victims

Sandra Ryan | 22 May 2008

Sandra Ryan spoke to representatives of Médecins Sans Frontières about the organisation's efforts to bring aid to cyclone-stricken Myanmar, formerly Burma Media coverage of the cyclone that devastated Myanmar (formerly Burma) on 2 May has waned, probably more because of... Read more

Phoenix Park HSE unit gets approval

Ian McGuinness | 21 May 2008

A 50-bed community nursing unit is due to be built in the Phoenix Park in Dublin by the Health Service Executive. The proposal received planning permission recently from Dublin City Council. The facility will be partly two and partly one-storey... Read more

Cigarettes to have photos soon

21 May 2008

Cigarette packs may soon have photo warnings to accompany text warnings. The Minister for Health, Mary Harney, will introduce legislation to allow for the introduction of combined text and photo warnings on tobacco products. The Department of Health has identified... Read more

New study to track food-borne infections

Mary Anne Kenny | 21 May 2008

A new collaborative study being carried out by safefood with the UK Food Standards Agency, will be the first in the world to use DNA methods to comprehensively estimate the prevalence of food-borne infections. The study was launched at the... Read more

Most don’t talk about depression to doctors

20 May 2008

Nearly two-thirds of people believe that depression is a difficult problem to talk to their doctor about, according to a new survey by the Lundbeck Mental Health Barometer. The most common symptoms among those with personal experience of depression are... Read more

GP-led cancer care is 'huge opportunity'

Terence Cosgrave | 20 May 2008

The Director of the National Cancer Control Programme, Prof Tom Keane, has told GPs that there is a ‘huge opportunity’ to improve cancer care in Ireland by making it GP-led, and that he has been surprised by how under-used the... Read more

New smear-testing process still unclear

Ian McGuinness | 20 May 2008

GP negotiators are trying to ascertain how the process of collecting cervical smears and returning the results will happen, Dr Ronan Boland has said. The Cork GP, who is also Chairman of the Irish Medical Organisation’s GP Committee, said the... Read more

First overseas healthcare provider gets accredited

Greg Baxter | 20 May 2008

A UK company that claims to facilitate medical tourism through information and accreditation has accredited its first healthcare provider. Treatment Abroad, a UK company owned by Intuition Communication, has recognised Mills & Mills Medical Group, a Spanish provider. Treatment Abroad... Read more

Individualised care needed for some epilepsy cases

Mary Anne Kenny | 20 May 2008

People with intellectual disabilities who also have epilepsy need individualised epilepsy care and treatment, according to Ms Aisling Farrell, Director of Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association. This year’s National Epilepsy Week, which is running until 25 May, is focusing on... Read more

'Hollywood ending' for radiotherapy plan?

Greg Baxter | 18 May 2008

Greg Baxter heard good news about the progress of the national radiotherapy plan, when he spoke with Prof Donal Hollywood at the sixth International Cancer Conference. The chairman of one of the most important strategy documents in the history of... Read more

Abortion access eased

Sandra Ryan | 16 May 2008

Access to drug induced abortions may become possible for Irish women travelling to the UK, following a pilot study showing that early medical abortions could be safely carried out in community health centres, GP surgeries and family planning clinics. The... Read more

Arthritis drugs available despite NICE decision

Gary Culliton | 16 May 2008

Anti-TNF drug therapies are freely available and sequential use for such drugs is available for patients here, Arthritis Ireland has confirmed. This follows the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence’s (NICE’s) decision to refuse thousands of people the... Read more

Cervical screening decision is criticised

Greg Baxter | 15 May 2008

The decision to outsource cervical screening lab testing services rather than investing in existing Irish labs – first reported by Irish Medical Times – has been condemned by the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association. The General Secretary of the Association said... Read more

Pathology may have to go private

Greg Baxter | 14 May 2008

Pathology and diagnostics may have to be privatised to keep up with drug development and clinical trials, according to a pioneering oncologist in Northern Ireland. Prof Patrick Johnston, who received this year’s Cancer Strategic Development Award from the sixth International... Read more

Personalised medicine may prevent cancer

14 May 2008

Personalised medicine is ‘the way forward’ in cancer chemo-prevention, a leading international oncologist told the sixth International Cancer Conference. MD Anderson Cancer Center Oncologist Prof Scott Lipmann said: “Exciting new data using combination approaches has shown that using low doses... Read more

Children poisoned by household medicines

14 May 2008

Over 4,000 children in Ireland are accidentally poisoned each year, the Irish Pharmacy Union AGM heard last weekend. The figure, sourced from the Poisons Information Centre in Beaumont Hospital, show that in most cases, prescription or over-the-counter medication is involved.... Read more

Funding needed for spina bifida

Mary Anne Kenny | 14 May 2008

More State funding is need-ed if the Irish Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IASBAH) is to maintain its services, said the organisation’s Chief Executive, Mr George Kennedy. Speaking at the IASBAH annual conference in Cork last weekend, he said... Read more

No figures given on sale of lands

Ian McGuinness | 10 May 2008

The Departments of Health and Finance have failed to state how much has been raised from the sale of psychiatric lands and buildings since A Vision For Change was published in January 2006. The document, adopted as Government policy, recommended... Read more

IBTS spends €2 on advertising campaign

10 May 2008

Nearly €2 million is going to be spent by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service on an advertising campaign. The Service awarded the tender, worth €1.8 million, to Cawley Nea, a well-known advertising firm based in Dublin. The campaign will, according... Read more

€1,000 for Fat Cert

By Mary Anne Kenny | 09 May 2008

All students should be awarded €1,000 from the State after sitting their Leaving Certificate, an expert in obesity proposed last week – but only if they can complete a set number of 20-metre shuttle runs, have a healthy blood pressure... Read more

'Choking Game' an increasing worry for teens

By Greg Baxter | 09 May 2008

An increasing number of adolescents are using the so-called 'choking game' to get high, an adolescent psychiatrist has warned. Dr Keith Homes told Irish Medical Times that while the numbers remain small, the choking game is becoming a bigger problem... Read more

New imaging technologies could avoid biopsies

Sandra Ryan | 01 May 2008

New digital imaging technology, now available in Ireland means over 80 per cent of breast cancer biopsies could be avoided. According to radiographer Jane Scannell, from Siemens Healthcare, the technology is not yet in use in Ireland, but is becoming... Read more

Time to break the silence as stroke patients suffer

Dr Dominick McCabe | 30 April 2008

Dr Dominick McCabe, Consultant Neurologist, writes that severe under-resourcing and lack of organisation of TIA and stroke services leads to continued neglect and lack of prioritisation of patients with cerebrovascular disease. The facts about cerebrovascular disease are poorly publicised in... Read more

Cleft lip and palate conference

29 April 2008

The Dublin Cleft Centre Conference, entitled ‘Cleft lip and palate — the journey of care from birth to adulthood’ will take place in the Dublin Hilton Hotel on May 14. The aim of the conference is to provide an over-view... Read more

Bar needs to be raised on alcohol regulations

Ian McGuinness | 29 April 2008

A bureau of alcohol regulation (BAR), similar to the Office of Tobacco Control, is needed to co-ordinate actions that are aimed at reducing excessive alcohol consumption, a prominent consultant psychiatrist has said. Dr Siobhán Barry made the suggestion to IMT... Read more

Brain-injured patients left waiting two years for rehabilitation

Sandra Ryan | 29 April 2008

A Dail debate on acquired brain injury (ABI) organised by the Labour Party heard that people with the condition are waiting up to two years for a place in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, the only hospital of... Read more

Pilot scheme reporting drug dealers to be extended

Ian McGuinness | 29 April 2008

A pilot scheme to stop drug dealing in Blanchardstown, by the public providing information via phone, resulted in 100 reports being sent to the Gardaí, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has said. The details were revealed after... Read more

Derry centre to treat north-west patients?

Ian McGuinness | 29 April 2008

The Department of Health has refused to state for definite whether or not patients from the south of Ireland will be treated at the new satellite radiation oncology centre expected to be established in Altnagelvin in Derry by 2015. A... Read more

New BreastCheck radiography training centre

29 April 2008

BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, has established a new radiography training centre, BreastImaging. Established in association with the Diagnostic Imaging Programme in the School of Medicine and Medical Science, UCD and located at the BreastCheck Eccles Unit, the centre... Read more

IMO welcomes report on alcohol policies

29 April 2008

The IMO has welcomed the launch of the Report of the Government Advisory Group on Alcohol. “The recognition that public policy-making across Government departments will need to take account of the specific properties of alcohol is a landmark,” said Prof... Read more

Doctors battle for CF resources

Derbhile Dromey | 26 April 2008

Derbhile Dromey says that although some positive developments are taking place, facilities for CF patients are still lacking. Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are currently being treated in facilities which the 2005 Pollock Report found to be dangerous. But the proposed... Read more

Early sex regretted by most

Mary Anne Kenny | 25 April 2008

The earlier a person’s first sexual experience, the more likely they are to regret it, a new Irish study on sexual health and relationships has found. The study, which was carried out by the Department of Health and the Crisis... Read more

Alcohol consumption increased in 2007

Sandra Ryan | 24 April 2008

Last year there was a rise in alcohol consumption in Ireland for the first time in four years, according to new statistics published by the Health Service Executive (HSE). In 2007 there was a rise of 2.7 per cent in... Read more

Dying patients' wishes should be respected

Ian McGuinness | 23 April 2008

Written documents that outline a dying patient’s wishes should be encouraged, according to a report on ‘end of life’ care for the elderly. The report, launched recently by the National Council on Ageing and Older People and the Irish Hospice... Read more

Education and research centre opens at Our Lady's Hospice

Greg Baxter | 23 April 2008

A €6.5 million Education & Research Centre has opened at Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross, Dublin. Palliative care, rheumatology and gerontology will be the focus of research at the Centre, an undergraduate and postgraduate facility for medical, nursing and allied... Read more

Better services for rape victims

Sandra Ryan | 23 April 2008

Forensic medical services for rape victims will soon be provided by specially-trained nurses, as part of a plan by the Department of Health to improve the fragmented services available in the area. The plan will also see the opening of... Read more

Minister must discuss changes say IMO

Ian McGuinness | 17 April 2008

Any attempts by the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, to ‘deregulate’ entry for GPs to the medical card scheme must be discussed with the Irish Medical Organisation, the union has said. Dr Ronan Boland, Chairman of the IMO GP Committee,... Read more

IDEA backs call to ban additives

Mary Anne Kenny | 17 April 2008

The Irish Doctors Environ-mental Association (IDEA) is backing a call by an international non-governmental organisation representing some 30,000 medical doctors worldwide for a total ban on artificial additives in children’s food. The move came after recent research published in The... Read more

Call for national laboratory

Greg Baxter | 16 April 2008

Two influential groups representing laboratories have called on the HSE to provide the necessary resources to create a national reference laboratory to identify types of Clostridium difficile in health facilities. The Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (MLSA) and the Academy of... Read more

Griffith retires from ‘Fighting Blindness’

Mary Anne Kenny | 16 April 2008

After 25 years, research campaigner Mr Michael Griffith has stepped down as chief executive of Fighting Blindness. Health Minister Mary Harney and leaders in the fields of science, health and the charity sector marked Mr Griffith’s retirement at an event... Read more

Nicotine addiction may be genetic —say EU researchers

Greg Baxter | 15 April 2008

Nicotine dependence may be genetic, according to a consortium of European researchers. A collaboration between 12 teams across seven European countries have discovered that a particular variant of a nicotine-receptor gene impacts smoking behaviour. Roughly half of the people of... Read more

St Luke's to benefit most from posts

Ian McGuinness | 15 April 2008

St Luke’s Hospital will benefit more than any other institution from the 20 new consultant posts announced for the cancer strategy by the Health Service Executive. The Dublin 6 institution is to get four consultant radiologists. It will also share... Read more

HSE tells deceased woman to attend for oncology services

15 April 2008

A mother of six was sent a letter from the HSE asking her to attend for oncology services on 23 September 2008, even though she has been dead for 17 years, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny told the Dáil. “One... Read more

Allocation of €3 million for obesity recommendations

15 April 2008

Deputy Seán Sherlock (Labour-Cork East) asked the Minister for Health and Children about the timeframe for delivering the recommendations contained in the National Taskforce on Obesity report, which was published in 2005, and if she will clarify which of the... Read more

BCG vaccine back in stock, says Minister

15 April 2008

The BCG vaccine, stocks of which have not been available in Ireland due to an international shortage, is now available, according to the Minister for Health, Deputy Mary Harney. “Unfortunately, it is not possible to stockpile the vaccine as it... Read more

'Practical' screening programme for over 40s

15 April 2008

British Health Secretary Alan Johnson has said that pharmacies and community centres could be used to offer a new screening programme for a range of illnesses to increase the uptake amongst the population. He said there was a great clinical... Read more

'Practical' screening programme for over 40s

15 April 2008

New digital service may mean more efficiency

Sandra Ryan | 11 April 2008

BreastCheck has become the first screening programme in the world to provide a fully digital mammography service, although the breast screening service is still not available nationwide. The Minister for Health, Mary Harney, launched the new digital service this week,... Read more

Audit tells cancer story

Greg Baxter | 11 April 2008

A six-year audit of cancer services at St James’s Hospital has shown dramatic increases in urological and colorectal cancers and lymphoma at the hospital since 2001, as well as survival rates that compare the hospital favourably with ‘the best international... Read more

CFA calls for specialists

Greg Baxter | 09 April 2008

The Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland has called on the Health Service Executive to introduce specialist transplant co-ordinators in all regional hospitals in order to increase Ireland’s extremely low rate of conversion of potential donors to recovered organs. Ireland, like... Read more

Lack of awareness of PSP causes suffering

Mary Anne Kenny | 09 April 2008

People in Ireland suffering from the neurological disease, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) are suffering needlessly, due mainly to a lack of awareness about the condition, said Dr Angela Wilson, Director of Medical Awareness and Research with the PSP Association (PSPA),... Read more

Joe Jacob's iodine tablets withdrawn

Gary Culliton | 09 April 2008

The Minister for Health Mary Harney has decided, ‘on the basis of expert risk management advice’, not to re-issue iodine tablets. During 2002, iodine tablets, intended to be taken in the event of a major nuclear accident that might result... Read more

GAA launches drug and alcohol guide

Greg Baxter | 09 April 2008

The GAA has introduced several new resources designed to reduce alcohol and drug misuse and abuse among athletes as part of its National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) Programme. The GAA launched a website to help GAA clubs implement... Read more

Smear tests go abroad

Greg Baxter | 04 April 2008

At least 60 per cent of cervical smear tests carried out at HSE hospitals will be sent abroad once a massive tender process for cytology screening services is complete. Irish Medical Times has learned that Ireland’s largest cytology laboratories –... Read more

One in three fail paternity

Greg Baxter | 04 April 2008

Ireland’s largest paternity test provider has revealed that one in three men tested proves not to be the biological parent. Ormonde Quay Paternity Services said the figure was based on about 300 tests carried out last year, with 35 per... Read more

Mortality increases by hospital distance

Terence Cosgrave | 04 April 2008

A UK study presented at the IMO conference in Killarney has found a one per cent increase in mortality with each 10 kilometre increase in journey distances from hospitals. The study was described by one of its authors – research... Read more

Consultants attack cancer control plan

Sandra Ryan | 03 April 2008

The HSE’s cancer control strategy came under fire at the AGM, where a motion was passed asking the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, to commission a ‘patient impact assessment’, by consulting with doctors and patients, before any changes in the... Read more

RCPI review O'Malley recommendations

Gary Culliton | 03 April 2008

The Faculty of Pathology, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) plans to ask an established subcommittee of the Faculty to review the recommendations of the Rebecca O’Malley report and make proposals as to how the Faculty may best respond... Read more

Cars 11 times worse than bars on smoke

Ian McGuinness | 03 April 2008

Children who travel in cars where an adult is smoking are exposed to 11 times the amount of tobacco smoke than is to be found in the smokiest of bars, Dr Fenton Howell, IMO Director of Public Health, said at... Read more

Children find it easy to buy cigarettes — report

Greg Baxter | 02 April 2008

Mr Éamonn Rossi, OTC Chief Executive, stated that refusal rates are at an unacceptable level. “Best practice shows that very high compliance rates are necessary to impact sales to minors. This report highlights a strong and clear correlation between the... Read more

Cigarette price rises would lead to smuggling

Ian McGuinness | 02 April 2008

Raising the price of cigar-ettes could lead to a rise in tobacco smuggling, Dr Bernard Ruane told the IMO’s Annual General Conference. The GP said that when he lived in Canada, the government there raised the price of tobacco by... Read more

Kids' 'Fat Camps' to open in 2008

Mary Anne Kenny | 28 March 2008

The problem of adolescent overweight and obesity is so bad in Ireland that for the first time in history, this generation of children will have a shorter lifespan than their parents, according to obesity expert and founder of Motivation Weight... Read more

Taoiseach slammed for handling of obesity problem

Ian McGuinness | 27 March 2008

The Taoiseach has been criticised for failing to show leadership in dealing with the problem of obesity. Speaking at the Irish Medical Organisation's Annual General Meeting in Killarney, Dr Fenton Howell referred to the 2005 Report of the National Taskforce... Read more

Tougher restrictions on cosmetic surgery?

Sandra Ryan | 21 March 2008

The Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons (IAPS) has expressed their growing concern over the practices of private cosmetic surgery clinics in Ireland in a document that recommends, among other things, severe restrictions on how cosmetic surgery procedures are advertised. It... Read more

Orphans not working

Greg Baxter | 20 March 2008

Irish patients with rare diseases have limited access to life-saving new treatments that have come onto the market since introduction of the EU’s Orphan Drug Regulation 2000, according to the Irish Platform for Patients’ Organisations, Science & Industry (IPPOSI). Fewer... Read more

Vitamin E supplements link to lung-cancer risk

Greg Baxter | 18 March 2008

Vitamin E supplements have been linked to increased risk of lung cancer, a new study has revealed. The Vitamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) study, which was published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, covered the supplement-taking habits... Read more

Vaccine returns service resumes

Ian McGuinness | 18 March 2008

The Health Service Executive’s vaccine returns service has recommenced operation after it was suspended when one of its drivers suffered a needle stick injury. The driver received the injury from an exposed needle that was put in with some vaccines,... Read more

Elderly care standards to drive up costs?

Mary Anne Kenny | 18 March 2008

Concerns over costs and future staffing levels in nursing homes have been raised after the publication of the final draft of the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People by the Health Information and Quality Authority last... Read more

Dail motion supports HSE

18 March 2008

A Government motion supporting the Health Service Executive (HSE) and welcoming the recent controversial reports into events at the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise, where a review into breast cancer services took place last year, was passed in the Dail... Read more

Referral pattern queried

18 March 2008

An argument broke out between the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, and Fine Gael Health spokesperson Deputy James Reilly, over Prof. Tom Keane’s plans with the Irish College of General Practitioners to change GP referral patterns for cancer patients. Deputy... Read more

Closure of cancer care at Sligo Hospital criticised

18 March 2008

The outcomes for cancer patients in Sligo General Hospital are “identical or superior to” those found in the US, Deputy John Perry (FG- Sligo-North Leitrim) told the Dail. He said he has received the results of a cancer care survery... Read more

Minister claims no record of warning letter

18 March 2008

The Minister for Health, Mary Harney, has again said that no record of a warning letter sent in 2002 by Portlaoise consultant surgeon Mr Peter Naughton to the Deparment of Health has been found. During a debate on the reports... Read more

Waiting lists for mammograms

18 March 2008

Deputy Pat Breen (FG-Clare) asked the Minister for Health, Deputy Mary Harney, about the number of women on the waiting list for mammograms at Limerick Regional Hospital, the number of mammograms carried out at Ennis General Hospital for the years... Read more

Ahern asked to confirm confidence

Sandra Ryan | 18 March 2008

Fine Gael leader Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern if, following revelations in the recent reports into the breast cancer controversy in Portlaoise, he remains confident in the Health Service Executive (HSE), which Deputy Kenny described as “bloated,... Read more

Irish suicide rates growing since '50s

Sandra Ryan | 14 March 2008

A new report has revealed that suicide rates in Ireland are currently three times higher than what they were in the 1950s and 1960s. The report, called Suicide, attempted suicide and prevention in Ireland and elsewhere, published by the Health... Read more

New cancer referral guide

Sandra Ryan | 13 March 2008

The new head of the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) cancer control programme, Prof. Tom Keane, is working with the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) to develop a new method of referring patients for specialist cancer treatment, which will more... Read more

IBTS invest €8 million

Ian McGuinness | 13 March 2008

Quicker detection of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV will result from an €8 million investment by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service on an upgrading of its blood testing capabilities. The contract, which involves the Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAT)... Read more

Pharmacists ‘likely’ to pull out of scheme

Sandra Ryan | 13 March 2008

Widespread withdrawal by pharmacists from the community drugs schemes is now “likely”, according to the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU). At an emergency meeting last week, which was attended by over 1,000 pharmacists, the members discussed the HSE’s plans to save... Read more

Portlaoise reports cause controversy

Sandra Ryan | 13 March 2008

Sandra Ryan reports on the controversy emerging from the three investigations into the cancer misdiagnoses at Midland Regional Hospital. The revelations contained in last week’s reports explaining exactly what happened in the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise in the second half... Read more

Audit needed on cardiology services

Greg Baxter | 12 March 2008

Greg Baxter writes that although there have been major advances in cardiac care, we have very little data on how many patients are benefiting. Major advances over the last ten years in heart failure therapy have taken place but no... Read more

Docs: 'don't interfere'

Ian McGuinness | 12 March 2008

Doctors in the midlands were reminded last week that some of them campaigned for cancer services to be split between three hospitals in the region instead of being concentrated in a specialist centre in Tullamore Hospital. The Chairman of the... Read more

Obesity expert to give talk in Dublin

11 March 2008

World-renowned expert on obesity and founder of Motivation Weight Management Clinics, Dr Maurice Larocque is coming to Ireland to share his expertise on weight management and obesity-related illnesses. Dr Larocque’s medical seminar on ‘Strategies for Long-Term Weight Management’ will take... Read more

10 years to clear infection

Gary Culliton | 07 March 2008

A radical shakeup of building standards in Irish hospitals is called for in a new report, following damning evidence on the prevalence of deadly healthcare-associated infections (HCAI). And even if that reform is forthcoming, it will be a decade before... Read more

1,000 die each year because they do not receive treatment

Greg Baxter | 07 March 2008

More than a thousand people die or acquire significant disability every year as a result of stroke, because they do not get access to advanced clotbusting therapy that should be delivered far more often, a neurologist at the Mater Hospital... Read more

Oesophageal cancer increase due to obesity

Gary Culliton | 06 March 2008

There has been a marked increase in new cases of oesophageal cancer diagnosed in Ireland due in particular to obesity, according to a leading Glasgow-based consultant, Mr Robert Stuart. Just under half of the population of Ireland are either overweight... Read more

No HSE talk for Newstalk 106

Mary Anne Kenny | 06 March 2008

The HSE and senior Government Ministers have announced that from now on, they will refuse to deal with Newstalk 106-108fm. The move follows controversial comments on the ‘Your Call’ programme, hosted by Brenda Power, last Thursday week. Health Economist and... Read more

Lack of services leads to lack of independence

Sandra Ryan | 06 March 2008

Lack of key services and supports in the Marino and Fairview areas of Dublin are creating barriers to older people maintaining their independence and continuing to live in the community, according to a report launched this week by Health Minister... Read more

Drugs should only be used for severely depressed

Sandra Ryan | 06 March 2008

New generation anti-depressants, such as Prozac and Seroxat, should only be used for severely depressed people, a new study has indicated. A group from the University of Hull in the UK analysed data on all the clinical trials that have... Read more

HSE should 'come clean' on emergency report

Greg Baxter | 05 March 2008

The HSE should come clean and tell the Irish public that it has no intention of implementing the recommendations made in the Emergency Department Task Force Report, the Irish Association of Emergency Medicine (IAEM) has stated.This February was the first... Read more

C Diff listed as notifiable disease

05 March 2008

The Minister for Health, Ms Mary Harney TD, has confirmed that clostridium difficile has been listed as a notifiable disease under the category ‘acute infectious gastroenteritis’, after lobbying by the group Patient Focus. According to the Chair of Patient Focus,... Read more

Drug-resistant TB on the rise, says WHO

Mary Anne Kenny | 05 March 2008

The rates of multi drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) are the highest ever, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report. The new WHO survey – the largest to date on the scale of drug resistance in TB – also found that... Read more

Older patients also use web

Greg Baxter | 05 March 2008

Almost 40 per cent of all visits to health and medical websites are made by people over 45. WebWatch 2008, an analysis of web activity in the health and medical sector, found that 37 per cent of all visits in... Read more

Study examines medication errors

Sandra Ryan | 05 March 2008

A new study examining the extent of medication errors when patients are discharged from hospital has found that the majority of non medical card holders had still not visited their GP two weeks after leaving hospital. The study, published in... Read more

AHR not on medical card

Sandra Ryan | 05 March 2008

The Department of Health is examining whether or not to include assisted human reproduction (AHR) treatment on the medical card scheme, according to Minister for Health, Mary Harney. Deputy Deirdre Clune (FG-Cork South-Central) asked the Minister the reason why AHR... Read more

Query over BCG vaccine supply

Sandra Ryan | 05 March 2008

Deputy Joan Burton (Lab-Dublin West) asked the Minister for Health, Mary Harney why the BCG vaccine is still not available in Ireland, despite promises from the HSE that new stock would arrive mid-February. “The BCG vaccine was last available in... Read more

Call for resources for St Luke’s stroke unit

05 March 2008

Deputy Phil Hogan (FG- Carlow-KIlkenny) asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Stroke unit at St Luke’s General Hospital, Kilkenny, ‘will be properly resourced and staffed in order that it can carry out its functions on behalf of... Read more

Pharmacies closed today?

Sandra Ryan | 04 March 2008

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has warned that pharmacy services may be disrupted today (Wednesday March 5), while a Special General Meeting of the union is held in Dublin to discuss the ‘implications of the HSE’s failure to negotiate contractual... Read more

Smoking message fails to reach poor

Terence Cosgrave | 28 February 2008

Health promotion in Ireland is less effective because it it is conceived and aimed at the wrong groups in society, according to one of the authors of a new report which details the extent of Ireland’s respiratory disease. The INHALE... Read more

Neurology is set to rocket

Mary Anne Kenny | 28 February 2008

The number of people affected by neurological conditions could rocket to over 800,000 in ten year’s time and put considerable strain on neurological services, according to a report by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The report The Strategic Review of... Read more

Neurology is set to rocket

Mary Anne Kenny | 28 February 2008

RCSI publish guidelines for obesity surgery

Greg Baxter | 28 February 2008

All specialists offering weight-reduction surgery for the morbidly obese should establish a patient database, the The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) has urged. It has published its first ever guidelines for delivering obesity surgery, which are ‘overdue’, said... Read more

Mentally ill travel to UK for rehabilitation

Sandra Ryan | 21 February 2008

The Government is spending millions of euro sending severely mentally ill patients to the UK for rehabilitation due to a lack of facilities in Ireland, a number of psychiatrists have said. The authors of a report into rehabilitation services available... Read more

Need for 500 autism places in five years

Greg Baxter | 21 February 2008

One hundred new autism-dedicated residential places must be created each year for the next five years, if Ireland is to cope with an explosion in the number of autistic adults, the chief executive of the Autism Society of Ireland has... Read more

New audit of rectal cancer surgery needed

Greg Baxter | 20 February 2008

The near-total absence of reliable outcome data from cancer surgery in Ireland will be addressed following a decision by the The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) to collaborate... Read more

New addiction service is part of €300 investment

Ian McGuinness | 20 February 2008

St Patrick’s Hospital in Dublin announced this week it is to develop a new cocaine addiction programme over the next five years — as revealed last month by Irish Medical Times. The development is part of the psychiatric hospital’s €300... Read more

Numbers sought on accidents due to illegal drugs

19 February 2008

Deputy John O’Mahony (FG Mayo) asked the Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, if research has been carried out on the number of accidents that occurred causing death which could be clearly shown to be related to the taking... Read more

Costs of cigarette warnings ‘not established’

19 February 2008

Deputy Brian O’Shea (Labour Waterford) asked the Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, the cost to the State of the recent High Court proceedings regarding the health warnings on cigarette packets sold here being published in Irish as well... Read more

Smoking kills — across the world

Sandra Ryan | 15 February 2008

Sandra Ryan reports on a new WHO report that examines smoking habits and laws across the world that result in a death every six seconds Tobacco — or the ‘global agent of death’, as the World Health Organisation (WHO) has... Read more

Surgery risk for the obese

Gary Culliton | 14 February 2008

A top surgeon has warned that high-risk oesophageal and gastric surgery will increasingly be performed in private clinics which lack the necessary back-up facilities for such operations putting patients at risk. Prof John Reynolds who is Professor of Surgery at... Read more

Major faults in blood service

Ian McGuinness | 14 February 2008

Two major deficiencies were found during an inspection of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service’s Cork centre by the Irish Medicines Board, including one relating to traceability of blood products. The inspection was carried out in December, and the IBTS told... Read more

Vaccine decison to be made soon

12 February 2008

The announcement on whether or not a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer will be introduced will be made in a few weeks, according to the Minister for Health, Mary Harney. She told the Dáil that the Health Information and Quality... Read more

No link between mobile phone use and cancer

12 February 2008

Japanese scientists who studied patients with brain tumours said they found no evidence that using a mobile phone increased the risk of cerebral cancer. In a study published in the British Journal of Cancer, researchers compared the history of mobile... Read more

HIQA speeds up review

Sandra Ryan | 12 February 2008

The Health Information and Quality Authority’s (HIQA) review into the standard of symptomatic breast services throughout the country has been brought forward due to concerns about breast cancer services. According to HIQA’s CEO, Dr Tracey Cooper, its review — brought... Read more

New facilites for nursing unit will give better care

Ian McGuinness | 12 February 2008

A community nursing unit for the elderly on the Navan Road in Dublin City is to be reconfigured to make it suitable for more dependent residents, although the plan will involve reducing the number of beds at the facility. The... Read more

New vaccine this year

07 February 2008

The vaccine to prevent pneumococcal infections will be rolled out onto the immunisation schedule from this September, according to Health Minister Mary Harney. Deputy Pat Breen (FG- Clare) asked the Minister when the Department and the Health Service Executive would... Read more

No stocks of BCG vaccine until March

07 February 2008

Fresh stocks of the BCG vaccine, of which there is a shortage, won’t be available until March, according to the Minister for Health, Mary Harney. Deputy Paul Gogarty (GP, Dublin Mid-West) asked the Minister when new supplies of the BCG vaccine... Read more

Polish smokers need help

Greg Baxter | 06 February 2008

The dramatically high prevalence of heavy smokers among Poles will result in an ‘economic disaster’ for Ireland, a prominent respiratory physician has told Irish Medical Times. Prof Luke Clancy said rates of heavy smoking in the Polish population — the... Read more

RCPI call for alcohol overhaul

06 February 2008

The Royal College of Physicians in Ireland (RCPI) has, in a written submission to the Department of Justice, called for a radical overhaul of how alcohol products are sold. “The RCPI Faculty of Public Health Medicine is concerned about the... Read more

GP services for homeless

By Ian McGuinness | 06 February 2008

Merchants Quay Ireland is conducting research into the best methods of providing primary healthcare to young, homeless, drug users.... Read more

Pharmacy objections to luxury goods tax

Sandra Ryan | 06 February 2008

The Minister for Finance, who recently reduced VAT rate on condoms, has now been asked to reduce VAT on all medicines taxed at the rate of 21 per cent. Last week, Brian Cowen announced that, under the Finance Bill 2008,... Read more

GPs need to do more to fight drug abuse- NACD

Greg Baxter | 01 February 2008

GPs could be doing more in the fight against drug abuse and addiction, the chairman of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) told Irish Medical Times. Dr Des Corrigan said GPs have the opportunity to intervene at the most... Read more

Low awareness of cancer vaccine

Sandra Ryan | 25 January 2008

Less than a third of Irish women know a vaccine that prevents cervical cancer exists, according to Dr Tracey Murray, medical spokesperson with the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA). Dr Murray was speaking during a campaign to raise awareness of... Read more

Lack of funding behind MRSA infection rates

Mary Anne Kenny | 25 January 2008

A lack of funding is still hindering progress at a national level regarding methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection rates. As the HSE launched a public information campaign last week to promote the importance of hand hygiene in preventing hospital-acquired infections,... Read more

First-ever health research round table launched

Terence Cosgrave | 25 January 2008

The first-ever health research roundtable was launched this week by the Chief Executive of the Health Service Executive, Prof Brendan Drumm. The Health Research Roundtable will take place this week at The Wilton Room, IDA Ireland, from 4-7 p.m and... Read more

Prostate test to be available soon in US

Greg Baxter | 25 January 2008

A controversial new test to identify a man’s susceptibility to prostate cancer will be available shortly in the US. The test, which will be offered by ProActive Genetics for US$300, will give men of any age the opportunity to see... Read more

Child admitted every 48 hours to adult care unit

Ian McGuinness | 18 January 2008

One child has been admitted to adult psychiatric institutions every two days, on average, since the Mental Health Act became fully operational in November 2006. The latest statistics from the Mental Health Commission show that between the beginning of November... Read more

Boost for list of card holders

Ian McGuinness | 18 January 2008

Seventy-eight thousand more people had medical cards at the start of this year, compared to 12 months ago, according to the latest figures available. Most of the additional cards in circulation at the beginning of this month, when compared to... Read more

Norovirus winter vomit bug hits three-year high

Mary Anne Kenny | 18 January 2008

The number of cases of norovirus, or winter vomiting disease, has substantially risen since mid-November, according to the latest data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC). The centre revealed that the number of cases now being reported is the... Read more

Opposition calls for a dedicated CF service

Greg Baxter | 18 January 2008

Pressure on the Government to build a dedicated cystic fibrosis (CF) unit with isolation rooms at St Vincent’s University Hospital is continuing to mount. Fine Gael Health Spokesperson, Dr James Reilly TD, has called delays in the creation of such... Read more

Director’s faith in a future of improved tribunal efficiency

Ian McGuinness | 18 January 2008

Some of the initial problems associated with the introduction of mental health tribunals in November 2006 are starting to subside, according to the newly-appointed Medical Director of St Patrick’s Hospital in Dublin. Dr Jim Lucey said: “My impression is that... Read more

Renal strategy dead and buried

Greg Baxter | 18 January 2008

The National Renal Strategy has been “buried” and dialysis patients outside Dublin face the same or worse levels of service now than they did a year ago, the CEO of the Irish Kidney Association told Irish Medical Times. Mr Mark... Read more

New Irish cancer test available in US but not yet Ireland

Sandra Ryan | 18 January 2008

It may be years before a new test for breast cancer developed at St Vincent’s University Hospital and the Conway Institute in UCD is available in Ireland, according to Professor Joe Duffy, who led a team of researchers in developing... Read more

Seven donors at 'advanced' stage

Greg Baxter | 11 January 2008

Beaumont Hospital’s Living Donor Programme is set to significantly increase the number of transplants this year, a spokesman for the hospital told Irish Medical Times. The programme, which was formally established in 2007, will expand operations with the addition of... Read more

Serious concerns on herbal ecstasy

Ian McGuinness | 04 January 2008

There is no guarantee that herbal ecstasy and other such products are safe — just because they are purchased over the counter, the Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey, has warned. In... Read more

BreastCheck in Cork/Galway

Sandra Ryan | 04 January 2008

The extension of the national breast cancer screening service (BreastCheck) has commenced on schedule, with two new units opened in Galway and Cork that will screen about 140,000 women for breast cancer. The BreastCheck Southern Unit is located in Cork... Read more

Government medical card figures have proven to be way off the mark

Ian McGuinness | 04 January 2008

The Government has got its figures seriously wrong on medical cards. The latest statistics, issued December 2007, from the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS), show an upward trend once more for full medical cards and the doctor-only ones. However, there... Read more

Healing the hurt of the homeless

Sandra Ryan | 04 January 2008

Last year 55 people died in Ireland simply because they were homeless. Some were older and suffering from ill-health but the majority had nothing wrong with them except having nowhere to live. In 2006 the Simon Communities of Ireland (SCI)... Read more

Medical cards up by 8,100 in one month

Ian McGuinness | 04 January 2008

More than an extra 8,100 people had a full medical card in December 2007 than in November last year, according to the latest statistics from the Primary Care Reimbursement Service. The increase in this type of card was nearly 10... Read more

Report due in late 2008

Sandra Ryan | 04 January 2008

A report which will allow services to be developed for children needing end-of-life care will not be published until later this year, according to the Department of Health. In a response to queries about the development of a dedicated children’s... Read more

Asylum seeker post still unfilled

Ian McGuinness | 14 December 2007

A senior medical officer’s post for asylum seekers in Co Galway has lain idle for nine months, it has been claimed. Councillor Michael Mullins made the claim at the recent Health Service Executive (HSE) West’s Regional Health Forum recently. He... Read more

Fertility clinics fear giving PGD referrals

Sandra Ryan | 14 December 2007

A European Commission report on the availability of services for the genetic screening of embryos has criticised the lack of such facilities in Ireland, and revealed that Irish fertility clinics fear prosecution for referring patients abroad in these cases. The... Read more

Still no hospice for dying children

Sandra Ryan | 14 December 2007

Most people may be aware of Jane and Brendan McKenna, a couple from Dublin whose two children died within three years of each other. Their four year old daughter, Laura, died in 1999 following surgery to treat a congenital heart... Read more

Expert warns: civilians should be adept in CPR

Greg Baxter | 07 December 2007

Learning cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must be thought of a civic duty, an emergency medicine consultant told Irish Medical Times. Dr Cathal O’Donnell said training citizens to perform CPR is often the biggest factor between life and death. This was a... Read more

Stalemate could impair response to a flu pandemic

Ian McGuinness | 07 December 2007

The stalemate over pay for out-of-hours work by public health doctors could “significantly impair” any response to an influenza pandemic, it has been alleged. The remark was made in the recently published Influenza Pandemic Preparedness in Ireland, which was drawn... Read more

Call for cross-border care

Ian McGuinness | 07 December 2007

People from Fermanagh should be able to access cancer services from Sligo General Hospital, Deputy John Perry (FG, Sligo-North Leitrim) said. He said this possibility had not been analysed before and that the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, should discuss... Read more

Government fails to back up flu jab ad

Terence Cosgrave | 30 November 2007

The Government has failed to highlight the importance of the flu jab in the advertising campaign for free shots for the over 70s. Prof Des O’Neill, consultant geriatrician at Tallaght Hospital, recently told the Irish College of General Practitioners that... Read more

School vaccination programme is not 'in a mess', says the IMO president

Greg Baxter | 30 November 2007

The President of the Irish Medical Organisation has refuted claims that vaccination scheme in schools “is a mess,” as Irish Medical Times recently reported. Dr Paula Gilvarry, a Senior Medical Officer in Community Health Medicine, said vaccination uptake rates are... Read more

Better outcomes with less cancer surgeons

Terence Cosgrave | 23 November 2007

There are too many surgeons performing breast surgery in Ireland for the system to be as effective as other European countries, the Irish College of General Practitioners’ Winter meeting was told. Dr Mary Hynes, the assistant National Director of the... Read more

Regional obesity centres needed

Greg Baxter | 09 November 2007

A major report linking obesity and the Western diet with cancer provides more justification for the establishment of regional obesity centres to help at-risk people, a cancer and obesity expert at St James’s Hospital has told Irish Medical Times. Prof... Read more

Patient care jeopardised by HSE recruitment freeze says IHCA

Greg Baxter | 09 November 2007

Quality of care will be affected by the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) decision to continue the recruitment freeze, the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has said. Mr Donal Duffy, the IHCA’s Assistant Secretary General, challenged assurances by the HSE that... Read more

Government alcohol policies ignored and often contradictory

Sandra Ryan | 09 November 2007

The Republic’s 11-year-old alcohol policy has largely been ignored, according to a Health Research Board (HRB) report. The report, Health-Related Consequences of Problem Alcohol Use, states: “The existing national alcohol policy published in 1996 has been largely ignored. Some policies... Read more

Elderly care focus for ICGP

Sandra Ryan | 09 November 2007

Competence assurance and caring for the elderly will be the focus at the 2007 Irish College of General Practitioners’ (ICGP) Winter Meeting, taking place on 17 November in Dublin. Prof Des O’Neill, Consultant Geriatrician at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, and author... Read more

Cancer misdiagnoses mean new centres must go ahead, says Harney

Sandra Ryan | 09 November 2007

The Minister for Health, Mary Harney, has said the seven cases where breast cancer was misdiagnosed at Portlaoise General Hospital are proof that the Government’s plan to concentrate cancer services in eight hospitals is “absolutely necessary”. Last week the review... Read more

Vaccination in schools 'is a mess'

Sandra Ryan | 09 November 2007

The introduction of the vaccine that prevents cervical cancer may have to wait because the immunisation programme in schools “is a mess”, a leading paediatrician has said. Dr Kevin Connolly, who is a consultant at Portiuncula Hospital in Galway, said... Read more

Drug dealer 'sharks' prey on methadone dependants

Ian McGuinness | 02 November 2007

Dr James Reilly, the Dublin North TD and Fine Gael Health Spokesperson has complained that when pharmacists in Dublin pulled out of the methadone scheme recently, the Health Service Executive established a clinic in the northern part of his constituency... Read more

Trained health workers reduce suicide risk

Greg Baxter | 02 November 2007

Research on suicide in counties Cork and Kerry have found that training health professionals to be aware of depression and suicide is an effective prevention measure. Under the Cork and Kerry Alliance for the Awareness of Depression and Suicidal Behaviour,... Read more

Doctors are not being found by asylum seekers

Sandra Ryan | 02 November 2007

Asylum seekers are still having problems finding a GP to treat them, a new report has found. The report, Participation of Ethnic Minority Communities in Primary Care Service Design, Planning and Delivery was launched last week in Galway and has... Read more

Review of maternity services is underway

Ian McGuinness | 02 November 2007

Births are expected to rise to 68,000 this year, which is an increase of 11 per cent compared to 2006, the Minister for Health said. Minister Harney said that an independent review of maternity and gynaecological services in the greater... Read more

Pulling of arthritis drug a 'huge blow'

Greg Baxter | 02 November 2007

A decision by UK’s pharmaco-economic watchdog to refuse patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis the use of the drug Abatacept must be opposed, a major patient advocacy group has urged. Arthritis Care called the decision by the National Institute of Health... Read more

Cancer Society supports free HPV vaccination

Sandra Ryan | 02 November 2007

The Irish Cancer Society has called on the Government to come to a decision on whether or not to include the vaccine that prevents cervical cancer on the national immunisation schedule, after the UK Department of Health decided to provide... Read more

UniPhar claims HSE is 'misleading' public

Sandra Ryan | 26 October 2007

The row between pharmacists and the Health Service Executive (HSE) over methadone stoppage intensified last week, with the HSE accused of making “misleading” statements about the problem by UniPhar, one of the country’s largest pharmaceutical wholesalers. Alternate methods of methadone... Read more

Rise in number of seniors availing of medical cards

Ian McGuinness | 26 October 2007

The number of medical card patients aged 70 years and over has steadily increased, with nearly 9,000 more people in this age bracket last year than the year before. The latest statistics from the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) show... Read more

New Zealand: Direct-to-consumer advertising will harm public

BMJ 2007;335:694-695 | 26 October 2007

Allowing the drug industry to supply information on prescription medicines direct to patients in Europe will have serious implications for health, according to health experts in New Zealand. The warning comes as the European parliament is considering allowing the drug... Read more

Coordinators needed to increase donations

Greg Baxter | 26 October 2007

Ireland could increase organ donor numbers by 50 per cent if it had a full-time organ coordinator in every hospital, the CEO of the Irish Kidney Association has told Irish Medical Times. Mr Mark Murphy said that having a fully-trained... Read more

BCG vaccine not available until 2008

Sandra Ryan | 26 October 2007

The BCG vaccine may not be available until January 2008 due to “regulatory difficulties” with the Danish manufacturer of the vaccine, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed. “This is a Europe-wide problem as the manufacturer in question is the... Read more

Anorexia/obesity — major contributors to osteoporosis

Greg Baxter | 26 October 2007

Girls are becoming anorexic at an increasingly young age, and as a result are developing osteopenia– a milder phase of decreased bone density– and osteoporosis at an alarmingly early stage in life. Additionally, increased obesity in boys and girls is... Read more

Cervical cancer vaccine recommended for boys

Sandra Ryan | 19 October 2007

A leading UK expert on women’s health has said the vaccine to prevent cervical cancer should be given to 12-year-old boys as well as girls, in order to get ‘herd’ immunity and to stop the message that responsibility for preventing... Read more

Is eradication just around the corner?

Sandra Ryan | 19 October 2007

The advent of two new cervical cancer vaccines means screening may not be necessary in 10-years’ time. If young girls (and boys) are vaccinated against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the cancer-causing agent, the next generation of women could be... Read more

Singapore: Restrictive powers sought to prevent disease spread

19 October 2007

Singapore's health ministry is seeking sweeping powers to combat the spread of infectious diseases such as influenza, including the power to restrict people’s movements, news reports have claimed. Closing infectious premises and declaring certain areas off-limits in the event of... Read more

UK: NHS wards to close to stop MRSA

19 October 2007

Health Secretary Alan Johnson has announced that a new health regulator will have the power to close hospital wards as part of a new drive to fight hospital infections. “I am setting out how we will equip the new regulator... Read more

Nigeria: Polio vaccine is cause of outbreak

19 October 2007

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that a polio outbreak in Nigeria that left at least 69 children paralysed was caused by the vaccine designed to stop it. The outbreak was caused by the live polio virus that is... Read more

Majority of under 12s placed in adult care

Greg Baxter | 19 October 2007

A report on children in residential care facilities found that their placements had more to do with limited resources than their best interests. The report on the inspection of the placement of children aged 12 and under in residential care... Read more

Circulation of GP cards stagnates

Ian McGuinness | 19 October 2007

The number of additional GP-only cards stagnated in the last month while the issuing of full medical cards continues unabated. The latest figures on medical cards in circulation show that only an extra 59 of the GP-only variety were issued... Read more

Poor women failing to take up GP card

Sandra Ryan | 19 October 2007

Women on low incomes, in debt and with poor health are not aware they could be entitled to a GP-only card, new research shows. The Women’s Health Council and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) did the study of... Read more

Heroin addicts' service withdrawn

Sandra Ryan | 19 October 2007

The decision by over 140 pharmacists in Dublin to stop dispensing methadone has been heavily criticised by the Health Service Executive (HSE), which has arranged 11 sites where emergency methadone services are being provided. “There was no justification for any... Read more

Where do the patients go?– asks Mental Health Commission

Ian McGuinness | 19 October 2007

The Mental Health Commission is asking psychiatric services to give details about the institutions into which their patients are being discharged. Irish Medical Times understands a questionnaire has been sent to approved mental health institutions, asking them to state what... Read more

Almost 300 wait for residential care

Sandra Ryan | 05 October 2007

The country’s oldest provider of services for people with disabilities, St Michael’s House in Dublin, has revealed they have 296 people on their priority waiting list, making it the largest residential waiting list in the country. According to Chief Executive... Read more

Heartwatch should be greatly expanded

Sandra Ryan | 05 October 2007

Programmes to prevent cardiovascular disease such as Heartwatch should be expanded nationally, recommends a Health Service Executive review of the cardiovascular strategy, in order to further decrease Ireland’s mortality rate from heart disease. The review of Building Healthier Hearts reveals... Read more

Smoking areas should be moved

Greg Baxter | 05 October 2007

The Minister for Health has suggested that hospital smoking areas not be allowed near front entrances. Ms Mary Harney said that too often smoking areas are too close to the entrances of hospitals, and that patients have to “walk right... Read more

HSE says in-date vaccines should not be sent back

Ian McGuinness | 28 September 2007

GPs, health centres and hospitals have been told to be careful not to send vaccines that are in-date back to the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE National Cold Chain Delivery Service, which takes returns of out-of-date vaccines, has told... Read more

Tanzania: Government HIV tests a success despite stigma

28 September 2007

The people of Arusha in Tanzania have come out in large numbers for a voluntary HIV screening programme introduced regionally by the government in July. President Jakaya Kikwete’s testing programme began on 9 September and 167,118 people are expected to... Read more

China: Skull health warnings on China's cigarette packs

21 September 2007

Chinese cigarette packs will have skulls, blackened teeth or diseased lungs printed on them in the latest effort to tackle smoking, a Reuters report has claimed. The report, however, cited one expert who said the images may actually attract younger... Read more

Irish are positive about their health and well-being

Sandra Ryan | 21 September 2007

A survey by the European Commission has found that Irish people are the most positive of all Europeans when assessing their own health, although this could be because people are reluctant to examine their health to closely, the study authors... Read more

Little evidence to back centralised cancer care

Sandra Ryan | 21 September 2007

A study by the National Cancer Registry (NCRI) examining cancer treatment and survival rates found little evidence to support centralising services, the Director of the NCRI, Dr Harry Comber, told Irish Medical Times. The study, which looked at figures from... Read more

Pharmacists to have drug payments cut

Sandra Ryan | 21 September 2007

The decision by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to cut drug payments to pharmacists could lead to the closure of many rural pharmacies, according to the president of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) Mr Michael Guckian. The IPU reacted with... Read more

Patient discharged with little support or care

Ian McGuinness | 21 September 2007

An 80-year-old woman with severe heart disease was discharged from hospital with only her 80-year-old husband to care for her, it has emerged. The citizens’ information, advice and advocacy group, Comhairle, revealed the development recently in one of its documents.... Read more

Dramatic rise in people with full medical cards

Ian McGuinness | 21 September 2007

There was a dramatic rise in the number of people who had a medical card last months, with 10,483 additional patients possessing one in September compared to August. The latest statistics show that there was a rise of 8,983 people... Read more

Lack of transport impacts on patients

Ian McGuinness | 21 September 2007

A lone parent from Glenties in Donegal, who was on welfare, had to pay €207 for a taxi to take her son to an appointment with a consultant in Sligo because she had no other way to get there, Comhairle... Read more

Men’s health needs to be advanced

Sandra Ryan | 21 September 2007

Most men probably don’t like thinking (or talking) about prostate cancer, or the more common condition Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). But the fact is, these same men are probably not aware of the risks, or the services and treatment available... Read more

Self-harm information leaflet launched by HSE

Greg Baxter | 14 September 2007

An information leaflet on self-harm was launched by the Health Service Executive (HSE) South Regional Suicide Resource Offices in Cork to mark World Suicide Prevention Day earlier this week. The leaflets, which are targeted at young people, their parents, guardians... Read more

New authority in healthcare

Greg Baxter | 14 September 2007

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is growing at a rapid rate, both in responsibility and with new senior staff. Every day it is creeping more fully into the lives of patients, many of whom– who don’t read medical... Read more

Binge drinking continues to be tolerated by society

Sandra Ryan | 14 September 2007

The director of the Irish College of General Practitioners’ (ICGP) alcohol abuse project has criticised the “blind eye” that continues to be turned towards binge drinking. Mr Rolande Anderson, commenting on recent findings from a World Health Organization (WHO) report,... Read more

Migraines prompt trips to A&Es

Sandra Ryan | 14 September 2007

A survey carried out by the Migraine Association of Ireland has found that 17 per cent of respondents have visited the A&E department as a result of their migraine attacks. The Association has launched a new poster for A&E units... Read more

The art in the health service

Greg Baxter | 14 September 2007

The Health Service Executive (HSE) West is teaming up with the Sligo Arts Service to create an arts and health service designed to aid mental health services, health promotion, social inclusion and family support services. The Sligo Arts Service and... Read more

Men turn away from sexual health help

Sandra Ryan | 14 September 2007

A new report on men’s use of sexual health services has found that less than one in four men attend a general practitioner for sexual health reasons. The report, Men’s Use of Sexual Health Services, published by the HSE in... Read more

Suicide rates need urgent attention

Sandra Ryan | 14 September 2007

Ireland’s increasing suicide rates need urgent attention, the President of the Irish Association of Suicidology, Dan Neville, has said. Speaking at World Suicide Awareness Day recently, the Fine Gael TD said a recent survey shows 15 per cent of Irish... Read more

Merchants Quay work continues

Ian McGuinness | 07 September 2007

Two GPs who treat homeless patients on behalf of Merchants Quay Ireland, carried out an average of 18 such consultations per week last year. The MQI annual review for that year showed that there were 940 GP consultations in 2006.... Read more

Antiviral should be non-prescription

Sandra Ryan | 07 September 2007

Antiviral drugs should be stocked in every pharmacy in the country to save lives in case of an influenza pandemic, and should be available without prescription, according to a leading Australian ‘flu expert, who said the risk of a pandemic... Read more

Sexual assault victims treated up by 15 per cent

Greg Baxter | 31 August 2007

The number of sexual assault victims seen at the Rotunda Hospital is up 15 per cent from 2005 to 2006, and continues to rise. Dr Mary Holohan, Rotunda obstetrician and National Medical Director of Adult Sexual Assault Treatment Services, told... Read more

Confidentiality rules need to be more relaxed

Greg Baxter | 31 August 2007

Doctors ought to be allowed to inform parents and relatives of patients if they believe there is a risk of suicide, a consultant psychiatrist told Irish Medical Times. Dr John Connolly, Secretary of the Irish Association of Suicidology, said relaxing... Read more

One-quarter of medical cards held by over-70s

Ian McGuinness | 31 August 2007

More than one-quarter of all medical cards in circulation are held by people aged 70 years and over, Irish Medical Times has learned. The Primary Care Reimbursement Service said that there were 340,276 people in August this year who held... Read more

Skin cancer now on the increase

Greg Baxter | 31 August 2007

The number of people with skin cancer is expected to dramatically increase over the next few years, and those people are likely to have multiple cancer lesions, the Director of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry told Irish Medical Times. The... Read more

Of tales, myths and healthcare

Sandra Ryan | 17 August 2007

No amount of health promotion, it seems, can dispel every myth that exists about certain aspects of healthcare. Old beliefs, superstitions and misinformation spreads and passes down through generations, and only recently have some of them been dispelled for good.... Read more

Cervical cancer immunisation information given

Sandra Ryan | 10 August 2007

A number of schools in Dublin have received official information on immunising pupils against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the sexually transmitted disease that causes cervical cancer, Irish Medical Times has been informed by a healthcare professional. However, the Department of... Read more

Suicide prevention is everybody's concern

Ian McGuinness | 10 August 2007

A major international suicide prevention conference is to hold its first ever meeting in Ireland. The International Association for Suicide Prevention will hold its 26th biennial congress in the Irish National Events Centre in Killarney, Kerry from 28 August to... Read more

HSE purchase five-in-one vaccinations

Ian McGuinness | 03 August 2007

Millions of euros are being spent on purchasing supplies of the five-in-one vaccine by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The vaccine covers diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, haemophilus influenza b, and polio. While the HSE did not announce how many doses of... Read more

Donegal gets additional public health nurses

Ian McGuinness | 03 August 2007

Funding should be put in place for eight public health nurses to be hired in Donegal by the Health Service Executive (HSE) West, the Labour Court has recommended. The issue has been outstanding since 2004. At that time the region’s... Read more

Fine line on alcohol advice

Greg Baxter | 03 August 2007

Irish adults clearly don’t understand the term ‘binge drinking’. Nearly 30 per cent, according to a July report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), believe that binge drinking is defined as having more than 10 drinks on... Read more

Training DVD to combat infection

Greg Baxter | 27 July 2007

The Health Management Institute (HMI)– which represents professionals involved in the management of healthcare in Ireland– has launched a new training DVD to help stem the spread of infection in healthcare settings. The DVD, produced in collaboration with management consultants... Read more

New chairman is appointed to the Irish Kidney Association

Greg Baxter | 27 July 2007

The Irish Kidney Association (IKA) has appointed a new Chairman, Mr Paul Donohoe. Mr Donohue, who replaces Ms Vera Frisby, said he will focus on improvements in respite care and an expansion of out-of-hospital dialysis services. “I would like to... Read more

'Teething problems' behind early release

Ian McGuinness | 27 July 2007

Teething problems are one reason advanced by the new Chairman of the Mental Health Commission for the number of involuntarily detained psychiatric patients released before they receive a mental health tribunal hearing into their case. Dr Edmond O’Dea, responding to... Read more

Vaccine introduction unlikely any time soon

Sandra Ryan | 27 July 2007

The new Fine Gael spokesperson on health Deputy Brian Hayes has said he believes it is unlikely the vaccine to prevent pneumoccocal disease will be introduced any time soon, as the Minister for Health is “dragging her feet” on the... Read more

IBTS upgrades its hepatitis testing

Ian McGuinness | 20 July 2007

Tests for HIV and Hep C are to be upgraded by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS), while screening for Hep B will also be introduced at the organisation’s Dublin headquarters. The IBTS has a laboratory on its James’s Street... Read more

Travellers' health study underway

Sandra Ryan | 20 July 2007

A study on Travellers’ health status promised by the Department of Health in 2002 is finally underway and will conduct, for the first time, a census on Travellers to determine their life expectancy. The All-Ireland Traveller Health study is a... Read more

Sex education for teens to discourage pregnancy

Sandra Ryan | 20 July 2007

The Crisis Pregnancy Agency (CPA) is investing about half a million euro this year in improving sex education for young people, in order to encourage a decline in teenage births. According to Chairperson of the CPA, Ms Katherine Bulbulia, although... Read more

The surge of diabetes in Ireland

Greg Baxter | 20 July 2007

The huge increase in the prevalence of diabetes predicted last week by an Institute of Public Health report has raised concerns that the growth in the number of dialysis patients estimated in the Renal Strategy Review is conservative. The prediction... Read more

Statins are effective, say IHF

Sandra Ryan | 13 July 2007

The President of the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) Prof Eoin O’Brien has advised doctors to remind patients on the statin, Lipitor of the benefits of the drug. He did so after an inquest last week into the death of a... Read more

New methadone replacement drug restricted

Sandra Ryan | 06 July 2007

An alternative to methadone that is harder for patients to abuse has still not been made readily available in Ireland, despite evidence that it is ideal for certain patients who are unsuited to methadone. Suboxone, launched last February, contains buprenorphine... Read more

Better access for GPs to oncology in Dublin SW

Sandra Ryan | 06 July 2007

New guidelines have been launched to help GPs get easier access to cancer services in Dublin South West, one of the largest cancer networks in the country. The Regional Oncology Programme Office in the Health Service Executive, which sees the... Read more

Pharmacists call for ID to restrict OTC access

Sandra Ryan | 29 June 2007

Pharmacists have called for greater restrictions on over-the-counter (OTC) medications containing codeine, by suggesting a scheme similar to that in Australia where people need ID to buy certain drugs. The Chairman of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union’s (IPU) Community Pharmacy Committee... Read more

BreastCheck sources trailers and equipment

Ian McGuinness | 29 June 2007

Mobile mammography screening trailers and digital imaging equipment are being bought by BreastCheck. The National Breast Screening Programme has awarded a contract to a company to provide the trailers for its Dublin, Cork and Galway centres. However, it has not... Read more

Testicular cancer awareness among Irish men is poor

Sandra Ryan | 29 June 2007

Knowledge of testicular cancer, the incidence of which has doubled in the last 20 years in Ireland, is very poor among Irish men. Just 17 per cent admitted to being examined by their doctor for the disease. Researchers from the... Read more

Doctors should highlight risks of GM food- IDEA

Greg Baxter | 29 June 2007

The Secretary of the Irish Doctors Environmental Association (IDEA) has called on Irish doctors to highlight the dangers of genetically modified (GM) food and prevent the planting of genetically engineered crops here. Public health doctor Elizabeth Cullen, in an article... Read more

Ireland leads Europe in asthma admissions

Sandra Ryan | 29 June 2007

Ireland has some of the highest number of hospital admissions from asthma than most other European countries, new figures show. They were released in a report looking at people’s experiences with asthma across Europe. Switzerland and Finland had the highest... Read more

Motorbikes speed up response times

Ian McGuinness | 29 June 2007

The use of emergency motorbikes has improved response times in Dublin, when compared to ambulances, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General. Mr John Purcell said, in his latest report, that this was because motorbikes can negotiate traffic and access... Read more

Cork GAA team are to be screened for skin cancer to help raise awareness

Greg Baxter | 29 June 2007

The Cork GAA football team will be screened for skin cancer at a special melanoma clinic in Cork in an effort to raise awareness of the disease among men. Dr Michelle Muprhy, a dermatologist at South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital,... Read more

GPs' stethoscopes are harbourers of bacteria

Sandra Ryan | 29 June 2007

Despite repeated calls for increased hygiene standards in Irish healthcare, GP stethoscopes have been found to carry large amounts of bacteria, according to a new study done to assess whether or not these devices are carriers for MRSA. Dr Seoighe... Read more

Penny-pinching delays

Ian McGuinness | 22 June 2007

Hundreds of involuntarily detained psychiatric patients have not had a mental health tribunal review their case because they were released before a panel was established to consider their detention, a Department of Health document has revealed. Under the Mental Health... Read more

Award for Irish audit

15 June 2007

A presentation on the Irish National Stroke Audit was awarded a Distinction by the European Stroke Conference at its annual meeting in Glasgow on 31 May. The project, whose Principal Investigators are Prof Desmond O’Neill, TCD and Prof Hannah McGee,... Read more

Doctors obliged to oppose genetically modified foods

Greg Baxter | 15 June 2007

Doctors have an ethical and moral duty to oppose genetically modified (GM) foods in the interest of the health of future and present generations, the Secretary of the Irish Doctors Environmental Association (IDEA) has stated. Dr Elizabeth Cullen, a public... Read more

New doctor-only cards are still short of target

Ian McGuinness | 15 June 2007

Another 5,653 people have been given either full or doctor-only medical cards, the latest statistics from the Primary Care Reimbursement Service have shown. On 1 June an extra 3,518 people had a doctor-only card compared to the start of May,... Read more

Everything you wanted to know about cervical cancer vaccines but were afraid to ask

Sandra Ryan | 08 June 2007

The first birth control pill that stops menstruation completely has been approved in the US and will most likely be approved in Europe shortly. This pill, called Lybrel, will probably then be available to Irish women. Another recent development is... Read more

EU donor card is recommended

Sandra Ryan | 08 June 2007

The European Commission (EC) has recommended the introduction of a European organ donor card to increase the availability of organs throughout the European Union (EU). The EC also plans to improve co-operation between EU states in the area of organ... Read more

Online gambling is major problem

Ian McGuinness | 08 June 2007

Public health doctors should “go for the jugular” and deal with problems associated with gambling by addressing its online form, Prof Patrick Wall has said. The University College Dublin professor said problems experienced by online gamblers are at “the more... Read more

Hospitals should offer NRT routinely to patients

Ian McGuinness | 08 June 2007

Hospitals should routinely offer nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to patients because not to do so is nearly morally indefensible, according to Dr Fenton Howell. Dr Howell made his comments following an address entitled ‘Hospitalisation- An Opportunity for Smoking Cessation Intervention,’... Read more

ASH chairman defends his call for ban on smoking in Irish cars

Ian McGuinness | 08 June 2007

It is inevitable that smoking in cars will be banned, Prof Luke Clancy has predicted. Despite the negative response from some callers to radio shows that he appeared on to discuss this issue, Prof Clancy is sticking to his line.... Read more

AIDS specialist sought by Foreign Affairs

Greg Baxter | 08 June 2007

Irish Aid, the section of the Department of Foreign Affairs that deals specifically with assistance to developing countries, is seeking a specialist in public health to work with its HIV/AIDS team. Irish Aid has invited expressions of interest from public... Read more

New guidelines for the care of CVD in women

Sandra Ryan | 01 June 2007

GPs have new guidelines for treating cardiovascular disease in women. The Women’s Health Council and the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), have produced the document to highlight the difference between CVD in women and men. Accordng to the authors,... Read more

Tribunals overturning involuntary detentions

Ian McGuinness | 01 June 2007

However, this means that 857 tribunals, or six out of every seven, did not result in revocations. Some of the involuntary detentions were overturned because of judicial interpretations, which had to be taken into consideration by subsequently held tribunals. Meanwhile,... Read more

Women's health improving

Sandra Ryan | 01 June 2007

Women’s healthcare in Ireland has improved rapidly in recent years, a women’s health conference has heard. Ireland is now level with other European countries in getting new medications and implementing new developments for women, according to director of women’s health... Read more

Looking past the statistics

Greg Baxter | 25 May 2007

University College Dublin’s (UCD) health policy thinktank, the Centre for Behaviour and Health at the Geary Institute, makes some bold claims about its ability to see through statistics and into the causes of human behaviour. The Centre, which has been... Read more

Sales of Nimesulide medications are suspended by IMB

25 May 2007

The marketing and sale of “nimesulide-containing medicinal products for oral use” in Ireland has been suspended with immediate effect, the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) announced last week. The products are: Aulin 100mg granules; Mesulid 100mg granules; Mesulid 100mg tablets; Mesine... Read more

Eight counties record drop in medical cards

Ian McGuinness | 25 May 2007

The number of people with a full medical card has fallen in eight counties, according to the latest statistics from the Primary Care Reimbursement Service. Figures for May, when compared to April, show that all of the counties in the... Read more

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