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News: Regulation

All entries for Regulation

HIQA cert is required for ‘Star Bingo’ home

Dara Gantly | 08 March 2010

The developers of a four-storey, 60-bed nursing home on the site of the Star Bingo Hall in Crumlin have been requested to submit a statement indicating that the proposed development is set out in accordance with the Health Information and... Read more

Gardaí to hold registers

Dara Gantly | 05 March 2010

The Garda Vetting Liaison Office (GVLO) in Manorhamilton is to maintain a national database of professional registers of HSE staff, which will include details of any sanctions imposed on doctors by the Medical Council. A new HSE policy also compels... Read more

Equality sought by DOH

Dara Gantly | 05 March 2010

The Department of Health wanted the Medical Council to consider strengthening the requirements on doctors to treat public and private patients equally. In a submission to the Council, made during the consultation process on the new Ethical Guide, the Department... Read more

Parents warned on cord blood banks

Gary Culliton | 25 February 2010

The Irish Stem Cell Foundation has warned against blood-cord stem cell banks. Irish parents should be careful about investing in treatmentsat clinics that offer to ‘bank’ stem cells from the umbilical cords of newborns for use later in life when... Read more

Safety notice issued on cryosurgical device

Dara Gantly | 24 February 2010

The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has issued an advisory notice on a cryosurgical device that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. A manufacturing problem has been detected in the Wallach LL100 Cryosurgical System CO2 where a restriction of the flow of... Read more

Further Ethical Guide due

Dara Gantly | 19 February 2010

The Medical Council is considering producing a second ‘Ethical Guide’ concerning standards of practice, to go alongside its current Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics, Irish Medical Times has learned. Medical Council President Prof Kieran Murphy confirmed that a second... Read more

Submissions sought on Shine review

Dara Gantly | 17 February 2010

The independent review set up to examine whether a further investigation into the case of former Drogheda surgeon Michael Shine would be of ‘public benefit’ is seeking submission from interested parties. Chaired by retired High Court judge, Mr Justice T.C.... Read more

Radiologist joins Medical Council

Dara Gantly | 09 February 2010

The Minister for Health Mary Harney has approved the nomination of Dr David O’Keeffe as a member of the Medical Council. Dr O’Keeffe, Consultant Radiologist at University Hospital Galway, was nominated by Dr Risteard Ó Laoide, Dean of the Faculty... Read more

Plastic surgeon found guilty of professional misconduct

Staff Reporter | 08 February 2010

An Italian plastic surgeon has been found guilt of professional misconduct by the Medical Council’s Fitness to Practise (FTP) Committee, over his failure in the post-operative care of an Irish patient. The FTP inquiry determined last Friday (February 5) that... Read more

Green light on PC schemes

Dara Gantly | 05 February 2010

The Medical Council has informed Minister for Health Mary Harney that it is now in a position to recommend that she commence Part 11 of the Medical Practitioners Act (MPA), which provides for the mandatory participation of doctors in professional... Read more

Pharmacy dispute key source of complaints

Niamh Mullen | 01 February 2010

There was a lack of accurate information available to the public in August last year during the pharmacy dispute, the Citizens Information Board (CIB) has said. According to the Board’s latest quarterly report, for July to September, some 52 complaints... Read more

Doctors notified over suspension of Reductil

Dara Gantly | 27 January 2010

Abbott Laboratories Ireland has issued an important safety information notice to doctors on the suspension of marketing authorisations for sibutramine (Reductil), due to increased cardiovascular risk observed in the SCOUT trial. The notice from Abbott’s Medical Director Dr Michelle Costello-Smith... Read more

IMB recalls weight-loss drug Reductil

Dara Gantly | 22 January 2010

The Irish Medicines Board has recalled all batches of Reductil 10mg capsules and Reductil 15mg capsules with immediate effect following new health warnings. Doctors have been immediately requested to cease writing prescriptions for all weight-loss products containing sibutramine, the active... Read more

HIQA petitioned over homes

Gary Culliton | 05 January 2010

Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) has sought a meeting with the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) in relation to the material which can be included in inspection reports. This follows allegations of ‘misleading and unfair’ treatment in regard to one... Read more

Licensing scheme for homeopathic medicines

Dara Gantly | 17 December 2009

The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) is seeking submissions on a proposed new licensing system for homeopathic medicines. Interested parties have until December 31 to submit their views to the Board on its National Rules Scheme (NRS) for Homeopathic Medicinal Products... Read more

Challenge to abortion ban

Dara Gantly | 15 December 2009

Three women living in Ireland are challenging Ireland’s ban on abortion in the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights this week. The women’s case was due to be heard on December 9 in Strasbourg in front of... Read more

Council readvertises competence post

Dara Gantly | 09 December 2009

The Medical Council has been forced to readvertise the post of Head of Professional Competence (PC) following an unsuccessful interview process earlier in the autumn. Mr Marcus Balfe, Action CEO, informed a recent meeting of the Council that the initial... Read more

New guide will make it easier for public to access services

Niamh Mullen | 30 November 2009

The Medical Council’s new guide on professional conduct and ethics will make it easier for the public to get information about the availability and price of medical services in their area. That’s according to the chair of the Competition Authority,... Read more

Advertising restrictions eased

Dara Gantly | 27 November 2009

The Medical Council’s new Ethical Guide has significantly eased restrictions on advertising by doctors, following lobbying by the Competition Authority. The new guidelines have removed restrictions on the size, content and means of advertising, and specifies that the provision of... Read more

Doctors obliged to get vaccinated - Council

Dara Gantly | 25 November 2009

The Medical Council’s new Ethical Guide has reiterated the need for all doctors to receive the swine flu vaccine when it is rolled out to healthcare professionals. The Chairman of the Council’s Ethics Working Group, Dr Deirdre Madden, told Irish... Read more

Doctors without insurance 'can and will cause damage'

Niamh Mullen | 24 November 2009

Only a ‘tiny’ number of doctors are practising without insurance but they ‘can and will cause damage’, Fine Gael health spokesperson Dr James Reilly has said. Anecdotal estimates put the number of uninsured doctors at around 40 or 50. In... Read more

Doctors urged to save money

Dara Gantly | 20 November 2009

The Medical Council’s new ethical guide has tackled the controversial issue of healthcare resources head on by openly encouraging doctors to prescribe generic drugs. In a major departure for the Council, the seventh edition of the ‘Guide to Professional Conduct... Read more

Council will seek new Competence director

Dara Gantly | 19 November 2009

The Medical Council has established a selection committee to recruit a new Head of Professional Competence, following sanction from the Department of Health to proceed with filling the post. The protracted recruitment process had been delayed after it emerged that... Read more

Irish Medicines Board gives safety warning on rituximab and PML

Dara Gantly | 17 November 2009

The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has drawn doctors’ attention to an important safety warning relating to rituximab (MabThera) and Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) in patients treated for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). PML is a rare, progressive, demyelinating disease of the central... Read more

Cork GP escapes erasure from Register

Staff reporter | 12 November 2009

A GP from Cork found guilty of professional misconduct has escaped erasure from the medical register. The Medical Council’s Fitness to Practise (FTP) Committee yesterday (November 11) found Polish-born Dr Iwona Kulczyk-Repec guilty of professional misconduct on seven counts. She... Read more

Prosecutions may follow Shine review

Dara Gantly | 12 November 2009

Minister for Health Mary Harney has decided to establish an independent review to examine whether further investigation into the case of former Drogheda surgeon Michael Shine would be of ‘public benefit’. The move follows a meeting last month with the... Read more

Council begins search for CEO

Dara Gantly | 11 November 2009

The Medical Council has established a selection committee to recruit a successor to John Lamont, who resigned as Chief Executive with effect from October 30. Marcus Balfe, Head of Finance and Acting Secretary to Council, has been appointed interim CEO.... Read more

GMC resumes inquiry into Dr Wakefield

Dara Gantly | 11 November 2009

The General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK is due to resume its public inquiry into Dr Andrew Wakefield next week. The GMC’s Fitness to Practise Panel has set aside 25 days for this latest session, which starts on November... Read more

FTP inquiry resumes into Cork GP’s prescribing

Staff reporter | 11 November 2009

The Medical Council’s Fitness to Practise (FTP) hearing into a GP from Cork facing charges of professional misconduct has resumed today at Cork’s Silversprings Hotel. The hearing against Polish-born Dr Iwona Kulczyk-Repec, for allegedly prescribing large doses of opiate-based drugs... Read more

Medical Council CEO retires

Dara Gantly | 09 November 2009

The Chief Executive of the Medical Council Mr John Lamont is to retire from the post to pursue other interests. Lamont joined the Council in 2004, having previously served as Chief Executive of Beaumont Hospital, one of the largest acute... Read more

Doctor falsified experience on CV — Medical Council

29 October 2009

The Medical Council has found a doctor guilty of professional misconduct for falsifying his surgical experience gained in Nigeria before taking up a post in Ireland. At a hearing in Dublin yesterday (October 28), the Council’s Fitness to Practise Committee... Read more

Doctors moving to new register

28 October 2009

Almost all of the applications to the Medical Council for the transfer of medical practitioners from the General Division to the Trainee Specialist Division have now been processed, following delays. The Medical Council and the Health Service Executive have implemented... Read more

Council seeks new assessors

Gary Culliton | 27 October 2009

The Medical Council is keen to recruit suitable individuals to assist in ensuring the quality of medical education and training. The Council wants to assemble teams from a variety of backgrounds to help evaluate medical schools, clinical training sites and... Read more

GMC to conclude NI paediatrician’s hearing

27 October 2009

The General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK intends to conclude its Fitness to Practise hearing into the conduct of a consultant paediatrician at Erne Hospital, Enniskillen this Friday (October 23). The GMC panel is inquiring into the allegation that... Read more

Men outnumber female volunteers for CA pilot

Gary Culliton | 26 October 2009

Four times as many men as women have signed up to participate in the Medical Council’s latest professional competence pilot project, Irish Medical Times has learned. Out of a total of 118 consultants, 87 men but only 31 women have... Read more

FG bill requires docs to be insured

Niamh Mullen | 22 October 2009

It will be illegal for doctors to practise medicine in Ireland without insurance if a Bill proposed by Fine Gael health spokesperson Dr James Reilly and backed by Health Minister Mary Harney becomes law. Dr Reilly’s proposal means medical insurance... Read more

Health warnings urged for alcohol products

21 October 2009

The Government has been urged to implement legislation to put health warnings on all packaged alcohol by the charity Alcohol Action Ireland. Acting director Cliona Murphy said: “Consumers have the right to be made aware of the relationship between alcohol... Read more

No smoke - no ire!

15 October 2009

The vast majority of Irish shops are complying with Tobacco Legislation by hiding cigarettes from view. New figures, published by the Office of Tobacco Control (OTC), show that as many as 97 per cent of stores are now compliant with... Read more

118 consultants signed up for competence pilot

Dara Gantly | 07 October 2009

Some 118 consultants have already signed up to participate in the Medical Council’s latest professional competence (PC) pilot project, Irish Medical Times has learned. In total, the Council is looking for 300 consultants to volunteer for the new competence assurance... Read more

HSE checks legal liability for EWTD non-compliance

Dara Gantly | 24 September 2009

The HSE is consulting its legal advisors as to the extent to which it can be held liable for the failure of HSE-funded agencies to comply with the European Working Time Directive (EWTD), Irish Medical Times has learned. Under Irish... Read more

Dr Jerome Manuceau to be struck off UK register

Gary Culliton | 10 September 2009

Surgeon Dr Jerome Manuceau is to be struck off the General Medical Council’s (GMC) Medical Register in Britain. His registration will be suspended immediately and his erasure from the Medical Register will take effect within 28 days, unless he lodges... Read more

HIQA will look at prion test for vCJD

Dara Gantly | 03 September 2009

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is to examine the introduction of prion testing and prion filtration to safeguard against the transmission of variant Creutzfeldt Jakob disease (vCJD) from blood donations. Irish Medical Times has learned that the Chief... Read more

Women urged to report remedies

Niamh Mullen | 26 August 2009

The use of herbal medications with the potential for serious adverse effects is high among women undergoing in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment, an Irish study has found. “People do not regard them as medicine and often do not report them to... Read more

Doctors still owe Council fees

Niamh Mullen | 25 August 2009

More than eight weeks have passed since the Medical Council’s deadline for payment of the annual retention fee, yet 2,373 doctors have still not coughed up what they owe. They now run the risk of being removed from the Register... Read more

EU agreement signed on needle-stick injuries

Dara Gantly | 20 August 2009

A new European framework agreement on the prevention of needle-stick injuries was signed by union and employer representatives in Brussels. Aimed at protecting healthcare workers from blood-borne infections due to sharp injuries, the agreement was signed on July 17 by... Read more

New Human Tissue Bill to be ready in autumn

Dara Gantly | 19 August 2009

The Department of Health is sifting through submissions received from the consultation process on proposals for a Human Tissue Bill, and expects to present the final General Scheme to Government for its approval later in the autumn. Irish Medical Times... Read more

Public views sought on restoration

Dara Gantly | 17 August 2009

The Medical Council wants to hear from the public on a set of draft rules setting out the criteria to restore doctors to the Register of Medical Practitioners. The rules will define the manner in which applications from practitioners to... Read more

Health licensing Bill to be published in 2011

Dara Gantly | 05 August 2009

The Bill to bring in a mandatory licensing system to cover both public and private healthcare providers is unlikely to be published until 2011, the Minister for Health has revealed. The Government has accept-ed the findings of the 2008 report... Read more

EC approves Wyeth’s acquisition by Pfizer

Dara Gantly | 29 July 2009

The European Commission has approved the proposed acquisition of Wyeth by Pfizer, on the condition that the latter divests several types of animal health vaccines, pharmaceuticals and medicinal feed additives in the European Economic Area (EEA). Pfizer has also offered... Read more

64 new complaints made against Shine

Dara Gantly | 17 July 2009

Sixty-four new complaints have been made to the Gardaí against Michael Shine subsequent to the decision by the Medical Council last year to strike the doctor off the register, the Minister for Justice has confirmed. Speaking in the Dáil, Minister... Read more

Doctors face removal threat

Niamh Mullen | 17 July 2009

AROUND 7,500 doctors run the risk of being removed from the Register of Medical Practitioners for non-payment of the annual retention fee. It was due on July 1 and the Medical Council has confirmed that 10,000 have paid the fee,... Read more

Once-off training to put doctors on register

Niamh Mullen | 10 July 2009

More than 200 GPs not listed on the Medical Council’s Specialist Register have responded to ads placed by the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) inviting them to make contact. The ICGP is now in talks with the Health Service... Read more

IMB voices concern over safety of 'First Steps' medicine feeders

Dara Gantly | 03 July 2009

The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has advised the public to stop using ‘First Steps’ medicine feeders over potential safety and quality concerns. Manufactured by RSW International Ltd, the devices marketed for the administration of liquid medicines to babies and children... Read more

IMB awarded €3,000 in illegal drugs case

Dara Gantly | 03 July 2009

The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has been awarded €3,000 in destruction costs by the Circuit Court in relation to a case involving the illegal supply of prescription-only medicinal products, including anabolic steroids. Michael Kehoe was found by the Court to... Read more

HIQA to inspect public nursing homes from today

Gary Culliton | 01 July 2009

HIQA will begin independent inspection of all nursing homes – including public nursing homes – from today. HIQA will be responsible for the registration and inspection of all residential care services for older people. For the first time HSE run... Read more

HIQA urges health 'tracker'

Gary Culliton | 30 June 2009

HIQA has published a Report on Recommendations for a Unique Health Identifier for Individuals in Ireland. A method for safely identifying patients in both public and private aspects of the health and social care system should be introduced as soon... Read more

Inquiry continues into Dr Andrew Wakefield

Dara Gantly | 29 June 2009

The Fitness to Practise Panel of the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK is due to complete its latest sitting of the public inquiry into Dr Andrew Wakefield this Friday, June 26. Together with Prof John Walker-Smith and Prof... Read more

Ireland referred to European Court of Justice on VHI

Dara Gantly | 25 June 2009

The European Commission has today (June 25) referred Ireland to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) over the exemption of Vhi Healthcare from certain EU rules on non-life insurance. The referral follows a ‘complementary reasoned opinion’ sent in late November,... Read more

HSE could face ‘significant’ risks over transition

Niamh Mullen | 19 June 2009

THE HSE has said it could be exposed to ‘significant clinical, legal and financial risks’ if the transition to the new Register of Medical Practitioners did not go smoothly. It also expressed concerns about how the rules would be implemented.... Read more

NUJ calls for more transparency in FTP hearings

Dara Gantly | 12 June 2009

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) is to make representations to the Medical Council to request greater transparency in the way it notifies the public and journalists of Fitness to Practice (FTP) hearings, Irish Medical Times has been informed. Irish... Read more

Addresses removed from the web

Niamh Mullen | 29 May 2009

DOCTORS’ addresses have been removed from the Medical Council’s website after concern was expressed that they could have become targets for break-ins and harassment. There were also fears that registration numbers, names and addresses, could have been used to write... Read more

EU governments set to reduce prices of medicinal products

Dara Gantly | 28 May 2009

EU governments can legally reduce medicinal product prices more than once a year and on the basis of predicted expenditure, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled. In a recent judgment, the Court reiterated that member states may organise... Read more

Council asked to clarify its rules on struck-off doctors

Niamh Mullen | 28 May 2009

PATIENT Focus has called on the Medical Council to explain how its rules ensure doctors who were struck off in another country could not be registered in Ireland. The patient advocacy group referred to a recent case in the courts... Read more

Possible spot checks for GP surgeries

Gary Culliton | 27 May 2009

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published new standards to combat the spread of Healthcare Associated Infections. The standards may be enforced when legislation enabling a licensing system for hospitals is passed. Spot checks for GP surgeries are... Read more

Harassment and break-ins prompt fears

Niamh Mullen | 27 May 2009

Niamh Mullen examines doctors’ concerns that the Medical Council was infringing their privacy by publishing their home addresses online. Fears of break-ins, harassment from drug addicts, forgery of prescriptions and being a target for unsolicited post were among the concerns... Read more

Less than 50% of public agree with Council guidelines

Niamh Mullen | 22 May 2009

Fewer than half of the general public agrees the Medical Council’s ethical guidelines outlawing induced abortion, euthanasia and experiments on embryos should exist. A Millward Brown IMS poll carried out on behalf of the Pro-Life Campaign found 40 per cent... Read more

HIQA launches new standards

Gary Culliton | 18 May 2009

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published National Quality Standards: Residential Services for People with Disabilities in Ireland. The National Quality Standards outline what is expected of a provider of services and what a person with a disability,... Read more

Non-EU docs must prove higher English standards

Greg Baxter | 18 May 2009

From June 4, the Medical Council will require a higher standard of English for non-EU doctors. Applicants for trainee specialist registration, general registration or specialist registration who are not EU, EEA or Swiss citizens and do not have EU rights,... Read more

Medical Council to move soon

Dara Gantly | 13 May 2009

The fit out of the Medical Council’s new Dublin headquarters at Kingram House has commenced and a move date is due shortly, IMT has learned. The new city centre headquarters comprises 1,600sqm of office space located off Fitzwilliam Place.... Read more

Dispensing is biggest pharmacist complaint

Gary Culliton | 11 May 2009

Over a quarter of complaints (27 per cent) against pharmacists last year related to dispensing errors. “2008 was the first full year of the PSI as pharmacy regulator and while it was a challenging year in many respects, it was... Read more

IMB advises on salicylate gels

Dara Gantly | 05 May 2009

The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has advised the public that oral gels containing choline salicylate should be applied very sparingly and only at the frequency indicated in the product information. The products – Bonjela Oromucosal Gel and Teejel Gel –... Read more

Thirteen complaints of pharmacists' dispensing errors

Gary Culliton | 29 April 2009

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

IMB: no Bonjela restrictions

Gary Culliton | 23 April 2009

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

Docs can't foot CA bill

Dara Gantly | 20 April 2009

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

Inhalers should be assessed for storage issues

Dara Gantly | 06 April 2009

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

Doctor suspended after Fitness to Practise report

Gary Culliton | 03 April 2009

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

'Shameful' inaction on HIQA disability standards

Gary Culltion | 31 March 2009

Labour Equality Spokesperson Kathleen Lynch has slammed "the point-blank refusal of the Government to adopt HIQA recommendations for standards in dealing with people with special needs. This is as shameful as it is baffling." When addressing the annual conference of... Read more

Harney: concerns in relation to 'itinerant locums'

25 March 2009

Health Minister Harney has conceded there are concerns in relation to 'itinerant locums', following a Fine Gael Parliamentary Question seeking details on three doctors struck off the medical register in the UK for serious medical or sexual misconduct, who may... Read more

Medical Council seeks volunteers for CA pilot

Dara Gantly | 20 March 2009

The Medical Council will be seeking 300 consultants to volunteer for a new competence assurance (CA) pilot in the coming months. The pilot will employ multi-source feedback questionnaires in a so-called 360-degree review, and follows a similar study of GPs... Read more

Paracetemol: pharmacist 'must interview customers seeking more than one pack'

Gary Culliton | 18 March 2009

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), has issued a reminder notice to pharmacies regarding new regulations governing the supply of medicines, especially those containing paracetamol, through pharmacies in Ireland. The notice reminds pharmacists that the supply of medicines containing paracetamol,... Read more

HIQA begins major recruitment drive

Dara Gantly | 13 March 2009

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is seeking to appoint a number of key personnel to its Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and Healthcare Quality and Safety Directorates, at a potential cost of more than €730,000. The two most senior... Read more

HIQA sets out standards of care for older people

Gary Culliton | 13 March 2009

New HIQA standards mean that people in residential homes for older people must now receive a contract setting out what they can expect regarding accommodation, food, care and services. “The emphasis will be on evidence that residents are being looked... Read more

GMC renovates and transforms offices

Dara Gantly | 11 March 2009

The old offices of the General Medical Council (GMC) in London have been restored and transformed into The Hallam, a dedicated conference centre. No 44 Hallam Street was used by the GMC to hold hearings, in addition to those held... Read more

Pharmacy Regulator Hosts European Patient Safety Meeting

Gary Culliton | 10 March 2009

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), the pharmacy regulator, today hosted the Spring 2009 meeting of the Healthcare Professionals Crossing Borders (HPCB) initiative which discussed patients’ rights and effective healthcare regulation in Europe. The meeting was addressed by Minister for... Read more

Harney signs order for new registration

Dara Gantly | 06 March 2009

Minister for Health Mary Harney has signed the Order commencing Part 6 of the Medical Practitioners Act, introducing a new system of registration for doctors. The Department of Health has confirmed to Irish Medical Times that the new registration system... Read more

GP cleared of professional misconduct

Gary Culliton | 05 March 2009

A Dublin GP who used inappropriate and insensitive terminology when trying to ascertain if a young woman patient was pregnant or might have a sexually transmitted infection was yesterday found not guilty of professional misconduct. The first Medical Council fitness-to-practise... Read more

First public Fitness to Practise Inquiry to be held today

Gary Culliton | 04 March 2009

The Medical Council is to hold its first public inquiry today into a doctor's fitness to practise. In the matter of Part 8 of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, a Fitness to Practise Inquiry concerning a Registered Medical Practitioner will... Read more

Competence assurance contract not renewed

Dara Gantly | 02 March 2009

The Medical Council is to recruit a new individual to spearhead its professional competence schemes after deciding not to renew the contract of its Director of Competence Assurance. The Council has confirmed to Irish Medical Times that Dr Lynda Sisson... Read more

First public Fitness to Practice inquiry to be held in March

Dara Gantly | 27 February 2009

The first Fitness to Practise (FTP) inquiry to be held in public will take place next Wednesday, the Medical Council has revealed. In a short statement, the Council confirmed that the Fitness to Practise Committee of the Medical Council would... Read more

FTP hearings due to be held in public

June Shannon | 24 February 2009

Next month marks a significant milestone in the regulation of the medical profession, with Fitness to Practice (FTP) hearings due to be held in public for the first time. The new FTP regulation, due to come into force in March,... Read more

Licensing of healthcare providers from 2011/2012

Gary Culliton | 12 February 2009

The Government has decided that a licensing regime for public and private healthcare providers will be in place from 2011/2012. Legislation is to prepared for this, it was announced today. From July 1 this year, a mandatory inspection regime will... Read more

Mr Michael Shine is removed from register

Gary Culliton | 10 February 2009

The Medical Council has revealed that the inquiry into allegations of professional misconduct on the part of Drogheda surgeon Mr Michael Shine took place before the Medical Council’s Fitness to Practise Committee from January 17 to July 21, 2008. The... Read more

Medical Council: misconduct finding reasons outlined

Gary Culliton | 28 January 2009

The Fitness to Practise Committee of the Medical Council found Drogheda surgeon Mr Michael Shine guilty of professional misconduct in respect of seven allegations, and embodied its findings in a report. A group representing many alleged victims of Mr Shine... Read more

Canada warns of Botox health risks

Mary Anne Kenny | 22 January 2009

The labelling information of Botox and Botox Cosmetic in Canada will now include the risk of distant toxin spread, where the toxin spreads to other distant parts of the body. The update comes in light of Health Canada’s recent safety... Read more

Safety framework signed by two regulators

Gary Culliton | 20 January 2009

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) and the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) will increase mutual cooperation following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two regulators, it was announced today. The memorandum is intended to provide a framework... Read more

Medical Council advances with move to city centre

Greg Baxter | 09 January 2009

The Medical Council is gearing up to move to Kingram House, its new city-centre headquarters, early this year and is looking for a supplier to furnish the 1,600 square metre office located off Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2. Layout of the... Read more

IMB reveals siezures of medicines

Gary Culliton | 16 December 2008

During 2007, a total of 1,397 cases involving breaches of medicinal product legislation were initiated by the Irish Medicines Board (IMB), according to its Annual Report. The number of enforcement cases initiated for breach of medicinal product legislation almost trebled... Read more

Medical Council buys new online registration system

Greg Baxter | 12 December 2008

The Medical Council has bought an online registration system for €600,000, replacing its paper system. Doctors will now be able to go online to apply and pay for registration, and request a Certificate of Good Standing.... Read more

No inspection of services for 400 children

Gary Culliton | 03 December 2008

There are over 400 children with disabilities in residential care who do not have the protection of the Office of the Social Services Inspectorate, which is offered to children without disabilities in residential care. “This is a serious defect in... Read more

Strong regulation 'could have prevented Shipman'

Gary Culliton | 02 December 2008

Speaking at a lecture in Trinity College Dublin to mark the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) Council’s meeting at the Trinity School of Pharmacy, Ms. Jackie Giltrow, Head of Regulatory Transition with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB)... Read more

Illegible vetting forms for locums returned

Greg Baxter | 01 December 2008

A significant number of garda vetting applications for locum doctors are being returned to doctors because they are illegible, a spokesman for the National Recruitment Federation (NRF) told Irish Medical Times. Meanwhile, a ‘small number of undesirables’ have been stopped... Read more

Doctors should engage with reformed Council

Greg Baxter | 27 November 2008

Doctors should engage with the newly reformed and modernised Medical Council, the president of the Council has said. Addressing the Ethics and Legal Medicine Workshop of the College of Anaesthetists, Prof Kieran Murphy said: “The [Medical Practitioners] Act now offers... Read more

HTA directorate will not function as another NICE

Dara Gantly | 27 November 2008

Ireland’s first Health Technology Assessment (HTA) function differs significantly from the controversial body NICE in the UK, in that it has no decision-making role. According to Dr Patricia Harrington, Acting Director of the Authority’s HTA Directorate, the function of the... Read more

Drogheda surgeon struck off

24 November 2008

Compensation from a fund worth around €2m may be available to victims of struck-off surgeon Mr Michael Shine. Health Minister Mary Harney last night said the fund was placed in trust by the Medical Missionaries of Mary in 1997 when... Read more

Negligence cases due to values change

Peter McCarthy | 21 November 2008

The rise in medical negligence cases during the last two decades can be partly attributed to a change in society’s values, with people today less deferential towards the professions, a High Court judge has said. Justice Kevin Feeney, speaking at... Read more

Medical devices getting to market faster — NSAI

Greg Baxter | 21 November 2008

More resources to add staff and new application procedures have significantly accelerated the ability of the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) to approve medical devices, and get products to market faster. The NSAI approves CE markings for products in... Read more

Pharmacists' role to expand?

Gary Culliton | 17 November 2008

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has proposed a radical expansion of the community pharmacists’ role in a bid to kickstart stalled contract talks with the HSE. The IPU claims this will achieve considerable savings in HSE drug costs. Many General... Read more

Awareness campaign on medicines and driving

Gary Culliton | 04 November 2008

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, (PSI), the statutory regulator for pharmacists and pharmacies, and the Road Safety Authority (RSA), today launched a public awareness campaign on medicines and driving at the PSI’s annual National Pharmacy Summit in Royal Hospital Kilmainham,... Read more

Authorisation for Clane ACU from IMB

Gary Culliton | 04 November 2008

Following a number of inspections in 2006 and 2008, the Assisted Conception Unit (ACU) at Clane General Hospital has been licensed as an authorised Tissue and Cell Establishment by the Irish Medicines Board and is the first Tissue Establishment (IVF... Read more

IMB will take action over breaches of drugs legislation

Greg Baxter | 30 October 2008

The conviction of Martin McDaid and M&M McDaid on 16 charges of supplying unauthorised medicinal products has sent a message to anyone providing unauthorised medicinal products, the chief executive of the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) has suggested. Mr Pat O’Mahony... Read more

Ombudsman clarifies her role in health complaints

Alan Deeley | 30 October 2008

The Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly has clarified her role in resolving complaints against public hospitals and HSE service providers, outlining that the Office ‘cannot deal with complaints involving clinical judgment’. Ms O’Reilly said there was ‘some confusion’ among members of the... Read more

Mental Health Commission will no longer conduct annual census

Ian McGuinness | 22 October 2008

The Mental Health Commission will no longer conduct an annual inpatient census, it has emerged. The Commission recently announced that the Health Research Board will carry out a survey of inpatients instead, and will contact psychiatric services to inform them... Read more

Self-regulation 'out of step' with modern world

By Greg Baxter | 16 October 2008

Dr John Hillery, former president of the Medical Council, was appointed as President of the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities last week. It is his second two-year term as president of the Association. In his acceptance speech, he called... Read more

Vulnerable must be protected by Pharmacy Act

Gary Culliton | 14 October 2008

The implementation of the 2007 Pharmacy Act must ensure protection of the most vulnerable in society and enable pharmacists to meet the challenge of an increasingly complex and evolving therapeutic environment, according to Dr Mary Keys, Lecturer, School of Law,... Read more

Call for the statutory registration of therapists

Gary Culliton | 03 October 2008

Psychological therapists have called on the Government to introduce statutory registration for their professions in Ireland. An umbrella group representing over 5,000 counsellors and psychotherapists in Ireland has called on the Government to introduce statutory registration for their profession in... Read more

Manuceau fights ban

Gary Culliton | 29 September 2008

Dr Jerome Manuceau has told Irish Medical Times that he will appeal a move to strike him off the Medical Register to the High Court, in a bid to have the decision reversed. Dr Manuceau attended the Medical Council hearings... Read more

HIQA issue draft disability standards

Gary Culliton | 17 September 2008

New HIQA standards will require a policy that ensures informed consent is obtained from individuals with disabilities prior to any medical treatment or intervention, participation in research projects or provision of personalised information. HIQA’s Draft National Quality Standards on Residential... Read more

Pharmacists register online

09 September 2008

Patients and the wider public can now check online for free to see if pharmacists are registered with the pharmacy regulator, as the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) implements the latest phase of the Pharmacy Act 2007. All interested parties... Read more

Commission says no to safety agency

By Gary Culliton | 15 August 2008

The Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance has stopped short of recommending a new Patient Safety Agency, as Irish Medical Times signalled on 18 July (www.imt.ie/opinion/2008/07/the_psa_is_not_a_quango_too_fa.html). Fine Gael and Labour proposed such an agency prior to the last General... Read more

No obstacles to screening roll-out

By Ian McGuinness | 14 August 2008

The Chairman of the Irish Medical Organisation’s GP Committee has said he expects the National Cancer Screening Service will proceed ‘full steam ahead’ with the roll out of the cervical screening programme. Referring to the new contract for providing the... Read more

Commission stops short of recommending quango

Gary Culliton | 07 August 2008

The Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance has stopped short of recommending a new Patient Safety Agency with the panoply of a State organization, as Irish Medical Times signaled some weeks ago. Fine Gael and Labour proposed such an... Read more

Medico-legal: Supreme Court allows appeal on behalf of Council

06 August 2008

Ed Madden, BL, looks at a Supreme Court case in which the Medical Council sought to overturn a High Court order preventing the Fitness to Practise Committee from examining complaints brought against a doctor. Michael Shine, who is now retired,... Read more

Pharmacy guidance manual is developed

04 August 2008

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland’s (PSI’s) Standards and Practice Unit has developed a guidance manual, having reviewed current legislation, statutory provisions, guidelines and codes of practice, as well as international standards and guidelines, with input from the profession in Ireland.... Read more

Pharmacy societies to work more closely

Mary Anne Kenny | 04 August 2008

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland are set to work together on patient safety, it was announced last week. Following a meeting between the chief executives and presidents of the two societies, both... Read more

Dr Anna Clarke elected Medical Council Vice President

Greg Baxter | 01 August 2008

Dr Anna Clarke, a consultant in public health medicine, has been elected as Vice-President of the Medical Council. Dr Clarke is Dean of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and holds a... Read more

PSI to sell its D4 properties

Gary Culliton | 17 July 2008

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) is to dispose of two properties in Dublin and is seeking new office premises which are more ‘fit for purpose’. The PSI, the pharmacy regulator, owns its current property at 18 Shrewsbury Road, Ballsbridge,... Read more

More staff needed for Ombudsman?

Mary Anne Kenny | 16 July 2008

The Office of the Ombudsman may need more staff if the expected rise in valid complaints relating to the Health Service Executive (HSE) comes to pass, according to the Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly. An extra 27 staff have already been recruited... Read more

Most reported errors in hospitals are minor – HIQA

Sandra Ryan | 16 July 2008

An evaluation of the internet-based system used to report errors and clinical incidents in public hospitals has found that most of the events reported are minor in nature. The evaluation of STARSweb by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA)... Read more

New regulation proposed

Gary Culliton | 11 July 2008

A landmark new report agreed last Friday, which proposes a sweeping overhaul of the State’s medical regulatory framework, is due to be presented to Health Minister Harney this week. The Commission on Patient Safety, chaired by Dr Deirdre Madden, was... Read more

Australia eases path for Irish

Terence Cosgrave | 11 July 2008

A trickle of medical graduates to Australia could quickly turn to a flood now that the Australian Medical Council has decided that graduates of Irish medical schools may now become registered in Australia without having to sit an exam. The... Read more

Medical Council elects Prof Murphy as President

Gary Culliton | 10 July 2008

The new Medical Council has elected Prof Kieran Murphy as its new President, as exclusively forecast four weeks ago in Irish Medical Times. The election for Vice President of the Medical Council is scheduled to be held next month. Dr... Read more

Council's scheme will take four years

Greg Baxter | 10 July 2008

The Medical Council’s new competence assurance scheme will not be in place for another three to four years, the Chairman of the Forum of Irish Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies told Irish Medical Times. Prof Joseph McKenna said before an appropriate... Read more

New President of the Medical Council

Greg Baxter | 09 July 2008

The new Medical Council has elected Prof Kieran Murphy, a consultant psychiatrist at Beaumont Hospital and Chairman of the Academic Department of Psychiatry, RCSI, as President, as exclusively revealed three weeks ago in Irish Medical Times. The Minister for Health,... Read more

Fertility clinics still operating in limbo

28 June 2008

Sandra Ryan writes that there is no legal framework regulating IVF in Ireland and it means doctors are working in a very uncertain environment. Of all the grey areas in the Irish health service, the lack of concrete legislation and... Read more

Armagh cases reviewed

Ian McGuinness | 27 June 2008

Four women from the Republic of Ireland have been notified that the treatment they received at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry, County Armagh, is being reviewed. The Southern Health and Social Care Trust acknowledged last week that it is reviewing... Read more

New register needs division information

Greg Baxter | 19 June 2008

The Medical Council is requiring all currently registered medical practitioners to fill out a questionnaire to ensure that they are placed in the correct division of the new medical register. The old register has been dumped under the new Medical... Read more

Council elects President

Gary Culliton | 13 June 2008

Psychiatrist Prof. Kieran Murphy from Beaumont Hospital was regarded as a front runner for the position of President of the new Medical Council, as Irish Medical Times went to press. A member of the outgoing Council, Dr Anna Clarke from... Read more

Councils clash over cases

Gary Culliton | 06 June 2008

Members of the outgoing Irish Medical Council have been told by the Council’s President to make themselves available to continue to preside over Fitness to Practice cases – after they formally leave office this week. Procedures under the 2007 Act... Read more

New president for Pharmaceutical Society

04 June 2008

The Council of the PSI (Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland), the Pharmacy Regulator, has elected a new President — Dr Bernard Leddy from Waterford. “Pharmacists will face new and significant challenges. The PSI will help pharmacists to work through the dramatic... Read more

Lay nominees disappoint

Greg Baxter | 21 May 2008

Former President of the Medical Council Dr John Hillery said he is disappointed that the Health Service Executive did not use its nominations for seats on the new Medical Council to choose doctors to protect the professional majority of the... Read more

O'Shea is the RCPI’s new vice-president

Mary Anne Kenny | 20 May 2008

Dr Diarmuid O’Shea of St Vincent’s University Hospital has been appointed as Vice-President of Education and Professional Development at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI). Announcing the appoint-ment, Dr John Donohoe, President of the RCPI, emphasised the fact... Read more

HIQA helps out hackneys

Terence Cosgrave | 16 May 2008

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) — whose job it is to monitor standards in the health service — routinely sends letters and documents from its Cork office to its Dublin office by taxi, at a cost of €425... Read more

Privacy – for dead patient

Ian McGuinness | 16 May 2008

The Health Service Executive tried to argue that it had to protect the right to privacy of a deceased patient, the Information Commissioner has revealed. Ms Emily O’Reilly explained the situation in her recent Annual Report for 2007. Without giving... Read more

New CEO for health workers’ council

Mary Anne Kenny | 14 May 2008

The first chief executive officer of the Health and Social Care Professionals Council is Ms Virginia (Ginny) Hanrahan. Ms Hanrahan commenced her duties on 12 May and is based at 8-11 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2. The Health and Social... Read more

Six doctors elected to Medical Council

Greg Baxter | 02 May 2008

The medical profession elected six medical practitioners to the new Medical Council, which will convene for its first meeting in June, the Council announced today. The six elected medical practitioners are: Dr Eamann Breatnach; Prof Gerard Bury; Dr Anne Clarke;... Read more

Irish-made drug still not available for MS sufferers

Sandra Ryan | 02 May 2008

An Irish-made life-saving drug used to treat multiple sclerosis, which is not properly available in Ireland, has received further backing from doctors after new research from the US showed Tysabri significantly increased the number of patients who were disease-free after... Read more

Call for embryo research

Gary Culliton | 23 April 2008

Research on human embryos should be allowed for the first time and a new State authority to oversee embryo research should be set up, a new report into stem cell therapies prepared by the Irish Council for Bioethics (ICB) urges.... Read more

'Referendum may be needed': bomb hoax clinic

Gary Culliton | 10 March 2008

The Chairman of one of the Fertility Clinics at the centre of a hoax bomb alert, has said a referendum may be needed to get clarity on the status of frozen embryos, which he said were currently in a legal... Read more

Inquest study provides unsatisfactory results

By Ian McGuinness | 06 February 2008

A new system is needed to record medical and psycho-social information about people whose deaths results in an inquest, a study has said.... Read more

Detentions revoked before tribunal sits

Ian McGuinness | 01 February 2008

An average of four involuntary detentions were revoked every day in 2007, before a mental health tribunal could be held into the case of the patient involved, it has emerged. Statistics from the Mental Health Commission illustrate that there were... Read more

Rotunda refuses to release 100-year old records

Ian McGuinness | 01 February 2008

The Rotunda Hospital refused to release 100-year-old records to a woman that would have told her how old her grandmother was in 1907. The woman applied to the hospital, under Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation, for information relating to her... Read more

Privacy and security top the Health Information Bill agenda

Ian McGuinness | 25 January 2008

A public consultation process about the possible contents of the Health Information Bill is due to begin in March or April, Irish Medical Times understands. The Bill, which will deal with the way information is used in the health sector,... Read more

Belgium: Union-wide health care slips further down EU agenda

Emer Mullins | 18 January 2008

The EU has delayed the release of controversial proposals that would have made it easier for patients to travel abroad within the union for healthcare, BBC news has reported. It cited a European Commission spokesman who said the delay was... 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

Commission move on patient information

Mary Anne Kenny | 18 January 2008

A new European Commission report has been launched which advances debate on patient access to information about their medicines. The Report on Current Practices with Regard to the Provision of Information to Patients on Medicinal Products has been welcomed by... 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

Indemnity loophole covered by interim insurance scheme

Ian McGuinness | 11 January 2008

Consultants working for the Irish Blood Transfusion Service are to be covered by an interim insurance system, after it was realised there was a loophole in the Clinical Indemnity Scheme. A spokesperson for the service said that consultants working for... Read more

Doctors exonerated

Greg Baxter | 04 January 2008

The Medical Council considers the three obstetricians it found guilty of professional misconduct exonerated, following the finding by Mr Justice Kelly that the Fitness to Practice Committee had applied the wrong standard in reaching its decision. The Council is making... Read more

Rules won't hit numbers

Ian McGuinness | 07 December 2007

The President of the Medical Council, Dr Colm Quigley, has tried to reassure people that stricter regulations on foreign doctors practising here will not lead to a shortage of medics in the Republic. Irish Medical Times understands that doctors fear... Read more

HSE gives wrong info on GMS card eligibility

Ian McGuinness | 07 December 2007

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has been reprimanded by the Citizens Information Board for giving out incorrect information in relation to medical card qualification. The Kerry Citizens Information Board outlined the case of an English woman, who was receiving a... Read more

UK: Medical union has opposed fitness to practise changes

Emer Mullins | 30 November 2007

The Medical Defence Union (MDU) in Britain has said it is strongly opposed to changes in the standard of proof for all fitness to practise (FTP) hearings before the General Medical Council (GMC). The organisation, which indemnifies over 50 per... Read more

First analysis of practice review is due in December

Greg Baxter | 09 November 2007

The Medical Council plans to publish a preliminary analysis of its Performance in Practice Review (PPR) pilot in December, the president of the Council has told Irish Medical Times. Dr Colm Quigley said the Council’s preliminary analysis of the pilot... Read more

UK: New guidelines for care in child birth

02 November 2007

The Royal Colleges of Anaesthetists (RCOA), Midwives (RCM), Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), and Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) in the UK have issued new guidelines for the delivery of care in childbirth. The joint document, Safer Childbirth: Minimum Standards for... Read more

Inquiry underway after gastric-band patient dies

Sandra Ryan | 02 November 2007

The Medical Council has stated its concern over unregulated cosmetic surgery when a patient recently died after a gastric banding procedure. It was revealed a Fitness to Practice inquiry is underway on the French plastic surgeon who performed the surgery... Read more

Higgins introduces a Bill to amend the Competition Act

Greg Baxter | 02 November 2007

A private members bill has been introduced that would change the existing language in the Competition Act to allow for collective bargaining by groups like GPs, consultants, dentists and pharmacists. The Competition Amendment Bill 2007, authored by Deputy Michael Higgins,... Read more

Report on GPs and consultants expected

Ian McGuinness | 02 November 2007

A general report on consultants and GPs is expected to be drawn up next year, the Chairman of the Competition Authority has told Irish Medical Times. Mr William Prasifka said that it is not yet firmly decided which section of... Read more

Time to regulate plastic surgery

Sandra Ryan | 26 October 2007

Right now in Ireland, cosmetic surgery– from Botox to weight-loss surgery such as gastric banding– is completely unregulated. There is no legislation to set standards and ensure the safety of the thousands of procedures carried out in private clinics and... Read more

Prof warns of implications of Medical Act

Greg Baxter | 12 October 2007

The Health Minister’s power to shape the policy of the Medical Council is the most worrying part of the Medical Practitioner’s Act, Prof Ivana Bacik told the AGM of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA). Prof Bacik, Reid Professor of... Read more

Medical Council misses its chance

Greg Baxter | 28 September 2007

The lack of voluntary participation in the Medical Council’s pilot self-regulation schemes and the “lukewarm commitment to them from some” is a missed opportunity to show that the profession is serious about learning from past mistakes, the former president of... Read more

Medical Council gets female vice-president

Sandra Ryan | 28 September 2007

The Director of the Women’s Health Programme in the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), Dr Ailis Ni Riain has been elected Vice-President of the Medical Council. Dr Ni Riain is the first female GP to take the role, and... Read more

Doctors resign as Quinn Healthcare providers

Greg Baxter | 28 September 2007

A number of doctors in small specialities like neurosurgery and plastic surgery are threatening to resign– or have resigned– as preferred providers for Quinn Healthcare over concerns that the insurer will not meet full costs of many procedures. Quinn Healthcare... Read more

Doctors need to be more accountable

Greg Baxter | 21 September 2007

The former president of the Medical Council, Dr John Hillery, has urged doctors to be less “fussy” and become more accountable, as individuals, for the entire profession. Dr Hillery said the profession had the chance to put the public interest... Read more

Stricter controls on drugs

Greg Baxter | 07 September 2007

Prof Brendan Drumm has intimated that much stricter controls on the ability of doctors to prescribe new and expensive medications will soon be introduced. Speaking with Irish Medical Times, Prof Drumm said: “The open access that we have allowed in... Read more

New Act will end old working tradition

Greg Baxter | 07 September 2007

The new Medical Practitioner’s Act will end the old tradition of allowing doctors trained in parts of Australia, Canada and New Zealand to work in Ireland without having to prove credentials. According to Medical Council President Dr Colm Quigley, the... Read more

Final call for GPs to join PPR pilot project

Greg Baxter | 07 September 2007

The Medical Council has announced the final call for GPs to sign up for the Professional Practice Review (PPR) Pilot Project. The president of the council has called an opportunity to shape the future of the regulation of the medical... Read more

Medical school audit after serious defects found

Sandra Ryan | 07 September 2007

Serious deficits in medical education facilities have been found in a national audit of all training sites, jointly undertaken by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Departments of Health and Children and Education and Science. Irish Medical Times understands... Read more

Statutory competence assurance set to begin

Greg Baxter | 17 August 2007

Statutory competence assurance will begin in April 2008 for all doctors, the President of the Medical Council told Irish Medical Times. However the first year of statutory CAS will be a “lead-in” year, meaning most doctors will not be involved... Read more

Hygiene audit raises barrier

Sandra Ryan | 10 August 2007

The third National Hygiene Audit, which is underway throughout the Republic, involves a ‘rigorous’ new assessment procedure, according to the Department of Health. However, the department has not revealed what this new mechanism is. The audit is now under the... Read more

New president of Medical Council to push voluntary CA

Greg Baxter | 27 July 2007

Dr Colm Quigley, the new President of the Medical Council– the last Council to operate under the existing Medical Practitioner’s Act– has told Irish Medical Times that he would aggressively push voluntary competence assurance in the months ahead. Dr Quigley... Read more

Locums will need better clarification on register

Sandra Ryan | 20 July 2007

Confusion still surrounds how the new Medical Practitioner’s Act will affect doctors working in Ireland without specific specialist training, particularly GP locums. The Medical Council are currently discussing the issue with the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), Irish Medical... Read more

Detentions revoked by consultants

Ian McGuinness | 13 July 2007

More involuntarily detained psychiatric patients are still being released by consultant psychiatrists than by mental health tribunals, according to new statistics. Mental Health Commission figures show that since November 2006, when the Mental Health Act 2001 came into operation, until... Read more

HSE voices concern over disregard of regulations

Ian McGuinness | 13 July 2007

Psychiatric institutions are not complying with regulations issued by the Mental Health Commission on involuntarily detained patients, Irish Medical Times has learned. As a result, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has asked its local health managers to ensure that all... Read more

Alcohol tests for drivers have recently increased

Greg Baxter | 06 July 2007

The Medical Bureau of Road Safety tested 14,051 blood, urine and breath specimens in 2005– a 15 per cent increase on the number of specimens analysed in 2004, according to the bureau’s recently published 2005 annual report. The number of... Read more

Medical Practitioners Act may cause some problems for locums

Sandra Ryan | 06 July 2007

The Medical Council is to seek advice from the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) to discuss the position of GP locums following the publication of the Medical Practitioners Act. Irish Medical Times understands that many locums currently working in... Read more

Product ads need to be substantiated by clear evidence

Sandra Ryan | 29 June 2007

A new study into the accuracy of pharmaceutical product advertisements has revealed that almost 7 per cent of claims made in the ads are unpublished or unsupported by evidence. Two GP registrars with the HSE Eastern Regional GP Training Scheme... Read more

UL awaiting approval from Medical Council

Sandra Ryan | 29 June 2007

The new medical school in the University of Limerick (UL) is still waiting approval from the Medical Council before the first Irish intake of graduate entrants begins in September. The council’s accreditation team visited the medical school a few weeks... Read more

Registrars are unable to sign admission orders

Ian McGuinness | 29 June 2007

Specialist registrars were denied the chance to sign admission and renewal orders for involuntary psychiatric patients in May. The then Minister of State at the Department of Health, Tim O’Malley rejected a suggestion that specialist registrars, acting on behalf of... Read more

Report addresses serious challenges

Ian McGuinness | 29 June 2007

The Department of Health’s Review of the Operation of the Mental Health Act 2001 has been published without any fanfare or highlighting it to the media or the general public. The five-year review took submissions from a range of interested... Read more

Quigley will run for presidency of Medical Council

Greg Baxter | 29 June 2007

Dr Colm Quigley has told Irish Medical Times that he plans to run for presidency of the Medical Council in the upcoming election as well as when a new council is formed under the Medical Practitioners Act. Dr Quigley said... Read more

Patients say new legislation will stop 'aberrant' behaviour

Greg Baxter | 22 June 2007

The patients of Dr Michael Neary are happy with the new Medical Practitioners Act. That is the view of a representative of Patient Focus, the organisation which helped to highlight the Neary case and to seek redress for the women... Read more

The long-term illness scheme is inadequate

Ian McGuinness | 22 June 2007

The long-term illness scheme has been criticised by the advice and advocacy organisation, the Citizens Information Board, which branded it “inadequate”. The organisation made the comments in its quarterly report for October to December 2006. It explained that a mother... Read more

Patients can help improve Ethics Guide

08 June 2007

The Medical Council, the regulatory body for members of the medical profession, has invited members of the public and the medical profession to make submissions for the review of its Guide to Ethical Conduct and Behaviour. The Guide to Ethical... Read more

PMDB did not comply with state bodies code

Ian McGuinness | 08 June 2007

The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies was not complied with by the Postgraduate Medical and Dental Board (PMDB) in 2005 because it did not have a Board, the Comptroller and Auditor General has said. Mr John... Read more

Legal threat to Act has 'no basis in law'

Greg Baxter | 01 June 2007

The threat of legal action to halt the introduction of the Medical Practitioners Act has no basis in law, a source has told Irish Medical Times. The source, a legal expert who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he did... Read more

Medical Council’s ethical conduct guide now under revision

Greg Baxter | 01 June 2007

The Medical Counci has invited all doctors to send suggestions during the revision of the Council’s Guide to Ethical Conduct and Behaviour. The Council is currently revising the sixth edition of the Guide, published in 2004, and is calling upon... Read more

12 doctors guilty of misconduct after FTP investigations

Greg Baxter | 01 June 2007

Twelve doctors were found guilty of professional misconduct in 2006 out of 19 inquiries held before the Medical Council’s Fitness to Practice (FTP) Committee. One doctor was found unfit to engage in the practice of medicine, three had sanctions imposed... Read more