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Opinion: June 2009

The most trusted source for news: your taxi driver

G.B. | 29 June 2009 | The Inside Back

As the last bits of free time drift irretrievably out of my week, there’s no hope of me trying to keep up with news. I did not, until very late, learn that riots were taking place in Iran. I’ve cut... Read more

DVDs help patients with PKU

Nycomed | 29 June 2009 | Guests

Two new Irish-made DVDs for patients with PKU, and their families, aim to help them to make the necessary lifestyle changes. The National Centre for Inherited Metabolic Disorders (NCIMD) has launched two DVDs to explain PKU (phenylketonuria) to parents and... Read more

Reporter fined for 'promoting' medicinal product on website

Claire Callanan | 28 June 2009 | Guests

Claire Callanan of Beauchamps Solicitors reports on a case in which a medical reporter — despite having no commercial interest in a drug — was fined for 'advertising' it. The protection of public health is an essential aim of the... Read more

Irish laboratory to test for levels of iodine in children

Dara Gantly | 27 June 2009 | Guests

Despite the importance of iodine in the diet of pregnant women, Ireland and the UK have low levels of consumption. Dara Gantly reports on Irish involvement in a new study measuring iodine levels across the UK. An Irish laboratory is... Read more

RCSI graduate is vindicated of dishonesty in English High Court

Ed Madden | 27 June 2009 | Guests

Ed Madden, BL, on a recent case in which a medical practitioner — found guilty of dishonesty by a Fitness to Practice Panel — successfully appealed the decision of the Panel. Amir Maqbul Khan, who is now 40 years old,... Read more

Assessing drug treatment

Dara Gantly | 27 June 2009 | Guests

Dara Gantly speaks to Comptroller and Auditor General John Buckley about his new report on the effectiveness of drug-treatment schemes. In 2007, State agencies spent an estimated €140 million on the provision of treatment and rehabilitation services for problem drug-users.... Read more

New entrants urged for healthcare awards

Niamh Mullen | 26 June 2009 | Guests

More companies should enter the Irish Healthcare Awards to get their work recognised, writes Niamh Mullen... Read more

Changing seasons and eras at Trinity

niamh mullen | 26 June 2009 | Guests

Dr John Wallace looks at a new book on Trinity College Dublin and its progression through the acdemic year. Its history goes back much further, however, to 1166. The Trinity Year is a tribute to Ireland’s earliest university. Trinity College,... Read more

Dealing with medical reps can be worthwhile

Dr Terence J Hynes | 26 June 2009 | Letters

Dear Editor, Dr Garrett Igoe’s article (www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/06/on_big_pharma_and_drug_reps.html, June 12) prompted me to write concerning medical representatives. These are well-trained, intelligent people doing a good service for the pharmaceutical/medical professions. It has come to my knowledge that my colleagues deal with... Read more

Cork-based doc tackles malnutrition

Niamh Mullen | 26 June 2009 | Guests

Niamh Mullen speaks to a doctor, now living in Ireland, who has dedicated many years of his career to tackling the problem of malnutrition in Africa. Dr Steve Collins has not had a conventional career in medicine. He has spent... Read more

Cancer programme exceeds targets

Gary Culliton | 26 June 2009 | Guests

Gary Culliton reports on the success of the core programme for cervical cancer vaccination in Northern Ireland, which has a 92 per cent uptake. The core programme for cervical cancer vaccination in Northern Ireland – now coming to the end... Read more

Cutting the costs of colon-cancer screening

Gary Culliton | 26 June 2009 | Guests

Gary Culliton writes that attempts are now being made to reduce the estimated cost of a national colon cancer-screening programme, with a view to including it in the Government's 2010 estimates. Health Minister Harney has signalled the start of a... Read more

Where is the Christianity?

Dr Garrett FitzGerald | 26 June 2009 | Garrett FitzGerald

Dr Garrett FitzGerald writes that our health system is on track to ensuring that there is one law for the rich patients and one for the poor — business as usual in Ireland Justice Seán Ryan’s report told us much... Read more

New procedures mean NCHD problems

Dr Mick Molloy | 26 June 2009 | Mick Molloy

Dr Mick Molloy writes that the new arrangements with regard to the registration procedure for NCHDs with the Medical Council may throw up a lot of problems It is that time of year again. The great migration is again upon... Read more

No let-up on smoking

Terence Cosgrave | 26 June 2009 | Editorial

Terence Cosgrave writes that Ireland needs to continue its efforts to rid society of the curse of tobacco. Only a tiny number of adults will ever take up the smoking habit. On the face of it, why would anybody take... Read more

Advert should have had alternatives

Dr Orla Halpenny | 26 June 2009 | Letters

Dear Editor, I was very surprised that the advertisement for the Marie Stopes abortion services (IMT, June 12) was not accompanied by an advertisement for agencies offering an alternative service to pregnant women in Ireland and elsewhere. As you rightly... Read more

Running clinic ad was support for abortion

Dr P.J.K. Conway | 26 June 2009 | Letters

Dear Editor, I am deeply concerned that your excellent medical newspaper should accept advertisements from the Marie Stopes International Abortion Clinic. Abortion, no matter what its apologists claim, is the intentional and deliberate killing of a human person in its... Read more

Inside Back writer 'should be shot'

Dr David M Honan | 26 June 2009 | Letters

Dear Editor, Your anonymous columnist ‘The Inside Back’ (www.imt.ie/opinion/2009/06/an_open_letter_to_anyone_who_o.html, June 19) has gone too far this time, suggesting that ‘anyone (sic) Irish person who opposes the Lisbon Treaty has a moral duty to run head-first into a cement wall as... Read more

Animal pecking order has implications for humans

Laurence O'Dwyer | 26 June 2009 | Guests

Laurence O'Dwyer examines the area of ethology — the study of animals in their natural environment — and the implications of such studies for human behaviour, noting that there is no law that states that humans will evolve into something... Read more

Funding can follow award winners

Niamh Mullen | 19 June 2009 | Guests

Niamh Mullen speaks to Dr Dermot Power about the rewards that winning an Irish Healthcare Award can bring... Read more

An open letter to anyone who opposes Lisbon without Irish guarantees

G.B. | 19 June 2009 | The Inside Back

Heinrich Böll once said that something he quite liked about Ireland – the people of Ireland — was that they were the only people in Europe that had not set out to conquer. He said this while drinking a cup... Read more

Unification and change needed for HSE South

Gary CUlliton | 19 June 2009 | Guests

Gary Culliton speaks to Prof John Higgins, the new Chief Executive of HSE South, about how the recent reconfiguration plan for the southern region will be implemented in light of current economic difficulties . When economic times are hard, patients,... Read more

Are work practices conditions of service?

Ed Madden BL | 19 June 2009 | Guests

Ed Madden, BL, looks at a High Court case which considered whether there is a difference in law between 'conditions of service' and 'work practices' In day-to-day parlance the terms ‘conditions of service’ and ‘work practices’ are sometimes used interchangeably.... Read more

Recovery should be at the heart of mental health services, says SHINE

Niamh Mullen | 19 June 2009 | Guests

Niamh Mullen reports on the annual conference of the Centre for Recovery and Social Inclusion, which took place recently in Cork. Recovery has to be the focus of all mental health services. That is according to the Director of Shine... Read more

Slovenian health card will be world’s most advanced

Helix Health | 19 June 2009 | Guests

A new system for tracking health insurance in Slovenia could be the forerunner of a European healthcare card and electronic patient record. Slovenia will have ‘one of the most advanced’ health-insurance systems in the world when the rollout of its... Read more

Heartlift patients — sources of joy in general practice

Dr Margaret O'Riordan | 19 June 2009 | Guests

Dr Margaret O'Riordan reports on a study that found that there are some patients out there that inspire and encourage their doctors. General practice is a special place to be. GPs walk side by side with patients on the challenging... Read more

So what’s the word on stress?

Rory Hafford | 19 June 2009 | Guests

Rory Hafford looks at an insidious condition creeping through the profession and suggests a few pointers. Many moons ago, a good friend of mine moved to New York to practice medicine. For her, it was a dream come true. She... Read more

Belfast-born doctor pushes ME research

Dara Gantly | 19 June 2009 | Guests

Dara Gantly talks to Dr Derek Enlander — a Belfast-born doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of myalgic encepalomyelitis (ME) — also known as chronic fatigue syndrome — in his New York practice. It was two decades ago,... Read more

Report finds higher rates of stroke

Niamh Mullen | 19 June 2009 | Guests

Stroke incidence and outcomes in north Dublin are significantly worse than in Oxfordshire in the UK, according to major study due to be published this year. Niamh Mullen speaks to one of the neurologists behind it. In the North Dublin... Read more

More GPs needed for drug addiction treatment

Dara Gantly | 19 June 2009 | Guests

Dara Gantly reports on the recent report from the Comptroller and Auditor General on Ireland's efforts to tackle the growing problem of drug addiction. The profile of patients and fear of local opposition are among the issues that have been... Read more

More GPs needed for drug addiction treatment

Dara Gantly | 19 June 2009 | Guests

Dara Gantly reports on the recent report from the Comptroller and Auditor General on Ireland's efforts to tackle the growing problem of drug addiction. The profile of patients and fear of local opposition are among the issues that have been... Read more

Grangegorman development misses the point

Dr Dermot Walsh | 19 June 2009 | Guests

Dr Dermot Walsh, former Inspector of Mental Hospitals, says the new mental hospital planned for the northside of Dublin goes against all the principles of A Vision for Change. According to the Dublin People (4 June), ‘an application for a... Read more

Apple is part of a doc's day

Dr Mick Molloy | 19 June 2009 | Mick Molloy

Dr Mick Molloy on the uses of technology in hospital settings and the potential for improved patient care through the adoption of modern software...plus, a reason to get an iPhone! It is that time of year again, a time when... Read more

There are no drugs in cycling — absolutely, positively, certainly

Dr Garrett FitzGerald | 19 June 2009 | Garrett FitzGerald

Dr Garrett FitzGerald puts his medical mind to work examining the results of 'the cycling'. Could it be that there are athletes using drugs in the sport? Surely not! On the fourth of July, the top cyclists in the world... Read more

A helping hand for homeless boys

Dr Paul Stewart | 19 June 2009 | Guests

Dr Paul Stewart compares the Boys Town institution in the US — which was founded by an Irish priest — with the Irish experience of caring for homeless or poor children He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’ is a song... Read more

NHS service raises quit rates

Nycomed | 12 June 2009 | Guests

A smoking cessation programme which has been tried on a pilot basis is now to be rolled out across the NHS after it increased referrals for Stop Smoking Services by 49 per cent A smoking cessation initiative, which has increased... Read more

Pharma solution is haven by the sea

Niamh Mullen | 12 June 2009 | Guests

Reporter Niamh Mullen speaks to Pharma Solutions managing partner, Paul Flanagan, about recruitment and the company’s move to a new premises. After seven years working from offices on Dublin’s Leeson Street, Pharma Solutions has moved to a new base in... Read more

Managing redundancies

Dairine Walsh | 12 June 2009 | Guests

Dairine Walsh of Beauchamps Solicitors looks at the issue of redundancy and outlines employers' obligations and employees' rights in such circumstances. The latest projections from the ESRI of an unemployment rate of 17 per cent in 2010 indicate that redundancies... Read more

On big pharma and drug reps

Dr Garrett Igoe | 12 June 2009 | Guests

Dr Garrett Igoe writes that the medical profession must take a lead and examine its collective conscience when it comes to pharma sponsorship. Drug reps are nice people…… cheerful, intelligent, good looking and always giving us things. In spite of... Read more

Blue Monday 2010

Dr Clare Thornley | 12 June 2009 | Guests

This story was written By Dr Clare Thornley who is taking a breather from general practice. She has an acupuncture and homeopathy practice on scenic Forth Mountain, Co Wexford. The story won first prize in the recent Aindreas McEntee competition... Read more

A tale of two training programmes

Dr John Ryan | 12 June 2009 | Letter from America

Dr John Ryan is reminded why he decided to train in the US by the arrival of a former colleague for a visit. But, he says Irish medical training also has much to recommend it. I meant to apologise but... Read more

Every day is Father's day

G.B. | 12 June 2009 | The Inside Back

Well, it’s been about four months since my baby was born, and I have not yet discovered what all the fuss is about. You’re not supposed to say those things about your own child, nor that he does little more... Read more

Readership deserves apology for headline?

Dr Sean O'Domhnaill | 12 June 2009 | Letters

Dear Editor, If there was a prize for disingenuity, the person responsible for your front-page article on the Medical Council’s guidelines on the ‘life’ issues should get it without delay! A Millward Brown IMS poll carried out on behalf of... Read more

Black time for Greens

Terence Cosgrave | 12 June 2009 | Editorial

Terence Cosgrave says that following the elections, it will be difficult to maintain the aura of authority in Government. At the time of writing, most of the election results are in, and it is obvious that if we are not... Read more

Existing resources can help more addicts

Dr Patrick Troy | 12 June 2009 | Letters

Dear Editor, In 1998, following the introduction of the Methadone Protocol Scheme, a number of general practitioners became specialised in the treatment of drug addicts — being committed to their care. The training was under the auspices of the ICGP,... Read more

HSE cuts costs if no lawyers are involved

Dr Seoighe Ni Rua | 12 June 2009 | Letters

Dear Editor, They say you learn something new every day. I would like to take this opportunity to share my new-found knowledge with the readers of Irish Medical Times and perhaps recreate some disbelief, as was my initial reaction! A... Read more

Breast surgeon didn't have indemnity in Ireland

Ed Madden | 12 June 2009 | Guests

Ed Madden, BL, looks at a recent case in which a doctor who underwent breast enlargement surgery at Clane General Hospital claimed damages after scars were visible afterwards. In the year 2000, Janet (not her real name) decided to undergo... Read more

What can be done to redress institutional abuse of children?

Dr Mick Molloy | 12 June 2009 | Mick Molloy

Dr Mick Molloy is — like the rest of the country — appalled by the scale of Ireland's history of child abuse within the industrial schools. But what can be done now to help the victims? The release of the... Read more

Ghosthunters in Spookane!

Garrett FitzGerald | 12 June 2009 | Garrett FitzGerald

Dr Garrett FitzGerald gives us the lowdown on a trip to Bing Crosby's birthplace to track down the ghost of 'White Christmas' past — but this is nothing like we used to know. If you are unfortunate enough to have... Read more

Specialist doctors frustrated

niamh mullen | 12 June 2009 | Guests

Doctors working in a range of specialised areas have expressed frustration that they are not registered on the Medical Council’s Specialist Register. Community health doctors, in particular, aired their views in several submissions to the Medical Council during its public... Read more

HSE faces major challenged to National Service Plan

Dara Gantly | 12 June 2009 | Guests

Dara Gantly looks at the effects that the economic recession is having on the Health Service Executive's ability to deliver on its Service Plan promises. The current economic downturn continues to impinge on the HSE’s ability to deliver on its... Read more

Cut the waffle! And say what you've done — not your hopes

Niamh Mullen | 12 June 2009 | Guests

Reporter Niamh Mullen speaks to one of last year’s Irish Healthcare Award winners about the impact of winning and some tips for those entering this year... Read more

Costs do not always have to follow the event

Ed Madden | 08 June 2009 | Guests

Ed Madden, BL, looks at a recent Supreme Court case that dealt with the circumstances in which the courts may depart from the normal rule that costs follow the event. In 1973, schoolgirl Louise O’Keeffe, who was then nine years... Read more

World Grid helps millions

Helix Health | 08 June 2009 | Guests

The Help Cure Muscular Dystrophy Project is looking for 150,000 volunteers to donate their computers' idle time and help find a cure for the condition. The Help Cure Muscular Dystrophy project is looking to use the idle computational power from... Read more

When to stick and when to twist...

Rory Hafford | 08 June 2009 | Guests

Rory Hafford takes a look at when to tell the patient more about their condition – and when not to. I have been thinking about the whole body language thing (and the way some patients might look at you). Some... Read more

Killarney Primary Care Centre falls at the first hurdle

Dara Gantly | 08 June 2009 | Guests

The decision by Killarney Town Council not to grant planning permission for a pharmacy at a new primary care centre in the town has not only scuppered the plans locally, but could have national implications for the roll-out of the... Read more

The pleasures of public transport – and using the time productively

G.B. | 08 June 2009 | The Inside Back

The joy of riding public transportation is dependent on one’s ability to drive oneself, if one wanted. In the weeks since my motorcycle was cruelly taken away from me by an American tourist in a rental car, who decided to... Read more

What is the right prescription for a sick health system?

Dr Fergus O'Ferrell | 08 June 2009 | Guests

Dr Fergus O'Ferrell writes that universal health insurance would cure our health system's ills and that now is the right time to introduce it. On April 27 2009, Fine Gael launched a major ‘road-map’ policy to reform the health system... Read more

Electing for health reform

Dr Mick Molloy | 08 June 2009 | Mick Molloy

Dr Mick Molloy speculates on reform of the healthcare system and suggests that whatever reform programme is embarked upon, it will take more than one term of office. The local elections take place today and we have heard all manner... Read more

An attitude of 'can't do' and passing the buck

Dr Garrett FitzGerald | 08 June 2009 | Garrett FitzGerald

Dr Garrett FitzGerald puts his economic cap on and finds that the keys to the banana plantation are in the hands of the monkeys. There is something seriously wrong with the economic thinking at present. I am not George Lee... Read more

Entries are now being accepted for Irish Healthcare Awards

Niamh Mullen | 05 June 2009 | Guests

Entries are now being accepted for the eight annual Irish Healthcare Awards 2009. For the second time the prestigious event will take place in Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel, on October 15. RTE newsreader Bryan Dobson will also reprise his role as... Read more

Not watching television has ruined my ability to appreciate drivel

G.B. | 02 June 2009 | The Inside Back

I stopped watching television last December. The last thing I watched was Elf, starring Will Farrell, and I thought it was pretty funny. Since then, I’ve watched approximately one hour of incontiguous television. This includes ski jumping and about 30... Read more

Report highlights lack of progress

Greg Baxter | 02 June 2009 | Guests

Greg Baxter writes that according to the Mental Health Commission's annual report, the implementation of A Vision for Change is still being stymied by problems with funding and work practices. The Mental Health Commission’s annual report, which highlighted a lack... Read more

Will Ireland's healthcare be decided by Europe?

Dara Gantly | 02 June 2009 | Guests

Dara Gantly reports on the upcoming elections to the European Parliament and how the results might affect the Irish healthcare system. Between June 4 and 7, some 375 million citizens across 27 countries are being called to the polls to... Read more

Who is to blame for our institutional abuse?

Terence Cosgrave | 02 June 2009 | Editorial

Terence Cosgrave says that Irish society as a whole bears responsibility for the torture and abuse that happened in Ireland's industrial schools and that we owe a debt to those who finally broke the silence. The awful truth of institutional... Read more

A simple message for young doctors

RA Raja Ali | 02 June 2009 | Letters

My dear young graduates, Let me begin with special congratulations to all young graduates from all medical schools in Ireland. I would to like to take this opportunity to convey a simple message to all of you, the future leaders... Read more

The absolution to all our problems?

Dr Garrett FitzGerald | 02 June 2009 | Garrett FitzGerald

Dr Garrett FitzGerald writes that the pilot programme of e-confessions is working nicely down in Tipperary...as long as penitents are careful to hit the right buttons The latest thing is being piloted in Tipperary, the Premier County. No surprise there.... Read more

Give us resources to improve primary care

Dr Nuala O'Farrell | 02 June 2009 | Guests

Dr Nuala O'Farrell writes that the ICGP has a lot to be proud of regarding its achievements over the last 25 years, but there is still a lot of work to be done This year, the Irish College of General... Read more

Convicted doctor receives award of damages from Court

Ed Madden | 02 June 2009 | Guests

Ed Madden, BL, looks at a recent decision of the European Court of Human Rights in which a doctor convicted of indecent assault received an award of damages. Fifty-three year old Dr Imad Al-Khawaja, a British national, worked as a... Read more

Dr Mary Grehan — an appreciation

M.D. | 02 June 2009 | Guests

I first met Mary Grehan in 1987 and joined the new association she had just founded. The Association of General Practitioners reflected Mary’s personality and she guided and led it with honourable principles and unmatched energy. A talking shop was... Read more