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Opinion: Editorial

All entries for Editorial

It hasn't gone away, you know

Mary Anne Kenny | 12 March 2010

Mary Anne Kenny argues that, with regard to the swine flu, the HSE had to make assumptions where predictions were impossible... Read more

Symphysiotomy review

Mary Anne Kenny | 05 March 2010

Mary Anne Kenny believes a full and extended enquiry into the practice of symphysiotomy needs to be carried out... Read more

Sick building syndrome

Dara Gantly | 26 February 2010

Dara Gantly believes the relocation of the Department of Health from Hawkins House is long overdue... Read more

A corporate culture

Dara Gantly | 19 February 2010

Dara Gantly believes the Joint Oireachtas Committee is right to reject the corporatisation of primary care... Read more

When vaccines go viral

Dara Gantly | 12 February 2010

Dara Gantly finds that, when it comes to vaccines, both the medical and lay press can play a multitude of roles... Read more

Today, tonight and tomorrow for consultants

Dara Gantly | 05 February 2010

Dara Gantly examines what the HSE has in store for those consultants identified as having exceeded their specified private practice ratio... Read more

The last chance saloon

Dara Gantly | 29 January 2010

With last orders still pending, Dara Gantly wonders whether the alcohol industry is in need of a proper debate on promotion, minimum prices and warnings... Read more

Och aye the noo service

Dara Gantly | 22 January 2010

Dara Gantly believes the Government should follow the Scottish lead in colorectal cancer and screen all those between 50 and 74 years of age... Read more

Another 48 hours in the health service

Dara Gantly | 15 January 2010

Dara Gantly wonders why, despite having 11 years in which to plan, Ireland remains so ill-prepared for the implementing of the EWTD... Read more

The health of our body politic

Dara Gantly | 08 January 2010

Dara Gantly believes greater openness would not necessarily preclude somone with an illness from holding high public office... Read more

Mistletoe and whine

Terence Cosgrave | 18 December 2009

Terence Cosgrave takes stock of the events of 2009, and predicts another difficult year for the health service... Read more

Budget ends partnership

Terence Cosgrave | 11 December 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that the Budget marks the end of social partnership — which may be no bad thing... Read more

Striking a different note

Terence Cosgrave | 04 December 2009

Terence Cosgrave says that strikes are an outdated and counter-productive tactic for disgruntled public servants... Read more

Actions by HSE threaten pay and patient safety

Terence Cosgrave | 27 November 2009

Terence Cosgrave warns that the HSE is making moves now that could cost both consultants and GPs in the long run, and force GPs to make judgements over the phone that could affect patient safety... Read more

Beating the 'Drumm' in Dromoland

Terence Cosgrave | 20 November 2009

Terence Cosgrave witnessed a command performance from Prof Brendan Drumm at the rural doctors conference, but despite the welcome improvement in communications there are still issues that must be addressed in primary care... Read more

Not everyone gets the best of everything

Terence Cosgrave | 13 November 2009

Terence Cosgrave says that it is important for all of us to imagine life from the perspective of a child, as sometimes the most important ideas and principles can only be appreciated when we examine things from their viewpoint... Read more

The energy of anger

Terence Cosgrave | 06 November 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that a pre-emptive strike may express anger, but it will change absolutely nothing... Read more

Raise price, dump quango

Terence Cosgrave | 30 October 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that given the increase in smokers the OTC is a waste of money and should be scrapped... Read more

Drumm is not to blame

Terence Cosgrave | 22 October 2009

Terence Cosgrave believes the finger of blame over the bonus to Brendan Drumm should point to the Government... Read more

Ireland gains in health index race

Terence Cosgrave | 09 October 2009

Terence Cosgrave says that while many problems remain, it is positive news that Ireland has climbed the European Health Consumer Index. But do we have the solidarity in society to improve even more in recessionary times?... Read more

Striking — a balance

Terence Cosgrave | 02 October 2009

Terence Cosgrave says that despite the mess we're in, we need all sectors and groups to act and think rationally... Read more

Lisbon lies and hype

Terence Cosgrave | 25 September 2009

Terence Cosgrave says that outlandish claims about Lisbon are now being used to create media 'stories'... Read more

Lisbon vote tests our will to act for others

Terence Cosgrave | 18 September 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that Ireland has traditionally tried to have it both ways on international relationships. The Lisbon vote forces us to accept it's now either time for us to accept our wider international responsibilities, or shut up about them... Read more

Lies, lies and Lisbon

Terence Cosgrave | 11 September 2009

Terence Cosgrave opens up the debate on the Lisbon Treaty with a typically fair and balanced editorial... Read more

Amended code won't save children

Terence Cosgrave | 04 September 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that Ireland must not allow children to become victims of its institutional system and that the only way to solve problems in the mental health service is to establish an independent Directorate... Read more

Fat chance of solving obesity problem

Terence Cosgrave | 28 August 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that Ireland faces an obesity crisis in the coming years and that we are unlikely to see any initiatives to deal with the problem at official level until it's too late... Read more

Who gets to go to medical school?

Terence Cosgrave | 21 August 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that the new system for assessing candidates for medical school is probably a little fairer than that which existed heretofore, but does the system miss out on the most fundamental point of all?... Read more

Patients cannot be made pay price

Terence Cosgrave | 14 August 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that no dispute can use patients as a weapon — no matter what the justification is for the dispute itself — and that the public will punish severely any group that uses patients as pawns... Read more

Caring for seniors

Terence Cosgrave | 07 August 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that proper care for seniors should be addressed as an urgent issue by the HSE... Read more

Good news in the gloom

Terence Cosgrave | 31 July 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that winning an Irish Healthcare Award proves a project's merit and may secure funding... Read more

Feeding the problem?

Terence Cosgrave | 17 July 2009

Terence Cosgrave asks if we are actually subsidising the illegal drug industry by restricting the supply of drugs. Last week, I wrote in this space about the need to adopt a more practical and saner approach to the issue of... Read more

Time for new attitude on addiction

Terence Cosgrave | 13 July 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that we have created a massive problem of violence and criminal gangs by our attitude to drug users — which is helping no-one but the criminals who profit from the system. It's time for a change. Part... Read more

A new deal for NCHDs

Terence Cosgrave | 03 July 2009

Terence Cosgrave wonders whether NCHDs will suffer as a result of their vote in support of the EWTD implementation. The vote by non-consultant hospital doctors in the Irish Medical Organisation’s ballot on recent Labour Court proposals was illuminating.... Read more

No let-up on smoking

Terence Cosgrave | 26 June 2009

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

Black time for Greens

Terence Cosgrave | 12 June 2009

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

Who is to blame for our institutional abuse?

Terence Cosgrave | 02 June 2009

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

Making a difference at a macro level

Terence Cosgrave | 25 May 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that unless we agree on new and improved ways of doing things, then nobody's hard work or talents will be put to good use — least of all those employed within the health service. We have been... Read more

Are we going to talk about it or do it?

Terence Cosgrave | 14 May 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that we need to take action on the development of primary care and give proper support, assurances and resources to GPs in the setting up of primary care teams. The annual general meeting of theIrish College of... Read more

Time to act has come

Terence Cosgrave | 08 May 2009

Terence Cosgrave says the HSE has a moral duty to appoint a National Mental Health Directorate immediately. Sometimes, you might think, we are living in an Orwellian world of dystopia, but perhaps more accurately its Irish variant — ‘Whataboutery’ or... Read more

IMO defends patients, too

Terence Cosgrave | 24 April 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that although the IMO might be accused of defending 'sectional interests', its aim is to improve the health service... Read more

Consultant's sexual misconduct not at 'higher end of spectrum'

Ed Madden | 24 April 2009

Ed Madden, BL, looks at a recent English High Court case in which it was argued that the sanction of suspension imposed on a consultant physician was unduly lenient... Read more

Without reform comes ruin

Terence Cosgrave | 07 April 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that the expert group appointed to review health funding is our last chance to address the problems in our health system. By the time you read this, we will have had our fourth Budget in a year.... Read more

This time, it's personal

Terence Cosgrave | 03 April 2009

Terence Cosgrave wonders if the never-ending Budget saga will re-hash the same old script or show us something new. Early next week, we are going to see a production of Budget 4: The Final Reckoning and, like all sequels, we... Read more

No excuse for no plan

Terence Cosgrave | 29 March 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that the cuts in April's Budget must make practical sense, rather than blind slashing of resources The law of unintended consequences is often the most dangerous law of all. It happens when a law is introduced to... Read more

Keep to the contract

Gary Culliton | 22 March 2009

Gary Culliton writes that Minister Harney can hardly now avoid paying consultants the money they are owed. The indications are that over 80 per cent of serving consultants have opted for the new consultant contract.... Read more

The truth will set you... up for lawsuits

Terence Cosgrave | 13 March 2009

Terence Cosgrave says that the publicity surrounding the first public Fitness to Practise case forces doctors to keep their language clinical — even if it is not understood — and opens the way for threats and blackmail. It is all... Read more

Tell the truth about cuts

Terence Cosgrave | 12 March 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that honesty and responsibility must start at the top, when it comes to cutbacks. I had the interesting experience of chairing a debate in Trinity College last week on the health service. The participants in the debate... Read more

Sick and tired of it

Terence Cosgrave | 04 March 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that IMT's new GP survey has revealed the effect of the recession on the nation's health. The second part of our GP survey is published on page 10 of this issue of Irish Medical Times. It contains... Read more

No mandate left

Terence Cosgrave | 23 February 2009

Terence Cosgrave says the Minister has no mandate left — from the public, doctors or anyone else. It's time for her to go. In this week’s Irish Medical Times we publish the first results from our GP survey — more... Read more

Will NCHDs have to pay a bigger price?

Terence Cosgrave | 12 February 2009

Terence Cosgrave says that even though the choice may be between cutting payroll costs and closing hospitals, NCHDs — while willing to do their part — are bearing the brunt of cutbacks so far in the hospital sector. It has... Read more

Wasting a good crisis

Terence Cosgrave | 09 February 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that no-one will be immune to serious and deep cuts from the economic crisis. Last November, President Obama’s Chief of Staff designate, Rahm Emanuel, told a CEO Forum in Washington that ‘it would be a shame to... Read more

Vision never changes

Terence Cosgrave | 31 January 2009

Terence Cosgrave writes that A Vision for Change is still an aspiration and very little is being done to implement it. I suppose it’s a common complaint that many people working within the health service — or stakeholders who take... Read more

Cowen simply not up to the task

Terence Cosgrave | 21 January 2009

Terence Cosgrave says we face several crises but do not have the leadership to tackle them. We can't even have an honest debate as we have mangled the truth for so many years, we do not know what it is... Read more

The mid-west centre

16 January 2009

It’s been just over a week now since almost 2,000 workers in the Dell plant in Limerick were told that their jobs had ‘migrated’ to Lodz in Poland, where the rate of pay is much less. In Ireland, we have... Read more

A lot of activity — but no action on drugs

Terence Cosgrave | 09 December 2008

Terence Cosgrave writes that politicians engage in a lot of useless activity, but maybe this is a good thing in the long run as it keeps them busy and prevents them from doing any real harm. ‘Cannabis users rarely commit... Read more

Premium service?

Terence Cosgrave | 07 December 2008

Terence Cosgrave writes that the situation regarding health insurance needs to be clarified for now... and the future. Many of you will sadly be familiar with the common situation whereby a patient comes to you having experienced a health ‘crisis’... Read more

Policy — not history

Terence Cosgrave | 28 November 2008

Terence Cosgrave says that to effect reform in the health service, we must consign past allegiances to history. It’s not hyperbole or exaggeration to state that the world is going through extraordinary times. The international financial crisis has already had... Read more

The cost of freedom

Terence Cosgrave | 23 November 2008

Terence Cosgrave says the cost of Freedom of Information requests has effectively stopped the release of data. There were fewer than 150 requests made by journalists to the Health Service Executive in the last year. That’s a little fewer than... Read more

Putting things into perspective

Terence Cosgrave | 13 November 2008

Terence Cosgrave writes that no matter what argument you choose to take as an example, your sense of right and wrong always boils down to just one thing — it all depends on your own perspective. Perspective is the key... Read more

It's all about location

Terence Cosgrave | 10 November 2008

Terence Cosgrave writes that the inequalities in healthcare between different regions are getting harder to accept. The experience of attending the American Congress of Rheumatology’s conference in San Francisco last week brought home to me the extent to which medicine... Read more

Back her — or sack her

Terence Cosgrave | 31 October 2008

Terence Cosgrave says that with no backing from the Government, Mary Harney's fate as Health Minister is sealed. Is there any point now in Minister Mary Harney continuing? There had been a reasonable argument put forward heretofore that Harney had... Read more

Blaming others won't help Cowen with over-70s

Terence Cosgrave | 28 October 2008

Terence Cosgrave says that the attempts of the Government to find a scapegoat for its decision to abolish the over-70s' automatic entitlement to a medical card will not change the fact that it will have to reverse its decision. As... Read more

Can Budget cutbacks improve our health?

Terence Cosgrave | 14 October 2008

Terence Cosgrave wonders if the current financial constraints can really be an opportunity to drive reform in the health service, seeing as all the money in the Celtic Tiger's coffers could not solve the problems in the healthcare system. By... Read more

Health cuts draw blood

Terence Cosgrave | 07 October 2008

Terence Cosgrave writes that despite promises from politicians, patients will be affected by health cutbacks. The Irish Hospital Consultants Association’s annual general meeting, which was held last weekend in Cork, took place against the background of a bleak outlook for... Read more

HSE has turned its back on the elderly

Emer O’Byrne | 07 October 2008

Dear Editor, On Friday morning last, I booked 22 patients into my Monday morning flu vaccine clinic. Some of these patients come into the 50-65 age group, as we had been informed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) that this... Read more

'J'accuse' is not a reasonable way to debate

Terrence Cosgrave | 06 October 2008

Communication has a vital role to play in medicine, as it does in most aspects of life. Most of us have the experience of saying something that later is changed beyond all recognition by mis-interpretation or carelessness. Sometimes this happens... Read more

'J'accuse' is not a reasonable way to debate

Terrence Cosgrave | 06 October 2008

Communication has a vital role to play in medicine, as it does in most aspects of life. Most of us have the experience of saying something that later is changed beyond all recognition by mis-interpretation or carelessness. Sometimes this happens... Read more

Minister Harney — a force for good or ill?

Terence Cosgrage | 30 September 2008

Terence Cosgrave says that there have been many spurious and self-serving arguments in the health arena, which only distract from achieving the real and measurable improvements that could be made. Very few things are completely right or wrong. Life has... Read more

Ann Moriarty's case

16 September 2008

There has been a lot written (understandably) about the Ann Moriarty case and the implications for Ennis Hospital and St James’s Hospital in Dublin. In this issue of Irish Medical Times, we publish an interview with her husband, Karl Henry,... Read more

'Expensive reviews'

Terence Cosgrave | 08 September 2008

Terence Cosgrave looks at the soon-to-be published 'lookback' review on cancer diagnoses in the north-east. This week Irish Medical Times reveals exclusively that the delays in the diagnosis of a number of patients’ lung cancers in the north-east ‘were of... Read more

Prognosis: terminal

Terence Cosgrave | 26 August 2008

Terence Cosgrave writes that GPs' judgments on Minister Harney and Prof Drumm will matter little in the real world. If the results of the Irish Medical Times’ survey of general practitioners were actual medical results that had come back from... Read more

Salary secrets of HSE

Terence Cosgrave | 15 August 2008

Terence Cosgrave asks why the HSE is so backward in coming forward with the salary details of its staff. It says a lot that the Health Service Executive, when advertising a position within its Communications Department, doesn’t mention the salary... Read more

Who will strike for a better health service?

Terence Cosgrave | 09 August 2008

Terence Cosgrave writes that despite the prosperity of the Celtic Tiger era, we still need major improvements made to our health service. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be on the agenda of any of the social partners. The Celtic... Read more

Court may have last word on abortion

01 August 2008

Terence Cosgrave writes that the thorny issue of abortion may be just about to raise its head in Ireland once again — but this time, the debate may be between judges in Strasbourg, which might not be a bad thing.... Read more

Adventures in Blunderland

Terence Cosgrave | 24 July 2008

Terence Cosgrave tries to make sense of the topsy-turvy world of health insurance in Ireland and writes that the Government will now have to devise a system which not only is fair, but which also encourages real competition. If, like... Read more

The PSA is not a quango too far

Terence Cosgrave | 18 July 2008

Terence Cosgrave says that despite the current mood of cutbacks — and particularly the reduction in the number of quangos — the proposed Patient Safety Agency is a quango that must survive the cuts. Two years ago, the two major... Read more

Are you dying for a cigarette?

08 July 2008

Terence Cosgrave on how 'Big Tobacco' has taken to targeting the most vulnerable people in today's society — namely the poor, the young and the uneducated — in order to make a profit and to groom its future market. Just... Read more

The era of 'Celtic Tighten-the-Belt'

Terence Cosgrave | 27 June 2008

Terence Cosgrave on how an economic downturn means that the Minister for Health must allocate scarcer funds on the basis that they will improve our health service in the long term, rather than satisfy short-term political goals. There is no... Read more

Lisbon learnings

Terence Cosgrave | 20 June 2008

Terence Cosgrave thinks the lack of a clear debate on the Lisbon Treaty referendum bodes ill for the future. If the Lisbon Treaty referendum demonstrated anything, it was that Irish people are not content to take the word of politicians... Read more

World views and local realities

14 June 2008

Terence Cosgrave suggests that regardless of the vote on the Lisbon Treaty, Ireland needs to engage with the reality of the wider world and adapt to the changing global realities — while maintaining local mores and standards. Travel broadens the... Read more

'Man'-power crisis

Mary Anne Kenny | 07 June 2008

Mary Anne Kenny on the need to retain women GPs and how the issue of manpower relates to women, too, A general practitioner I know had her second baby recently – and will not be returning to work. Based in... Read more

Emergency situation

28 May 2008

Mary Anne Kenny asks if emergency department overcrowding has fallen down the HSE's priority list. Sickness is the world’s great leveller. All any patient wants is for a doctor to tell them what’s wrong and make them better. I saw... Read more

An Irish 'New Deal' on health

By Terence Cosgrave | 23 May 2008

At the height of the Great Depression in 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt became President of the United States and delivered an inaugural address that was one of the finest ever delivered - and certainly one of the best-known until John... Read more

Time to make your voices heard

Terence Cosgrave | 19 May 2008

Terence Cosgrave writes that at a time of great change in our health service, GPs are at the coalface of community care and must play a major role in directing the necessary changes. As this year’s annual general meeting of... Read more

The sound of silence

19 May 2008

In last week’s Irish Medical Times, we carried on our front page a story about older people who are in ‘de facto imprisonment’ in nursing homes — held there without any legal basis and despite their own wishes. The story... Read more

Alcohol addicts

30 April 2008

Terence Cosgrave on why no-one in Ireland is prepared to seriously tackle our problem with alcohol. The American writer P.J. O’Rourke once wrote about the effects of the drug Ecstasy (MDMA): “Maybe Ecstasy is very subtle. I remember thinking that... Read more

O'Faolain opens new debate

17 April 2008

Terence Cosgrave says that the news that Nuala O'Faolain has terminal cancer has opened up a debate on the issue of euthanasia and the wider issue of a dignified death for people diagnosed with terminal illness. Nuala O’Faolain shot to... Read more

Angola's Taoiseach

Terence Cosgrave | 12 April 2008

Terence Cosgrave wishes our new Taoiseach well but wonders if he had the 'vision thing' required for the health service. In this week’s British Medical Journal, two articles argue whether or not there are too many female medical graduates. Brian... Read more

Doctors need an alliance with patients

Terence Cosgrave | 04 April 2008

At the third scientific session of the Irish Medical Organisation’s annual general meeting in Killarney last weekend, Dr William Plested (pictured below) gave a fascinating presentation on the US election race and how healthcare issues are impacting on the... Read more

Healthy comment

30 March 2008

Terence Cosgrave admires Garret FitzGerald's recent comments on the reasons why Ireland has such a poor health service. The reluctance of the mainstream media to write about the real issues of the health service is one of the problems that... Read more

'No Go' in Angola

20 March 2008

Terence Cosgrave says there are good reasons to believe that the Department of Health discussed the return of the health boards. The Irish Times reported last week that the Department of Health had held high-level discussions about the future of... Read more

Hand-washing HSE

14 March 2008

There is an acceptance by most people that someday, they are going to die. With the exception of Death Row inmates and suicides, we all have in common that fact, and that none of us know exactly when. We all... Read more

GPs need support

Terrence Cosgrave | 05 March 2008

Having had the experience of meeting a good number of GPs from Munster and south Leinster this week at the Irish Medical Times’ seminar in Cork, it struck me that many GPs plough a lonely furrow and need to have... Read more

The Republic of Irelandistan - all the way

29 February 2008

Terence Cosgrave says that we have become complacent about respiratory disease in this country since the introduction of the smoking ban - which never was the final solution to the health problems caused by tobacco in any case. While we... Read more

Land sales bonanza

19 February 2008

The money raised from the sale of psychiatric hospital land must go to the development of community-based mental services There are now real questions about whether or not the money raised from the sale of lands owned by psychiatric hospitals... Read more

A contract at last?

01 February 2008

Terence Cosgrave says that there is still some selling to be done on the consultant contract It seems that after many years and many false dawns, a new consultant contract will be agreed soon. The announcement by Minister Mary Harney... Read more

Bed capacity and conflicting agendas

Greg Baxter | 25 January 2008

We have been getting three key messages from the Health Service Executive (HSE) over the last 12 months or more regarding the state of the health service. The first is that waiting lists, through local efforts and large initiatives like... Read more

Training must be fair

25 January 2008

Terence Cosgrave says that it is essential that principles of equity be applied to the training of NCHDs The double standard that applies with regard to the training of EU and non-EU doctors- as revealed on page 34 of this... Read more

What's your opinion?

18 January 2008

Terence Cosgrave invites doctors to contribute to the Irish Medical Times and to the medical community The Irish Medical Times has been in existence now for over 40 years- longer than the professional life of many people. Since becoming editor... Read more

A killer on the loose

11 January 2008

Terence Cosgrave says it's time to tackle the scourge of smoking at international level to help poor countries It’s January and a time of the year for looking back and forward. Traditionally, this is a time for resolutions, and many... Read more

Editor replies to Stem Cell Research letters

04 January 2008

Far from suggesting that there shouldn’t be an ethical basis to research, I was in fact arguing the ethical basis for the continuation of stem cell research (including, if neccessary, embyronic stem cell research). There is a difference of opinion... Read more

Justice, a decade later

Terence Cosgrave | 04 January 2008

Terence Cosgrave says that the High Court ruling by Mr Justice Kelly last month was a case of justice delayed Doctors will have been shocked last month with the news that Mr Justice Kelly ruled in the High Court that... Read more

Let science do its job

30 November 2007

Terence Cosgrave says that research on stem cells should continue unless there is a viable alternative It is regrettable that down through the ages science and politics have often been at odds. Though the Scopes ‘Monkey Trial’ took place over... Read more

Dangerous liaisons in government

23 November 2007

Terence Cosgrave says the creation of the Health Service Executive was an extraordinary case of 'blame avoidance' and that both the Government and the HSE need to take responsibility for the services they control There is a great scene in... Read more

Fight it out on the facts

16 November 2007

Terence Cosgrave says the recent Dr James Reilly/Dermot Ahern TV debate ponitedly shows the necessity of being well-informed and factual, because only then can constructive talks happen Watching the debate on The Week in Politics between Minister for Foreign Affairs... Read more

Accountability is key

09 November 2007

Terence Cosgrave says that Prof Drumm should take two of the finer qualities of the doctor-patient relationship– transparency and accountability– and apply those to the HSE One could almost have sympathy for Prof Brendan Drumm as he defended his position... Read more

A modest proposal

02 November 2007

We have a poor public health service because nobody with any real power in this country depends on it. Terence Cosgrave proposes a simple step that would deliver a world-class health service At the Irish Healthcare Awards this week the... Read more

Time to bridge the gap

12 October 2007

Terence Cosgrave welcomes Mary Harney’s speech at the IHCA banquet which indicated a desire to have consultant involvement in health decisions — once they sign up to a new contract Last Saturday night the Minister for Health Mary Harney began... Read more

Traditions and standards will continue

05 October 2007

In his first editorial, new Irish Medical Times Editor Terence Cosgrave explains how the high standards of the paper have remained constant throughout the years — standards he intends to uphold and, where possible, improve I first encountered Irish Medical... Read more

Laudable objectives

28 September 2007

News Editor Glenn Taylor finds commendable Dr James Reilly’s desire to help improve the health service and wishes him luck in the ‘bull-pit’ that is Dáil Éireann The bull-pit of Dáil Éireann is not for the faint hearted. Many a... Read more

Mental health tribunals

21 September 2007

Irish Medical Times Senior Reporter Ian McGuinness looks at the operation of the mental health tribunals and answers some of the questions that have been raised on the issue Irish Medical Times recently revealed (31 August) that between the start... Read more

Long walk off a short plank

31 August 2007

News editor Glenn Taylor believes that the resignation of Labour leader Pat Rabbitte sees the loss of one of the most vocal opponents to the privatisation of Irish healthcare Pat Rabbitte’s decision to stand down as leader of the Labour... Read more

Goodbye to all that...

Colin Kerr | 17 August 2007

Irish Medical Times Editor Colin Kerr is leaving the paper after eight years. He says its future is in good hands and IMT will continue to uphold its commitment to be the independent paper for Irish doctors, without fear or... Read more

Doctors in the House

Colin Kerr | 10 August 2007

Colin Kerr applauds Dr Hillery and Dr Gueret's performances in the Seanad election and stresses the need for an independent doctors’ representative in the Seanad Congratulations are due to Dr Maurice Gueret and Dr John Hillery for their performances in... Read more

Responsible drinking

Colin Kerr | 03 August 2007

IMT Editor Colin Kerr says the time has come to tackle alcohol abuse, particularly after revelations that most Irish people don't know how much alcohol consumption constitutes binge drinking Ireland has a drink problem. Irish adults drink too much and... Read more

Shrouded in secrecy

Glenn Taylor | 27 July 2007

Glenn Taylor says let's face it: co-location is here to stay. However, the Government has done little so far to endear it to the Irish people by making the whole process seem as clear as mud Co-location is here to... Read more

Maternity modernity

Colin Kerr | 20 July 2007

Colin Kerr says a national strategy for women's health should be implemented along with a review group comprising of hospital management and HSE and doctors' representatives The proposal that one of Dublin’s maternity hospitals be re-located to the Mater Hospital... Read more

Co-location salutation

13 July 2007

Colin Kerr says the next few weeks will be interesting now that the IMO has changed its once unbudging stance against co-location to welcoming it with the inclusion of several caveats Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Minister for Health Mary Harney... Read more

Crisis. What crisis?

06 July 2007

Colin Kerr says Mary Harney must start listening to doctors and then implement the changes that they, as the hands-on service providers, recommend to her and the HSE The Minister for Health, Mary Harney told the Dáil last week that... Read more

Peace at last?

29 June 2007

Irish Medical Times Editor Colin Kerr says the first weeks of Mary Harney’s second term of office as Minister for Health indicates that she may adopt a more conciliatory approach The Minister for Health Mary Harney has wasted no time... Read more

Deliver on your promise

22 June 2007

Irish Medical Times Editor Colin Kerr says the new Government must deliver on promises and resolve burning issues in health care before we have a system worthy of being called 'world class' We finally have a new government. It might... Read more

A mashed up mismatch

15 June 2007

Irish Medical Times Editor Colin Kerr says the bartering between the major political parties for support to form a new Government may not be in the best interests of doctors or their patients In Irish politics, nothing is straightforward. We... Read more

A new strategy?

Colin Kerr | 08 June 2007

The soon to be formed Fianna Fáil Government will have to take some tough decisions when it announces its health budget for 2008. Doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals will be looking for pay increases and hospital and health service managers... Read more

Lessons learned?

Colin Kerr | 01 June 2007

Colin Kerr says that while Fianna Fáil may be preparing for an historic third term in government, voters are unhappy with a lot of the party's health policies The election is over and now the hard work of forming a... Read more

It will be our loss

25 May 2007

Growing frustration and feelings of futility could cost the Irish public healthcare system many of its most talented clinicians if things do not improve, according to Irish Medical Times Editor, Colin Kerr The Irish health system may be about to... Read more

Time for a change

18 May 2007

Irish Medical Times Editor Colin Kerr says the time has come to elect a new Government that will benefit doctors, health professionals and the patients they serve After 10 years in power, the Fianna Fáil/Progressive Democrat coalition is looking for... Read more

Doctor in the House?

11 May 2007

Irish Medical Times News Editor, Glenn Taylor says the upcoming election sees an unprecedented number of doctors hoping to gain a seat in the Dáil, but only one of them is certain of making it through In this issue of... Read more

Convenient whipping boy

04 May 2007

Glenn Taylor says that while consultants have been taking a hit in the PR battle with the Government, they and not their political protagonists may be the ultimate winners after the general election The gloves are now officially off in... Read more

Highlight the mess

27 April 2007

Colin Kerr says consultants are ill-advised to focus on new salaries and he advises the IMO and IHCA to start winning the media debate by pointing out that the health service is a mess At the time of going to... Read more

Lessons to be learned

20 April 2007

Colin Kerr says Minister for Health Mary Harney and her Government colleagues should learn from the mistakes they have made in the nurses' dispute and come up with a plan Nobody told her it was going to be easy when... Read more

Molloy's legacy

13 April 2007

IMT Editor Colin Kerr says Dr Mick Molloy has a lot to be proud of as he steps down as chair of the IMO NCHD committee If there are awards to be handed out for long service and dedication, one... Read more

One step at a time

06 April 2007

Colin Kerr says one doctor’s long walk to raise funds for patients with Multiple Sclerosis should be an inspiration to her colleagues and urges them to give generously to this worthy cause Dr Nuala O’Farrell is a dedicated general practitioner... Read more

Is co-location wise?

30 March 2007

Colin Kerr expects questions about Minister Harney’s co-location plan will be increasingly raised by doctors and other voters as the general election draws nearer The Minister for Health, Mary Harney, has argued that co-location will improve services for all patients,... Read more

Clarification: 23 March 2007

23 March 2007

In our 9 March issue we carried a story headlined ‘Irish Cancer Society chief moves to MRCG’. We would like to clarify that while Mr John McCormack has taken up the honorary position of Chairman of the Medical Research Charities... Read more

Listen to doctors

23 March 2007

Colin Kerr says part of the debate about the future of the health service must centre on the changing job profiles of doctors and other healthcare professionals When will Irish doctors stop whinging and start doing what they are paid... Read more

Correction: 23 March 2007

23 March 2007

In Irish Medical Times (2 March 2007) Killarney GP Dr Maria Stack was incorrectly named Dr Maura Stack in a caption of a photo on page 48. IMT apologises for this production error.... Read more

Swept under the carpet

16 March 2007

Glenn Taylor is perturbed that an advertisement highlighting the problems facing women was banned in Ireland as the country and the world marked International Women’s Day Late last week, International Women’s Day was celebrated ((or commemorated, depending on your view)... Read more

All for one, free for all

09 March 2007

Colin Kerr says a major cultural shift is needed in the Irish health service so that instead of making it difficult for people to retrieve their records, all documents should be freely available People with ‘compulsive hoarding syndrome’ may have... Read more

Correction: 2 March 2007

02 March 2007

In Irish Medical Times 16 February, we published an article on metabolic syndrome by Dr Mary Ryan, consultant physician and endroconologist at Barringtons and Aut Even hospitals. Due to an error, the photograph accompanying the article was of Dr Mary... Read more

Ireland should be TB free

02 March 2007

Colin Kerr says the elimination of tuberculosis, which led to thousands of deaths in Ireland in the last century, should be a priority for the Government, policy makers and doctors In two weeks time, the Minister for Health, Mary Harney,... Read more

Our precious elderly

23 February 2007

Colin Kerr says that especially at a time of unprecedented prosperity, it is unacceptable that the care of the most vulnerable section of our society does not reach the highest standard We all want our parents, family and loved ones... Read more

Clarification

16 February 2007

In our front page story of 2 February we reported that Dr James Barry admitted to committing ‘tiny peccadillos’ which resulted in his being struck off by the Medical Council. Dr Barry has asked us to point out that he... Read more

Cynical electorate?

16 February 2007

As politicians, many of them doctors, gear up for the election, Colin Kerr says voters may feel the health system is in such a mess that it does not matter who is in power It may be cold outside, but... Read more

Extend Heartwatch

09 February 2007

Colin Kerr suggests Minister Harney should divert some of her energy from fighting consultants and into establishing a national Heartwatch programme in general practice In December 1967, Dr Christiaan Barnard performed the first human-to-human heart transplant on a 57-year-old man... Read more

Jaw Jaw or War War?

02 February 2007

Colin Kerr says that Minister for Health Mary Harney may be determined to introduce a new consultant contract, with or without the approval of their representative organisations The Minister for Health Mary Harney has expressed disappointment at the lack of... Read more

Join IT campaign

26 January 2007

Colin Kerr says it is now time for all Irish doctors to put pressure on managers and decision makers to invest in IT systems that will help to bring the Irish health service into the 21st Century For many doctors,... Read more

Clarification: 26 January 2007

26 January 2007

Our article “Nurse Practitioners: ANP led services can make major contribution” (Irish Medical Times, 24 November 2006) stated that 1,577 patients who attended the emergency department with minor injury/illness between July 2005 and February 2006 were suitable for treatment by... Read more

Not all child's play

19 January 2007

Colin Kerr says the controversy over siting a new national children’s hospital could spark an embarrassing u-turn by the Government on the Mater choice Just when Minister for Health Mary Harney thought that 2007 might bring better news than the... Read more

Pressure before politics

12 January 2007

Colin Kerr says that while the IMO and ICGP must retain their political independence they have the ability to put pressure on all the political parties before this year’s election The majority of Irish GPs will have welcomed in the... Read more

Happy birthday, IMT

05 January 2007

Colin Kerr repeats the pledge made by Irish Medical Times 40 years ago to inform, advise, educate and entertain Irish doctors, and looks at exciting times ahead for the publicaton Irish Medical Times celebrates its 40th birthday this year. Our... Read more

Will this year ever end?

15 December 2006

Doctors all over the country will breathe a sigh of relief when 2006 draws to a close. It has been another eventful year for the health services, dominated by negotiations for new consultant and GP contracts; MRSA and hygiene standards... Read more

Don't be defensive

08 December 2006

News Editor Glenn Taylor believes doctors do not need to be defensive or tightlipped with the media about their earnings and advises a proactive approach It’s that time of year again. No, not the uniquely American celebration that is Thanksgiving... Read more

GP training boost

01 December 2006

Colin Kerr says the next generation of GPs will be expected to have a greater skills set than their predecessors The Republic of Ireland Faculty of the Royal College of General Practitioners should be commended for its initiative in trying... Read more