Dear Editor, Dr Conor McGrane (Web Comment on letters page, Irish Medical Times, May 20, 2011) is incorrect when he states, “there were 14 years where the President was appointed by the government of the day, rather than elected by the people”.

Continuing her series on healthy meals, independent dietitian Paula Mee shows that fun food and party nibbles don’t necessarily have to be high in salt Week 9 Just Cooking, Firies, Kerry These party bites are impressively quick and easy nibbles to serve at parties or with drinks.

Ed Madden, BL, looks at a recent English High Court case in which a nurse appealed against a decision to erase her name from the Register after she engaged in fraudulent conduct.

By Lloyd Mudiwa The HSE has started a competition for the provision of renal haemodialysis satellite units for Dublin North East and Dublin Mid-Leinster, which will cater for up to 320 patients in the two regions.

By Gary Culliton A report has been requested from the Primary Care Unit Managers in the HSE on the extent of complaints received about inappropriate GP charging for blood testing and the status of such complaints.

By Gary Culliton A study visit by Department of Health officials to the Netherlands will take place shortly to examine in more detail the Dutch health reform programme, the Minister for Health has confirmed.

By Aoife Connors A garden design focusing on mental health recovery will feature at this year’s Bord Bia Bloom gardening and food festival in the Phoenix Park.

By Gary Culliton Work is due to commence later this year on the development of an eight-bed facility at St Loman’s, Palmerstown, and on the second phase of the child and adolescent unit at St Vincent’s Hospital, Fairview, which will increase capacity from six to 12 beds.

By Lloyd Mudiwa Vhi Healthcare has explained that its refusal to allow the HSE to claim private income without sign-off by the treating consultants was based on the definition of a ‘private patient’.

By Gary Culliton Cuts in health spending fell short of the targeted €2 billion in 2010 and 2011, the Minister for Health Dr James Reilly has confirmed.