The HSE intends to invite private contractors with expertise in the delivery of community hospital-type services to possibly provide 150 to 200 long-stay and short-stay beds on the north side of Dublin.

St Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) has said it is confident that it will be able to commence the pancreas transplant programme on campus towards the end of September, and looks forward to working with all parties in building “a successful and sustainable pancreas transplant programme”.

The successful candidate for a JobBridge intern psychology services post at Waterford Mental Health Services “will not be doing the work of a qualified person”, but will only be carrying out “very specific tasks under supervision”, the HSE has insisted.

All applications for the award of the rural practice allowance for GPs are set to be reviewed, amid disgruntlement over the criteria currently in place for granting the funding, Irish Medical Times understands.

A high-level report has been ordered into the creation of an air ambulance for Northern Ireland or a cross-border service — and will be presented to the NI Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety “within weeks”, it has been reported.

The HSE is working on setting up a framework type agreement to establish panels from which it will draw appointees as-and-when required to undertake ‘look-backs’, reviews, investigations and healthcare audits, including of serious incidents or issues of concern in respect of service delivery.

The public should be aware that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, and they should never drink because they believe there is a health gain from alcohol, the President of the RCPI has stated.

The role of the modern doctor is becoming ever more complex, involving wider requirements than just being a good clinician, according to the Master of the Rotunda Hospital.

The Department of Health (DoH) is in consultation with the HSE regarding the scope that may exist for cross-border hospice care for children with life-limiting and terminal conditions.

Reference pricing generated more than €47 million in savings in 2014, and is expected to deliver a further €25 million in 2015, the Minister for Health has said.