Vhi SwiftCare is warning the public to be careful this Christmas, advising that December 26 and 27 are the most accident-prone days of the year.

A reader’s poem: My father was no good at painting, Couldn’t change a plug or a fuse, But he’d sort out your fits or your fainting, And neurotics, he’d gladly amuse.

Two major medical card computer-based projects are to be delivered in 2016, including an enhanced online application system whereby applicants will be able to apply and attach any supporting documentation required.

Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2016 on 14 public private partnership (PPP) primary care centres that are now due to be delivered by June 2017.

Consultation sessions on the planned Policy on a Trauma Network for Ireland were due to begin this month, which would involve discussions with a range of service providers, specialist bodies, wider representative organisations, patient advocacy groups and the general public.

The HSE intends to establish a new National Framework Agreement for the Provision of Pharmacy Services and Supplies to all HSE community-based services and has invited proposals from suitably qualified companies who wish to be appointed to this procurement process.

The victims of the all-too-predictable surge in GP visits since July by parents of the under-sixes are the genuinely sick who are being denied appointments and potentially ending up on our growing hospital trolleys, argues Dr Ruairi Hanley.

Delegates at the inaugural Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO) Winter Meeting held last week heard that the recognised training and professional body for medical and surgical eye doctors in Ireland is committed to examining its internal protocols and guidelines to encourage greater transparency and protection for both patients and doctors.

A number of Steering Group members are meeting later this month to finalise a National Policy and Strategy for Neuro-rehabilitation services document.

The final meeting of the Steering Group of Ireland’s first National Maternity Strategy is due to take place this month and it is expected that the strategy will be finalised following that, the Department of Health has said.