Catherine Reilly

Dublin

News Editor at The Medical Independent

News Editor, Medical Independent. @med_indonews Email: [email protected] Views own/RTs+likes are not necessarily endorsement

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Articles

Potential delay in health region roll-out listed as high risk by HSE in 2024

1 week ago | medicalindependent.ie | Niamh Cahill |Catherine Reilly |David Lynch |Alan Moran

Photo: iStock LysenkoAlexander The introduction of the new health regions was listed on the HSE risk register at the end of 2024. According to the register, there was a high risk that “implementation of the HSE’s health regions and centre reforms will be delayed and benefits not realised”. However, a HSE spokesperson confirmed to the Medical Independent that the new regions, due to take effect on 1 March, are now “operational”. “Each region is responsible for providing both hospital and...
IHCA calls for key amendments to Mental Health Bill

1 week ago | medicalindependent.ie | Niamh Cahill |Catherine Reilly |David Lynch |Alan Moran

The IHCA has launched its position paper outlining concerns and a number of strategic considerations in relation to key elements of the recently published Mental Health Bill 2024. The IHCA “strongly supports” the Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, in reforming mental health legislation. The IHCA engaged with the previous Joint Committee on Mental Health, providing a detailed submission to the pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Bill.
CHI spinal implant failures exposed in new HIQA report

2 weeks ago | medicalindependent.ie | Catherine Reilly

HIQA has issued a damning report following its statutory review into the governance and oversight of surgical implants at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI). The review was prompted by public concern after three children received unapproved, non-CE marked metal springs during spinal surgeries intended to treat scoliosis at CHI at Temple Street Hospital, Dublin. HIQA found that the springs were used in an attempt to replicate, in a modified manner, an experimental technique under investigation abroad.
National CF conference returns with focus on progress and new challenges

2 weeks ago | medicalindependent.ie | Catherine Reilly |Rachel Crowley |Cormac McCarthy |Dawn O'Shea

Following a five-year hiatus, the Irish National Clinical Cystic Fibrosis Conference took placein January to highlight the latest developments in the fieldThe Irish National Clinical Cystic Fibrosis Conference returned to Limerick on 30 -31 January 2025. Held for the first time in five years, the conference highlighted the recent dramatic changes that have occurred in the cystic fibrosis (CF) landscape.
HSE payroll errors persist despite reforms

2 weeks ago | medicalindependent.ie | Catherine Reilly

iStock.com/cnythzl For the past decade, the Medical Independent (MI) has repeatedly highlighted salary errors made by the HSE.
Preparing the rheumatologists of tomorrow

2 weeks ago | medicalindependent.ie | Catherine Reilly

Credit: istock.com/Ivan-balvan Irish Society for Rheumatology President Dr John Ryan speaks to Catherine Reilly about the Society’s much-anticipated Spring Meeting Educating the “consultants of tomorrow” will be a key strand of the Irish Society for Rheumatology (ISR) Spring Meeting. The conference takes place on 10-11 April in Sligo. A training meeting for specialist registrars (SpRs), organised by Our Lady’s Hospital, Manorhamilton, will be held prior to the main conference. ISR President...
Unexpectedly high legal costs at HIQA

2 weeks ago | medicalindependent.ie | Catherine Reilly

iStock.com/deepblue4you HIQA incurred non-compliant procurement costs of €124,000 for legal services in 2024, according to minutes from its February board meeting. HIQA CEO Ms Angela Fitzgerald advised the meeting that the increased legal costs arose “due to significant new and diverse work functions” taken on by the Authority during the year and also “increased regulatory challenges”. A spokesperson for HIQA told the Medical Independent legal services were procured from a legal firm with...
New molecular technology required for SCID and SMA screening – HSE - Medical Independent

2 weeks ago | medicalindependent.ie | Catherine Reilly

istock.com/Lakshmi3 The introduction of new molecular technology to the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Laboratory (NNBSL) is required to implement screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), according to the HSE. The Executive indicated this was an additional requirement to the “substantial” body of work required to introduce any new condition to the programme. In 2023, the then Minister for Health accepted the recommendations of the national...
Childcare access discussed by IMGTI committee

2 weeks ago | medicalindependent.ie | Catherine Reilly

iStock.com/Daria Nipot Lack of access to childminder visas has been raised by the operational committee of the International Medical Graduate Training Initiative (IMGTI). At a meeting in November 2024, the committee heard it would “not be possible” to access visas for childminders/nannies for the children of IMGTI trainees. This conclusion was based on communications with the Department of Justice, according to meeting minutes obtained under Freedom of Information law. A HSE spokesperson told...
Lengthy delays in coronial post-mortem reports for perinatal deaths

1 month ago | medicalindependent.ie | Niamh Cahill |Catherine Reilly |Priscilla Lynch |David Lynch

Credit: iStock/fstop123 A leading obstetrician has raised concerns about the long waiting times faced by many families for receipt of coronial post-mortem reports into perinatal deaths. Prof Keelin O’Donoghue, Consultant Obstetrician, Cork University Maternity Hospital, said an increasing number of perinatal deaths and stillbirths are subject to coronial investigation. The Coroners (Amendment) Act 2019 increased and clarified the range of reportable deaths, including infant deaths. “The...