HEALTH BRIEFING:IF THE ROLES of nurses and pharmacists were expanded it would go some way to alleviating the current crisis in medical staffing in Ireland, a healthcare consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers has said.
Dr Donal Landers said the change could also deliver more effective healthcare services. He was speaking ahead of the publication today by PricewaterhouseCoopers of a report on creating more sustainable healthcare models for the future.
The report, based on the views of 600 senior health-service personnel around the world, states that as the demand for health services has grown, so too have global workforce shortages. “Many countries are investing in the eduction of more and more doctors and nurses. Yet the optimal number of clinicians needed is debatable, because current processes are inefficient and siloed. Shortages will always exist in the absence of new models that emphasise co-ordination of care,” it adds.
There are shortages of GPs, public-health doctors and junior doctors across the State.
Meanwhile the report says achieving sustainable healthcare is a global problem. It says most health-service leaders believe funding should be based on outcomes rather than numbers of procedures carried out.
It also says patients themselves will also have to take more responsibility for their illnesses in future.
Cork man (44) to cycle 20,000km for Parkinson's
STARTING IN Belfast today, David Walsh will set off on a 20,000km cycle to raise money for the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland. Walsh (44) was diagnosed with Parkinson’s just over a year ago, and he wants to inspire people to seize the moment and make the most of their lives.
The first stage of his cycle will take him to his hometown of Cobh, Co Cork, via Newry, Dublin, Carlow, Kilkenny, Clonmel, Tipperary, Mallow and Cork. He will then make his way across Europe to Cairo and on to Cape Town.
“Being on the bike every day helps me, and seems to improve my symptoms. I don’t consider Parkinson’s to be an affliction at this stage but an opportunity,” says Walsh, who cycles about 160km a week and works out three times a week.
Walsh has been inspired by the campaigning work of high-profile sufferers such as Muhammad Ali and Michael J Fox, who he says have been “a great influence”.
“I’m adamant to stay as fit as I can, so that if better medication – or even a cure – comes along I’ll be ready for it,” he says.
There is currently no cure for the progressive neurological condition, which is increasingly being diagnosed in those under 50.
“My energy levels are low and balance is a problem, but you just have to get on with life and keep going. I don’t consider Parkinson’s to be an affliction at this stage, but an opportunity.”
Follow David Walsh’s progress at moversforshakers.com. To donate to the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland see parkinsons.ie or call 1800-359359