A round-up of other health stories in brief.
MENTAL HEALTH REPORT: One in four people are likely to experience mental health problems at some time in their lives, according a new report by the European Parliament.
The report, Improving the Mental Health of the Population, Towards a Strategy on Mental Health for the European Union, was adopted by the Parliament's environment, public health and consumer protection committee last week.
Commenting on its findings, Fine Gael MEP Avril Doyle said that over 27 per cent of European adults were affected by mental ill health every year.
"Depression and anxiety disorders, including stress, are the most common mental health problems experienced, and studies estimate that by 2020, neuropsychiatric disorders, with depression at the top of the list, will be the highest ranking cause of illness in the developed world," she said.
EUROPEAN CONFERENCE: Some 500 European healthcare managers will be in Dublin at the end of next month for a major conference on health services and hospital management.
The possibilities of the "digital hospital" will be among the items on the agenda for the 21st annual conference of the European Association of Hospital Managers.
It is the first time the event, sponsored by Marsh Ireland, is to be held in Dublin. The needs of managers in all areas of healthcare will also be debated at the conference, which will draw on the experience of innovators from across Europe. Hosted by the Health Management Institute, the conference takes place at Trinity College over three days, opening on August 30th.
BRITISH SMOKE-FREE PLAN: The British government's bid to crack down on smoking in public places went a step farther yesterday with the unveiling of draft regulations on smoke-free premises and vehicles. The move came as laws to be introduced in England next summer will see virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces become completely smoke-free.
A consultation process has begun covering the finer details of how the smoke-free legislation will be implemented and enforced. Views are sought on issues such as exemptions and sign requirements for smoke-free establishments.
RCSI APPOINT EXECUTIVE: The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) has announced the appointment of Prof Tom Fahey as head of the department of family medicine and general practice. He succeeds Prof William Shannon who retired from the position last year and is currently head of the department of general practice in Penang Medical College (PMC), Malaysia.
A graduate of UCD, Prof Fahey joins RCSI from the University of Dundee, where since 2002 he has served as professor of primary care medicine and head of the Tayside Centre for general practice in the division of community health sciences.
UV AWARENESS: Radio and television stations have been called on to include the ultra-violet (UV) index in all weather forecast bulletins while the current heatwave continues.
Fianna Fáil TD Charlie O'Connor, a member of the Dáil health committee, said the Health Service Executive (HSE) should be ready to respond to any heat-related conditions, such as severe sun burn or dehydration.
"If necessary the health authorities should consider an immediate public information campaign over the next week to alert people to the risks of exposure to the sun," he said.
"During this next few days there is a real danger that people will be exposed to large doses of UV and protection is vital."
Mr O'Connor said skin cancer was the most common form of cancer in Ireland and the number of cases had risen to over 5,500 a year.
SUPPORT FOR ACT: An announcement by Minister for Health Mary Harney that all remaining provisions of the Mental Health Act, 2001 will be brought into operation on November 1st has been welcomed by the mental health support organisation, Grow.
Part two of the Act provides for a system of independent reviews by mental health tribunals of all involuntary admissions to mental health services.
It also lays down the circumstances in which people may be admitted to or detained in mental health facilities against their will, and the procedures to be followed.
Grow national programme co-ordinator Mike Watts said: "While we welcome this announcement by the Minister, we are still acutely aware of the lack of community-based services available to people with mental health problems. We feel the emphasis in delivering mental health services should be focused on recovery, rather than on long-term care."