A round-up of other stories in brief
• DOCTOR AWARDS: Orthopaedic surgeon Prof Timothy O'Brien has been presented with a lifetime achievement award at this year's Doctor Awards, which were held in Dublin at the weekend.
He has held Ireland's first chair of orthopaedic surgery for the past 10 years and was commended for his lifelong clinical interest and research achievements.
The event - known also as the Medical Oscars - honours ground-breaking medical research by Irish doctors on the international stage.
Despite struggling with motor neuron disease in recent years, Prof O'Brien has continued with his research and work as director of The Gait Analysis Laboratory at the Central Remedial Clinic.
This clinical laboratory, the first of its kind in Ireland, was established to assess the walking ability of children with cerebral palsy.
However, its use has been extended to include many other clinical conditions.
Presenting the award, chief executive of the HSE, Prof Brendan Drumm, said: "Tim O'Brien is one of the most remarkable achievers in Irish medicine.
"His contribution to research and training in this area has been immense and continues to this day."
The top award of the night, Doctor of the Year, was given to cancer specialist Prof John Crown, who is one of the most high-profile cancer researchers in Ireland.
• MAKING DUBLIN BETTER: The organisers of The Irish Times Living Dublin Awards, Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Dublin City Council, want to hear of community-based health initiatives in Dublin.
The awards celebrate individuals, groups and businesses working to improve the quality of life in Dublin city and county.
Last year a number of health initiatives were highly commended, including: Tallaght Rehabilitation Project, Fingal Senior Helpline, Dublin Samaritans and Life Pregnancy Care Service.
The Tallaght Rehabilitation Project in Jobstown, Tallaght, provides a comprehensive rehabilitation-day programme for people in recovery who live in the area.
They learn to face their addiction and develop life skills.
The Fingal Senior Helpline in Finglas village offers telephone support for socially excluded old people feeling lonely or who are worried about health, security or abuse issues.
The Dublin Samaritans Feet on the Street campaign sees a team of volunteers available in the Temple Bar area each Friday and Saturday night. They believe they should make themselves available to those most vulnerable to stress, depression and suicide - people in the 18-35 age group.
The awards organisers are inviting people who are involved in similar type activities to enter with their details.
Entries are also welcome in any of the three other categories - business in the community, culture and tourism, and education.
The closing date for this year's awards is November 30th.
For an application form, log onto www.dublinchamber.ie/ITLDA.asp or call Tania at Dublin chamber on tel: 01 644 7200.
• FUNDRAISING FASHION: The International Federation of Medical Students' Association in Ireland (IFMSA-Ireland) is holding a fashion show on December 2nd, in the O'Flanagan Theatre at The Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland.
Funds raised from the show will go towards Unicef Ireland and Dublin Aids Alliance.
The show is a collaboration of fashion and entertainment, and aims to increase awareness about reproductive health and AIDS.
IFMSA-Ireland is the representative body for all medical students in the Republic.
For further information visit www.fashionshow.ifmsa.ie. Further information about IFMSA can be found on www.ifmsa.ie.