Irish health system report card: a year of criticisms, concerns and innovations
From rows about staffing, waiting lists and cost overruns to resignations of senior staff, heathcare was never far from the news headlines in 2024
Health Service Executive (HSE)
Total of 263 transplants as a result of organ donations carried out in 2024
HSE commends ‘selflessness of 84 deceased and 30 living organ donors and their families’ who made procedures possible
Flu hospitalisations expected to double in coming 10 days
There could be up to 900 flu cases in hospitals countrywide by end of year, HSE chief clinical director warns, with cases expected to peak in early January
Judge rules new hearing should be held into complaint from family of student who died of brain bleed
Lisa Niland (19) died in Sligo University Hospital in 2017 three days after collapsing due to severe head pain and dizziness
Four-month target for spinal surgery set by Simon Harris has ‘no clinical relevance’
Target is ‘used as a stick to beat us’, says head of State’s paediatric spinal unit
More than 600 people hospitalised with Covid, flu and RSV, says HSE
Almost 2,000 cases of three illnesses notified and EDs have seen significant increases in presentations
Flu cases: Three people have died and over 400 hospitalised this winter season
The number of notified influenza cases increased by 91 per cent in the past week from 277 to 528 cases for the week ending December 8th
Anti-choking devices donated to hundreds of schools despite HSE advising against use
Meals provider Lunch Bag is donating LifeVac devices to schools despite HSE advice that anti-choking devices should not be used due to lack of research on efficacy
UHL chief clinical director to return to role and partake in disciplinary process, High Court hears
HSE to pay 75% of Prof Brian Lenehan’s legal costs for the case
Shane O’Connor inquest jury calls for improved HSE mental health protocols
Teenage son of musicians Sinéad O’Connor and Dónal Lunny died by suicide in January 2022
Dublin City Council ‘excrement’ on shoes of government officials, FG councillor claims
HSE has ‘completely disrespected’ Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance service, council chief Richard Shakespeare says
Shane O’Connor (17) was not receiving 24-hour one-to-one supervision in hospital before suicide, inquest hears
Son of musicians Sinéad O’Connor and Dónal Lunny absconded from Tallaght University Hospital less than 24 hours before his death on January 7th, 2022
Autism: Why are so many children being diagnosed these days?
As many as one in 20 schoolchildren in Ireland may have autism or similar developmental issues, studies suggest
Sinn Féin denies planned ‘piggy bank heist’ as major parties clash over spending
Paschal Donohoe accuses party of ‘raid’ – but Pearse Doherty says party would add more money to future funds
Whooping cough cases in country increase by 3,000% in a year
Latest figures show 567 cases in Ireland up to November 9th, compared to 18 cases in 2023
Nearly 800 people waiting six months or longer for counselling services
Shorter wait times for those in affluent areas highlights two-tier system, says mental health group
Ageing population takes its toll on Ireland’s health system
With the proportion of elderly people increasing as the population rises, how will the country cope with the health implications of these changing demographics?
Woman loses bid for retrial of case alleging HSE failed to promptly diagnose cancer
Court of Appeal dismisses Catriona Crumlish’s case saying it ‘failed at the first causation hurdle’
Five-week-old baby boy died while being carried in sling, inquest hears
Coroner in case to write to HSE to ensure parents are aware of risks associated with use of the baby carriers
How did the High Court case between UHL surgeon and HSE come about?
Prof Brian Lenehan is challenging his suspension following report on the death of Aoife Johnston in December 2022
Clinical director at Limerick hospital where Aoife Johnston died placed on leave due to ‘serious risk’ to patients
Prof Brian Lenehan, suspended in the wake of reports into death of the Co Clare teenager, told the High Court that decision to suspend him lacks reason
Chickenpox vaccine to be offered to babies at 12 months
Some 170 cases of chickenpox resulted in hospitalisation in 2023, the highest number in recent years
Now that I am free of kidney dialysis, I want others to be free too
The only value of having power is to empower other people in turn. Experience of illness and the health system yields simple insights into how care can be improved
On-the-spot fine for those caught selling tobacco or vapes at events aimed at children comes into effect
Measure is part of strategy aimed at eliminating the use of tobacco products and protecting children
Ongoing risk to life at UHL, HSE chief says
Risk of reoccurrence of circumstances that led to death of Aoife Johnston at Limerick hospital still present ‘but I think the risk is less’, says Bernard Gloster
HSE awarded €500m worth of tenders to external companies in past eight years, figures show
Consultancy firm Ernst and Young was paid a total of €33.5m by health service in 2023 for orders over €100,000
Report into Aoife Johnston’s death at UHL to be published next week, says HSE
Clare teenager (16) died of meningitis in December 2022 with suspected sepsis that went untreated for more than 12 hours
Housing charity aiding people with mental health problems calls for funding boost
Record number last year assisted by Hail which is providing an ‘essential’ service for the State, says chief executive
Hospitals want Coalition to set out funding over several years as in case of RTÉ
Voluntary hospitals also warn on cost of boosting cybersecurity and weight of accumulated deficits of more than €340m
Family of Aoife Johnston refuses to meet HSE chief until full report into her death is published
Family wants unredacted report into death of 16-year-old in University Hospital Limerick in 2022 to be published to highlight ‘its shortcomings’, solicitor says
Transgender woman says she was unable to receive ‘basic healthcare’ at Dublin hospital after gender surgery
St James’s Hospital advised Paige Behan to go instead to Holles Street
Psychiatric nurses to take industrial action after latest talks fail
Industrial action due to begin on September 17th
More than half of patients assessed under HSE programme at risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease
HSE publishes first report of Opportunistic Case Finding Programme at its national conference on integrated care
Level of reimbursement for people who travel North for cataract surgery is reduced
Popular scheme for cataract patients reduced by HSE
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