Fergal Bowers

Health Correspondent

Over 844,000 people are waiting for some kind of hospital care

The health topics at the heart of the General Election

The health service is always a key topic in any general election, but not usually top of the list of concerns for people.

Analysis and Comment • 16 Nov 24

The Covid-19 world public health emergency officially ended at the start of May 2023

Can the Covid-19 review provide the answers?

The long-promised examination of the State's response to the Covid-19 pandemic is finally due to start in a few weeks.

Analysis and Comment • 04 Nov 24

Seamus Cotter was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in 2016

Lung cancer survivor says new research plan 'phenomenal'

Seamus Cotter from Galway is 54 and was diagnosed with lung cancer, eight years ago.

Health • 30 Oct 24

The payment included almost €700,000 for treating patients outside normal hours, under non-standard contract terms

Highest paid HSE staff earned almost €1m in remuneration

The Public Accounts Committee has heard that the highest paid staff member in the Health Service Executive received almost €1 million in total remuneration last year.

Ireland • 24 Oct 24

Anna Hanbury said the stigma around mothers and addiction initially stopped her from reaching out for help

'There is help out there' - mother speaks about addiction

A woman who spent more than six months in residential care at the Coolmine drug and alcohol treatment centre in Dublin has said the facility changed her life for the better.

Health • 21 Oct 24

Louise Young was 24 when she died of SUDEP in January 2021

Family share 'devastation' of epilepsy-related death

The family of a young Wexford woman who died after an epileptic seizure has said there needs to be more awareness of Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy.

Health • 16 Oct 24

The START Dublin service is a collaboration between the Mater, UCD and START Cancer Research in Texas. (Rolling News.ie)

New clinical trial unit opens for Irish cancer patients

Irish patients with advanced cancer will be able to participate in the testing of potential new drug treatments that were previously only available abroad, at a first of its kind Clinical Trials Unit opened at the Mater Hospital in Dublin.

Health • 14 Oct 24

A new IHCA survey found 76% say they are in 'firefighting' mode in work

Hospital consultants discuss bed shortages, waiting lists

Hospital consultants are discussing waiting lists, capacity and problems with the healthcare environment they work in as they meet at their annual conference.

Health • 12 Oct 24

Professor Michael Barry said this particularly applied to most new drugs for cancer and rare diseases with high asking prices (stock image)

New medicines not giving HSE value for money, says expert

The agency responsible for assessing whether new drugs are value for money for the HSE to fund for patients has said that many are not.

Ireland • 10 Oct 24

Builders BAM have put forward a date of June 2025 for the substantial completion of the National Children's Hospital

BAM lodged €25m claim for €200,000 job, minister says

Construction company BAM asked the Government to pay €25m for a job at the National Children's Hospital which had cost them €200,000 to carry out, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has revealed.

Politics • 09 Oct 24