Fergal Bowers

Health Correspondent

INMO said there were 98 people waiting for a bed at CUH this morning

Record numbers waiting for bed at CUH, says INMO

There are 98 patients at Cork University Hospital, waiting for admission to a bed, which is a record, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

Munster • 08 Oct 24

Enhanced vaccines contain higher doses and extra ingredients to boost their effectiveness (Stock image)

Enhanced flu jab may be more effective for over-65s

Two types of enhanced flu vaccines may be more effective than the standard flu vaccines in preventing cases of flu or flu-related hospitalisation in people aged 65 years and older, according to a HIQA study.

Health • 08 Oct 24

Healthcare unions are set to ballot for industrial action over staffing levels

Health service staffing under the microscope

We are entering what is traditionally the busiest and most testing time for the health system.

Analysis and Comment • 05 Oct 24

INMO chief Phil Ni Sheaghdha told the committee that a cap on hiring was 'the wrong move'

Health recruitment cap 'biggest own goal ever scored'

The General Secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has said that a cap on recruitment in the health sector will result in the "biggest own goal this country has ever scored".

Health • 02 Oct 24

The vaccine will be given by GPs to babies at the age of 12 months (File image)

GPs to offer chickenpox vaccine to babies at 12 months

Babies born from this month onwards will now be offered the chickenpox vaccine, which is being added to the HSE immunisation scheme.

Health • 02 Oct 24

There were 9,635 patients waiting for admission to a bed this month, compared to 10,018 in September last year

Hospital overcrowding reduced compared to September 2023

Hospital overcrowding reduced this month, compared to September last year, according to figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

Health • 30 Sep 24

The new National Children's Hospital will likely end up being the most expensive hospital of its kind, ever built

Can the new Children's Hospital stand-off be resolved?

The new National Children's Hospital is a project in deep crisis and in need of emergency attention, writes Health Correspondent Fergal Bowers.

Analysis and Comment • 30 Sep 24

The IPU said pharmacies are the most accessed part of the Irish health system with 78 million visits annually (file image)

Pharmacies call for expanded role in Irish health system

The Irish Pharmacy Union has called for pharmacies to be given a much bigger role in healthcare in the community.

Health • 25 Sep 24

The new hospital was originally due to open in 2020

Hospital build fully resourced, Oireachtas committee told

Construction firm BAM has said it rejects incorrect allegations made at the Oireachtas Committee on Health by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board.

Ireland • 25 Sep 24

The most recent completion date for the hospital was February 2025 with up to nine months then needed for commissioning (Pic: RollingNews.ie)

Report questions readiness over operation of NCH

A confidential report for the HSE has questioned the operational readiness to commission and operate the new National Children's Hospital.

Health • 24 Sep 24