Fergal Bowers

Health Correspondent

The highest level of overcrowding ever recorded was 931 patients on 3 January 2023

Why is hospital overcrowding still an issue?

Hospital overcrowding has been a persistent, ingrained issue for the health service for several decades. So, why has nothing changed?

Analysis and Comment • 12 Feb 25

Many hospitals now use robotic surgery, which has revolutionised treatment offering precision surgery

Robotic surgery guidance issued amid growth in use

New national guidance on the use of robotic surgery has been issued following significant growth in the use of these machines in hospitals for routine and complex procedures.

Health • 06 Feb 25

Lauren Barrett described the months of treatment as a 'whirlwind'

Breast cancer diagnosis at 21 a 'huge shock'

A Kerry woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 21 said it was a "huge shock" to find out that she had an aggressive form of the disease at such a young age.

Health • 05 Feb 25

To date, there have been around 35 cases at the hospital that have needed investigation, the first going back to around 2008

What went wrong at Portiuncula?

Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe, Co Galway is again in the spotlight over maternity services and the care of babies.

Analysis and Comment • 01 Feb 25

The HSPC figures show Covid-19, RSV and flu cases are all trending downwards

Flu, RSV and Covid-19 cases trending downwards - HPSC

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has reported a further reduction in cases of flu, the Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Covid-19.

Ireland • 30 Jan 25

The hospital said it is one of the first such theatres of its kind in Ireland and Europe

Beaumont Hospital opens digital hybrid operating theatre

A new €5 million digital hybrid operating theatre has been officially opened at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.

Dublin • 29 Jan 25

The HSE has announced that external reviews are under way into deliveries at Portiuncula involving nine cases

Concerning time for women, families attending Portiuncula

Announcement of reviews a concerning times for women and their families who are due to have their babies at Portiuncula, writes Health Correspondent Fergal Bowers.

Health • 28 Jan 25

Newly appointed Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill of Fine Gael faces key challenges

New Minister for Health faces testing agenda

Health is the second biggest spending department of the Government and this year it has a budget of over €25 billion, the highest sum ever allocated, writes Fergal Bowers.

Analysis and Comment • 27 Jan 25

The draft Programme for Govt commits to opening the new National Children's Hospital, but no date has been set (file pic)

No date set for opening of National Children's Hospital

The new draft Programme for Government says the government will open the new National Children's Hospital, and will build the new National Maternity Hospital, however no dates are set out.

Ireland • 15 Jan 25

The HSE says it plans to deliver 297 acute hospital beds and 12 more critical care beds this year

HSE plans to deliver over 300 extra hospital beds in 2025

The HSE has said it plans to deliver an extra 297 acute hospital beds this year, under its 2025 National Service Plan, published today.

Ireland • 14 Jan 25