Fergal Bowers

Health Correspondent

The use of unapproved medical devices in surgery is a matter of major concern

Lessons to be learned from spinal operations controversy

First and foremost at the heart of this controversy over spinal operations are the children and families affected.

Analysis and Comment • 08 Apr

The review said the use of unapproved implantable springs for scoliosis patients was wrong (Image: RollingNews.ie)

'This will not happen again', says CHI on spinal springs

CHI Clinical Director Dr Ike Okafor has said he is confident the body will be able to retain trust from the public following today's publication of a review into the use of unapproved implantable springs in spinal surgery at Temple Street Children's Hospital, and insisted it will not happen again.

Health • 08 Apr

The Psychiatric Nurses Association annual conference is under way in Westport, Co Mayo

Over 700 psychiatric nurse vacancies in Ireland, says PNA

The Psychiatric Nurses Association said there has been a huge crisis for many years due to the shortage of psychiatric nurses in the health service.

Health • 04 Apr

The PNA said the HSE is to review the staffing numbers in mental health services

Psychiatric Nurses Association suspends industrial action

The Psychiatric Nurses Association has said it is to suspend its industrial action, following agreement that the HSE will now conduct a review process that will set out the nursing numbers required to run mental health services.

Ireland • 03 Apr

The HSE said it is aimed at those most at risk of severe illness

HSE opens spring Covid-19 booster vaccination programme

A spring Covid-19 booster vaccination programme for vulnerable groups has started.

Health • 03 Apr

Measles symptoms include a rash (stock image)

HSE warns about suspected measles on Dublin-Sligo train

The HSE has said a highly suspect measles case has been notified to the Department of Public Health, HSE West and North West and is currently under investigation.

Health • 02 Apr

Tom McHugh from Dublin was diagnosed with bowel cancer after he took the free home test

Bowel cancer survivor urges people to take free home test

A 64-year-old man who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in July 2023 has urged people who are eligible to make use of the free home test they are sent.

Health • 01 Apr

Linda Chanders advised anyone who notices changes on their skin to go to a GP early

'Early intervention is key,' advises skin cancer survivor

Almost 100% of people survive at least five years after being diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, while for melanoma, the more serious type of skin cancer, the survival rate has improved significantly to 92%, a report by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland has found.

Health • 28 Mar

The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland said all staff working in CAMHS should receive specialist CAMHS-specific training (Stock image)

Experts call for 'radical' overhaul of CAMHS governance

The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland has called for a major overhaul of the management and governance of the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services.

Health • 25 Mar

Medical/dental and nursing were among the main areas where the overpayments occurred

Audit finds payroll overpayments worth €14.6m at HSE

An internal audit for the HSE has found it had over €14.6m in payroll overpayments recorded at the end of 2023.

Health • 25 Mar