Podcasts about health minister stephen donnelly

jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words https://tinyurl.com/28he7koz Contact: irishlingos@gmail.com Sick children from Gaza in Ireland for medical treatment. Leanaí tinne as Gaza in Éirinn le cóireáil leighis a chur orthu. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has confirmed that eight sick children have arrived in Ireland from Gaza for treatment in hospitals in this country. Tá sé dearbhaithe ag an Aire Sláinte Stephen Donnelly go bhfuil ochtar páistí tinne tagtha go hÉirinn as Gaza le cóir leighis a chur orthu in ospidéil sa tír seo. Ireland is one of ten countries that has accepted a request from the World Health Organization to come to the aid of children from Gaza suffering from cancer, blood disorders or other serious illnesses. Tá Éire ar cheann de dheich dtír a ghlac le hiarratas ón Eagraíocht Dhomhanda Sláinte teacht i gcabhair ar leanaí as Gaza a bhfuil ailse, aicíd fola nó galar tromchúiseach eile orthu. Around 30 sick children are due to arrive in Ireland from Gaza in the next few months and the first eight were welcomed as they disembarked from a Slovak Government plane at Dublin Airport last night. Tá thart ar 30 leanbh tinn le teacht go Éirinn as Gaza as seo go ceann roinnt míonna agus cuireadh fáilte roimh an gcéad ochtar nuair a tháinig siad amach as eitleán de chuid Rialtas na Slóvaice ag Aerfort Bhaile Átha Cliath aréir. The children were accompanied by caregivers and siblings, and they will live with health workers who have volunteered to provide them with accommodation. In éineacht leis na páistí tháinig cúramóirí agus deartháireacha agus deirfiúracha dóibh, agus cónóidh siadsan le hoibrithe sláinte a dheonaigh lóistín a chur ar fáil dóibh. In light of its implications, the plan has been in preparation for some time by various Government Departments and the Health Service Executive in collaboration with medical professionals and the Irish Red Cross. I bhfianaise a aimpléisí atá sé, tá an plean á réiteach le tamall ag Ranna Rialtais éagsúla agus Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte i gcomhar le lucht leighis agus Cros Dhearg na hÉireann. It is understood that a medical team from Ireland went to Gaza to assess sick children and to obtain further information about their needs from their families or other caregivers. Tuigtear go ndeachaigh foireann leighis as Éirinn go Gaza le measúnú a dhéanamh ar leanaí tinne agus le tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoina gcuid riachtanas óna muintreacha nó ó dhaoine eile a thugann aire dóibh. However, children with orthopedic needs are not currently being considered due to lack of resources. Níl leanaí a bhfuil riachtanais ortaipéideacha acu á gcur san áireamh faoi láthair, áfach, de cheal acmhainne. RTÉ News and Current Affairs Nuacht agus Cúrsaí Reatha RTÉ

25 step-down beds are to be put in place in Cahercalla Community Hospital in the coming weeks. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced during a visit to University Hospital Limerick in March that as part of an effort to ease pressure on the Dooradoyle facility, additional community rehabilitation unit beds would be put in place in Ennis, Nenagh and St. John's by the end of September. During the same visit, it was announced that the opening hours of Ennis's medical assessment unit would be extended to 8am to midnight by the end of this month but this measure has yet to be implemented. Responding to Inagh Green Party Senator Róisín Garvey in the Seanad, Minister of State at the Department of Health Mary Butler says the focus is now on operationalising the 25 beds at Cahercalla.

It's hoped a major milestone has been reached in the fight to reopen an Accident and Emergency Department in Ennis. It's after a Sinn Féin motion calling for a second ED to be established in the MidWest passed through the Dáil without challenge from Health Minister Stephen Donnelly. Just 20 TDs were in attendance for the debate, but it's unclear if the Government will commit to any such proposal unless HIQA's impending review of Emergency capacity in the region makes the same recommendation next Summer. Shannon Sinn Féin Councillor and General Election candidate Donna McGettigan believes it's still a huge step in the right direction.

Concerns have been raised over a lack of access to GP's in Kildysart. Due to complications with the service provider, many residents now have to travel to Clarecastle to receive treatment at the Safron and Blue Medical Clinic in Clarecastle. A community meeting took place in Kildysart last Monday evening to discuss the issue, and since then the matter has been raised with Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, who has pledged to meet a delegation from the community. To find out more about what is going on, Alan Morrissey was joined by Timmy Dooley, Clare Fianna Fáil Senator from Mountshannon.

In this episode, Niall is asking, has the State crossed the line offering free contraception to under-17s? The debate stems from the news that Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is pushing to expand free contraception to 16-year-olds as part of Budget 2025. Currently, free contraception is available for women aged 17-35, but extending it to under-16s has sparked concerns about mixed messages from the government, especially given that the age of consent in Ireland is 17. Some argue it will encourage underage sexual activity, while others see it as necessary harm reduction.Some callers think this is absolutely crossing a line. Providing free contraception to girls under 16 sends the wrong message. They argue these kids aren't emotionally ready for sexual relationships, and by giving them contraception, the government is implicitly endorsing the behavior. These callers feel the focus should be on education and understanding the risks and consequences of sexual activity, not making it easier for teens to engage in it. To them, this initiative sends a dangerously confusing message about consent and responsibility.While other callers feel teens are already having sex, and it's time to face that reality. Providing contraception to under-16s is about harm reduction, not permission. These callers argue that it's better to ensure young people are safe and protected rather than dealing with more teenage pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases. They agree that education should be a crucial part of this initiative but feel denying contraception won't stop teens from being sexually active—it will just make them more vulnerable.As Niall concludes, he reflects on the complex nature of the debate. While it's clear that there are strong feelings on both sides, the challenge remains in finding a balance between protecting young people and addressing the realities they face. Ultimately, it's about whether the government's role should be focused on harm reduction or enforcing moral guidelines. What's clear is that the issue of free contraception for under-17s taps into deeper concerns about education, responsibility, and the evolving nature of parenting and state intervention in Ireland.

Is free contraception for 16 year olds a good idea?Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is looking to expand free contraception to 16-year-olds as part of Budget 2025. Would you like to see this happen?To discuss, Andrea is joined by listeners and Clinical Psychotherapist Stephanie Regan.

jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words https://tinyurl.com/23fwv5n7 Contact: irishlingos@gmail.com Sick children from Gaza to receive medical treatment in Ireland. Leanaí tinne as Gaza le cóireáil leighis a fháil in Éirinn. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is to ask the Cabinet for permission to bring scores of sick children from Gaza to Ireland to be treated in hospitals in this country. Tá an tAire Sláinte Stephen Donnelly le cead a iarraidh ar an gComhaireacht na scórtha leanaí tinne a thabhairt as Gaza go hÉirinn le cóir leighis a chur orthu in ospidéil sa tír seo. Children with cancer, blood acidosis or other serious illness are involved, but children with orthopedic needs are not currently being taken into account. Leanaí a bhfuil ailse, aicíd fola nó galar tromchúiseach eile orthu atá i gceist, ach níl leanaí a bhfuil riachtanais ortaipéideacha acu á gcur san áireamh faoi láthair. The matter will be discussed in a meeting of the Cabinet today. Pléifear an scéal i gcruinniú den Chomhaireacht inniu. The plan has been prepared for several months by various Government Departments in collaboration with medical professionals and the Irish Red Cross. Tá an plean á réiteach le roinnt míonna ag Ranna Rialtais éagsúla i gcomhar le lucht leighis agus Cros Dhearg na hÉireann. According to the plan, a medical team from Ireland will go to Gaza to assess sick children and to get more information about their needs from their families or other people who are caring for them. De réir an phlean, rachaidh foireann leighis as Éirinn go Gaza le measúnú a dhéanamh ar leanaí tinne agus le tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoina gcuid riachtanas óna muintreacha nó ó dhaoine eile atá ag tabhairt aire dóibh. It is intended to bring around 30 children to Ireland before the end of the year and more afterwards. Tá sé i gceist thart ar 30 leanbh a thabhairt go hÉirinn roimh dheireadh na bliana agus tuilleadh ina dhiaidh sin. Caregivers will accompany the children and they will live in homes with health care workers working in this country. Tiocfaidh cúramóirí in éineacht leis na leanaí agus cónóidh siadsan i dtithe le cúramóirí sláinte atá ag obair sa tír seo. RTÉ News and Current Affairs Nuacht agus Cúrsaí Reatha RTÉ

This morning, Education Minister Norma Foley said she got a commitment from the Health Minister Stephen Donnelly that proposed changes to the ambulance cover that were due to come into effect on September 23rd would not now happen. Jerry spoke to Minister Foley and to SIPTU’s sector organiser John McCamley.

Christopher O'Sullivan TD speaks to PJ following Health Minister Stephen Donnelly intervention to halt planned cuts to ambulance services in the South West region Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly wants to ban social media for everyone under the age of 16, comparing platforms like TikTok to smoking addictions. But would it work? Irish Independent Technology Editor Adrian Weckler spoke to Newstalk Breakfast about this...

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly wants to ban social media for everyone under the age of 16, comparing platforms like TikTok to smoking addictions. But would it work? Irish Independent Technology Editor Adrian Weckler spoke to Newstalk Breakfast about this...

The Midwest Hospital Campaign insists an upcoming review of urgent and emergency care in this region must take the views of the public into consideration. HIQA has published the terms of reference for its long-awaited review, which will consider the case for a second emergency department in the Midwest, with the findings to be published next summer. Explaining his reasoning behind ordering a review into urgent and emergency care capacity in the Midwest in May, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said he wants "an answer for people in the Midwest" as to why trolley numbers are rising at University Hospital Limerick, despite record levels of investment. The Health Information and Quality Authority's review will consider the case for a second ED in this region and will also consider the recommendations of the HSE-commissioned review by former Chief Justice Frank Clarke into the death of Shannon teenager Aoife Johnston at UHL in 2022. Consultation is central to the terms of reference published this week - with HIQA stating an Expert Advisory Group made up of patients representatives as well as clinical and nursing expertise will be formed. In addition, a Clinical Advisory Forum will be formed and appropriate specialist expertise will be utilised. Ennistymon resident and Midwest Hospital Campaign Group spokesperson Marie McMahon - whose husband passed away on a trolley at UHL in 2018 - say it's vital the experiences of the public are taken into account. A previous HIQA inspection of University Hospital Limerick carried out in November of last year found the "dignity and privacy" was impacted on by overcrowding, with the facility's emergency department deemed ineffective in managing patient flow. It's now two weeks since scheduled care was cancelled indefinitely at all facilities managed by the UL Hospitals Group in response to surge overcrowding. Today, the number of people waiting for a bed at the Dooradoyle facility has dropped to 20. Oireachtas Health Committee member and Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway believes everyone is hopeful a second emergency department in the Midwest is the primary recommendation of the upcoming review.

Today on the show - Gerard and Cianan, both victims of Michael Shine spoke to Alan about their own experience and outlined why they are calling for a public inquiry in one of Ireland's prolific paedophiles , AWARE told us why they are in need of over 100 new volunteers to work with their services and former INMO general secretary, Liam Doran described recent comments from the Health Minister Stephen Donnelly on "productivity" within the health service as hugely disappointing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's claimed a new funding boost from the Government will allow Meals on Wheels services to be spread further in West Clare. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, announced this week that an additional €10m will be made available for meals on wheels services with every branch able to apply for funding of up to €25,000. The scheme, which is operated by Obair, has grown from having ten people availing of the programme along one route to now providing services to eight routes with upwards of 40,000 meals issued annually countywide. Service Co-Ordinator for Obair in Clare, Eimear Murphy, says the availability of extra funding enables them to expand their services further across the county.

Dozens of children requiring spinal surgeries will be offered an opportunity to get their treatment overseas by the Department of Health.It is understood a number of outsourcing agreements are being finalised and families will have their accommodation and flights organised and paid for by the Department.Health Minister Stephen Donnelly flew to the United States in the past week to meet directly with clinicians and inspect hospitals.Andrea is joined by families who may potentially avail of this treatment, as well as those with previous experiences, to discuss.

Almost 7,000 patients have left the Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick without receiving treamtent in the last year. New figures released by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly through a parliamentary question show a total 6,722 people left Dooradoyle without completing their full episode of care since last March. According to the HSE, emergency admissions at UHL have increased by 13% in the last year, with attendances from those aged over 75, up by 15%. Clare Independent TD Violet Anne Wynne has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that services for older people, such as GP practices need to be prioritised in the MidWest.

A Clare principal is calling for stronger legislation around the use of vapes which he claims are "completely unregulated" at the moment. It comes as legislation to raise the age at which tobacco products can be legally purchased has been approved. The week leading up to the Dáil summer recess is typically characterised by TDs and senators frantically striving to get legislation over the line. This week is no different as attention has turned to the minimum age at which cigarettes can be legally purchased. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has received Cabinet approval for the Public Health Tobacco Amendment Bill 2024 which sees the age at which someone can buy tobacco products raised from 18 to 21. Although the smoking rate has dipped significantly over the past twenty years, it's seen a slight increase in recent times as 18% of adults currently smoke. Research shows that those between the ages of 18 and 21 are at the highest risk of becoming a smoker. Principal of St. Flannan's College Father Ignatius McCormack believes the focus must now shift to regulating the use of vapes - the dangers of which he says are yet to be fully understood. The sale of vapes to under 18s has been banned in Ireland since December but there is no proposal at present to extend this ban to the age of 21. New member of the HSE Regional Health Forum West, Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Antoinette Baker-Bashua, predicts the public will be grateful in years to come for stronger legislation around of all types of smoking.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will today seek Cabinet approval for a vaccination programme for infants this autumn for Respiratory Syncytial Virus or more commonly known as RSV Speaking to Johnathan this morning was Dr. Brendan O'Shea, Kildare GP & Assistant Adjuvant Professor in Public Health and Primary Care at Trinity College Dublin.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will today seek Cabinet approval for a vaccination programme for infants this autumn for Respiratory Syncytial Virus or more commonly known as RSV Speaking to Johnathan this morning was Dr. Brendan O'Shea, Kildare GP & Assistant Adjuvant Professor in Public Health and Primary Care at Trinity College Dublin.

jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words https://tinyurl.com/yo8hqsc6 Contact: irishlingos@gmail.com Permission to buy tobacco to be raised from 18 to 21 years. Cead tobac a cheannach le hardú ó 18 go 21 bliain. The age at which people can buy cigarettes and other tobacco products is to be raised from eighteen to 21, according to new legislation to be proposed to the Cabinet this week by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly. Tá an aois ag ar féidir le daoine toitíní agus táirgí eile tobac a cheannach le hardú ó ocht mbliana déag go 21 bliain, de réir reachtaíocht nua atá le moladh don Chomhaireacht an tseachtain seo ag an Aire Sláinte Stephen Donnelly. For people who are currently between the ages of eighteen and 21, the bill will be drafted in such a way that they will still be allowed to buy tobacco. Maidir le daoine atá idir ocht mbliana déag agus 21 faoi láthair, dréachtófar an bille sa chaoi is go mbeidh cead acusan tobac a cheannach go fóill. Minister Donnelly said that the legislation is really aimed at young people between the ages of fifteen and seventeen. Dúirt an tAire Donnelly gur ar dhaoine óga idir chúig bliana déag agus seacht mbliana déag atá an reachtaíocht dírithe i ndáiríre. It's easy for people in that age group to buy tobacco at the moment, he said, but if the minimum age is raised to 21 it will make them a lot of trouble. Is furasta do dhaoine san aoisghrúpa sin tobac a cheannach faoi láthair, arsa sé, ach má ardófar an aois íosta go 21 déanfaidh sé ciotaí an-mhór dóibh. A report from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland states that more than any other time people take their first puff of tobacco between the ages of fifteen and seventeen. Deirtear i dtuarascáil ó Choláiste Ríoga Lianna na hÉireann gur idir chúig bliana déag agus seacht mbliana déag thar aon am eile is mó a bhaineann daoine an chéad gal tástála as tobac. If the minimum age were raised to 21, the number of teenagers who smoke could be reduced by 25%, according to the authors of the report. Dá n-ardófaí an aois íosta go 21 d'fhéadfaí an líon déagóirí a chaitheann tobac a laghdú 25 faoin gcéad , dar le húdair na tuarascála. It is estimated that around 4,500 people die in the State every year due to smoking. Áirítear go bhfaigheann thart ar 4,500 duine bás sa Stát gach bliain mar gheall ar thobac a chaitheamh. They are most affected by heart disease, lung disease and cancer. Galar croí, galar scamhóg agus ailse is mó a bhaineann dóibh. As well as raising the minimum age, the sale of tobacco products and vaping products from machines in commercial premises is to be banned. Chomh maith leis an aois íosta a ardú, táthar le cosc a chur ar tháirgí tobac agus ar tháirgí vápála a dhíol ó mheaisíní in áitribh thráchtála. The Government also intends to ban disposable vaping cigarettes and place restrictions on the advertising of vaping products. Tá rún ag an Rialtas freisin cosc a chur ar ghaltoitíní aon uaire agus srianta a chur ar an gcaoi a bhfógraítear táirgí vápála. RTÉ News and Current Affairs Nuacht agus Cúrsaí Reatha RTÉ

There are 70 patients on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick today according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. Although this is a 25% reduction on the number of people without a bed there yesterday, the level of overcrowding at UHL today is still above that of the next two busiest facilities combined. A Clare Oireachtas Health Committee Member believes the staff on the frontlines experiencing this situation on a near daily basis are best placed to advise on additional capacity in the region and must be consulted in the review. Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe insists though that regardless of who's leading Leinster House next year, HIQA's recommendation must be included in the new programme for government. The Friends of Ennis Hospital is remaining firm in its view that any new emergency department must be located in this county Kilrush based Spokesperson Deirdre Culligan insists that even if it means constructing a brand-new facility, providing another ED in Tipperary or Limerick would offer no relief to patients in rural Clare. The MidWest Hospital Campaign has also been fighting for the reopening of Accident and Emergency Departments at Ennis, Nenagh and St.John's since their respective closures in 2009. Yesterday the group met with HSE MidWest Regional Executive Officer Sandra Broderick who is also conducting a review of emergency capacity here under the instruction of Health Minister Stephen Donnelly. Ballyvaughan based MidWest Hospital Campaign member Noeleen Moran says both reviews must be completed in a timely manner and take factors such as population age profile into account in order to be effective and ensure the construction of any new ED can happen quickly.

We talk to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly. 

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has asked HIQA to carry out a review into urgent and emergency care capacity in the midwest region. Minister of State and Fianna Fail TD for Limerick Niall Collins , David Cullinane, Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Health & Marie McMahon, Mid West Hospital Campaign Group give their reactions .

The Health Minister says he's not ruling out upgrading Ennis, Nenagh and St. John's hospitals to Model 3 facilities in the future. It follows the publication of yesterday's HIQA report on University Hospital Limerick which found that "dignity and privacy" of patients at the Dooradoyle facility was negatively impacted by overcrowding. Last week's inquest into the death of Shannon teenager Aoife Johnston at the facility heard from Emergency Consultant Dr James Gray that 300 extra beds would be needed there to eliminate the overcrowding crisis. Responding to Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson David Cullinane in the Dáil, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says a review of the healthcare needs of each region is in progress.

Urgent clarity is being sought on community healthcare beds due to come on stream in Clare. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced earlier this month that up to 25 step-down beds would be installed in Clare between July and September of this year. At the time, he Department of Health gave Cahercalla Community Hospital as the location of the beds but it's since emerged that they remain out for tender, meaning no facility has been confirmed as of yet. Scariff Independent TD and European election candidate for Ireland South, Michael McNamara is disappointed by the Government's lack of clear communication and the matter and believes people deserve to know about the plans in more detail.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said that the health service is seeking to make savings of nearly 430 million euros this year and to put in place a range of new productivity measures. We discuss with Professor Matthew Sadlier, chair of the IMO consultants committee.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and HSE Chief Executive Officer Bernard Gloster attended University Hospital Limerick. The Health Minister and HSE CEO met various management figures, including Regional Executive Officer Sandra Broderick, and inspected the 96-bed block in construction, which is due to be opened by the middle of next year. A group of protestors were waiting at the facility to voice their belief that these new measures are too little, too late. Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at the scene of the proceedings. To discuss this further, on Friday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Dr. Conor Reidy, a member of the Midwest Hospital Campaign. Picture (c) Sean Lyons Clare FM

“The HSE is on its knees; reopen our three A&Es” is the call echoing around University Hospital Limerick this afternoon. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is visiting the region's main hospital today and protestors from across the Midwest have turned up the make their voices heard. Although he made an unannounced visit to the Midwest facility last night, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is at University Hospital Limerick once again today. It comes on a day when 101 admitted patients were left waiting on trolleys during morning rounds, according to figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. While Minister Donnelly has been inspecting the facility, protestors from the likes of the Midwest Hospital Campaign Group have been reiterating calls for change. Ennistymon native and group member Marie McMahon, whose husband passed away on a trolley at UHL in 2018 believes the visit is nothing more than a public relations exercise. The Minister has previously stated his opposition to reopening the A&Es at Ennis, Nenagh and St. John's. Limerick Sinn Fein TD Maurice Quinlivan however believes if it will solve the crisis, reopening the facilities is what should be done. Today's events come just days before the visit of the Oireachtas Health Committee to the Dooradoyle Facliliy. Tanya McMahon of the Nenagh Needs Its A&E group hopes it becomes clear than the facility isn't safe for staff or patients. 21-year-old Eve Cleary died in 2019 after being discharged from UHL. Her mother, Melanie Sheehan-Cleary, hopes change is coming so no family has to go through what she and hers have had to endure.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is set visit University Hospital Limerick's A&E Department today. It comes as the hospital has hit the headlines in recent days, with many patients experiencing significant waits for treatment. Listeners have gotten in touch with us to tell us about their experiences. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Teri, Geraldine and Tanya McMahon from 'Nenagh Needs it's A&E' campaign group...

A Clare Government TD insists pressure must be kept on the Health Minister to reopen the Ennis A&E. It comes amid fresh calls for the expanison of the Ennis facility this week, in light of extremely high ED attendances at University Hoapital Limerick and a repeated surge in the level of overcrowding there. Just under a month on from a record-breaking 150 patients recorded on trolleys at the region's main hospital, the number of people without a bed at the facility has risen above 140 once again this week. That number has dropped to 115 today, according to the latest figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, but the Dooradoyle facility remains by far the busiest in the country. Just two weeks ago, the HSE issued a letter outling its reasons against reopening the A&Es at Ennis, Nenagh and St. John's which were closed in 2008. Defending this position, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has doubled down on his view that having an A&E in Clare's county town would be "unsafe", but he's pledged to continue providing funding to support the facility going forward. Party colleague of the Minister, and Meelick Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe, says although he believes certain strides have been made in terms of easing the overcrowding issue at UHL in recent years, the Government must do more to support the phased reopening of Ennis's A&E. 115 people were languishing on trolleys at the Dooradoyle facility this morning and although the ED was equipped in 2017 to cope with 190 presentations daily, it saw an average of 245 a day last month. Shannon Sinn Féin local election candidate James Ryan says it's getting to the point that chronic overcrowding is almost normalised at UHL.

There remains no timeline on the delivery of a dialysis unit at Ennis Hospital. The matter has been raised by Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway in the Seanad following confirmation last September that the tendering process for a Satellite Hemodialysis Unit in Ennis is in motion. People in Clare seeking renal care currently have to attend University Hospital Limerick or its satellite centre on the Dock Road. Speaking on behalf of Health Minister Stephen Donnelly in response to Senator Conway, Minister of State Martin Heydon couldn't offer an expected delivery time on the unit but says it's a "quality of life issue".

The Health Minister insists continuing to invest in Ennis Hospital will be key to easing the overcrowding burden on UHL. It comes one week after the issuing of a letter by the HSE Chief Clinical Office to the Midwest Hospital Campaign Group outlining its reasons against reopening Ennis's A&E. Figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation meanwhile put overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick 70% higher than that of the next busiest facility last month. Responding to a parliamentary question in the Dáil, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says investing in the Ennis facility is crucial but argues the situation at UHL won't be resolved simplying by boosting capacity elsewhere.

In this compelling episode, Niall Boylan explores the contentious topic of organ donation with the introduction of Ireland's new opt-out system. The discussion stems from the recent passing of the Human Tissue Bill 2022, which brings significant changes to the organ donation landscape. Under this legislation, Irish citizens will now be presumed organ donors unless they explicitly register their wish not to donate.Niall provides listeners with insightful context from the bill, outlining its key provisions and the rationale behind the shift to a soft opt-out system. The bill aims to address organ shortages, streamline transplant services, and respect individual autonomy in end-of-life decisions. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly's announcement of increased funding further underscores the government's commitment to expanding organ donation and transplantation initiatives.As the lines open up to callers, opinions on the new opt-out system vary widely. Some passionately support the measure, emphasizing its potential to save lives and alleviate the burden on grieving families. They argue that by defaulting to organ donation, individuals can leave behind a powerful legacy of generosity and compassion.Conversely, dissenting voices express concerns about the infringement on individual autonomy posed by the opt-out system. They advocate for greater emphasis on education and awareness to encourage voluntary organ donation while respecting personal beliefs and values.Niall navigates these diverse perspectives with his trademark blend of empathy and incisiveness, guiding listeners through a thought-provoking exploration of ethics, healthcare policy, and the complexities of end-of-life decision-making.Join Niall Boylan in this thought-provoking discussion as he confronts the challenging question: Are good hearts truly hard to find in today's society?

Last summer, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced couples could avail of 1 round of free IVF but limits such as age and BMI would apply. Helena Tubridy, Fertility Coach and former gynecology nurse and midwife, is campaigning for the age of eligibility for free IVF to be increased to 45...

We talk to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.

jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words http://tinyurl.com/28x524k9 Contact: irishlingos@gmail.com An adult has died of measles in Leinster. Duine fásta tar éis bháis le bruitíneach i gCúige Laighean. The Health Service Executive has confirmed that an adult has died of measles in Leinster. Tá sé deimhnithe ag Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte go bhfuil duine fásta tar éis bháis le bruitíneach i gCúige Laighean. It was revealed that the person died in the hospital but it was not said where exactly. Tugadh le fios gur san ospidéal a bhásaigh an duine ach ní dúradh cén áit go baileach. This is the first case of measles recorded in the State so far this year. Is é seo an chéad chás bruitíní a taifeadadh sa Stát go dtí seo i mbliana. A special medical team that was recently established is on standby in light of the person's death and people with symptoms of the disease are being appealed to consult a doctor. Tá foireann speisialta leighis a bunaíodh le gairid ar fuireachas i bhfianaise bhás an duine agus táthar ag achainí ar dhaoine a bhfuil airíonna an ghalair orthu dul i gcomhairle dochtúra. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly indicated yesterday that there was likely to be a measles outbreak shortly among groups that have not received the MMR vaccine. Thug an tAire Sláinte Stephen Donnelly le fios arú inné gur dhóichí go mbeadh ráig bhruitíní go gairid i measc grúpaí nach bhfuil an vacsaín MMR faighte acu. The Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health, Professor Breda Smyth, has since said that she is very concerned that there will soon be an outbreak of smallpox in Ireland. An Príomhoifigeach Leighis sa Roinn Sláinte, an tOllamh Breda Smyth, tá sé ráite aicise ó shin go bhfuil an-imní uirthi go mbeidh ráig bhruitíní in Éirinn gan mhoill. She confirmed that at least 95% of the population would have to have received the MMR vaccine to prevent an outbreak. Dhearbhaigh sí nár mhór an vacsaín MMR a bheith faighte ag 95 faoin gcéad den phobal ar a laghad le ráig a chosc. Unfortunately, says Professor Smyth, only about 90% of children nationally have received the vaccine in two years and the rate is as low as 80%, or below that again, in some counties. Ar an drochuair, arsa an tOllamh Smyth, níl an vacsaín faighte ach ag thart ar 90 faoin gcéad de leanaí ar bhonn náisiúnta le dhá bhliain agus tá an ráta chomh híseal le 80 faoin gcéad , nó faoina bhun sin arís, i gcontaetha áirithe. RTÉ News and Current Affairs Nuacht agus Cúrsaí Reatha RTÉ

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly spoke to Newstalk Breakfast on the concerns about a measles outbreak.

We talk to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly

The first meeting of the Department of Health's Productivity and Savings Taskforce will take place today. The task force hopes to deal with the use of new technology, new ways of working, and the future cost of health care. Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly spoke to Newstalk Breakfast.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to discuss hospital waiting lists, CAMHS, housing for hospital staff and the future of Micheál Martin as leader of Fianna Fáil...

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly joined Shane this morning on the show. A new COVID inquiry was discussed.

jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words http://tinyurl.com/yn5vz9n4 Contact: irishlingos@gmail.com The Minister of Health is concerned about the number of patients in emergency departments. Imní ar an Aire Sláinte faoin líon othar i rannóga éigeandála. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is appealing to people who have or will have a respiratory illness to consult a GP or pharmacist in the first instance before going as far as a hospital emergency department. Tá an tAire Sláinte Stephen Donnelly ag achainí ar dhaoine a bhfuil nó a mbeidh galar riospráide orthu dul i gcomhairle le dochtúir teaghlaigh nó le cógaiseoir ar an gcéad dul síos sula dtéann siad chomh fada leis an rannóg éigeandála in ospidéal. There was an increase this week in the number of people with respiratory disease who went to the emergency department and the Minister is concerned that the country's hospitals will be too busy for the next few weeks if there is an outbreak of flu, not to mention Covid- 19. Bhí ardú an tseachtain seo ar an líon daoine a raibh galar riospráide orthu a chuaigh go dtí rannóg éigeandála agus tá imní ar an Aire go mbeidh ospidéil na tíre róghnóthach as seo go ceann roinnt seachtainí má bhíonn ráig den fhliú ann, gan trácht ar covid 19. People with respiratory disease have many options, said Stephen Donnelly. Is iomaí rogha atá ag daoine a bhfuil galar riospráide orthu, a dúirt Stephen Donnelly. In addition to a family doctor and a pharmacist, he said, there is the Local Injuries Unit and it is also possible to contact the medical services that are available outside normal hours. Chomh maith le dochtúir teaghlaigh agus cógaiseoir, arsa sé, tá an tAonad Gortuithe Áitiúil ann agus is féidir freisin teagmháil a dhéanamh leis na seirbhísí leighis a bhíonn ar fáil lasmuigh de ghnáthuaireanta. He highly praised how the hospitals dealt with matters during Christmas so far and said that there was an 80% reduction in the number of patients on trolleys this year compared to this time last year. Mhol sé go hard mar a chuaigh na hospidéil i ngleic le cúrsaí i gcaitheamh na Nollag go nuige seo agus dúirt go raibh laghdú 80 faoin gcéad ar an líon othar a bhí ar thralaithe i mbliana ná mar a bhí an t-am seo anuraidh. Minister Donnelly also indicated that there was a 7.5% reduction on average in the number of patients on trolleys throughout 2023 compared to 2022. Thug an tAire Donnelly le fios chomh maith go raibh laghdú 7.5 faoin gcéad ar an meán ar an líon othar a bhí ar thralaithe i gcaitheamh 2023 ar fad ná mar a bhí in 2022. Another thing, he said, was a 20% reduction in the last six months of the year. Rud eile de, arsa sé, is laghdú 20 faoin gcéad a bhí ann sna sé mhí dheireanacha den bhliain. RTÉ News and Current Affairs Nuacht agus Cúrsaí Reatha RTÉ

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss record overcrowding in hospitals in 2023, work underway on the new National Maternity Hospital on Vincent's Campus, funding for adult hospices and Mary Lou McDonald's calls for Robbie Keane to resign as Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. manager...

Smokers may be banned from buying cigarettes until they are aged 21. The proposal from Health Minister Stephen Donnelly aims to tackle the habit among young people. To discuss this further Newstalk Breakfast spoke to Professor Deirdre Murray, Director of the National Cancer Registry.

We talk to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.

The Government has today announced new supports have been introduced for people undergoing IVF Treatment. The move will see an IVF cycle funded for those who have had no more than one privately funded cycle. However there will be an age and a BMI limit on the treatments. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to discuss the Government's new publicly funded IVF scheme and also the ongoing anti-social behaviour in Dublin City...

A West Clare GP believes Ireland is a "long way" from universal healthcare in spite of recent progress. The government has announced details of the extension of free GP care which will broaden eligibility to children aged 6 and 7 as well as all those earning no more than the median income of €47,000. The move is expected to enable over 500,000 individuals to access GP care without charges and Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has described it as a "landmark day on our journey towards providing universal healthcare for all our people". However, Lahinch-based GP Dr Michael Kelleher says ongoing funding and staffing issues make free healthcare for all a distant prospect.

A Clare GP warned people of the unknown effects of using vapes regularally especially in young people This comes after the cabinet has signed off on new laws to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to under 18s. It will also see a change to who can sell vaping products - banning them from vending machines or at events for children. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly expects legislation to be passed before the Dáil's summer recess. Ennis GP, Dr Maire Finn feels that regular vape use could lead to health problems in young people.

We talk to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.

We talk to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.