Podcasts about oireachtas health committee

Cold water has been poured on the prospect of a statutory inquiry into the death of Shannon Teenager Aoife Johnston at University Hospital Limerick. It follows a special meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee this week, which confirmed the timeline for HIQA's impending review of Emergency Department capacity in the MidWest cannot be expedited. The bulk of the meeting was dedicated to issues arising at University Hospital Limerick and saw the MidWest HSE Regional Executive Officer, the Chief Nursing Officer and Health Minister all in attendance. Several TDs and Senators levelled criticism at the absence of the former Beaumont Hospital CEO, Ian Carter who has this week been appointed to lead day to day operations at Dooradoyle. Responding to Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway, Minister Stephen Donnelly confirmed the timeline for HIQA's MidWest ED report could not be expedited ahead of next Summer due to the workload involved. But not before tensions flared between the coalition colleagues over both party's respective handling of the health portfolio. The meeting was held just days after the solicitor for the family of Shannon Teenager Aoife Johnston called for a statutory inquiry to be held into the circumstances of her tragic death at University Hospital Limerick in December 2022. The Clarke Report published into her death last month was prohibited from resolving conflicting evidence provided by nurses and doctors on duty relating to the events of her death. Six people are currently facing a disciplinary process in relation to Aoife's death, in what's the largest action of its kind in the HSE's history. Responding to Meelick Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe, Minister Donnelly insists the Johnston family will receive a state apology if desired, but says statutory inquiries could interfere with ongoing disciplinary procedures. The Department of Health's Chief Nursing Officer also addressed concerns over safe staffing levels at UHL. It comes amid reports from the INMO that 2,000 nursing and midwifery posts remain unfilled nationwide, amid claims 200 vacancies exist at UHL. Responding to Kilrush Independent Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne, CNO Rachel Kenna says an over-reliance on agency staff at Dooradoyle has led to unsafe situations. Issues relating to the disproportionate cancellations of scheduled care at Ennis General Hospital were also raised with Ennis Hospital seeing more deferrals of day case surgeries than any other facility in the MidWest. Health campaigners have since voiced concern that not only were vital appointments postponed, but that skilled consultants were also left idle, while the county hospital was deployed for it's overflow beds. HSE MidWest REO Sandra Broderick has pledged to investigate the matter.

The Health Minister is adamant that the former UL Hospitals Group CEO Collette Cowan's new position within the HSE is not a promotion. Professor Cowan has been on administrative leave since the HSE commenced a disciplinary investigation involving six people, in relation to the death of Shannon teenager Aoife Johnston at University Hospital Limerick in December of 2022. Ms Cowan has since been appointed as an integrated healthcare area manager within the newly created HSE MidWest body. Responding to Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe at the Oireachtas Health Committee, Stephen Donnelly insists that as the position of UL Hospitals Group CEO no longer exists, the new role has a smaller span of control.

Ireland needs a system like the UK's NHS. That's the call from People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny who is a member of the Oireachtas Health Committee. Gino spoke to Newstalk Breakfast to discuss further.

Ireland needs a system like the UK's NHS. That's the call from People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny who is a member of the Oireachtas Health Committee. Gino spoke to Newstalk Breakfast to discuss further.

We hear from Deborah Kelleher, a radiation therapist

Cost of the Children's Hospital following the board appearing in front of the Oireachtas Health committee yesterday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deputy David Cullinane, Sinn Féin TD and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Health, discusses the National Children's Hospital debacle.

The Health Minister has been requested to hold a special briefing for elected representatives in the MidWest. It follows the harrowing findings of inquests and investigations this year into the deaths of Shannon residents Martin Abbott and most recently sixteen-year-old Aoife Johnston at the Emergency Department of University Hospital Limerick. The results of a HIQA review to determine if another ED is needed in the MidWest are not expected until next Summer, which would be after the next programme for government is formed. Speaking in the Seanad Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator and Oireachtas Health Committee member Martin Conway says the situation is ridiculous.

The Health Minister has defended his Department's response to enhancing capacity, staffing and resources across the UL Hospitals Group in the face of consistent and worsening overcrowding this year. It follows a fiery debate held in the Dáil on the matter in light of the harrowing findings of former Chief Justice Frank Clarke's Report into the Death of Shannon Teenager Aoife Johnston at University Hospital Limerick. The overcrowding crisis at UHL has once again dominated headlines this week, following the publication of the Clarke Report, which determined the circumstances surrounding Aoife Johnston's death "were almost certainly avoidable". 2024 remains on course to be the worst year on record for trolley numbers at Dooradoyle with the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation documenting 2,225 admitted patients without beds up to July . Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan whose party called for last night's debate insists too many families have unnecessarily lost loved ones at UHL in recent times due to the conditions. The Health Minister has defended the response made by his Department in light of recent events though. Stephen Donnelly claims the bed capacity planned for UHL alone will be the equivalent of bringing a new model 4 and model 3 hospital to the MidWest. He confirmed in the Dáil that the first of two 96 bed blocks due to come on stream at Dooradoyle will be operational by the first quarter of next year, with the second to be built by 2028. Additionally, a site for a dedicated surgical hub has been established at Scoil Carmel in Limerick, which its claimed will cater for 4,000 extra day case surgeries, 6,000 minor operations and 18,000 outpatient consultations annually. Minister Donnelly believes that a failure to reform workplace practices have been to blame for the worsening situation at UHL this year. The Department of Health has also confirmed a committee will be established to implement the recommendations of the Clarke Report. But the Minister is facing criticism from a coalition colleague for a failure to address Oireachtas members and Clare County Council on UHL's Winter plan ahead of the expected seasonal surge. Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator and Oireachtas Health Committee member Martin Conway says the delay is inexcusable.

Today in the Oireachtas Committee on Health, politicians have heard claims that the contractors behind the new National Children's Hospital are holding the hospital hostage for more money.The Hospital Development Board is accusing BAM of unacceptable delays and says it couldn't give assurances for the new June 2025 completion date.Not one single room in the new hospital is up to standard yet, an Oireachtas Health Committee has heard.Social Democrats TD Róisín Shortall says an unhelpful standoff has emerged. She joins Kieran to discuss.

Officials from the Board of the new National Children's Hospital are being questioned by an Oireachtas Health Committee today.It comes as the contractor BAM has moved the completion date for the hospital, originally due to open in 2020, 14 times.The completion cost is now estimated to be over €2.2 billion.How has this been allowed to happen?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Kirsty Blake Knox, Journalist with the Irish Independent, Bernard Mulvany from Access For All Ireland and Anna Gunning, CEO of Children in Hospital Ireland.

Clare's Government TD claims the findings of the Clarke Report have copperfastened the need for the expedited delivery of a new Emergency Department in Ennis. It comes as the latest report into the death of Shannon Teenager Aoife Johnston at University Hospital Limerick has determined the circumstances in which she died were "almost certainly avoidable". The fundamental issue according to the former Justice Clarke's report was the delay in treatment provided to Aoife Johnston. The Shannon teenager presented at ED at 17:39pm on Friday, December 17th with a letter from an out of hours GP service querying sepsis, but would not receive the appropriate medication for another 12 hours. National Sepsis guidelines stipulate that treatment should take place within an hour, at this point Aoife had just been triaged and upon triage, Aoife was sent to Zone A of the Emergency Department, where sepsis forms were not kept. This was due to the "grossly overcrowded" nature of the Resus area, and according to Justice Clarke this "undoubtedly contributed to the fact that it appears that none of the nurses or doctors in Zone A were aware of Aoife's condition. Ennistymon-based MidWest Hospital Campaign Spokesperson, Marie McMahon, whose husband Tommy Wynne passed away after waiting 36 hours on a trolley at UHL in 2018, feels elected representatives have failed to learn lessons from consistently poor patient outcomes at Dooradoyle and says a new Emergency Department in Ennis is desperately needed. On the night of December 17th, there were 191 patients in attendance at the ED, who were looked after by just 19 staff nurses and one clinical nurse manager, with breaks covered by nurses not trained in emergency medicine. In Zone A, where Aoife was originally sent, there were 67 patients who were tended to by just 4 nurses. Justice Clarke concluded in his report that unless bed capacity is addressed at UHL, the ED will regularly be under pressure and the risk of re-occurrence will inevitably be present. The investigation also referenced the 2008 Horwath Report, which paved the way for the closure of the A&Es at Ennis, Nenagh and St.John's in favour of a centre of excellence with increased inpatient bed capacity at UHL. Justice Clarke noted these beds did not materialise and led to clear consequent pressure at UHL and although a HIQA review is underway to determine if another ED is needed in the region, the results are not expected until next summer. Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, who's a member of the Oireachtas Health Committee believes the people of the MidWest will remain second class citizens until a new ED is provided in Ennis, and he says the findings of the Clarke report copperfasten the need for this process to be expedited. Meanwhile, the solicitor for the family of Aoife Johnston says they're still waiting for answers. Six people are facing a disciplinary process, but their identities have not been revealed. The Johnston's solicitor, Damien Tansey says there were flaws with the independent investigation.

A Clare member of the Oireachtas Health Committee claims the timeline given by HIQA for its review of urgent and emergency care in the Midwest is "stretching it". The Health Information and Quality Authority has published the terms of reference for its review which it's said will "inform decision-making around the design and delivery of urgent and emergency healthcare services" in this region. A report of the review's findings will be presented to the Health Minister next summer and subsequently published. Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway believes an interim report should be made available within three to six months due to the gravity of the issues around Midwest healthcare.

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.

A new plan aiming to significantly reduce overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick through short term interventions is expected to be published next week. In May, a crisis team involving former Irish Emergency Medicine Association President Dr Fergal Hickey, HSE National Director of Acute Hospitals Grace Rothwell and Director of Nursing at University Hospital Waterford Orla Kavanagh, were tasked with identifying solutions to alleviate pressure at the regions main hospital. According to the HSE CEO Bernard Gloster, former Chief Justice Franke Clarke's report into the death of Shannon Teenager Aoife Johnston will also be completed later this month. Responding to Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway at the Oireachtas Health Committee, Mr Gloster says he's hopeful the new recommendations will improve patient care.

A Clare Oireachtas Health Committee member has criticised the Health Minister for his failure to provide a timeline on an upcoming review of the region's main hospital. Minister Stephen Donnelly announced in May that a HIQA-led review of University Hospital Limerick would be conducted which would consider the case for a second emergency department in the Midwest as well as other reforms. The announcement came one week after an unannounced HIQA inspection found the Dooradoyle facility to be non-compliant with three of four key safety standards. Speaking in the Seanad, Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway says the public have lost patience and deserve answers.

A Clare Oireachtas Health Committee member claims Ireland has let vaping get out of hand and argues it was not regulated when it should have been. Figures from the latest CSO's Growing up Ireland report shows that 1 in 10 thirteen year olds have tried vaping. Concerns have been voiced about the longterm health complications they may cause, especially to those below the age of 18 as they are still developing mentally and physically. Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway says there will be great push back on any vape-related bans but believes it's the right step forward.

The Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly, is to initiate a review into urgent and emergency care capacity in the Mid-West region. The review will determine whether a second emergency department is required, in light of a big increase in the population in recent years and ongoing pressures at the ED at University Hospital Limerick. Smaller emergency departments in the region closed when configuration happened back in 2009. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Oireachtas Health Committee member and Meelick Fianna Fail TD, Cathal Crowe and Friends of Ennis Hospital Spokesperson, Deirdre Culligan.

The Health Minister is to initiate a review to determine if a second Emergency Department is needed in the MidWest. HIQA has been asked to lead the review which will commence after the independent investigation by former Chief Justice Frank Clarke into the death of Shannon Teenager Aoife Johnston at UHL in December of 2022 has been published. Accident and Emergency Departments at Ennis, Nenagh and St.Johns were closed as part of a reconfiguration in 2009 which favoured a centre of excellence at University Hospital Limerick. UHL has consistently been by far the most overcrowded facility in the country since then and remains the only model four hospital in the country without a supporting model three hospital in the same community healthcare organisation area. The announcement has received a broad welcome including from the Friends of Ennis Hospital, Clare members of the Oireachtas Health Committee; Meelick TD Cathal Crowe and Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. Clare Fianna Fáil Senator Timmy Dooley has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that while he's hopeful of a positive outcome, the review must not become a distraction to providing urgent additional bed capacity across the MidWest.

A Clare Government Senator is calling for a third new 96-bed block to be approved and delivered at University Hospital Limerick in order to tackle legacy capacity issues. It comes as the third HIQA Report in a row, published this week found patient privacy and dignity continues to be impacted by overcrowding. On it's latest unannounced visit the Health Inspection and Quality Authority found the level of overcrowding at Dooradoyle's Emergency Department was not consistent with a human-rights based approach to care. According to HIQA, University Hospital Limerick's Emergency Department has planned capacity for only 49 service users, but last year an average of 219 patients atended the ED every single day. Despite this, a Clare member of the Oireachtas Health Committee claims reopening a 24/7 Accident Emergency Department in Ennis goes against the wishes of the INMO and the Irish Medical Organisation. There are currently two-new 96 bed blocks planned for UHL which promise to increase bed capacity by 167 in real terms by 2027. But Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway believes until the clinical advice says otherwise, commitment to a third new 96 bed-block at UHL is the most practical solution for now. The Health Minister has commissioned a review though led by MidWest Regional Healthcare Executive Officer Sandra Broderick, that will analyse if another A&E is needed at either Ennis, Nenagh and St.Johns. HIQA's latest report found once again though that patient flow continues to be ineffectively managed at the region's main hospital. Speaking on the floor of the Dáil, Stephen Donnelly says the issue needs to be urgently resolved to improve patient outcomes at the hospital. A Clare Independent TD though believes the Minister must inject as much funding as possible into Ennis Hospital in order to maximise capacity there. Kilrush Deputy Violet Anne-Wynne claims that contrary to government predictions, the second 96-bed block currently planned for UHL is not due to come on stream until the third quarter of 2028. She insists that capital investment is needed in Ennis now as the reopening of the A&E is inevitable.

Clare's Oireachtas Health Committee members are calling for greater recognition of the challenges posed by long Covid. The condition, which is thought to affect over 7% of the population, was the main topic of discussion at this week's meeting of the committee. It's estimated over 350,000, or more than one in 15 people in Ireland, suffer from self-reported symptoms of long Covid. Characterised by symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and brain fog, the condition is a long-term complication of Covid-19, with debilitating consequences for those who experience it. Crusheen native Steve Barrett has been living with long Covid symptoms since being hospitalised with Covid-19 in January 2022. He says the condition has forced him to make drastic changes in both his personal and professional life. Special leave with pay for healthcare workers with long covid was halted at the end of March, but has this week been reinstated by the Department of Health, and will apply retrospectively to April 1st, with no impact on sick leave entitlements. Speaking at this week's meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe says despite the obvious suffering of many, the condition still isn't understood or taken seriously by many employers. A major talking point of the meeting was perceived regional imbalance when it comes to resources for sufferers of long Covid. The meeting heard that the dedicated long Covid clinic in University Hospital Limerick only sees six to eight patients a month and only operates for two-and-a-half to four hours weekly. In addition, despite brain fog and cognitive problems being prominent symptoms of the condition, the only neurologist in the country appointed to the care of long Covid patients is in St. James's Hospital in Dublin. Addressing HSE officials at the meeting, Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway says greater efforts must be made to ensure long Covid sufferers aren't disadvantaged because of where they live.

Clare's Oireachtas Health Committee members are calling for greater recognition of the challenges posed by long Covid. The condition, which is thought to affect over 7% of the population, was the main topic of discussion at this week's meeting of the committee. It's estimated over 350,000, or more than one in 15 people in Ireland, suffer from self-reported symptoms of long Covid. Characterised by symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and brain fog, the condition is a long-term complication of Covid-19, with debilitating consequences for those who experience it. Crusheen native Steve Barrett has been living with long Covid symptoms since being hospitalised with Covid-19 in January 2022. He says the condition has forced him to make drastic changes in both his personal and professional life. Special leave with pay for healthcare workers with long covid was halted at the end of March, but has this week been reinstated by the Department of Health, and will apply retrospectively to April 1st, with no impact on sick leave entitlements. Speaking at this week's meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe says despite the obvious suffering of many, the condition still isn't understood or taken seriously by many employers. A major talking point of the meeting was perceived regional imbalance when it comes to resources for sufferers of long Covid. The meeting heard that the dedicated long Covid clinic in University Hospital Limerick only sees six to eight patients a month and only operates for two-and-a-half to four hours weekly. In addition, despite brain fog and cognitive problems being prominent symptoms of the condition, the only neurologist in the country appointed to the care of long Covid patients is in St. James's Hospital in Dublin. Addressing HSE officials at the meeting, Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway says greater efforts must be made to ensure long Covid sufferers aren't disadvantaged because of where they live.

Clare's Oireachtas Health Committee members are calling for greater recognition of the challenges posed by long Covid. The condition, which is thought to affect over 7% of the population, was the main topic of discussion at this week's meeting of the committee. It's estimated over 350,000, or more than one in 15 people in Ireland, suffer from self-reported symptoms of long Covid. Characterised by symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and brain fog, the condition is a long-term complication of Covid-19, with debilitating consequences for those who experience it. Crusheen native Steve Barrett has been living with long Covid symptoms since being hospitalised with Covid-19 in January 2022. He says the condition has forced him to make drastic changes in both his personal and professional life. Special leave with pay for healthcare workers with long covid was halted at the end of March, but has this week been reinstated by the Department of Health, and will apply retrospectively to April 1st, with no impact on sick leave entitlements. Speaking at this week's meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe says despite the obvious suffering of many, the condition still isn't understood or taken seriously by many employers. A major talking point of the meeting was perceived regional imbalance when it comes to resources for sufferers of long Covid. The meeting heard that the dedicated long Covid clinic in University Hospital Limerick only sees six to eight patients a month and only operates for two-and-a-half to four hours weekly. In addition, despite brain fog and cognitive problems being prominent symptoms of the condition, the only neurologist in the country appointed to the care of long Covid patients is in St. James's Hospital in Dublin. Addressing HSE officials at the meeting, Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway says greater efforts must be made to ensure long Covid sufferers aren't disadvantaged because of where they live.

Rebecca Broni speaks to Marc O'Driscoll about her experience with Long Covid, and Prof. Jack Lambert, UCD School of Medicine, discusses what we can expect when patient groups appear before the Oireachtas Health Committee today.

A Clare TD has branded the reopening of Ennis's accident and emergency unit "an inevitability". Following a meeting this week between UHL management and the Oireachtas Health Committee, HSE Chief Executive Bernard Gloster has instructed HSE Midwest Regional Executive Officer Sandra Broderick to lead up a team examining the potential for capacity building in Ennis and Nenagh. It comes one week after the HSE put 25 community rehabilitation beds for Clare out for tender, with these beds aimed at stemming UHL overcrowding while the 96-bed block currently under construction at the facility is being finished. Meelick Fianna Fáil Deputy and Oireachtas Health Committee member Cathal Crowe says the need for an A&E in this region can't be ignored for much longer.

An Oireachtas Health Committee has heard warnings that time critical cancer surgeries are being cancelled due to the trolley crisis in hospitals Anthony Staines, Professor of Health Systems at the School of Nursing and Human Sciences in DCU joins Shane to discuss.

An Oireachtas Health Committee has heard warnings that time critical cancer surgeries are being cancelled due to the trolley crisis in hospitals Anthony Staines, Professor of Health Systems at the School of Nursing and Human Sciences in DCU joins Shane to discuss.

“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.

The Midwest Hospital Campaign Group is demanding a timeline on the planned extension of the MAU opening hours at Ennis, Nenagh and St. John's hospitals. HSE CEO Bernard Gloster has claimed at this week's sitting of the Oireachtas Health Committee that he's awaiting cabinet approval on making the medical assessment units at the Midwest facilities 24/7 services. The measure is part of a series of interventions aimed at easing the overcrowding burden at UHL along with the introduction of a 50-bed step-down subacute facility at Nenagh and a 'GP at the Front Door' service. Midwest Hospital Campaign Group spokesperson Marie McMahon has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the HSE must now provide details of the MAU opening hours extension to ensure no "false promises" are made.

The HSE is awaiting Cabinet sign off to extend operating hours at the Ennis Medical Assessment Unit to a 24/7 service. Government had initially pledged to implement the measure last April as a means of alleviating overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick following a private members motion on the matter. It's among a series of 'interventions' to be rolled in the MidWest under the HSE's National Service Plan, along with a new step-down care facility at Nenagh. Responding to Clare Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway at the Oireachtas Health Committee, HSE CEO Bernard Gloster says the expansion of services at Ennis, Nenagh and St.Johns should happen soon.

The Sinn Féin leader has stopped short of committing to the re-opening of A&E's in Ennis, Nenagh and St John's, as part of efforts to resolve the overcrowding crisis at the region's main hospital. It comes as elective surgeries have resumed at UL Hospital Groups facilities today, following two days of cancellations. Mary Lou Mc Donald has been critical of the Government response to the ongoing overcrowding crisis at UHL, as Clare FM's Sean Lyons reports: Medical staff within the UL Hospitals Group are beginning to clear a backlog of planned surgeries today, after elective procedures were cancelled for the last two days. It was in response to an extremely high number of patients attending the Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick earlier in the week, with trolley numbers at the Dooradoyle facility peaking at 143 on Monday. Today, an analysis from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation shows there were 100 admitted patients waiting for beds at the Dooradoyle facility during morning rounds. The Government has this week defended it's response to overcrowding at UHL, highlighting that since 2020, 150 extra beds have been provided there, with a 96-bed clock due to open by spring next year and another 96-bed block to follow in 2027. Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, Minister Simon Coveney outlined that over a 4-year period, the hospital budget has increased by 45% to 383 million euro and committed to adding more beds and staff in the future, as well as improving management of the facility. His party colleague, Clare Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway, who is also a member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, says the only solution to the crisis is increasing capacity. The Sinn Féin leader says her party's first focus is to deliver an additional 230 beds, cited as needed in the hospital group's own capacity review. Speaking on Clare FM's Morning Focus, Mary Lou McDonald criticised the Government for failing to deliver the much needed capacity and for underfunding health in the last budget and said the Taoiseach, Tanaiste and Health Minister must lead from the from the front. Asked if she'd re-open the three A&E's in Ennis, Nenagh and St John's, as called for by a number of campaign groups in the region, Mary Lou McDonald said that decision would have be made based on a clinical review. The first focus, she said, is delivering capacity.

An Ennis GP believes policies outside school gates must be implemented to effectively tackle the growing problem of childhood obesity. It comes after the newly formed Health Promotion Alliance Ireland has called on the government to take proactive steps to such as moving fast food shops away from schools. The HPAI told the Oireachtas Health Committee the government is stuck in a treatment trap where it focuses on providing more beds for more sick people instead of funding illness prevention programmes. GP at Ennis Medical Centre, Dr Fergus Glynn says active travel , excercise and dietary initiatives must be prioritised.

A Clare Government TD believes re-opening an Accident and Emergency Unit in Ennis should be achieved in the medium to long term. It's after it emerged the CEO of the UL Hospitals Group went a period of leave within the same week of record overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick. 116 patients were without a bed at the region's main hospital this morning, according to INMO figures, marking the seventeeth day in succession in which the trolley count at Dooradoyle has been in the triple digits. Last week, the CEO of the UL Hospitals Group, Professor Collette Cowan took an official leave period, within the same week that the record for Irish hospital overcrowding was breached twice at UHL. Calls are now growing from Clare's elected representatives in both government and opposition for the executive body of ULHG to appear before an Oireachtas Committee. Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator and Oireachtas Health Committee member, Martin Conway believes that while there must be accountability for poor patient outcomes at UHL, he insists the government will spare no expense in resolving healthcare deficits in the region. Meanwhile, Clare's Fianna Fáil TD believes the focus must remain on upgrading the services available at Ennis General Hospital. Meelick Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe says while the immediate goal should be expanding operating hours at the Medical Assessment and Local Injury Units, reopening the Accident and Emergency Unit in Ennis should be a medium to long-term aspiration.

The Health Minister has accused hospital management of failing to do what's needed to address the overcrowding crisis at University Hospital Limerick. Staffing at the region's main hospital is up 40% or 1,100 in the last three and a half years, while in the last month, the number of people waiting for a bed at the facility has soared by 75%, according to Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation figures. The first of two planned 96-bed blocks at the Dooradoyle facility is in the construction phase and is expected to come on stream later this year. Responding to a question from Clare Independent TD Violet Anne Wynne at the Oireachtas Health Committee, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly insists that if UHL is given resources by government, it must play its part by tackling ongoing patient flow issues.

A Clare Government TD says he will only support calls for an A&E to be reopened in Ennis, if the prospect is backed by clinical advice. University Hospital Limerick broke the national overcrowding record once again on Monday, where more than half of the 261 patients to attend the Emergency Department on the day where left waiting on chairs and trolleys. No elective operations have taken place at UHL this week and despite the reoccurring situation, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has ruled out the provision of an elective only hospital or a second ED for the MidWest region. Meelick Deputy and Oireachtas Health Committee member Cathal Crowe believes the best interim solution is to increase capacity of the Medical Assessment and Local Injury Units in Ennis.

Prof. Matthew Sadlier, Chairman of the Consultant Committee of the IMO and Colm Burke, Fine Gael TD for Cork North-Central & member of the Oireachtas Health Committee

The HSE has confirmed it's meeting with Chief Executives at the region's main hospital on a weekly basis to ensure preparedness for the pressurised Christmas period. Management at University Hospital Limerick are putting steps in places to ease the burden on staff over December, with overcrowding numbers at the facility having hit 100 this week for the first time since mid-November. Almost 80,000 patients have attended the Emergency Department at the Dooradoyle facility so far this year which is 7% higher than the activity at any other hospital in the country. Speaking at the Oireachtas Health Committee, in response to a question posed by Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway, HSE National Director Damien McCallion admits that given the pressure on staff at UHL, having a winter plan in place is vital.

The Health Inspection Quality Authority has carried out an unannounced inspection of University Hospital Limerick. The examination has been confirmed by HSE CEO Bernard Gloster at an Oireachtas Health Committee today.

The head of the HSE has disputed figures suggesting record-breaking levels of overcrowding at the region's main hospital this week. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation reported on Monday that 130 admitted patients were without a bed at University Hospital Limerick during morning rounds. However, the HSE's Chief Executive Officer claims the actual number was closer to 60, with 40 of these on trolleys in the Emergency Department. Responding to a question from Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway at the Oireachtas Health Committee, Bernard Gloster says regardless of the true figure, additional assistance is required by UHL management.

Micheal Lehane, Political Correspondent, looks ahead to today's Cabinet meeting and the secretary general of Health and the head of HSE will appear before the Oireachtas Health Committee.

David Cullinane, Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson, on the questions facing senior HSE and Department of Health representatives, as they prepare to appear before the Oireachtas Health Committee.

HSE Chief Executive Bernard Gloster tells the Oireachtas Health Committee that he rejects claims that HSE wastes public money

Philip Ryan, Political Editor of the Irish Independent

Sinn Fein are calling for the Government to increase funding in the health budget stating that it is underfunded and will have an adverse effect on our health services. The party will speak on this motion tonight in Dáil Eireann with members from the Department of Health already meeting in front of the Oireachtas Health Committee to discuss this issue around funding. David Cullinane, Sinn Fein's Health Spokesperson joined Kieran to discuss...

Robert Watt, Secretary General of HSE was today discussing the increased costs of running in the Irish health sector. He was before the Oireachtas Health Committee who met this morning to examine the funding allocated in the health Budget. Mr Watt also claimed that Ireland's hospitals have a ‘weak productivity' due to lack of funding into physical infrastructure and a lack on IT investment including digitalisation. Tony O'Brien, former Director General of the HSE joined Kieran to discuss...

Clare's Fianna Fáil TD insists no vital services will be affected by Healthcare cutbacks in this years budget. It follows a warning from HSE CEO Bernard Gloster, who's said harm will almost certainly be caused to patients, unless the body exceeds its budget allocation of 22.5 billion euro, which is 900 million euro less than the amount received last year. The health service announced last week it's extending its recruitment freeze to non-consultant hospital doctors, agency staff and home helps to combat ongoing cost overruns. Meelick Deputy Cathal Crowe, who's a member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that there will be no deficits in patient care.

Senator Tom Clonan talks to Eamon following a meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee to discuss children's spinal surgery at Temple Street and Crumlin Children's Hospitals. Tom talks about the failure of the Irish state to implement a dependable and resilient policy for children's health.Recorded on Monday 2nd October 2023. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-stand-with-eamon-dunphy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Cullen, Health Editor of The Irish Times, and Róisín Shortall, Social Democrats Spokesperson on Health & member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, on the findings of a report into spinal surgery at Crumlin children's hospital.

The CEO of Children's Health Ireland has apologised for the use of unauthorized springs as implants in children during an appearance before the Oireachtas Health Committee. Tom Clonan is a Trinity College Dublin Senator and member of the Committee.

The CEO of Children's Health Ireland has apologised for the use of unauthorized springs as implants in children during an appearance before the Oireachtas Health Committee. Tom Clonan is a Trinity College Dublin Senator and member of the Committee.

Seán Crowe, Chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee & Sinn Féin TD, on the questions he would like answered when CHI representatives appear before the committee today following the controversy over Temple Street spinal surgery.

Clinicians raised concerns about the Temple Street scandal a year ago. So said Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly yesterday. He added that “it's clear other people knew” of the scandal affecting children. Neasa Hourigan, Green Party TD for Dublin Central and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee gave her reaction to this development.

Clinicians raised concerns about the Temple Street scandal a year ago. So said Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly yesterday. He added that “it's clear other people knew” of the scandal affecting children. Neasa Hourigan, Green Party TD for Dublin Central and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee gave her reaction to this development.

Only 27 rooms out of a projected 3,000 have been completed for the new National Children's Hospital, with building costs to potentially increase to over €2 billion. Priscilla Lynch, Clinical editor with the Medical Independent, and John Lahart, Member of the Oireachtas Health Committee and Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South-West joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A Clare Oireachtas Health Committee member insists the mentorship programme for dentists needs to be simplified amid widespread staff shortages in the sector. Senator Martin Conway has outlined a case in which a Clare-based qualified dentist from Ukraine is unable to enter into a mentorship with a local dental practitioner due to what he's described as a "frustrating" engagement process with the Dental Council of Ireland. There are currently just 14 dentists employed under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme in Clare, this number having dropped by over 25% from 19 since the start of the year. Ennistymon-based Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway says the process of becoming registered as a dentist needs to become less stringent in light of the sector's recruitment crisis.

A Clare member of the Oireachtas Health Committee is confident that UHL's management restructuring is a positive step towards solving its overcrowding crisis. It comes following the publication of the findings of an unannounced HIQA inspection at the region's main hospital, which found the hospital to be partially compliant in three of the four areas assessed and non-compliant in one area, with overcrowding in the emergency department identified as being of particular concern. The inspection was a follow-up on a previous inspection in 2021 which found that management arrangements were not in place to support the delivery of a safe and high quality service. It was noted that since the initial inspection, a senior manager on site has been appointed which will serve to improve the overall daily operational running of the hospital. Ennistymon Senator Martin Conway says the changes in management have led to a better-functioning service at UHL.

The Midwest Hospital Campaign Group has described the failure to vastly improve standards around the dignity and privacy of patients at the region's main hospital as a major concern. It comes following the publication of a new report by HIQA, which found University Hospital Limerick partially compliant in three of the four areas assessed and non-compliant in one, with overcrowding flagged as an ongoing area of concern. HIQA carried out an unannounced inspection across two days in February last, when there were 72 patients on trolleys. In the subsequent report, it was noted that the overcrowding "continued to impact on the privacy and dignity of patients, despite the best efforts of staff". While the inspection showed signs of improvement such as in the area of management structure, the report has led to renewed calls for UHL's capacity problem to be tackled once and for all. The Midwest Hospitals Campaign Group says improvements surrounding workforce at the Dooradoyle facility are to be welcomed, but that non-compliance in the area of digity and privacy is a major concern. Ballyvaughan-based spokesperson, Noeleen Moran believes the emergency department remains completely overburdened. As a means of addressing the overcrowding crisis, the region's main hospital plans to construct two 96-bed blocks, the first of which is expected to open in late 2024 or early 2025, and the second in 2027 while a third block is also in the works. Oireachtas Health Committee member Senator Martin Conway believes the construction of the new blocks will serve to address the hospital's capacity problem in a "meaningful way".

A Clare member of the Oireachtas Health Committee insists the health service can't be top-heavy with management and administrators. It follows the announcement by HSE CEO, Bernard Gloster that the recruitment of such staff will be temporarily halted, in a bid to combat the service's €150 million budget overspend in January & February. In 2022, the HSE employed 2,254 people at University Hospital Limerick, with 10% of all management & admin staff at the Dooradoyle facility moving on from their positions over the year. Ennistymon based Fine Gael Senator, Martin Conway says the HSE cannot function efficiently as a top heavy organisation.

A Clare member of the Oireachtas Health Committee claims funding allocations in the HSE's 2023 Capital Plan underpins the Government's commitment to enhance services in the county. Under the plan, €250,000 will be distributed to the Ennis Elm Medical Centre on the Gort Road to provide office accommodation & clinical space for use by Primary Care providers. A new theatre block and four new recovery bays at Ennis General Hospital, meanwhile, is at the detailed design phase of development. Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator, Martin Conway says recent escalations in investment in Clare will play a vital support role in easing the overcrowding burden at University Hospital Limerick.

Following conversations had here on Lunchtime Live in recent months around bullying and harassment in our health service – there was a commitment made by the Oireachtas Health Committee to look at these issues around the health, safety and well-being of our front-line health workers. The HSE were before an Oireachtas Health Committee again today. Andrea Gilligan was joined by David Cullinane, Sinn Féín TD and party Health Spokesperson...

On CorkToday with Patricia Messinger ---- Pharmacists appeared in front of the Oireachtas Health Committee this week to show how pharmacies can offer more services to take pressure off GP's We talk about personal safety following an increase in violent attacks across the country As the debate rolls on regarding the eviction ban, the group One Family joins Patricia as they fear for entire families becoming homeless Could you be Cork's Fitness Family – we find out more Our Movie Review with Mark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Health Correspondent Fergal Bowers reports on a presentation by nursing representatives to the Oireachtas Health Committee.

Following an Oireachtas Health Committee on Bullying in the HSE this morning, Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Sinn Féin TD and Party Health Spokesperson, David Cullinane to discuss...

An Oireachtas Health Committee on Bullying in the HSE was held this morning following stories raised by listeners on Lunchtime Live. Politicians, General Secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation Phil Ní Sheaghdha, Dr Clive Kilgallen from the Irish Medical Organisation and representatives from other unions all spoke at the committee this morning. For reaction to this, Andrea was joined by Una and Olivia who experienced bullying in the health service to discuss. Dr Anthony O'Connor, on the Consultant Committee from the IMO also spoke to Andrea on Lunchtime Live...

The introduction of Safe Access Zones outside clinics offering abortion services will today be discussed at the Oireachtas Health Committee. 5 years on from the repealing of the 8th amendment, no laws on safe access zones which would ban protest outside clinics have been enacted despite then Health Minister Simon Harris ensuring they would be. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Dr Trish Horgan, GP in Cork and provider of early medical abortion.

The Oireachtas Health Committee is to discuss the issue of bullying within the health service. It'll discuss the health, safety and wellbeing of frontline health care workers with trade unions. TD and Sinn Fein's Health Spokesperson David Cullinane joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to give an update on the situation...

The introduction of Safe Access Zones outside clinics offering abortion services will today be discussed at the Oireachtas Health Committee. 5 years on from the repealing of the 8th amendment, no laws on safe access zones which would ban protest outside clinics have been enacted despite then Health Minister Simon Harris ensuring they would be. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Dr Trish Horgan, GP in Cork and provider of early medical abortion.

An Oireachtas Health Committee is set to meet tomorrow to discuss the current challenges facing public hospitals in Ireland.  Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe for Clare, sits on the committee and  joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss what he hopes will come from tomorrow's meeting...

A North Clare GP insists the challenges facing general practitioners will only get worse, unless steps are taken now to deal with ongoing crisis. The Irish College of General Practitioners has appeared before the Oireachtas Health Committee this week to warn that the profession is in the midst of a general practice workforce and worload crisis. It says practices are busier than ever but are less able to find replacements for retiring doctors, with just 9 per cent of interns are choosing general practice as their career choice. Lahinch GP Michael Kelleher says serious changes need to be made now.

A Clare member of the Oireachtas Health Committee insists a change in culture within the health service is taking too long. It follows the publication of a review into the Cervical Check controversy this week, which has found that substantial progress has been made. Fine Gael Senator from Ennistymon, Martin Conway and close friend of the late Vicky Phelan, John Wall, have been speaking to Clare FM's Morning Focus.

Today at a meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee, members heard from the HSE Interim CEO and other representatives. They answered questions about the HSE's winter plan, the effort to get more people into the health service and other challenges the health system is facing Sinn Fein's Health Spokesperson and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, David Cullinane joined Kieran to discuss…

New research from the US suggests vaping can be just as bad for your heart as smoking cigarettes. While similarities between the health implications of the two habits are emerging, their regulations remain different. Should vapers be asked to join their fellow nicotine users in the smoking area in every setting? Bernard Durkan, Fine Gael TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee and Tom Gleeson, Trustee of the New Nicotine Alliance Ireland joined Anton Savage on to discuss...

Endometriosis is something we spoke extensively about on the show this year – hearing stories of the many, many women affected by the condition. This week Senator Lynn Ruane and some other female colleagues are writing to the Oireachtas Health Committee and the Department of Health, calling on them to take leadership on this issue and help those affected. Senator Lynn Ruane and Patricia joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss their experiences...

The Health Minister is to break ground on the new 96-bed block at the region's main hospital today. Clare Fianna Fail TD Cathal Crowe, who's a member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, says while it's a significant progress, there's a lot more work to do.

The Oireachtas Health Committee has heard today that the new National Children's Hospital has so far cost over €1.1bn. Along with that, the completion of works is now expected by March 2024. Kieran was joined by the co-leader of the Social Democrats, Roisin Shortall, who is also part of the Oireachtas Health Committee...

The Midwest Hospital Campaign group insists an apology from the CEO of the UL Hospitals Group must be backed up by action. Senior members of the UL Hospitals Group have appeared before the Oireachtas Health Committee this week, in the wake of a damning HIQA report published last June.

Senior management within the UL Hospitals Group are to appear before the Oireachtas Health Committee this morning. Meelick-based Fianna Fail Deputy Cathal Crowe, who's a member of the Committee, says it's time for questions to be answered.

The CEO of the UL Hospitals Group says a second 96-bed block unit is needed to get to sufficient bed capacity in the region's main hospital. Senior members of the Group have been answering questions from the Oireachtas Health Committee today.

Senior management within the UL Hospitals Group are to appear before the Oireachtas Health Committee next month, to address concerns raised in the damning HIQA report published last week. It follows a request from Ennistymon-based Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway, with the fallout into the report following the health body's unannounced inspection continuing. Meanwhile, a Junior Health Minister says HIQA's report into overcrowding at the region's main hospital 'provides an opportunity' to refocus healthcare priorities in the Midwest. Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Frank Feighan, says lessons need to be learned.

The CEO of the HSE says he has 'not been engaged' on exploring the possibility of an elective hospital in the Midwest region. The possibility has been raised once more at a briefing to Oireachtas Health Committee members on Slaintecare's progress by members of the HSE and Department of Health this morning.

The HSE has confirmed that a specialist team is working out an approach to alleviate chronic overcrowding at the region's main hospital. Responding to a question from Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway at the Oireachtas Health Committee, National Director of Acute Operations at the HSE, Liam Woods, says the team has now met for the first time.

A Clare Government Senator is demanding a timeline for the introduction of a fee waiver for receiving the HPV vaccine under the Government's ‘catch up programme'. This morning the Oireachtas Health Committee will be discussing the HSE Service Plan for 2022 and Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway has been telling Clare FM's Rebecca O'Sullivan that he will be looking for clarity on the matter.

Paul Cunningham, Political Correspondent, discusses what is likely to happen today in relation to the proposed new National Maternity Hospital.

The Oireachtas Health Committee has written to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, requesting he delays any Cabinet decision on moving the National Maternity Hospital. This is to enable the St Vincent's Holding Group to attend a hearing.  The committee will address the matter again today and will hear from the former master of the National Maternity Hospital Dr. Peter Boylan. Ahead of this meeting, Dr Boylan spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning. Listen and subscribe to Newstalk Breakfast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.     Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.    You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.    

Oireachtas Health Committee members David Cullinane and John Lahart discussed the controversy surrounding the location of the new National Maternity Hospital while the community warden in Meath expressed his horror at large household items being dumped in the River Boyne at Beauparc See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ellen Coyne, News Correspondent at the Irish Independent and Annie Hoey, Labour Party Senator, and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee

Neasa Hourigan, Green Party TD, party health spokesperson, and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee

There were fiery exchanges at today's Oireachtas Health Committee meeting between Fianna Fail Deputy, Marc MacSharry and the Department of Health, Secretary, Robert Watt. Mr Watt had told the hearing that they were 'bounced into' announcing the secondment of Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan to Trinity College before they were ready. Robert Watt has argued the Health Minister would have been fully informed on the issue when more details were settled. Mr Watt was accused of overstepping the mark and signing off on the move without ministerial go-ahead, at a cost of 2 million euro a year. Deputy MacSharry challenged him forcefully on that, saying the situation was scandalous, before abruptly leaving the hearing.

A reversal of the decision to close Owenacurra Mental Health Centre has been called for by the Oireachtas Health Committee. PJ asks Cllr Liam Quaide if this is light at the end of the tunnel for campaigners? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On CorkToday with Patricia Messinger ---- We speak with Caitriona Twomey of Penny Dinners who is travelling to Ukrainian border this week with emergency supplies Members of the Oireachtas Health Committee visited the Owenacurra mental health facility in Midleton yesterday . A campaign has been underway since last year to retain the facility in the East Cork town after the HSE announced plans to close it down and move the residents to alternative accommodation – We find out how the meeting went We discuss Perimenopause with an health expert on the show tomorrow We hear about Bake a difference for Brain injury this month Plus our regular counsellor Joe Heffernan See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Calls are being made for an increase in the age limit on buying tobacco and nicotine inhaled products to 21. This call was made by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland at yesterday's Oireachtas Health Committee meeting. On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Anne Murphy, Oncology Nurse with Sláinte An Chláir, Tulla and John Mallon, Forest Ireland spokesperson. Photo (c) by Every Thing from Pexels via Canva.

PJ talks to Orla Kelleher, one of the relatives of Owenacurra Mental Health Centre users. Relatives wrote to the Oireachtas Health Committee who are questioning the HSE about the proposed closure. (The Committee was to hear from the HSE today but it was subsequently postponed due to Storm Barra and is to be rescheduled). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Roisin Shortall, co-leader of the Social Democrats

Fergal Bowers, Health Correspondent, previews this morning's meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee, which will hear from the Health Minister and Secretary General of the Department of Health.

Colm Burke, Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, joined Kieran on the Hard Shoulder... he Hard Shoulder Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.      Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.     You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.

As restrictions continue for the partners of pregnant women at University Hospital Limerick, is it now time to allow fully vaccinated partners additional access? Calls have been repeatedly made to end the ad hoc system of restrictions imposed on the partners of pregnant people attending the country's 19 maternity units since the outbreak of the pandemic. But according to a report in the Irish Examiner this week, the HSE has now ruled out extending visiting hours or further access for fully vaccinated fathers and birth partners. On Friday's Morning Focus Alan Morrissey spoke to Yvonne Aherne, activist in the Irish Birth Movement and Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway, who is a member of the Dáil Oireachtas Health Committee.

Gail Conway reports on what was said before Oireachtas Health Committee today.

Kate Egan reports on the appearance of the Secretary General of the Dept of Health Robert Watt at a hearing of the Oireachtas Health Committee on last month's RTE Investigates programme about the handling of legal cases involving children with special needs.

jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words https://tinyurl.com/yewvac8y Vitamin D advocated by politicians as a protection against Covid-19. Vitimín D á mholadh ag polaiteoirí mar chosaint ar covid 19. A group of politicians have said that people in this country should take the nutritional content of Vitamin D to protect themselves against Covid-19. Tá sé ráite ag grúpa polaiteoirí gur chóir do dhaoine sa tír seo an t-ábhar cothaitheach Vitimín D a ghlacadh chun iad féin a chosaint ar covid 19. This is recommended in a report published today by the Oireachtas Health Committee. Moltar é seo i dtuarascáil atá foilsithe inniu ag Coiste Sláinte an Oireachtais. Politicians from all parties say that international evidence shows that Vitamin D contains a protective substance because it strengthens the human immune system. Deir na polaiteoirí ó gach aon pháirtí go léiríonn an fhianaise idirnáisiúnta go bhfuil damhna cosanta i Vitimín D mar go dtreisíonn sé córas imdhíonachta an duine. The report recommends that Vitamin D be given to people at Covid-19 test centers in future, and that it be offered to people in nursing homes and health workers as well. Moltar sa tuarascáil go dtabharfaí Vitimín D do dhaoine ag ionaid tástála covid 19 feasta, agus go dtairgeofaí é do dhaoine in ionaid altranais agus d'oibrithe sláinte freisin. Although Vitamin D is not said to cure Covid-19 it can alleviate some of the symptoms of the disease. Deirtear cé nach leigheas é Vitimín D ar covid 19 gur féidir leis cuid de shiomptóim an ghalair a mhaolú. The report is based on the views of experts from Trinity College, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St. James's Hospital and Connolly Hospital as well as information from Finland, France and Spain. Tá an tuarascáil bunaithe ar thuairimí saineolaithe ó Choláiste na Tríonóide, Choláiste Ríoga na Máinlia in Éirinn, Ospidéal San Séamas agus Ospidéal Uí Chonghaile chomh maith le faisnéis ón bhFionlainn, ón bhFrainc agus ón Spáinn. The Department of Health and the National Public Health Emergency Team have previously indicated that there is insufficient evidence to prove that Vitamin D can protect people from Covid-19. Tá sé tugtha le fios roimhe seo ag an Roinn Sláinte agus ag an bhFoireann Náisiúnta Éigeandála Sláinte Poiblí nach bhfuil dóthain fianaise ann le cruthú gur féidir le Vitimín D daoine a chosaint ar covid 19.