‘Press Release’

In welcoming the report from the Health Information and Quality Authority into the services provided to patients in the Emergency Department at Tallaght Hospital, Dr James Reilly, Minister for Health, offered his condolences to the family involved. The report results from an investigation following the death on a corridor of a patient awaiting admission in March 2011.

The Minister said “I want to offer my deepest sympathies to the family concerned. We must never forget that this report is first and foremost about patient safety and that it all began because of the death of a patient on a trolley in a corridor adjacent to the Emergency Department. I know that the loved ones involved will find this traumatic and that patients in all of our acute hospitals need the assurance that this matter is being dealt with in an effective way, that lessons have been learned and that Quality Assurance Systems are being put in place across the country” Read the rest of this entry »

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health

I would like to update interested parties on the current position regarding the PIP Breast Implant issue.  As Chief Medical Officer my priority at all times has been to ensure the safety and quality of services for the women concerned and I fully appreciate the anxiety and concern which this issue has generated.

The Department’s and the IMB’s advice to women – which is based on the available scientific evidence – remains consistent that;

• there is  no evidence of increased risk of cancer for women with this implant;
• the risk of rupture is within expected norms
• routine explantation (removal) is not recommended;
• and, anyone with a concern about their breast implants should discuss the matter with their GP or surgeon. Read the rest of this entry »

Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health, Kathleen Lynch will once again lead the Cork “Darkness into Light Walk” organised by Pieta House this Saturday 12th May.

Pieta House was set up in 2006 and was the first centre in Ireland to specialise in the prevention of self-harm and suicide.

The walk will begin at the Band Field, Mardyke at 4 o’clock in the morning and follow a 5km route down Mardyke Road and onto Sunday’s Well Road. Read the rest of this entry »