Irish health system report card: a year of criticisms, concerns and innovations
From rows about staffing, waiting lists and cost overruns to resignations of senior staff, heathcare was never far from the news headlines in 2024
Breda Smyth
Chief medical officer
Nine suspected measles cases reported to infectious disease watchdog last week
Prof Breda Smyth says vaccination rate below 95% threshold needed to stop spread of ‘highly contagious’ disease
Departure of Breda Smyth as CMO leaves Ireland exposed in the event of new medical emergency
Breda Smyth’s time as country’s top doctor focused on State’s preparedness for new pandemic while she had just one of four deputies to help
Cannabis use in Ireland is ‘of great concern’, chief medical officer warns
Prof Breda Smyth says one in five adult users are likely to be dependent on the drug
New Covid variant Eris now impacting on the health service
Highly transmissible variant detected in hospitals and care homes but no evidence it causes more severe infection
Ireland’s health system is one of the lowest performing in the northern hemisphere
The influential and credible CEO World rankings of health systems has Ireland ranked as 80th in the world. And yet we’re one of the highest spenders per capita on health in the world
WHO declares end to 10-month long mpox public health emergency
Move signals mpox crisis, spread through direct contact with body fluids and causes pus-filled skin lesions, has come under control
Government ‘acted in good faith’ with best advice available at start of pandemic - geriatrician
HSE’s lead on stroke treatment recalled ‘fearful time’ for healthcare providers as Covid-19 first emerged in 2020
‘If you haven’t returned to doing things you love, I’m encouraging you to do so’: CMO writes letter to older people
Many older people ‘apprehensive’ about socialising following pandemic
Women in science event highlights progress and persisting barriers
‘There isn’t a sort of one-size-fits-all’ way to success, says Prof Charlotte Watts
The Irish Times view on the public health response to the rise in Covid infections
Basic measures, including wearing masks on public transport and a new vaccination drive, are justified by the surge in respiratory infections
‘We have to expect absolutely everything’: Chief medical officer already preparing for next pandemic
Prof Breda Smyth says priorities include preventing chronic diseases, promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing health inequality
Mask-wearing Q&A: Should we be wearing them? Where? Should they be mandatory?
High levels of illness related to respiratory viruses are leading to record overcrowding in Irish hospitals
Flu vaccine: CMO urges parents to get children vaccinated
Prof Breda Smyth also calls for those eligible to get a Covid booster
Flu cases rise and ‘significant’ wave could be coming, CMO warns
Infections are starting to take off all over Europe with RSV and Covid-19 also circulating
One in 10 young adults have attempted suicide, survey finds
Binge-drinking has increased and decline in smoking has stalled, Department of Health research shows
Do not ask grandparents to take care of children with respiratory illness, CMO warns
Record number of RSV cases lead to warning from Prof Breda Smyth
Covid-19 cases set to increase due to new subvariants, ECDC warns
Ireland has genetically sequenced a higher proportion new BQ.1 subvariant than most European countries
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