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Irish Examiner
14 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Hospitals dashboard data must be seen in proper context, say consultants
Consultants have warned that Irish hospitals are facing 'a capacity crisis' and have argued system change is needed rather than focusing on any one profession. This is in response to the Department of Health's new productivity dashboard which went online on Thursday. Among the data made public for the first time is the number of out-patient appointments per consultant per year. The data shows this stood at 1,686 in 2016 when the workforce was 1,812 doctors. Last year this reached 1,216 and the workforce was 3,061 doctors. 'Proper context' The Irish Hospital Consultants Association said it welcomes the focus on transparency but called for 'proper context' to the figures. It said the OECD does not see the number of doctor consultations per person as a valid measure of productivity. The IHCA said: Consultations differ in complexity, duration and impact, and the metric fails to reflect the significant volume of care provided to hospital inpatients, as well as time spent on diagnostics, research, clinical governance and administration. It called for analysis to reflect outcomes not just the volume of patients. The doctors called for investment in 'diagnostic staff, modernised outpatient scheduling, faster turnaround for test results, and the expansion of multidisciplinary support teams'. They argued the problems are 'fundamentally a capacity crisis, not a productivity issue involving any one group of staff'. It added: 'We are absolutely committed to doing more, but we cannot do it alone.' The dashboard, which can be read on the Department of Health's website, also looks at individual hospital productivity. Department officials said they would not say 'there is one clear winner' among hospitals. They said however the analysis showed University Hospital Limerick, Connolly Hospital and Tallaght University Hospital were the best performers based on their starting positions. A graph with this data shows levels of investment, recruitment and care given excluding work in emergency departments between 2019 and 2024. This shows University Hospital Limerick had the greatest increase in activity at 36%, following a 43% increase in workforce and 58% increase in funding in those years. In that time also University Hospital Waterford saw an increase in activity of 17%, following also a 43% rise in staffing and 57% increase in spending. Cork University Hospital had an increase in activity of 13%, following a 64% increase in funding and 32% increase in staffing numbers during that time. • You will find a link to the hospitals dashboard on this page on the Department of Health website. Read More Online hospital dashboard lets public view a wealth of current Irish health data
Irish Independent
15 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Temporary sick leave scheme for health workers with long Covid extended for six months
After that, they will return to standard public service sick leave arrangements. The move comes after Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill accepted a Labour Court recommendation yesterday to extend the temporary scheme to December 31. However, the court rejected health unions' key demand that a special occupational sick pay scheme should be set up on a permanent basis for workers suffering from Long Covid. There are around 159 employees on the temporary special scheme, which was due to end on June 30. 'The minister fully supports the decision and will now move to ensure the scheme is extended as per the Labour Court recommendation,' said the department in a statement. A temporary 12-month special paid leave scheme was introduced in July 2022 for employees suffering from long Covid. The scheme aimed to support staff working in environments where they could be exposed to Covid before PPE and vaccinations were readily available. Albert Murphy, Chairperson of the Ictu Group of Healthcare Unions, said the workers get full basic pay under the temporary long Covid sick pay scheme. If the court had recommended unions' demand for a special occupational scheme, the workers be entitled to two further extensions of paid leave, and possibly further extensions subject to medical assessments. The court dismissed the creation of a special occupational scheme on the grounds that Covid-19 and long Covid are not considered occupational illnesses or an injury at work in this jurisdiction. As a result, it said it could not decide otherwise. 'The court is saying its hands are tied because long Covid is not considered an occupational illness, but we are saying the ball is back with the government and it should remove that obstacle,' said Mr Murphy. The court said there was a dispute over the scheme between the Department of Health, HSE and healthcare workers represented by Siptu, Fórsa, the IMO and INMO. It said it arose in relation to the unions' claim for an Occupational Illness Scheme, similar to a Blood Borne Disease scheme, for sufferers of long Covid. The court said the unions also want the establishment of a scheme for other long Covid sufferers who are excluded form a Special Leave with Pay Scheme. 'Any recommendation that the court makes has to be based on the fact, that at this point in time, Covid-19 and long Covid are not considered occupational illnesses or an injury at work in this jurisdiction,' it said. 'It is not within the gift of the Labour Court to determine otherwise.' The unions said as of January this year, there are 159 employees receiving a temporary scheme of paid leave. This equals less than 0.01pc of health workers.
The Citizen
19 hours ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Eastern Cape declared national disaster zone after devastating floods
The Eastern Cape has officially been declared a national disaster zone following widespread destruction caused by recent severe weather events. Eastern Cape Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Zolile Williams said the declaration, made under the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002, comes after heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds and snowfall battered large parts of the country, with the Eastern Cape being the hardest hit. The death toll from the devastating floods that struck the Eastern Cape earlier this month has risen to 101, the provincial government confirmed yesterday. Read more: Flood tragedy in Eastern Cape: 38 children among 101 dead Highlighting the provincial government's response to the June disaster, Williams said the Department of Social Development, in partnership with private sector organisations, has extended crucial psychosocial support to displaced families, bereaved communities and schools affected by the loss of learners. 'These services, which encompass counselling and emotional debriefing, are foundational to the healing and recovery process. Given the profound impact of the incident, we recognise this journey may be prolonged for those most deeply affected,' said Williams. The Department of Health has deployed on-site healthcare services, providing medical assistance and replacing chronic medication swept away by the floods. Ongoing assessments are being conducted to evaluate health risks in temporary shelters. Over 400 ID applications received Williams said the Department of Home Affairs has been active in shelters across the Amathole and OR Tambo districts, assisting families with applications for essential documents, including IDs, birth and death certificates. To date, 478 ID replacement applications have been submitted, with three mobile units deployed in each of the two districts. Local schools have resumed classes, and provisions were made for learners who missed exams due to the disaster. Postponed examination papers were written on Monday. 'Through the Department of Education, we have begun to deliver learner and teacher support material lost or destroyed during the disaster. We are also ensuring that uniform sets for learners in the flood-affected schools are being delivered,' Williams said. Restoration of basic services Despite the devastation, significant progress has been made in restoring water and electricity in affected areas. According to Williams, electricity supply has been restored to over 80% of affected customers, and over 95% of water supply has been restored in the OR Tambo and Amathole district municipalities, which were the hardest hit. However, the floods caused extensive damage to roads, schools and healthcare facilities. The cost of repairing damaged infrastructure is estimated at R5.1b, including about R3.2b required across sector departments and R1.8b for municipal infrastructure, as per Municipal Infrastructure Support Management assessments. A total of 6 869 households were affected, with 4 724 people left homeless across the province — excluding the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality — while 2 145 homes were partially damaged. 'R461m is required for Temporary Residential Units (TRUs). However, the province has R120m, and we are looking to national government for intervention in this area,' said Williams. Housing support and temporary shelters The Department of Human Settlements, in partnership with the OR Tambo District Municipality, has activated mass-care shelters, including community halls and bed-and-breakfast facilities, for displaced families in OR Tambo and Mnquma. These arrangements will remain in place for at least 30 days. 'The provincial government is also securing land to facilitate the delivery of temporary residential units and permanent housing, ensuring our response addresses both urgent needs and long-term stability for these vulnerable communities. 'Currently, land has been identified in Mnquma for approximately 1 100 TRUs, while in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, land has been identified and we await a council resolution on the matter,' said Williams. The floods also caused extensive damage to road infrastructure, with total repair costs estimated at R935m. The Department of Transport has reprioritised R102m from its budget, leaving a shortfall of R832m. Emergency road clearance operations are underway, but 29 roads in Chris Hani and 22 in OR Tambo districts remain impassable. Major repairs began on Monday, and alternative routes are being used. In terms of public facilities, 431 schools and 69 health centres were affected across the province. Repairs worth R600 000 have already been completed at healthcare facilities. Agricultural sector impact In the agricultural sector, interventions include damage assessments, provision of veterinary services and technical advice. 'In the main, farmers have lost 1 339 units of livestock, 1 803 hectares of crops have been destroyed, and they have suffered damage to machinery, irrigation material such as pipes and risers, water tanks and fencing materials,' said Williams. – At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
Papua New Guinea declares national HIV crisis as infections surge
Article – RNZ The country's health minister says the rise in new HIV infections is 'deeply concerning', with cases doubling since 2010 and an estimated 30 people contracting the virus daily in 2024. Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent Papua New Guinea is grappling with a severe resurgence of HIV, prompting the government to declare a National HIV Crisis. New data reveals a doubling of new infections since 2010, with an estimated 30 people contracting the virus daily in 2024, totaling approximately 11,000 new cases last year alone. This alarming trend highlights a deepening crisis, particularly impacting women, children, and young people. A deeply concerning aspect of this resurgence is the high rate of mother-to-child transmission. In 2024, around 2,700 infants were newly infected with HIV, equating to about seven babies per day. The primary reason for these preventable infections is that most mothers were unaware of their HIV status and, consequently, did not receive the crucial antiretroviral therapy (ART) that could have prevented transmission to their babies during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Read more: This significant gap in maternal health services highlights the urgent need to boost antenatal care uptake and broaden HIV testing, counselling, and treatment services for all pregnant women across the nation. 'The rise in new HIV infections in PNG is deeply concerning. And as such, I am declaring this a National HIV Crisis,' Health Minister Elias Kapavore said. Kapavore further stressed the societal roots of the epidemic and his commitment to addressing them. 'HIV is a disease of inequality. We need to support and empower those most impacted. It is time for all of us to step-up. 'I personally commit to raising this issue with my fellow ministers and parliamentarians and ensuring the urgent allocation of resources to protect our people – especially the next generation of Papua New Guineans.' Department of Health acting secretary Ken Wai echoed Kapavore's call to action, emphasising the need for expanded access to vital services. 'We must scale-up access to HIV testing and treatment, particularly for groups most at risk.' He added that these critical initiatives need to be available at health facilities nationwide and will require robust community leadership and support. The World Health Organisation PNG country representative Dr Sevil Huseynova highlighted the importance of robust health systems in the fight against HIV. 'We must strengthen our health systems to ensure universal access to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services, especially for pregnant women and young people. 'This is a test of our collective commitment to health for all. WHO stands firmly with the Government of Papua New Guinea to scale up integrated, person-centered care that leaves no one behind.' UNAIDS PNG country director Manoela Manova strongly endorsed the statements from Kapavore and Wai, drawing attention to the pervasive issue of stigma. 'This is a shared public health crisis that demands shared responsibility. Everyone has a role to play in dismantling harmful myths, stigma, and discrimination associated with HIV,' Manova said. These attitudes undermine prevention, testing and treatment efforts, and hold us back from ending HIV as a public health threat in Papua New Guinea.' The United Nations says it will provide as much support as needed to the government to contain this crisis. The declaration of a National HIV Crisis will trigger an emergency response plan, aiming to enhance cross-sector coordination and prioritize investments in HIV services at all levels.
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
Papua New Guinea declares national HIV crisis as infections surge
Article – RNZ The country's health minister says the rise in new HIV infections is 'deeply concerning', with cases doubling since 2010 and an estimated 30 people contracting the virus daily in 2024. Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent Papua New Guinea is grappling with a severe resurgence of HIV, prompting the government to declare a National HIV Crisis. New data reveals a doubling of new infections since 2010, with an estimated 30 people contracting the virus daily in 2024, totaling approximately 11,000 new cases last year alone. This alarming trend highlights a deepening crisis, particularly impacting women, children, and young people. A deeply concerning aspect of this resurgence is the high rate of mother-to-child transmission. In 2024, around 2,700 infants were newly infected with HIV, equating to about seven babies per day. The primary reason for these preventable infections is that most mothers were unaware of their HIV status and, consequently, did not receive the crucial antiretroviral therapy (ART) that could have prevented transmission to their babies during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Read more: This significant gap in maternal health services highlights the urgent need to boost antenatal care uptake and broaden HIV testing, counselling, and treatment services for all pregnant women across the nation. 'The rise in new HIV infections in PNG is deeply concerning. And as such, I am declaring this a National HIV Crisis,' Health Minister Elias Kapavore said. Kapavore further stressed the societal roots of the epidemic and his commitment to addressing them. 'HIV is a disease of inequality. We need to support and empower those most impacted. It is time for all of us to step-up. 'I personally commit to raising this issue with my fellow ministers and parliamentarians and ensuring the urgent allocation of resources to protect our people – especially the next generation of Papua New Guineans.' Department of Health acting secretary Ken Wai echoed Kapavore's call to action, emphasising the need for expanded access to vital services. 'We must scale-up access to HIV testing and treatment, particularly for groups most at risk.' He added that these critical initiatives need to be available at health facilities nationwide and will require robust community leadership and support. The World Health Organisation PNG country representative Dr Sevil Huseynova highlighted the importance of robust health systems in the fight against HIV. 'We must strengthen our health systems to ensure universal access to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services, especially for pregnant women and young people. 'This is a test of our collective commitment to health for all. WHO stands firmly with the Government of Papua New Guinea to scale up integrated, person-centered care that leaves no one behind.' UNAIDS PNG country director Manoela Manova strongly endorsed the statements from Kapavore and Wai, drawing attention to the pervasive issue of stigma. 'This is a shared public health crisis that demands shared responsibility. Everyone has a role to play in dismantling harmful myths, stigma, and discrimination associated with HIV,' Manova said. These attitudes undermine prevention, testing and treatment efforts, and hold us back from ending HIV as a public health threat in Papua New Guinea.' The United Nations says it will provide as much support as needed to the government to contain this crisis. The declaration of a National HIV Crisis will trigger an emergency response plan, aiming to enhance cross-sector coordination and prioritize investments in HIV services at all levels.
