Rural healthcare access remains a key concern for people living in Ireland’s countryside, according to the latest Irish Examiner Rural Ireland survey.
The article highlights the ongoing shortage of GPs in rural communities and outlines efforts by the Irish College of GPs to strengthen the rural workforce through training initiatives and international recruitment programmes.
Read Rural Ireland Thinks: Access to health services tops concerns for people living in countryside.
Dr Patrick Kelly of the Irish College of GPs encouraged parents of babies born between March and August to take up the offer of free RSV immunisation through participating GP practices, ideally before the RSV season. He explained that the immunisation can be given safely alongside routine childhood vaccines, so parents do not need to delay scheduled vaccinations. He also advised parents with questions to speak to their healthcare professional for trusted information and advice.
Read HSE urges parents to avail of free RSV immunisation for babies as nationwide rollout set to begin.
Dr Bernard Kenny, Addiction Management Clinical Lead of the Irish College of GPs, recently explored the role of codeine in acute pain management in an article for Medical Independent.
The article examines the evolving regulatory landscape for codeine-containing medicines in Ireland and highlights the importance of safe prescribing practices, patient education, and effective alternatives for managing acute pain.
Read Navigating codeine legislation: Safe practice and effective alternatives in acute pain.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Dr Michael Crotty, Obesity Clinical Lead of the Irish College of GPs, discussed how environmental factors can influence health behaviours and contribute to obesity, highlighting the need for a broader understanding of the challenges involved.
Listen New research links obesity to the environment we live in.
As children return to crèches, pre-schools and schools, common seasonal illnesses are once again on the rise. In the Irish Examiner, Dr Scott Walkin, Infection Control Clinical Lead with the Irish College of GPs, shares expert advice on the most common back-to-school bugs, including coughs and colds, tummy bugs, conjunctivitis and hand, foot and mouth disease.
The article also features guidance from Irish College of GPs clinical leads Dr Patrick Kelly and Dr Andrea Fitzgerald on managing symptoms, preventing the spread of infection and knowing when to seek medical advice.
Read Does my child have a back-to-school bug? Here are the common ones to watch out for.
Coming into winter, many people consider supplements to support their health. Dr Paul Ryan, Clinical Lead for Therapeutics at the Irish College of GPs, shares expert advice in The Irish Times on what the evidence says about supplements, who may benefit from them, and what to look out for before making a purchase. The article explores the growing use of health supplements and highlights the importance of making informed, evidence-based decisions when it comes to your health.
Read ‘It’s not scientific, just anecdotal’: When health supplements do more harm than good.
A record 274 graduates from the College on Saturday, 03 October, marking the largest graduation in the Irish College of GPs’ history.
Read The Irish Times how newly qualified GPs share why they chose a career in general practice and the impact they hope to make in communities across Ireland.
Read I decided to take a leap of faith. Largest ever number of GPs graduate.