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HSE to pay consultants up to €230,000
Health service management has signalled that it is prepared to pay public hospital consultants up to €230,000 per year in a bid to clinch a deal on a new contract. p
Call for fuel-poverty strategy to combat winter mortality
The Institute of Public Health (IPH) has called on the Government to develop a strategy to tackle "unacceptably high" levels of fuel poverty in Ireland at a time when soaring energy prices are putting the health of more vulnerable households at risk. p
Mental health funds used elsewhere, say campaigners
Health authorities have been accused of diverting money that was ring-fenced for the mental health sector into paying for cost over-runs in other parts of the health service. p
Doctors out of step with careers in the Defence Forces
Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea said the Government was examining a number of initiatives including possibly the partial integration of medical services in the Defence Forces with the public hospital system in an effort to attract more doctors to work in the Army. p
Other Health Stories
Call for Government funding of PE in schools
The Irish Government must invest in long-term programmes of physical education in our schools if the rising problems of obesity and overweight are to be seriously tackled, according to a PE expert from University College Cork. pIrish expertise to fight poverty diseases
Academic institutions in Ireland need to start using their skills more to help fight diseases in developing countries. That is according to a new consortium to combat diseases of poverty, which will be launched tomorrow. pPatients urged to visit dentist before taking cancer treatment
Patients with cancer or osteoporosis who are about to be treated with bisphosphonate drugs have been urged to have a dental check-up before proceeding with the treatment. pDepressing heart link
That's men for you: Padraig O'Morain's guide to men's health pReader response
Readers comment on articles that have featured in HealthSupplement pStewarts Hospital seeks nurses and care staff
Health Sector Jobs: Stewarts Hospital in Palmerstown, Dublin, is seeking a permanent speech and language therapist - basic grade (permanent, full-time). Staff nurses are also required for the hospital's residential services and community services. Care staff and household staff are also being recruited. pIn Short
A round-up of other stories in brief p
End of the road for contract debacle?
After four years of negotiations it appears that one way or the other the current process is coming to a close. Martin Wall , Industry Correspondent, reports pWhat is agreed and what is not?
A closer look at the proposals p'Protected time wanted to allow consultants to carry out research'
Health service management has been asked to provide specific provision in the new consultant contract for doctors to engage in clinical research. pCold comfort for people needing more heat
While heat is of prime importance to an older person's health, there was no increase in the fuel allowance in the Budget, writes Laura Slattery pKeeping warm this winter
Tips on how to stay warm during winter pEnergy to keep bright
Heart Beat: In my bones I feel a CO2 Emissions Authority coming on. More permanent pensionable State employees measuring the emissions of turkeys, reindeer, politicians and anything that breathes, writes Maurice Neligan p
Remember, the freezer is your friend
To avoid your Christmas dinner becoming an endurance test, buy as much of it as ready-prepared as possible, delegate and don't forget that young people loathe Brussels sprouts, advises John McKenna pCan you deliver a stress-free Christmas?
Sylvia Thompson provides a guide to taking the stress out of Christmas pIn search of the 'cure'
Medical Matters: At this time of year, doctors are frequently asked if they have a "secret" hangover cure. They don't; in fact the bad news for readers planning a festive blow-out is there is no effective treatment for overindulging in alcohol, writes Muiris Houston pGift of health
Presents that pamper are two a penny so why not give a loved one a seasonal gift that promotes their physical and mental wellbeing this Christmas? Fiona Tyrrell provides a healthy wish list pEnjoy the family mayhem
Christmas time is about sharing food and breaking bread, not breaking your ass worrying whether everything is picture-postcard perfect. Families are not perfect but they are usually the perfect people to be with on Christmas Day, writes Marie Murray pNourish your soul as well
The Bigger Picture: What really brings the wonder into Christmas are the values that are part of it. In this way, the "magic" (for me) has not come necessarily from the fantasy of (and faith in) Santa, but in what happens when those values are brought into action, writes Shalini Sinha p
A different type of gift
People are being encouraged to decide to donate their organs and to inform their families of their decision before it's too late for the donor and the recipient. Michelle McDonagh reports pChild abuse shocks Germany into action
A childcare summit is to take place next week in Berlin in a bid to stem the rise in parental abuse or neglect. Derek Scally in Berlin reports pMoods and emotions
Second Opinion: Difficulties distinguishing between sadness, unhappiness, chronic stress and real depression, and the genuinely voiced concerns of such diverse figures as John Waters and Prof Patricia Casey that we are misdiagnosing the latter or "medicalising unhappiness" has led to much confusion. pCheck-up
Festive First Aid: Over the Christmas period I want to be prepared for all eventualities on the health front. Any suggestions in terms of festive first aid would be welcome. p
High seas and water ways
A New Life: From sailing to massage, Anthony Shanks tells Michael Kelly how breaking his back made him think about life pOn the Couch
Patricia Murray , occupational psychologist with the Health and Safety Authority. pMaking people Aware
My Working Day: Mary McGrath , Western regional executive with Aware, organises education seminars, suicide intervention courses, and trains and recruits people for the support service pLet there be lights
TVScope: Holiday Madness: Crazy Christmas Lights TV3, Thursday, December 13th, 8pm pLifelines
SONG TO REMEMBER: Families with a mother, father, sister or brother with Alzheimer's disease might find some comfort from listening to the song, One More Memory . Written from the perspective of a person with Alzheimer's disease, it captures the sadness, confusion and fear of the person but also the love that remains inside for those nearest and dearest. p
