A selection of medical-related quotes from around the country.
“Improvements can only take place if everyone working in the health service is prepared to work in an open and honest way that acknowledges our failures in order to learn from them.”
Minister for Health, Mary Harney, launching the Patient Safety First initiative.
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“The HSE is investigating the conduct of a locum consultant anaesthetist following allegations made by Liveline callers ... He had been employed as a locum consultant anaesthetist at Ennis General Hospital and his appointment, via the medical staff agency, followed standard vetting procedures which confirmed that he is properly qualified and registered with the Irish Medical Council.”
The HSE following a discussion on RTÉ 1’s Liveline which revealed that a doctor from a Dublin cosmetic surgery clinic who was employed as a locum anaesthetist at Ennis General Hospital had used public hospital facilities to see private patients.
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“As Minister of State with responsibility for children and youth affairs, I am fully accountable on all of the political issues that arise in this regard. Obviously, I continue to push the agenda of child protection issues which, as I said, continues to be my priority.”
Minister of State with responsibility for children and youth affairs, Deputy Barry Andrews addressing the Joint Committee on Health and Children on the child protection system.
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“There are many wonderful things in life, but there are some horrible things, and trying to nurse a little baby who is one the verge of death all the time is a bad valley.”
Mr Jonathan Irwin, CEO and founder of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, speaking before the Joint Committee on Health and Children, seeking additional funding for the charity.
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“I would like play to be considered an integral part of the healing process of any sick child in the very same way that any other therapy is considered part of the healing process. Doctors do not always recognise it. Modules should be introduced in the training sessions when young people are studying in medical college.”
Ms Dympna McMahon from the Children in Hospital Ireland group, which provides volunteer services to sick children in 20 hospitals throughout Ireland.