HIQA found improvements across the health services it inspects in 2024.  

That is according to findings in the Authority’s Overview Report of the Monitoring and Regulation of Healthcare Services in 2024, published today (7 November).

While “good standards” of care were observed by HIQA, healthcare remains a challenging environment and a number of key areas require ongoing improvement. The overview report found that hospitals continue to be challenged with suitable infrastructure to support demand, bed capacity, and sufficient workforce among other issues.  

“Our inspectors have spoken to many patients who have praised the healthcare staff who have cared for them. We regularly observe excellent practice from committed staff working in a challenging environment,” said HIQA’s Director of Healthcare Regulation, Mr Sean Egan.

 “While we are seeing tangible improvements in healthcare services, resourcing and capacity requirements, particularly in acute hospitals, need to be addressed to meet service demand. These shortfalls directly affect both patients and the workforce on a daily basis, and this becomes increasingly crucial as we come into the winter months.”

HIQA inspections have shown examples of improved levels of compliance in healthcare services in 2024. In situations where findings from previous inspections facilitated comparison on re-inspection in 2024, 41 per cent of national standards assessed on re-inspection showed improvements.

In addition, in facilities that provide medical exposure to ionising radiation, the number of regulations assessed as not compliant was five per cent, which is significantly lower than the 12 per cent identified between 2021 and 2023.

The Government has announced additional €11 million in recurring funding for drugs and inclusion health services in Budget 2026.

According to the Department of Health, the allocation includes €4m for service enhancement measures and will address regional disparities in availability of drug and inclusion health services, “with a strong focus on the provision of services in disadvantaged and rural areas”. It also aims to enhance prevention measures, including through early intervention measures to improve child health and wellbeing.

“The additional funding I have secured for 2026 will address disparities in the availability of and access to drugs and inclusion health services across the six HSE health regions,” said Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor.

“We are paving the way for the implementation of our new national drugs strategy, expanding capacity in services all across the country and rolling out successful pilot initiatives to new areas.”

Separately Minister for Older People Kieran O’Donnell announced that there will be an increase of €215 million for older persons services in 2026, representing a rise of over a 7.1 per cent increase on 2025.

“I am delighted to have secured significant additional for older persons services,” said Minister O’Donnell. “This makes Budget 2026 the largest ever budget for older persons services with over €3 billion allocated to maintain and further enhance older persons services in 2026”. 

The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland (COPI) welcomed the announcement in Budget 2026 of increased staffing and expansion of mental health services but warned this must happen as an urgent priority while increasing the mental health budget.

Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler announced 300 new staff for mental health services in Budget 2026.

The total allocation for mental health for 2026 will be almost €1.6 billion, which is an increase for the sixth year in a row. Mental health funding has increased by over 50 per cent since 2020, the Department of Health said in a statement.  

The College said that the speed of implementing these new measures will be key to gauging their success. Given the increase in costs associated with delivering services in recent years, the decisions made yesterday “will be meaningless without continued focus and sustained, improved funding,” according to the College.  

 The College also cautioned that its allocation of the overall health budget remains too low and should be brought up to, at minimum, 12 per cent of the overall allocated budget for health.

“We thank Minister Butler for her work on this Budget and the improvements that will hopefully be made to mental health services as a result,” said Dr Lorcan Martin, President of COPI. “That said the College believes more can be done to bring mental health services in this country up to the standard it should be at.”

“The mental health portion of the overall health budget should be at 12 per cent. Despite the pledge of €27.4 billion for health, we are still a long way away from hitting this target. We await measures that will make a permanent difference to the mental health of Irish people.”

The IHCA has launched its position paper outlining concerns and a number of strategic considerations in relation to key elements of the recently published Mental Health Bill 2024.

The IHCA “strongly supports” the Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, in reforming mental health legislation. The IHCA engaged with the previous Joint Committee on Mental Health, providing a detailed submission to the pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Bill.

While many of the Association’s contributions are reflected in the published draft Bill, the IHCA believes that several critical amendments and considerations are needed in order to ensure effective and timely care to those who need it most, who can be among the most vulnerable people in society.

Launching the position paper, IHCA Vice-President and Consultant Psychiatrist Prof Anne Doherty said: “While we welcome the broad principles of the Mental Health Bill, we, as an Association, have some concerns in relation to ensuring that legislation is workable in practice so that patients can access services in a timely and care-focused manner.”

“We are keen to see these elements within the Bill addressed as a priority to mitigate against impractical legislation which may only serve to create barriers to treatment and result in an overdependence on the intervention of the State for patient care. We are concerned that if left unchecked, the legislation will undermine the patient’s Right to Treatment in a timely and care-oriented manner.

Overall, the IHCA remains “committed to constructive engagement” with the Department of Health and Minister Butler on legislation that can transform psychiatric care in Ireland, bringing it in line with international best practice.

 “We commend the efforts of the Department of Health to enact positive change in this extraordinarily difficult area of health policy and are keen to see a sustainable framework implemented that avoids delays in treatment and excessive legal burdens and costs being placed on patients within the context of parallel legal processes. Consultant Psychiatrists will accordingly need to allocate additional time to dealing with legal and procedural processes, rather than providing urgent care to patients in an already strained system.

 “The IHCA also acknowledges and supports the principles in the draft Bill in relation to admission of Children to an Approved Centre as outlined in Section 60, however, there will be considerable resource implications given existing staff shortages in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services that requires immediate address.

“Finally, it is also the view of the Association that the form, timing and content of Care Plans should not be legally prescribed, as these elements need to be negotiated between the clinician and the patient in a co-produced manner for optimum treatment and care pathways.”

The IHCA Psychiatry Symposium is taking place today (Wednesday 16 April).

The Medical Council has today launched CAREhub, an independent, confidential service operated by Lyra Health International. The service provides mental health and wellbeing support to medical students, doctors, and members of the public who are engaging with the Council’s regulatory processes.

CAREhub was launched today at a stakeholder briefing in Dublin.

CAREhub provides independent mental health support to doctors, medical students, and members of the public who are engaging with the Council’s regulatory processes.

According to the Medical Council “This service offers confidential, impartial, and empathetic guidance to those interacting with the Medical Council’s regulatory processes, such as education, training, complaints, investigations, and fitness to practise procedures.”

Individuals will have “immediate access to trained counsellors who are equipped to provide a supportive, understanding environment”. The Council stated the initiative reflects its “dedication to prioritising mental wellbeing and aligning with global best practices, ensuring that emotional support is readily available to all those affected by the regulatory process”.

Speaking at CAREhub’s launch, Dr Suzanne Crowe, President of the Medical Council, said: “CAREhub is a new initiative designed to enhance wellbeing of doctors and members of the public who are engaging with a regulatory process. The Medical Council’s regulatory role spans the entire lifecycle of a doctor’s career, ensuring the highest standards of care from education through to retirement. 

 “We hope that those engaging with the Medical Council will utilise this service if they need it, and that it will help doctors, medical students and members of the public to feel supported. It’s worth highlighting that only a very small percentage of all doctors are subject to complaints during the course of their career.”

Mr Paul Byrne, Executive Director of Regulatory Operations and Support Services at the Medical Council, welcomed the new initiative: “As a key strand of our new liaison and support services framework, CAREhub strengthens the Medical Council’s mission to support a healthcare system where the health and wellbeing of our key stakeholders – doctors, medical students, and the public – is of utmost importance. By embedding kindness and empathy into our regulatory processes, we hope to provide a more compassionate and effective regulatory environment.”

Ms Niamh Dunne, Head of Liaison at the Medical Council, explained how to use CAREhub: “Those engaging in a Medical Council regulatory process can connect with CAREhub through self-referral or obtain access details from your designated contact at the Medical Council or via our website.”

CAREhub’s online platform can be accessed via Lyra Health International’s website at https://lyrahealthinternational.com

Service users can call the Ireland free 24/7 helpline on 1800 851115 or the out-of country 24/7 helpline on +353 818 370 051, use the 24/7 chat function on the Lyra Wellbeing Hub, or email the clinical team (ukroicustomercare@lyrahealth.com).

The Government has  announced “a record” €25.8 billion health budget “to support the continued delivery and expansion of quality, affordable healthcare services in 2025”.

According to the Department of Health the funding represents an overall increase of €2.94 billion on the January 2024 allocation.

It will provide for more than 3,300 additional staff, deliver 335 additional hospital beds, “expand services, deliver increased productivity and continue the reductions in waiting lists and trolley numbers”.

The 2025 health budget includes €1.2 billion allocated for existing level of service, €1.5 billion additional funding for 2024 pressures and €335 million in additional new measures.

According to the Government the 2025 budget also includes  €33 million investment “to provide more and better cancer services”, publicly funded HRT products for women experiencing symptoms of menopause and extension of publicly funded IVF as part of €35 million measures for women’s healthcare.

On the budget announcement Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said, “whether it’s an appointment with a GP, a home care package for a loved one, an X-ray or MRI, quick access to emergency care or a minor injury unit, an appointment with a hospital consultant or surgery, Budget 2025 is all about making this a reality for more and more patients and families”.

“We are living longer and living better, but our growing and ageing population place additional demands on our services. We continue to respond to these challenges, and we are placing a strong focus on more productivity alongside investment in increased capacity and in workforce planning to ensure we can meet the needs of our healthcare service into the future.”

In response to Budget 2025’s investment in cancer care, Irish Cancer Society CEO, Ms Averil Power said the charity weclomed “the priority given to people affected by cancer in Budget 2025. The investment provided for in this Budget will benefit people with cancer and their families all over the country”.

She added that “hopefully, this is the beginning of a new approach to funding cancer care that will see sustained increases in ringfenced funding for cancer services going forward”. 

“With cancer cases expected to double by 2045, continued increases in investment will be required to meet increased demand and ensure that Irish patients benefit from advances in cancer research and services.”

To highlight the impact of fertility stigma, Sims IVF has launched a new campaign entitled ‘Any News’. The campaign is designed to raise awareness of the effects questions or interactions can have on people experiencing challenges when trying to conceive. ‘Any News’ also encourages those who may be experiencing challenges when trying to conceive to “turn questions into answers” with the expert team at Sims IVF.

Findings from research commissioned by Sims IVF earlier this year reveal that 43 per cent of people who have experienced fertility-related stigma report feelings of low self-esteem, while 41 per cent cite anxiety or depression. The nationally representative research surveyed 1,000 Irish adults in order to increase understanding of the impact fertility-related stigma and judgment have on individuals and couples.

Almost half (46 per cent) of participants reported some experience with fertility issues, either personally or through someone they know, and more than one-in-three adults (34 per cent) had experienced stigma and/or judgment. The incidence increased to 60 per cent among younger adults aged between 25-to-34 years. Over one quarter (26 per cent) felt stigmatised due to pressure from family and friends to start a family. Overall, 14 per cent felt that fertility is a “taboo subject” which should not be discussed openly.

Karen Ferguson, Director of Nursing and Clinical Services at Sims IVF, said about the data: “Stigma is a hidden burden that people who are going through fertility treatment or who may be trying to start a family without success often carry with them. The research revealed that people are experiencing stigma in many different forms including dealing with judgment from others, humour or sarcasm directed towards them, or unsolicited advice, which can be devastating. It was also clear that the stigma often presents from those who are closest to us, among immediate and extended family, friends, and in the workplace.”

Survey respondents were asked about a series of situations where stigma can present, such as invasive questions, humour, or sarcasm about family planning, and were also given the opportunity to describe the impact that these experiences had on them. The results found that:

• 43 per cent cited feelings of low self-esteem;
• 41 per cent experienced anxiety or depression;
• 38 per cent kept their treatment a secret;
• 26 per cent felt guilt and 25 per cent experienced feelings of shame;
• 24 per cent agreed they withdrew from family events where children were present;
• 18 per cent said their ability to enjoy everyday life was impacted.

Ms Sinéad Buckley, Clinic Manager Clonskeagh at Sims IVF, said: “It can be heartbreaking to see how deeply fertility stigma can impact individuals and couples, leading to feelings of shame, isolation, and even depression. People who experience infertility and difficulties when trying to conceive frequently experience stigma and this can have a very real emotional toll. So often, the comments to new couples, such as ‘it will be you next’, or ‘when will you give them a sibling?’ to a family with one child, can really impact people.

“At Sims IVF, we understand these struggles deeply and are here to provide support during this challenging time. It is important to know that you are not alone, there is support available within the community, with groups such as the National Infertility Support and Information Group (NISIG), online, and in your clinic. Do not be afraid to seek support and try to connect with others who have a shared experience.”

Instead of asking invasive questions, Sims IVF recommends the following supportive actions that may be helpful to general practice nurses when caring for patients with confirmed or suspected fertility issues, or their loved ones:

• A simple ‘I’m here and I’m listening’.
• Don’t ignore the topic completely. Simply say: ‘If you want, I will not bring it up with you, so if you want to talk, let me know.’
• Advise friends/family to ask: ‘Would you like to go for a walk/coffee?’
• Advise friends/family to invite them to parties, family gatherings, etc, and not to make the decisions for them or put them under pressure.

A new online tool called My Mental Health Plan has been launched by the HSE to improve access to mental health supports for adults and young people over the age of 18. The interactive platform is a development of the mental health literacy campaign, and is designed to help people reflect on their own mental health needs. It offers personalised advice, information, and self-help tips to help people address issues and improve mental health and self-care.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of State for Mental Health Mary Butler said she was “delighted to launch” the new resource, and described it as “a great way to check in with your mental health and get advice and self-care tips”.

“It provides people with a tailored mental health plan with advice ranging from information and self-help resources to clear signposting to appropriate mental health supports. This is just one example, as a result of Sharing the Vision recommendations, of how we are making progress in addressing people’s mental health needs, from population-based mental health promotion all the way through to specialist mental health services.”

My Mental Health Plan consists of four questions on the most commonly reported mental health issues, particularly stress, anxiety, low mood, and sleep. Once complete, users have a tailored mental health plan with advice ranging from information and self-help resources, to clear signposting towards appropriate mental health supports. There is also an option for users to email their plan to themselves for future reference. The resource is available at: www2.hse.ie/mental-health/my-mental-health-plan/

The “perennial inability” to sufficiently fund psychiatric doctors-in-training is having a “detrimental” impact on patients, according to the President of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland.

Dr Lorcan Martin, a consultant in general adult psychiatry, made the comment as the College’s annual NCHD conference takes place in Dublin today.

According to Dr Martin, the current funding of €1.3 million for doctors to train to be specialists in psychiatry was under 70 per cent of what is needed to meet demand. He said this continuous funding shortfall was a major contributor to psychiatry trainee and specialist consultant burnout, poorer patient outcomes, and significant recruitment and retention problems for mental health services.

“Our psychiatry doctors-in-training are the consultants of the future and they should be given the very best chance to succeed, but instead they are facing a highly stressful and at times unsupportive working environment,” said Dr Martin.

“At present we are underfunded, under-resourced and under-appreciated, and the net result ultimately has been detrimental to Irish patients. There are not enough psychiatrist doctors to meet demand, which makes it harder on those who do stay in this country.”

The College President said psychiatric doctors “have been asked to do more with less for years now, and even though they continually put their own welfare in jeopardy for the sake of their patients, the cracks are visible for all to see”. 

“We urgently need a revised funding and resourcing plan from the Government in order to resolve what has become an untenable situation.”
 
He added that the foundations were in place to provide a best-in-class service for patients.

Dr Martin noted that many of the recommendations in final report from the NCHD taskforce “were already in place in psychiatry”, including publication of statistics, a grievance policy, transparency of eligibility criteria and regionalised training schemes.

The report also recommended regular training of supervisors, which Dr Martin also said the College of Psychiatrists has been doing for many years.