Pharmacists in Smoking Cessation

NEWS
© Government of Ireland 2016.
HEALTH IN IRELAND
Key Trends 2016
Department of
Health publishes
Health in Ireland:
Key Trends 2016
The Department of Health published Health in Ireland: Key Trends
2016 at the end of December. This report provides insights
into trends in demographics, population health, hospital and
primary care and health service employment and expenditure.
The presentation of trend data over the last decade in the
2016 report highlights the many significant achievements
that Ireland has made in terms of key outcomes relating
to the health and wellbeing of the population. However,
it also highlights the challenges that persist in terms of
the accessibility of timely healthcare and in the context of
increasing demand.
In the last decade alone, there has been an increase of almost
two and a half years in life expectancy. These gains are driven
largely by reductions in mortality rates from principal causes
of deaths such as those from heart disease and cancer.
Another striking feature is the growth in the number of
people aged over 65. Each year this cohort increases by almost
20,000 people. This trend is set to continue into the future and
will have implications for future planning and health service
delivery. The largest proportional increases in the population in
Ireland will be in the category of those aged 85 years and older.
Ageing of the population in conjunction with lifestylerelated
health threats continue to present major challenges
now and into the future in sustaining and further improving
health and health services in Ireland. Although difficult to
quantify, the contribution of modern health services to these
improvements in health outcomes and in life expectancy have
been significant.
Ireland’s fertility rates still continue to be among the highest
in Europe. However, in Ireland the birth rate has now fallen to
its lowest rate for the last decade.
While there are fewer inpatient hospital beds than a decade
ago, there has been a 43% increase in day beds and a shorter
length of stay. This shows Ireland is using its capacity more
efficiently.
This year, the numbers employed in the public health service
have increased across most grade categories.
The full report is available online at http://health.gov.ie/
publications-research/publications/.
Joe Schmidt
launches 2017
National Saddle Up
for Epilepsy cycle
Ireland Rugby Head Coach Joe Schmidt launched the
2017 National Saddle Up for Epilepsy and Epilepsy
Ireland’s Strategic Plan (2017-2021), in the Royal College
of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin.
The National Saddle Up for Epilepsy cycle takes place
on 25 February in Breaffy Sports Arena, Castlebar, Co
Mayo. Now in its third year, the growing event aims to
help raise funds for Epilepsy Ireland’s support services
and increase public awareness of the condition.
Speaking at the launch, Joe Schmidt said, “The
effort of all the organisers and volunteers is inspiring
and this event proves the positive impact sports
can have in supporting a charity. I would encourage
everyone with an interest in epilepsy to register for
The National Saddle Up for Epilepsy cycle – an effort
which I’m sure will continue to increase in popularity
well into the future.”
Epilepsy Ireland is the national organisation
supporting and representing people with epilepsy,
their families and carers. Established in 1966, the
charity today provides a wide range of support
and information services from their head office in
Dublin and from nine locations around the country.
The charity also provides training programmes
for both health professionals and for young adults
with epilepsy; actively works to improve public
understanding of epilepsy and funds high quality Irish
research into the condition.
To download a copy of the Epilepsy Ireland Strategic
Plan 2017-2021, visit https://goo.gl/0M4qaQ or to
register for the 2017 National Saddle Up For Epilepsy,
log onto www.saddleupforepilepsy.com.
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IPUREVIEW FEBRUARY 2017