Consultant Obstetrician and RCSI Associate Professor at the National Maternity Hospital. Busy Dad who loves Leinster rugby and Chelsea. All views my own
Sadly we have had to transfer 2 more pregnant mothers with Covid to a general hospital this weekend for ventilation and ICU care. Both patients were unvaccinated. It doesn’t have to be this way - please get vaccinated
I must admit I’m finding it harder to reconcile the continuous sacrifices made by all healthcare workers with the news of 3 imported cases of the Brazilian covariant without MANDATORY hotel quarantine. And now the Taoiseach tells TG4 that hospitality will not reopen till Summer!
If the truckers feel they have to converge on Dublin again tomorrow, could they please stay away from Merrion Square and the National Maternity Hospital. They caused untold disruption to patients 3 weeks ago disrupting patients, babies and numerous appointments
I believe all clinicians stand behind our laboratory colleagues today in their quest for pay parity. Their work is invaluable and essential to a fully functional hospital
#MedicalScientists
It is incumbent on all of us in hospital medicine, existing consultants and consultants to be, that this contract is rejected at all costs. By removing clinical independence it stifles patient care. If I was a Irish trainee abroad I would certainly not be coming home for it
The facts are the facts- 34 out of 35 pregnant women in ICU were unvaccinated. It’s never too late - please get the vaccine. None of 35 pregnant women with Covid-19 in ICU were fully vaccinated – report
via
@IrishTimes
‘The consultant is God - and Gods don’t do accountability’. Having audited outcomes of (almost) every mother I have delivered and every woman I have operated on I find this comment crass, offensive and insulting. IT - why this anti-medical rhetoric?
I believe the tide is turning and the circulating misinformation on the move to NMH is appropriately refuted and answered. We will retain our clinical independence and autonomy , our Mastership system, and our ring-fenced funding. No more procrastination please!
#SupportTheNMH
Timely reminder in today’s IT that pharmacists, as well as doctors, midwives and especially sufferers, wish to see the drug treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum addressed urgently. Pregnancy medicines
via
@IrishTimes
Utterly unacceptable. With modern payroll software this really should not happen and is a further illustration of the disdain shown to NCHDs on HR and payment issues. HSE apologies for payroll issues that delayed payments to trainee doctors
Professor Michael O’Keefe, a great teacher, mentor, supporter and above all one of the kindest and most generous giants of Ophthalmology who will always be missed. May God bless his soul, rest in peace…😞
24 years from its conception and 9 years from the first official announcement - this is very welcome news. Thank you to the Cabinet for showing faith in the midwives, clinicians and public supporting the move - we won’t let you down
Thinking of all our colleagues and especially the mothers and babies in the Rotunda. NMH will obviously support the Rotunda with any patients or babies that need to be diverted
Due to an ongoing incident in Parnell Square, patients are advised not to travel to the hospital this evening unless absolutely necessary.
The hospital is fully operational at this time.
Feel privileged to receive the COVID vaccine today! Eternal thanks to the scientists who made it all possible and to the great team of ‘vaccinators’ in NMH
A wonderful story and a very happy ending. The real message here - how important it is for all pregnant women to get vaccinated. Woman who spent 17 days in coma with Covid while pregnant celebrates birth of ‘miracle baby’
via
@IrishTimes
This cannot be allowed to happen. We must support our NCHDs in denouncing this flawed contract. As previously stated, if I was abroad training I would not be coming home for this
The surprising, alarming & hostile tone of the circular issued by
@HSELive
does little to nurture a culture of trust in our creaking health system - a system that is already beset by persistent consultant recruitment & retention crises.
#CareCantWait
See our full response below⬇️
Want to support this petition strongly. I remember the struggle in commencing our homebirth and DOMINO scheme in 1999 but it has gone from strength to strength. At the end of the day this is all about choice and allow pregnant women access their preferred care provider
In just over 24 hours this petition has tipped over 7,000 signatures, what a great vote of confidence for Cavan MLU ❤️ it's just incredible. Thanks you all the committee and the wider birthing community both in Ireland and abroad for their tremendous effort.
#savecavanMLU
A clear and unequivocal message from ALL the clinicians in Holles Street. Let’s build this hospital now! The National Maternity Hospital
via
@IrishTimes
I am grateful to Mary Carolan to allow me express my views on the current state of the ‘dysfunctional’ Irish medico-legal system. We need tort reform urgently
Delighted that 29 patients out of 30 attended my gynaecological clinic this morning. It may not have been perfect but patients understood our limitations and the fantastic efforts from our administration, nursing and NCHD teams
Precious things today in
@_TheNMH
on Day 4 of "what the heck is going on with the computer system"
1. Women and babies
2. Teamwork among staff & clear communication
3. Pen and paper
4. Sense of humour
5. Can do spirit (unless thats too cheesy? But still true)
Graduating doctors: ‘It is possible to have kids and complete medical school’
via
@IrishTimes
. Touched by Connie’s remarkable journey. An inspirational mother and young doctor. NMH and RCSI are proud of you!
Must add my voice to this - with EWTD legislation this should no longer happen in 2022. This must stop in everyone’s interest - especially our patients
Absolutely delighted to have been appointed today to the NMH/RCSI Ass Prof post today. Look forward to the new role in 2019. Wishing everyone a peaceful Christmas
The ex-CMO’s comments on Cervical Check are telling. They reveal that media and political frenzy to find a ‘scapegoat’ lead to the resignation of a real advocate for women’s health- Dr Grainne Flannelly
The NMH celebrates 25 years of its Community Midwifery Service! ✨Our incredible
#midwives
have cared for over 35,000 women in the community since 1999! Your commitment, dedication and guidance make all the difference. Here’s to many more years! ❤️
#midwife
#midwifery
The world of obstetrics lost one of it’s best today. A wonderful person who did so much for fetal medicine and women’s health, north and south of the border. Renowned Northern Ireland doctor Prof Jim Dornan dies at 73 | UK news | The Guardian
This contract will greatly alter maternity services. It directly affects many women’s right to choose their mode of care and delivery. Currently 25% choose private care-that right will disappear. There’s no off-site option in maternity care.
Many thanks to all our hard working NCHDS who leave us today- we really appreciate your time and commitment to the hospital and our patients. Hope to see many of you back soon!
Another year - another changeover. Thanks again to all our NCHDs moving on - you have all been fabulous in very testing times. We look forward to seeing new faces (and some welcome returning faces) on Monday!!
Vaccinating all pregnant women against Covid 'big step' via
@RTENews
Maybe so but vaccinating our pregnant women against Covid far more likely to lower their risks than simply asking them to reduce contacts
And personally I believe the proposed new contract will erode the goodwill shown by current consultants who consistently come in at weekends and out of hours even when not on call
That’s a great idea - start blaming the dedicated and very few senior decision makers we have left, who btw are in all the time, while they try keep the sinking ship afloat
‘Introduction of a public-only contract may have devastating effect on obstetrics’. This article highlights the removal of maternal choice and the the effect on obstetrical training
Did you know that the National Maternity Hospital was Ireland's first all electric hospital? You can read all about it in the fascinating pamphlet from 1935, which has just be added to our catalogue!
#PamphletFriday
#histmed
#historyofmedicine
@ESBArchives
This has been an awful week for women and mankind in the US. A country that was seen as the leader of the ‘free world’ has regressed to a very low level. Other democratic countries take note - history has a habit of repeating itself.
Many of us have been seeing this for some time in the medico-legal world. The ‘hired gun’ syndrome needs to change and ‘experts’ should be in contemporary practice. Unacceptable’ litigation culture on expert evidence needs to change, judges warn
A great day at JOGS and a real pleasure to see RCOG President-elect Ranee Thaker and Abdul Sultan receive Honorary fellowships of the RCPI for their significant contribution to Women’s Health
To all my friends, colleagues, mentors, confidantes and allies in midwifery- I wish you all the best on International Day of the Midwife. You remain an inspiration to us all
📢 Tomorrow is International Day of the Midwife.
This year's theme is Follow the data: invest in midwives
We'd 💙 if you could share any messages of support you might have, so that we can pass them on
The past year is not one that any of us will forget in a hurry
#IDM2021
Vatican approves transfer of lands at St Vincent’s hospital site
via
@IrishTimes
congratulations to all in NMH and St Vincents who have worked so hard over the last few years to bring this to fruition
As previously discussed this proposed change affects a woman’s choice in maternity settings and, in many cases, their continuity of care.
@NWCI
@AIMSIreland
Just released by the NMH team - another great resource for information for our postnatal mums in these COVID times and beyond. Caring for yourself and baby after birth - Looking after yourself after the birth of the baby | Rise 360
Poignant yet sad story. Not the first and won’t be the last Irish trained non-EU doctor lost to these shores. The country that I love doesn’t seem to want me here
via
@IrishTimes
Disgraceful & sickening👇. You burst a gut trying to vaccinate your community during the pandemic, while simultaneously keeping the normal day job ticking over, and then read the likes of this.
@donalb5
@Rheum2improve
Agree entirely and I hope like Laura that other pregnant women, especially healthcare workers, can make that informed choice without adverse media trolls
Wonderful day of education on translabial and 3D scanning with the Cork and Dublin pelvic floor teams. Our thanks to Ranee Thaker for all her help and training
Finally time to go to tender. No more procrastination and misleading statements on governance. Warmly welcomed by all the NMH consultants in current clinical practice. The future’s bright
Agree- I felt the Minister, the clinicians and the legal team gave a robust defence of the project. Their answers were clear and unequivocal. Hopefully our politicians realise that this is the only game in town. Let’s get it over the line please!
No punches landed really at the end of Oireachtas Health Committee on the NMH move.
Good performances all round by witnesses methodically and factually answering questions in favour of St Vincents site.
But it does feel like these "facts" might not be that welcome.
Excellent opinion piece in today’s IT reaffirming the NMH position and why it is so important that the new NMH remains a voluntary hospital. Public ownership does not guarantee access to free and safe abortion
via
@IrishTimes
This is a very important development. While choice should be offered, safety of birth must never be compromised. All maternity units must audit safety as well as CS rates and obstetrical interventions
My thanks to Stefanie Preissner and the Newstalk team for highlighting the unintended consequences of the new consultant contract on maternity services in Ireland
Is there an appetite for Tort reform? The impetus must come from Government as the exchequer cannot continue to support this unsustainable increase. Excellent article outlining these issues
To all our NMH NCHDs departing today - I wish you the best of luck! You have been wonderful and we hope to see many of you back here soon. We look forward to welcoming our new team on Monday - change is never easy!
Here's how Ireland won a truly magnificent gold at the European Athletics Championships. A superb performance from Chris O'Donnell, Rhasidat Adeleke, Thomas Barr & Sharlene Mawdsley 🥇☘️☘️☘️
#RTEsport
Congratulations to Nicola O’Riordan on the successful defence of her PhD this morning. A fantastic achievement. Thanks to examiners Profs Thomas Bergholt and Sharon Cooley.
@RCSI_Irl
@_TheNMH
This funding will improve specialist services and improve access to allied health professional services and supports. Gynaecology is a service area that is under significant pressure, with growing waiting lists. This new funding will greatly assist.
#budget2021
It’s only fitting the Minister is taking her full 6 months maternity leave. Let’s hope her husband avails of the new 5 weeks paternity leave too!
Helen McEntee to take paid maternity leave but remain in Government without portfolio
via The Irish Times
‘Patients and doctors are dragged through a brutal process for longer than necessary’ Sadly no surprise here - our legal tort system is not serving anyone currently
Must admit that today’s First Trimester ultrasound meeting was mind-blowing for anyone interested in obstetrics. Great faculty and wonderful demonstration of the value of high quality first trimester scanning.
Another very significant study - not only does vaccination against Covid protect mothers in their pregnancy, it significantly reduces the risk of hospitalisation in their newborn infants.
It was a great pleasure to present in Geneva at their Obstetrics Study Day. Fantastic to meet up again with international colleagues and discuss common challenges in the delivery ward. My thanks to Dr. Ahmed Haydar and Clinique Générale Beaulieu
‘No further need for procrastination based on misinformation. This hospital needs to be built now. Misinformation’ on maternity hospital site ownership ‘derailing’ project, doctors say
via
@IrishTimes
Tonga has given a lot to rugby: time for rugby supporters to give back in their hour of need.
I suggested collections at Six Nations games with donations matched by the government. Come on
@EnglandRugby
,
@WalesRugby
&
@Scotlandteam
!