Clarity Locums Weekly News Update

Welcome to Clarity Locums' weekly roundup of significant developments in the healthcare sector across Ireland and the UK. This edition covers recent advancements, challenges, and opportunities impacting healthcare professionals.

Ireland

Industrial Action Looms Over Recruitment Disputes
Healthcare professionals are set to commence industrial action from March 31 due to recruitment restrictions imposed by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Unions such as Fórsa and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) argue that fixed employment ceilings, implemented since December 2023, have led to staff shortages, threatening patient care.
Read more: Ireland Live

Advancements in Clinical Pharmacy Education
University College Cork (UCC) has launched an MSc in Clinical Pharmacy, aimed at up skilling practicing pharmacists. This program blends online and in-person learning, focusing on evidence-based practice, leadership, and improved patient outcomes.
Learn more: Clarity Locums

New Digital Tool for Monitoring Prescribing Trends
A new digital tool has been introduced in Ireland to track prescribing trends, aiming to improve patient safety and medication management. This tool will provide real-time data analytics, helping healthcare professionals identify prescribing patterns.
Full details: Irish Medical Times

United Kingdom

'Pharmacy First' Budget Severely Underspent
The UK's ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme, which encourages patients to visit pharmacists for minor ailments, has seen a significant underspend in its allocated budget. This raises concerns about the scheme’s promotion and public engagement.
More information: Pharmaceutical Journal

NHS England Workforce Cuts to Reduce Costs
NHS England has announced plans to halve its workforce to cut costs, sparking debates about the potential negative impact on patient care.
Read more: Pharmacy Biz

Pharmacist Prescribing Services in the Future?
Experts predict that pharmacist-led prescribing services could become a reality in the UK within the next two to three years. This move could enhance patient access to treatment and utilize pharmacists’ expertise more effectively.
More details: The Pharmacist

Nursing Sector

Nurses Take a Stand on Staffing Shortages
Nurses are voicing their concerns over staffing shortages, with many considering industrial action due to excessive workloads and inadequate support.
Full article: Clarity Locums

Proposed Nursing Home in Galway Faces Appeal
Plans for a new nursing home on the site of a former hotel and nightclub in Galway have been appealed to An Bord Pleanála. If approved, the facility could help meet the growing demand for elderly care.
Read more: Independent.ie

Vomiting Bug and COVID-19 Outbreak in Sligo Hospital
Sligo University Hospital is dealing with outbreaks of a vomiting bug and COVID-19 across five wards, highlighting the ongoing challenges in infection control.
Full report: Independent.ie

General Practitioners (GPs)

Streamlined Registration with Clarity Locums
Doctors seeking locum opportunities can now register with Clarity Locums through a simplified process that includes IMC registration, medical indemnity insurance, and Garda vetting.
Find out more: Clarity Locums

New App to Help MS Patients Manage Fatigue
A new mobile application has been developed to assist Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients in managing fatigue, providing personalized strategies and tracking energy levels.
Details here: Irish Medical Times

The healthcare sector in Ireland and the UK is experiencing significant transformations, from education and digital advancements to workforce challenges and policy changes. Staying informed about these developments is crucial for healthcare professionals.

Stay tuned for next week's update!