Dr Tom Ryan announced as new President of the IHCA

Commenting, after being elected the 16th IHCA President, Dr Ryan said he was enthusiastic about the real opportunities that exist.

“The urgency for investment cannot be overstated in view of the inexorable increase in demand for acute medical care. Investment must be accompanied by improved clinical governance to ensure that new investment improves quality of care and patient safety,” he said.

“As a Consultant in Intensive Care, I am very concerned that the lack of intensive care unit (ICU) beds is putting patients’ lives at risk.

“The reduction in ICU beds in recent years contrasts sharply with the recommendations of the HSE commissioned Prospectus Report. Prospectus recommended in 2009 that the number of ICU beds increase by 45 per cent immediately and double by 2020. These recommendations have not been acted upon.”

Dr Ryan takes over the Presidency from Dr Gerard Crotty, who had completed his two-year term.

Dr Ryan will be joined by two new Vice Presidential appointments to the IHCA, in Dr Oisín O’Connell, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine, Mater Hospital and Dr Roy Browne, Consultant Psychiatrist, Phoenix Care Centre.