Addressing today's challenges for a healthier tomorrow at the Faculty of Paediatrics Spring Conference
Addressing the challenges impacting children and young people today is key to building a healthier tomorrow was the resounding message at the Faculty of Paediatrics Spring Conference held in No 6 Kildare Street on Friday, 9 May.
Leading paediatricians highlighted that early intervention and investment in child health and wellbeing are critical steps in preventing long-term health issues and ensuring better outcomes for future generations.
The health impact of the digital world
One such area is the health impact of the digital world on children and young people. During the conference, Dr Judith Meehan, Dean of the Faculty of Paediatrics, launched a faculty position paper calling for stronger measures to safeguard young people online. The paper, titled Engaging in Online Activity: Prioritising and Protecting the physical and mental health of children and young people – advocates for greater regulation and accountability of online platforms, improved awareness and education, and comprehensive research into these issues.
The position paper underscores growing evidence of the impact that time spent online has on the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of children and young people.
Speaking about the faculty’s commitment to the issue, Dr Meehan said: “The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland’s Faculty of Paediatrics will continue to provide a healthcare perspective to inform action that safeguards children and young people online. The online world evolves quickly, and children are accessing online environments from an earlier age. Collective action is needed now to address the immediate and long-term health risks.”
Ms Jillian van Turnhout, Chair of the Online Health Taskforce at the Department of Health, commended the Faculty of Paediatrics for its position paper during her address at the conference, noting that it “complements the work of the Online Health Taskforce.” She provided an overview of the taskforce’s initiatives and welcomed the opportunity for further collaboration with RCPI to “protect and empower children in the digital world.”
The delegation also gained insight into the digital world from a youth's perspective when Miss Erin Wolfe, a member of Foróige’s Go Safely Youth Advocacy Group, shared her experience of being online and using social media as a young person.
A new chapter in childhood obesity
Protecting, empowering and guiding children and their caregivers to make healthier dietary and lifestyle choices was also emphasised during talks delivered at the second session of the conference which focused on childhood obesity.
Professor Donal O’Shea, National Clinical Lead for Obesity, shared his insights on four decades of developments in GLP-1 and its evolving role in obesity management. He presented case studies demonstrating the positive impact of GLP-1 on weight loss outcomes and highlighted emerging data showing its beneficial effects on the neurobiological profile of patients, including improved impulse control and mental health. Prof O’Shea believes we are “writing a new story on obesity in Ireland because of the new tools, like medication, that are coming on stream to support weight loss.”
Professor Helen Heneghan, Consultant Bariatric Surgeon at St. Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin, shared her expertise on the latest surgical treatments for obesity in children and adolescents. She outlined the evolution of bariatric surgery in Ireland, highlighting its positive impact on young patients' lives. Looking ahead, Professor Heneghan also addressed the health service requirements necessary to ensure the safe delivery of surgical care.
Dr Billy White, Consultant Paediatrician at UCLH and Great Ormond Street Hospital, offered an international perspective on childhood obesity. He highlighted the importance of early intervention and its lasting impact on a child’s health trajectory. Dr White advocated for a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to help families achieve better health outcomes, and echoed Professor O’Shea’s optimism for a new chapter in addressing childhood obesity. He remarked: "Similar to the approach to addressing the negative health impacts of smoking, by treating a disease such as obesity, you energise the prevention.”
Diagnostic excellence in paediatric care
The closing session of the Faculty of Paediatrics Spring Conference offered two thought-provoking presentations focused on diagnostic excellence. Dr Jacob Ellis, Consultant Child & Adolescent Liaison Psychiatrist at UCLH, provided a practical framework for supporting children and young people with functional disorders.
Dr John Fitzsimons, Consultant Paediatrician at CHI Temple Street and Clinical Director for Quality Improvement with the HSE’s National Quality & Patient Safety Directorate, explored the challenges and advantages of striving for diagnostic excellence in paediatric care.
Attendees at the conference also heard valuable clinical insights on a range of topical issues, including nephrology, paediatric interventional radiology, tongue-tie, immunity, RSV immunisation updates, and infant crying.
Dr Meehan closed the conference, thanking speakers and attendees for their time and commitment.
With rich clinical insights, emerging research, and shared international perspectives, the conference provided a valuable platform for shaping the future of paediatric care and tackling pressing health challenges facing children today.
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