The National Programme Office for Traffic Medicine and the Histopathology National Quality Improvement Programme were worthy winners at the Irish Medical Times Healthcare Awards which took place at the Shelbourne Hotel on Thursday, 5 November.

Now in their 14th year, the Irish Healthcare Awards celebrate and award innovation, excellence and achievement in the Irish health system and recognise projects and individuals that have made a positive contribution to patient care.

The National Office of Traffic Medicine won two awards in the following categories:

Best Education Project: ‘Sláinte Agus Tiomáint' Educational Programme developed to support new medical fitness to drive guidelines

This project developed Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines, a core aspect of medical practice and also to deliver a suite of educational supports to healthcare professionals.

The main objective was to significantly increase awareness of the new Irish Guidelines and create a set of guidelines for Irish GPs and other specialists to replace the reliance on UK Guidelines. The educational supports also increased confidence in assessing medical fitness to drive.

Best Educational Meeting: Hot Topic 'Driving with ADHD, mental health and substance abuse'

This meeting, took place on Friday, 20th March 2015 set about addressing neglected topics for a wide medical audience about medical fitness to drive- including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), mental health and alcohol and substance abuse.

The goal was to gain understanding and insights from national and international experts on the impact on and management of driving with ADHD, mental health and alcohol and substance abuse conditions and to open a conversation with attendees on the optimum period of absence for dependent/problem drinkers before a return to driving.

The National Histopathology QI Programme won an award in the following category:

Excellence in Healthcare Management: Histopathology National Quality Improvement Programme

The Histopathology National Quality Improvement Programme was launched in 2009 as the National Quality Assurance Programme in Histopathology. It is recognised as a key initiative in enhancing patient safety and has received wide support from organisations within the healthcare sector that are driving the agenda of improved patient care.  

There were 18 entrants in the Excellence in Healthcare Management category.  

For further information

For further information, please contact Yvonne McCahill, Media Executive.