Faculty of Paediatrics Spring Conference 2024

The Faculty of Paediatrics recently hosted its Spring Conference at No. 6 Kildare Street, welcoming over 200 attendees both in person and online. The event with the theme of "Paediatrics in Evolution" highlighted key topics such as mental health, transition of care, research and innovation, and clinical updates. 

The conference showcased an exceptional array of expert speakers and an insightful panel discussion. The agenda included the following presentations: 

• John Stearne and the Foundation of RCPI - Ms Harriet Wheelock, Keeper of Collections, RCPI

• Keynote Address: Acute Mental Health in Paediatric Settings - Dr Lee Hudson, Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in adolescents and mental health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children / UCL London 

• Being an RCPI Member - Ms Sinead Lucey, Head of Business Development, RCPI 

• Keynote Address: Empowering Futures: Harnessing the Power of Technology for Better Paediatric Healthcare - Prof Paul Dimitri, Professor of Child Health, Consultant in Paediatric Endocrinology and Director of Technology & Innovation 

• The Magic Pill: Understanding CF in the Era of CFTR Modulation - Prof Desmond Cox, Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at CHI, Crumlin and Dr Deborah Condren, SpR Paediatrics / Special Clinical Lecturer, UCD 

• Real-Time QI in Clinical Paediatrics: Quality Improvements in Paediatrics - Dr John Fitzsimons, Consultant Paediatrician, CHI Temple St, Dr Ann Hickey, Consultant Neonatologist, CHI and Prof Clodagh O’Gorman, Consultant Paediatrician & Professor of Paediatrics, UL 

• Untwisting Tongue Tie Data: Reports from Three Hospital Clinics 

  • The Coombe Tongue Tie Assessment Clinic, 5 Years On - Dr Pamela O’Connor, Consultant Neonatologist and General Practitioner, The Coombe Hospital and Ms Jean Cousins, Clinical Midwifery Manager, The Coombe Hospital 

  • The Right Thing - Ms Colleen Heffernan, FRCS (ORL – HNS) MPH, Paediatric Otolaryngologist, CHI Temple St 

  • The Well Baby Feeding Clinic, GUH - Dr Ethel Ryan, National Lead CD Programme QI Division, HSE & Consultant/Neonatologist, Galway University Hospital 

• New National Guideline for the Diagnosis of Coeliac Disease in Irish Children - Prof Billy Bourke, Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist, CHI, Crumlin 

The day also featured a lively panel discussion with the topic of “Bridging Horizons: Navigating Paediatric to Adult Care Transition”, joined by experts in the field, including: 

• Dr Joanne Hughes, Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in Metabolic disorders 

• Dr James O’Byrne, Consultant Metabolic Physician/Clinical Geneticist, Mater Hospital 

• Dr Aoife Carroll, Consultant Paediatrician/Paediatric Endocrinologist 

• Dr Triona O’Shea, Consultant Endocrinologist 

• Ms Heather Coetze, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, Mater Hospital 

A highlight of the event was the prestigious awards ceremony. Professor Hilary Hoey was honoured with the Kathleen Lynn Medal, recognising her exceptional service and dedication to the well-being of children, particularly in Ireland. Professor Des Cox received a Special Recognition Award, celebrating his impactful and ongoing efforts in tobacco control. These awards underscored their profound contributions to paediatric healthcare and public health.