Sunny daze: Warm sunny weather drives up the numbers of children requiring emergency care, according to a new study.
The research, carried out between May and June last year at the accident-and-emergency department of the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital, in Scotland, found the number of patients jumped by 30 per cent between April and September, regardless of whether it was a weekday or a weekend, a bank holiday or the long summer break.
Walk of life
Protesters will march through Dublin on Saturday to highlight inequitable access to cancer services. The Cancer Service Campaign demonstration aims to put pressure on the Government to ensure a realistic budget for cancer care. It also wants to bring about a closing of the gap between what modern medicine can do for cancer sufferers and the treatment and care available here. The marchers, who are gathering at 1 p.m. in Parnell Square, will then move down O'Connell Street and on to the Dáil and Government Buildings. You can get more information from Dr Jerry Cowley on 087-2249691 (mulrmayo@iol.ie) or Jane Bailey on 051-383889.
Building support
Parents of present and former patients of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Dublin, are campaigning to have the institution's outdated buildings rebuilt as a modern children's hospital by the end of 2009.To find out more about the group or to lend support, you can visit its website, at www.newcrumlinhospital.org.
You're not alone
Parents of children who have recently been diagnosed with autism might appreciate a new parent-to-parent confidential listening service. Autism Link, which has just been launched by the Autism Alliance, offers counselling and advice at this vulnerable time. It operates on a call-back basis from Monday to Friday on 01-8531000.
Dead funny
A benefit performance of Bright Colours Only, a hilarious yet heartfelt theatrical exploration of the Irish wake, is being staged on Sunday at 8.15 p.m. at the Helix, Dublin City University's new venue, in Glasnevin, Dublin. Turning Point, the DúLaoghaire-based counselling and psychotherapy centre, will be given the proceeds of the show. You can buy tickets, which cost €100, by calling 01-2807888.
Life saver
Small portable devices called automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) can improve survival rates from sudden cardiac attacks tenfold. AEDs are available in airports and some shopping centres; community-based AED schemes would further reduce the number of deaths from heart attacks, according to Dr Joseph Galvin of James Connolly Memorial Hospital, in Blanchardstown, Dublin. US studies have shown trained users are able to keep patients alive while waiting for ambulances.
Lifelines is compiled by Dr Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson
lifelines@irish-times.ie