The Irish Thoracic Society (ITS) is
the official society for the broad spectrum of healthcare
professionals involved in the care of people with chronic
or acute respiratory disease in Ireland. Membership of the
Society is drawn from respiratory physicians, internal medicine
physicians, paediatricians, thoracic surgeons, general practitioners,
junior doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, dieticians,
pulmonary function and respiratory technicians, scientists
and other healthcare providers who specialise or have an
interest in respiratory disease and care throughout Ireland
- North and South.
The ITS was formed to
support education and research into respiratory disease and
its management on the island of Ireland. It also promotes
awareness amongst the public and relevant authorities of
related public health issues including smoking, pollution
and occupational factors. In addition to ongoing public information
and advocacy activities, the Society holds an annual scientific
meeting which provides a forum for all members with dedicated
sessions for respiratory nurses, physiotherapists and respiratory
technicians.