DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY

04 FEBRUARY 2008

NEW STRUCTURES WILL DELIVER BETTER CARE FOR PATIENTS - MCGIMPSEY

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has today outlined his proposals to transform health and social care in Northern Ireland.

In a statement to the Assembly, the Minister spoke of how he wanted a modern health service which puts patients first and at the heart of its thinking.

The key elements of the Minister’s proposals are:

• A new Regional Health and Social Care Board with up to 400 staff. It will focus on financial management, performance management and improvement and commissioning. The Regional Board will replace the four existing Health and Social Services Boards.

• Five Local Commissioning Groups (i.e., the planning and resourcing of services) to cover the same geographical area as the five Health and Social Care Trusts, which would include representation from local government.

• A smaller, more sharply focused Department and

• A common services organisation that will provide a range of support functions for the health and social care service.

• Strengthening the role of Health and Social Services Councils, which would also include representation from local government.

The proposals will be issued for full public consultation in February.

The new Trust structures implemented in April 2007 will remain largely as they are.

In outlining his proposals the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “As a devolved Minister, I was not prepared to blindly follow plans for the future of our health and care system, laid down by Direct Rule Ministers for a Direct Rule administration. The previous proposals included the establishment of a huge Health Authority with nearly 2000 staff. It did not provide for clear accountability or exploit the many opportunities for active partnership with Local Government and other key stakeholders in the promotion of improved health and wellbeing. I could not agree with such proposals without giving them due consideration.

“I wanted to be satisfied that any new structures would be accountable and deliver the best standard of treatment and care for all the citizens of Northern Ireland, now and in the future.

“In taking time to consider the organisational changes, I consulted with patients and many staff working in the service. I am clear of what I want from our health service and what the new structures should deliver.

The Minister continued: “I want a modern health service which tackles health inequalities and puts patients at the heart of its thinking. I want efficient, forward looking, innovative, health and social care organisations, which deliver on targets and constantly strive to improve their performance for the benefits of patients. Quality and standards must continually be driven up without compromise. Patients must be given the opportunity to voice their concerns and be sure that they are listened to.”

The new Regional Health and Social Care Board will be central in ensuring the delivery of challenging targets and improved efficiency and performance.

The Minister continued: “My proposals would give this new organisation the authority to act on my behalf in pushing for significant improvements in efficiency and performance to bring about improved services to patients.

“Closely linked to this new organisation will be the five Local Commissioning Groups (LCG’s). These bodies will be strongly rooted in their local communities and actively engage GP's and other primary care professionals in the planning and redesign of services to secure better services for the communities they serve. Previous proposals did not include any input from elected local representatives. I feel this was a missed opportunity therefore I be seeking views on the memberships of the LCG’s as I want to ensure that local people and councillors are given a strong voice in the system.

“The Department will also become a much smaller organisation focussing on policy, legislation, priorities and targets. There will also be a Common Service that will provide a range of support functions for the entire health and social care service.”

He continued: “Our health services must change if we are to meet the demands of a changing population, who rightly expect services delivered in their own communities and new life-saving drugs. We must focus on prevention, reduce reliance on hospitals and support people to live independently safely in their own homes for as long as possible.

“I believe these new organisations will be at the forefront of delivering better quality services to the population. They will closely together, be more effective and efficient and promote stronger link between hospital and community services.”

The Minister concluded: “The success of these proposals depends on the continuing dedication and commitment of our healthcare staff. I want to thank them for the life-saving work they do on a daily basis. I realise this is an anxious time for them and I will do everything I can to support them during this time of change.

“We are building the foundation for a vibrant and successful future for the health and well-being of the people of Northern Ireland. I believe that we now have the unique opportunity to truly transform our system into one that is world class and fit for the twenty first century.”


NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. For a copy of the Minister’s speech please click on the following link: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/ministerspeech0402.pdf