James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

The health service requires strong management capacity to deliver on service targets in an effective and efficient way within available resources, and also to lead change in a complex environment. Over a period the HSE has identified a need to develop management capacity, especially in certain hospitals.

In June 2011, the executive invited tenders from potential service providers for a four-year framework agreement for personnel placement and supply services. Under this agreement, service providers can be asked to source and supply senior interim managers or more long-term senior management candidates. Following from this tender process, five companies were invited last month to participate in a mini-competition to source and propose candidates for an interim management support structure for HSE west. The competition has closed and the proposals are being evaluated.

Under these arrangements, it is planned to recruit a chief executive officer for the Galway university hospitals group. It is also intended to strengthen management capacity in the HSE mid-western region by putting in place other interim management supports. The successful provider will also be expected to assist in developing management capacity for the longer term. The HSE is engaged in discussions with the IMPACT trade union regarding these plans and does not regard them as conflicting with the public service agreement.

As stated in the programme for Government, in conjunction with the introduction of universal health insurance, public hospitals will become independent, not-for-profit trusts. This will require the development of the necessary corporate governance, management and clinical capacity to ensure these hospitals are equipped to function efficiently and effectively, once established as independent service providers. Under these arrangements, it is planned to recruit a chief executive officer for the Galway University Hospitals Group. It is also intended to strengthen management capacity in the HSE mid-western region by putting in place other interim management supports. The successful provider will also be expected to assist in developing management capacity in the longer term. The HSE is engaged in discussions with the IMPACT trade union on these plans and does not regard them as conflicting with the public service agreement.

As stated in the programme for Government, in conjunction with the introduction of universal health insurance, public hospitals will become independent, not-for-profit trusts. This will require the development of the necessary corporate governance, management and clinical capacity to ensure these hospitals are equipped to function efficiently and effectively, once established as independent service providers.

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