Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health when he will publish the International Evidence Review on Independent Hospital Trusts undertaken by the Health Research Board at his Department's request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9612/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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A literature review of Independent Hospital Trusts was requested from the Health Research Board by my Department in 2012 to inform policy development. It formed part of a wider review of academic literature in the preparation of the forthcoming report on the establishment of hospital groups. It is being further considered by my Department as its findings are relevant to related policies such as the future development of Hospital Trusts and the role of regulation in the future health system. With regard to publication, the Deputy will be aware that it is regarded as best practice for academic articles and reviews to undergo peer review prior to publication. It is anticipated that the literature review of Independent Hospital Trusts will go through this process and will be published in due course.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if, in view of the fact that Scotland and New Zealand, countries of similar population to Ireland, have experienced difficulties with independent hospital trusts, he considers this to be an appropriate model to follow here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9613/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In preparing the Report on the Establishment of Hospital Groups as a Transition to independent Hospital Trusts, consideration was given to a wide breadth of international and national academic literature and reviews on relevant issues such as hospital reform, quality healthcare provision, financial management of healthcare, academic health linkages and organisational reform. As part of this work, cognisance was taken of the findings of the comparative review carried out by the Health Research Board (HRB) of independent hospital trusts in a number of countries and the factors identified as contributing most to successful trusts. These considerations, and the comprehensive consultation process undertaken with stakeholders, have informed the development of recommendations on the formation of specific groups and arrangements for the management and governance of all groups. These recommendations have been considered and endorsed by a Strategic Board composed of representatives with national and international expertise in health service delivery, governance and linkages with academic institutions.

Lessons learnt from other jurisdictions as well as the learning gained from the operation of the hospital groups will be taken on board in creating the legislative framework for hospital trusts here. The intention is, of course, that the trusts and the reformed health system within which hospital trusts will operate will be designed in a way that best suits Irish requirements and this will be done in a way that seeks to avoid difficulties encountered in other jurisdictions.