Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

93. To ask the Minister for Health if, in the context of reorganisation of the health services, consideration will be given to the establishment of regional bodies consisting of public representatives, the professional stakeholders and patient representatives with a view to restoring a demographic structure throughout the country at which the specific issues relative to these particular regions can be discussed in detail, senior representatives of which might then be considered for a national body accountable to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23465/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Sláintecare report makes a number of recommendations in relation to improving health service structures, governance and accountability, including the establishment of a governing board for the HSE and the establishment of regional bodies to support the delivery of integrated care.

A range of actions are already underway in response to the Sláintecare report. Work is at an advanced stage in my Department in developing a Sláintecare Implementation Plan. The plan will translate the Sláintecare Report into a detailed programme of reform over the next 10 years, with a focus on the immediate years ahead. I have already signalled my support for the Committee's recommendations in relation to structures, governance and accountability and these will form an integral component of the Implementation Plan. I expect to bring this Plan to Government shortly.

As part of delivering early on this element of the reform programme, the Government has agreed to the establishment of an independent board for the HSE. The required legislation is being drafted and it is hoped that it can pass through the Houses of the Oireachtas and be enacted quickly.

The task of identifying the optimal set of health structures and the most appropriate governance, accountability and performance framework for the future health system will also be an important stream of work under the Sláintecare programme of reforms. As an initial first step, my Department has undertaken a public consultation regarding the geographical alignment of Hospital Groups and Community Healthcare Organisations. The outputs from this consultation process will inform the development of detailed proposals in this area, including the role and function of regional bodies.