NICVA issues brief on new health proposals

NICVA and the Community Development and Health Network have released a briefing on the consultation on the new health proposals for Northern Ireland.

Background

On 18 February 2008 Michael McGimpsey, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) announced changes to the structures for health and social services in Northern Ireland. The changes are part of the wide-ranging Review of Public Administration (RPA) which began in 2002 under Direct Rule. With the reinstatement of the NI Assembly in 2007, locally elected Ministers decided to look again at the proposals of the RPA. Even though some of the changes to the structures for the delivery of health and social services had already been implemented further developments were halted as Minister McGimpsey considered his plans for the health service.

The key themes underpinning the proposals include:

• a focus on service provision and service improvement;
• value for money;
• maximising benefits to patients, clients and carers;
• performance management and improvement;
• the voice of patients, clients and carers;
• enhanced involvement of local government in the delivery of health and social care.

Proposed new structure

• One Regional Heath and Social Care Board
• Five Health Trusts + Ambulance Trust
• Five Local Commissioning Associations with the same boundaries as the Trusts
• Four local council representatives on LCGs
• One lay representative on LCGs
• One Patient Client Council

The new structures are to be set up by 1 April 2009.

Consultation events

NICVA and CDHN have organised a number of consultation sessions to look at the proposals. To book a place on any of the dates below please contact Cathy.breslin@nicva.org

Ballybot House, Newry – Thursday 3 April 1.30pm – 3.30pm

Ballymena North Resource Centre – Friday 4 April 10.30am – 12.30pm

St. Columb’s Park House, Derry – Monday 7 April 1.30pm – 3.30pm

NICVA, 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast – Friday 18 April, 9.30am – 11.30am