Written Answers - Health Strategy.
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn
Question:
52
Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn
asked the
Minister for Health
the proposals in the health strategy, Shaping a Healthier Future, that have already been implemented; the amount of the programme, in percentage terms, that has been implemented; and if the remainder will be implemented by 1997.
[12023/95]
Limerick East): The health strategy published on 21 April 1994 was endorsed by this Government in the policy agreement A Government of Renewal, as the basis for its programme in the health area. The main theme of the strategy is the reorientation of the system towards more effectiveness and efficiency by reshaping the way that health services are planned and delivered. The strategy is underpinned by three important principles, equity, quality of service and accountability and is accompanied by a four year action plan which sets out specific targets for each of the main health sectors.
It is not yet possible to give percentages relating to the extent of implementation as many of the targets are to be achieved over a four year period. However, all areas identified in the strategy have been the subject of substantial preparation and achievement since it was launched in 1994.
A number of initiatives have taken place in order to achieve the targets set out in the four year plan. These include:
—a detailed health promotion strategy which will be launched in the immediate future,
—a discussion document on women's health which has just been published and which analyses the health of Irish women and suggests priorities for improvement,
—drafting of new sets of regulations required to give full effect to the remaining provisions of the Child Care Act by the end of 1996,
—preparation of new foster care regulations and new guidelines on standards in residential centres for children,
—introduction of a new procedure for the notification of suspected cases of child abuse between health boards and gardaí,
—preparation of amending legislation to improve the position of the natural fathers of non-material children in the adoption process in the light of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case ofKeegan-v-Ireland.
—expansion of residential and day places for people with mental handicap,
—expansion of day care, respite care, home care and residential care/independent living services for persons with physical handicap,
—improved organisation of general practice, including infrastructural developments,
—implementation of a dental health action plan launched in 1994 and which is being implemented over a four year period,
—discussions with health boards on the future role of acute hospitals and the provision of appropriate links to primary care,
—continuation of the waiting list initiative to bring waiting times down to a more acceptable level — £8 million has been provided for 1995.
—improvements in the ambulance service where significant progress has been made in the replacement of the ambulance fleet.
—introduction of comprehensive family planning services in each health board area,
—review of pre-school and child health services currently in progress and a Medicines Bill which will be published shortly,
—continued development of services for drug misusers with the provision in 1995 of additional satellite clinics, detoxification facilities and rehabilitation services,
—development of HIV/AIDS services in line with the strategy at primary, secondary and tertiary level,
—implementation of recommendations on food controls,
—opening of specialist departments of medicine of old age in Nenagh and Mullingar general hospitals and planning of facilities in Tralee, Wexford, Navan, Drogheda and Dundalk,
—preparation of proposals for developments for the provision of eight small-scale nursing units by the end of 1997 which would either replace unsuitable accommodation or meet increased demand,
—strengthening of services for older people who live at home and their carers,
—investment in continuing education for nurses and changes in pre-registration nurse education and training to include an active input from third level colleges of education.
—extension of coverage of case mix budgeting to a greater number of hospitals,
—continuation of work on measures of health care evaluation,
—establishment of materials management advisory group to review all aspects of the existing supplies function throughout the health services and to bring forward proposals for the longer term development of materials management within 12 months.
—in this year's determination of expenditure for each health board and agency, a requirement that they draw up a detailed service plan for the year, to include focused and reliable measures of output and also proposals on the measurement of the effectiveness of programmes and services,
—drafting of legislation to strengthen the statutory accountability of health boards and their chief executive officers,
—appointment of the new directors of public health who will, as a priority, evaluate health needs of their areas and identify health outcome measures so that the services can be better planned and developed for the achievement of health gain and social gain.
I am satisfied that considerable progress has been made in relation to ensuring that the targets set out in the four year programme can be realised.
