Dinny McGinley
Question:28 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children when he intends to introduce an ombudsman for the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22860/02]
Written Answers. - Health Ombudsman.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:172 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children when he intends to introduce an ombudsman for the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23084/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 172 together.
The Ombudsman already investigates complaints of maladministration against the Department of Health and Children and the health boards. The issue of introducing an ombudsman for the health service was discussed during the health strategy consultation process. Having carefully considered the matter, the Government is satisfied that the existing Ombudsman is the appropriate person to deal with complaints relating to the health system.
The Deputy will be aware that one of the key guiding principles underpinning the national health strategy is the concept of peoplecentredness. The vision adopted for the health system of the future places a high value on treating people with dignity and respect. In pursuit of this objective, the strategy proposed the following actions: the extension of the role of the Ombudsman to voluntary hospitals and other voluntary agencies in the health areas; preparation of a Bill to amend the Ombudsman Act, 1980, to extend the remit of the Ombudsman to voluntary hospitals, currently being undertaken by my colleague the Minister for Finance – the question of extending that proposed Bill to encompass other voluntary agencies in the health sector is being examined at present; and the development of standardised customer services strategies by health boards to ensure a national standard and the implementation of standardised customer care plans by all service providers.
My Department has commissioned an analysis of the 1,500 submissions received in the health strategy consultation process and expects to receive a report in February 2003. This report will feed into the development of national standards in this area. Health boards are committed to customer focused service delivery and a number of initiatives are taking place throughout the country in this regard, including customer care training, patient feedback mechanisms and the development of appropriate procedures for the handling of complaints and the development of a statutory framework for dealing with complaints.
I have established a strategy legislation unit in my Department and preliminary work is under way on the preparation of legislative proposals in that regard. In addition, a project team established by the health boards's executive has produced draft guidelines for the handling of complaints and suggestions within the health service and for legislation for the investigation of complaints against individual professionals. The Government is committed to strengthening existing legislation regarding registration of certain professions such as doctors, nurses and pharmacists. New legislation will be introduced for the registration of health and social care professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, child care workers and others.