The voices of communities will be crucial to deciding the shape of the new Regional Health Areas. The Government's recent decision on the Regional Health Areas aims to deliver a people-centred health and social care services. A process of co-design of the new Regional Health Areas will take place over the coming months, and this will involve consultation with citizens and staff in each area. The Sláintecare office will be organising this process and details will be communicated in due course.
Voluntary Organisations will be involved in the service planning development of the six health regions.
I have previously acknowledged the valuable role that voluntary organisations play, and I have committed to better dialogue especially on policy initiatives such as a new forum. Additionally, the proposals to develop a population approach to health service planning and delivery on a regional basis are in line with recommendations of the Day Report and should have benefits for providers as well as patients.