Peadar Tóibín
Question:555. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the status of regional health area development; the status of the implementation actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3028/22]
View answerTuesday, 25 January 2022
Questions (555)
Written answers
Mar is eol don Teachta, the Government approved the geographies for six new Regional Health Areas (RHAs) as well as a detailed business case and change management programme for their implementation in July 2019. The Government is fully committed to the implementation of RHAs, as outlined in the 2020 Programme for Government, the Department of Health Statement of Strategy 2021-2023, the HSE Corporate Plan 2021-2023 and the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2023.
In line with the Government decision of July 2019, a Business Case for the implementation of Regional Health Areas was drafted and is at an advanced stage following engagement with the HSE and other key stakeholders late last year. This will inform the enabling workstreams to be undertaken this year. Once the recommended policy option has been finalised, a memorandum will be prepared for Government with the expectation that this will go to Cabinet for decision in Q1 2022.
A Regional Health Areas Advisory Group has been established to provide a range of perspectives from across health and social care. As work progresses to implement the six RHAs and align the integration of care, the members of the RHA Advisory Group will provide support and guidance as the Department of Health and HSE plan for the transition towards RHAs.
As part of the implementation planning process, Department and HSE Leads have been nominated to the joint RHA Implementation Team. Work on an implementation plan for the transition to RHAs has begun. The RHA Implementation Team will report to the Sláintecare Programme Board on a regular basis.