Skip to main content
Normal View

Healthcare Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 March 2022

Thursday, 31 March 2022

Questions (409, 418)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

409. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he proposes to co-ordinate the introduction of Sláintecare with the need to meet the ongoing and various needs of the health services and to ensure the introduction of Sláintecare continues and that the general quality of health services is improved in line with Sláintecare expectations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17264/22]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

418. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the quality and structure of the health services continues to be supported given the higher level of demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17274/22]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 409 and 418 together.

We acknowledge that our health service has experienced pressures given the impact and duration of the pandemic. The health service continues to be overseen by my Department in its current form. The HSE sets out the type and volume of services that will be provided within its financial allocation in its annual National Service Plan. Oversight of HSE performance in relation to the delivery of services and the implementation of initiatives under the Plan is maintained throughout the year by way of the DoH-HSE performance engagement model.

Under the model, performance delivery is considered across the four equally important domains of access to services, quality and patient safety, finance and workforce. The model provides for monthly meetings at operational level between my Department and HSE counterparts, as well as high-level meetings between senior management in both organisations, to discuss on-going or emerging performance issues and determine actions to improve areas of concern. This model also provides me the opportunity to have quarterly meetings with the Board Chair and an annual meeting with the full HSE Board to review and discuss performance, reform and governance issues.

However, we accept that aspects of the current model of healthcare delivery are in need of reform. Delivering Sláintecare remains a priority for Government and my Department is actively progressing with its implantation in partnership with the HSE. The Sláintecare Implementation Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2023 was approved in May of last year and two subsequent progress reports have been published:

- Sláintecare Implementation Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2023 - www.gov.ie/en/publication/6996b-slaintecare-implementation-strategy-and-action-plan-2021-2023/

- Sláintecare Progress Report 2021 published on 15 February 2022 - www.gov.ie/en/publication/9652b-slaintecare-progress-report-2021/

- Sláintecare mid-year Progress Report for 2021 published on 10 September 2021 - www.gov.ie/en/publication/cce45-slaintecare-mid-year-progress-report-for-2021/

My Department has strengthened the governance around Sláintecare with responsibility for the implementation of Sláintecare projects now devolved to a senior leadership team. To ensure that implementation is fully embedded across the Department and that the drive for universal healthcare across both the Department of Health and the HSE, a new Programme Board has been established and has met three times (15 December 2022, 14 February 2022 and 29 March 2022). Reporting to me, the Board is co-chaired by the Secretary-General of the Department and the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE and will also comprise senior members of the Department’s Management Board and the HSE’s Executive Management Teams.

Top
Share