As the Deputy will appreciate, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the health service over the past two years which undoubtedly has impacted several reforms programmes. However, the pandemic also demonstrated the benefits of a universal approach and the capacity of the system to change and respond. The Covid response, by necessity, accelerated many positive aspects of the Sláintecare vision. This included fast-tracking service innovation, new pathways of care, new ways of working and changes implemented rapidly in line with the Sláintecare vision and principle (www.gov.ie/en/publication/0d2d60-slaintecare-publications/#slaintecare-integration-fund-projects). In effect, these changes accelerated the move from a hospital-centric system to one where more services are provided in the community and near a person’s home.
My Department will continue to progress the Sláíntecare reform programme as outlined in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2023. This was written and apporved by Government one year after the onset of the pandemic and hence the COVID-19 pandemic context was accounted for during its drafting. Slaintecare reforms are overseen by the Slaintecare Programme Board which is accountable to me. This board ensures there is progress on and coherence between reform projects.
Substantial key achievements included progressing plans for new, elective hospitals in Cork, Galway and Dublin; establishing the Regional Health Areas Advisory Group to support the alignment of community and hospital services based on defined population need; and mainstreaming innovation through the Sláintecare Integration Fund.
