Committee on Future of Healthcare seeks submissions

Chair of the Committee, Roisin Shortall, says: “The Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Healthcare is examining future models of health care in Ireland. The remit of the Committee is to achieve cross-party consensus on a ten year strategy for health care and health policy in Ireland, and to make recommendations on a changed model of health care with the objective of a universal single-tier health service.  We understand that there are differing perspectives on how best to address the complex issue of devising a long-term strategy for health care in this country and for that reason, we wish to hear from and engage with the public on the matter. To assist in preparing its report, the Committee is seeking written evidence from interested representative bodies, individuals and groupings.

“The Committee believes that this open consultation process will allow stakeholders to give their views on the future of our health service. The closing date for the formal submission process is August 26th, to be followed by a number of public hearings including evidence from health experts.”

Recommendations to the Committee should focus on the Terms of Reference, and consider the following questions:

Strategy
•    What are the key priorities for inclusion in a ten year plan for the health service?  
•    What are the key challenges, in your view, to achieving a “universal single tier service, where patients are treated based on health need, rather than ability to pay”?
•    What actions are needed to plan for, and take account of, future demographic pressures (population growth, ageing population), and its impact on the health system?

Integrated Primary and Community Care
•    What steps are needed to move from the current model towards a model based on integrated primary, secondary and community health care?
•    What are the key barriers to achieving this, and how might they be addressed?
•    How would you ensure buy-in from health care professionals to progress towards an integrated health care model?
•    Are there any examples of best practice that the Committee should consider? Please refer to any evidence you have to support this.

Funding Model
•    Do you have any views on which health service funding model would be best suited to Ireland?
•    Please outline the specifics of the financing, payment methods and service delivery (purchaser and provider) of the model you are advocating
•    What are the main entitlements that patients will be provided under your funding model?  
•    Please provide examples of best practice, or estimated costs of such models if available.

Further information on making a submission can be found here.

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