Although the primary onus for dealing with year 2000 problems resides with the health agency concerned, my Department has taken a range of measures to address the year 2000 issue within the health services. My Department's initial response to the problem was to make chief executive officers and management of all health agencies fully aware of the year 2000 issue. My Department has organised information seminars in relation to the year 2000 issue generally, including the implications for medical devices. Further information seminars will also be held. My Department is producing guidelines for health agencies setting out a recommended approach to dealing with the year 2000 issue. It is envisaged that these guidelines will be updated on an ongoing basis.
The first step for any agency in addressing the problem is to develop an in-depth inventory of services and equipment. Agencies are required to identify each and every item of equipment in use and assess whether there are any year 2000 implications. Each item on the inventory is also assessed for its potential impact on patients or on service, thus producing a prioritised list. Then any necessary remedial action is initiated. This work is ongoing throughout the health service. Senior managers in the health agencies are fully aware of the problem and will be working towards compliance well in advance of the due dates. My Department is monitoring progress in the health agencies on an ongoing basis.
As this is a unique situation, there are no fully tried and tested approaches to the problem. Health agencies are heavily dependent on suppliers of systems and equipment in relation to the year 2000 issue generally and particularly in the area of medical devices and equipment. My Department's policy is to encourage a co-operative effort between health agencies wherever possible. In order to assist in minimising the duplication of effort on the part of health agencies, my Department is taking a lead role in identifying the most common suppliers of medical devices and equipment and approaching these suppliers regarding year 2000 compliance.
