Vol. 555 No. 2
104 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the pilot national client eligibility index was suspended; when this vital planning and implementation tool will be available nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17913/02]
The national client eligibility index being implemented by the GMS Payments Board aims to provide a central database of all persons eligible for health services, without duplication. The implementation of the index was piloted in the North-Eastern Health Board during the first quarter of this year. The lessons learned from the pilot were that the implementation of the index will have a significant impact on existing business processes. Over the past number of months, the GMS Payments Board and health boards conducted a review of the scope of the changes necessary. The project is scheduled to be recommenced in the immediate future and the GMS Payments Board plans to roll the project out to all health boards during 2003.
It has been agreed that the unique client identifier will be the PPSN. If this is not available an alternative internal number will be used for a limited period during which the registering board will obtain the PPSN.
The client eligibility index is being implemented from the perspective of better customer service and efficiency. When fully in place, it is expected to facilitate the provision of speedier service to health service customers, generate significant savings in health expenditure and will be available as a valuable tool for health service planners at all levels.
Question No. 105 answered with Question No. 98.
