I have asked Dr. Donal de Buitléir to chair an Independent Review Group to conduct an impact analysis and review of removing private practice from public hospitals. The Group held its first meeting on 14 December 2017 and is considering issues such as:
- The existing nature, level and role of private practice in public hospitals;
- The negative and positive aspects of private practice in public hospitals, including as regards access to healthcare, equity and the operation of public hospitals;
- What practical approaches might be taken to the removal of private practice from public hospitals, including timeframe and phasing;
- Possible impacts, both direct and indirect, immediate and over time, of removing private practice from public hospitals, including but not limited to impacts on: access; hospital activity (including specialist services); funding; recruitment and retention of personnel; and any legal or legislative issues that might arise.
I have asked the Group to complete its work and report by September 2018.