Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1536. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the appointment of an executive director to lead the implementation team for Sláintecare; the targets he has set for this executive director for the remainder of 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33334/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier this month, I announced the appointment of Laura Magahy as Executive Director of the Sláintecare Programme Office. The appointment follows a competitive public competition and a rigorous selection process, which was managed independently by the Public Appointments Service (PAS).
The appointment to this key role signals the Government’s continuing commitment to improving and modernising our health service and putting in place a programme of reform to achieve the vision set out in the Sláintecare report. Laura Magahy brings a wealth of relevant experience and expertise to this role, having successfully led many complex and challenging national initiatives and major projects. She has a proven track record in delivery, innovation and change management and I look forward to working with her on this very important agenda. Laura will take up the position in September.
The roles for the Executive Director were clearly set out as part of the public recruitment process. They are to:
- Establish the programme of reform as approved by Government and put in place the governance arrangements, processes, structures and resources to implement it;
- Communicate and engage with key individuals and organisations to mobilise support for the changes to be implemented under the reform programme;
- Develop the capacity and capability of the Sláintecare Programme Office to manage this large-scale transformation programme of vital public importance and interest;
- Develop a strategic and programmatic approach to implementation and sequencing of reforms and develop detailed action plans, deliverables, costs and timelines for each area of reform;
- Work in partnership with relevant colleagues within the Sláintecare Programme Office and across the Department and the HSE, including clinical leaders, to ensure effective working arrangements and delivery of the reform programme;
- Rigorously monitor performance, identify obstacles early, and problem solve and overcome challenges and resistance;
- Provide regular reporting on implementation progress to the Secretary General and the Minister, the Cabinet Committee on Health (chaired by An Taoiseach), the Oireachtas and the public;
- Develop strong and effective monitoring and communication processes for ongoing reporting on reform priorities and progress to stakeholders and the public; and
- Provide strong leadership and accountability for the successful implementation of the reform programme.
In addition, the Executive Director will be tasked with refining the Implementation Strategy into a more detailed Action Plan within three months of taking office. This will include a review of the actions and associated timeframes, the development of detailed milestones and timelines for year one and the assignment of responsibility for each action. This will inform the priorities and key targets for the Sláintecare Programme Office in the years to come.
