David Cullinane
Ceist:857. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the role which consultants in public health medicine might play in delivering Sláintecare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21168/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 28 April 2021
Ceisteanna (857)
Freagraí scríofa
The enhanced service delivery model for public health radically changes the governance and operating structure within Public Health, introducing a more fit-for-purpose National and Regional management structure across each of the pillars of Public Health – a consultant led ‘hub-and-spoke’ structure as envisaged by the Crowe Horwath Report. As part of a reform of the organisation of the current public health system, Consultants in Public Health Medicine will be deployed in line with the forthcoming Regional Health Areas.
Public Health Medicine is about improving and protecting the health of the population, as a whole. Consultants in Public Health Medicine have specialist knowledge of health protection, health service development and health improvement. Their expertise and input will be invaluable in progressing these initiatives and ensuring that they are designed to best serve our population's health needs. Consultants in Public Health Medicine will be invited to contribute to the development of these projects including serving on project oversight groups.
The next implementation phase of Sláintecare is currently being finalised. Subject to approval, there will be a focus over the coming three years on Improving Timely Access to Care and Addressing Health Inequalities with a number of proposed projects centring on health system structural reforms, financial management reforms, community health promotion initiatives and capital infrastructure improvements. I expect that the contribution of Consultants in Public Health Medicine will play a vital role in the success of this next phase.