Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
372. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health what initiatives are in place to enhance the coordination and integration of home and community care services with other healthcare providers to create a seamless patient experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11310/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to the delivery of health and social care services that enable older people to live and age well in their homes and communities. The provision of Meals on wheels services, Day centre's, Respite services and Home support services provides a valuable support to people in their communities.
In addition to these services there has been ongoing work on foot of the recommendation of the Health Service Capacity Review 2018 to shift care out of acute hospitals into the community and closer to a person’s home, where safely possible. In pursuit of this goal, the Health Service Executive (HSE) commenced the implementation of the Enhanced Community Care Programme in 2021.
The Enhanced Community Care (ECC) Programme objective is to deliver increased levels of health care with service delivery reoriented towards general practice, primary care and community-based services.
This Programme aims to implement an end-to-end care pathway that will care for people at home, and over time prevent referrals and admissions to acute hospitals where it is safe and appropriate to do so, and enable a “home first” approach.
The Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons (ICPOP) also seeks to ensure older people with complex care needs can access care quickly, at or near home through care pathways specifically designed for older people and targeting Frailty, Falls, and Dementia.
To date, 28 ICPOP community specialist teams have been established across the country.
