Menu
07/06/2004
Minister launches consultation on primary health care
Health minister Angela Smith has launched ‘Caring For People Beyond Tomorrow’, a consultation document which sets out a strategic framework for the development of primary care services over the next two decades.
Highlighting the importance of the proposals at the launch today, the Minister said: “This document sets out a vision that provides a clear sense of direction and outlines a framework for future policy and service development.
“Our integrated health and social services has long been admired from afar, but we need to take steps to ensure that the quality of services are maintained and improved for the future.
“The proposals outlined place emphasis on the future design and delivery of services, with the ultimate aim of providing a comprehensive person-centred system of care. This will ensure that services are readily accessible and responsive to people’s needs day and night; and that services are provided in a coordinated, integrated fashion within a multi-disciplinary team approach.”
The Strategic Framework has considered potential changes and challenges that primary care services are likely to face. These include changes in the population, related chronic disease, technological advances and developments across the many professions involved in delivering primary health and social care services.
The Minister acknowledged the dedication and professionalism of those providing primary care from many disciplines working in tandem to provide a comprehensive service, which accounts for some 90% of the activity in the health and social care system.
She commented that the Strategic Framework had been developed in a collaborative and participative manner and encouraged everyone with an interest in primary care to participate in the consultation process.
Concluding, the Minister said: “The proposals set the strategic direction of change necessary if we are to maintain and further develop a modern, high quality and effective primary health and social care service for all our people.”
In June 2003 the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety established a review programme to develop this Strategic Framework.
In developing the proposals in this document the department has drawn on views from a wide range of organisations and individuals involved in health provision: family practitioners, primary care professionals, community and service users, and a number of local and international experts. The consultation submission phase will conclude 8 October 2004.
(SP)
Highlighting the importance of the proposals at the launch today, the Minister said: “This document sets out a vision that provides a clear sense of direction and outlines a framework for future policy and service development.
“Our integrated health and social services has long been admired from afar, but we need to take steps to ensure that the quality of services are maintained and improved for the future.
“The proposals outlined place emphasis on the future design and delivery of services, with the ultimate aim of providing a comprehensive person-centred system of care. This will ensure that services are readily accessible and responsive to people’s needs day and night; and that services are provided in a coordinated, integrated fashion within a multi-disciplinary team approach.”
The Strategic Framework has considered potential changes and challenges that primary care services are likely to face. These include changes in the population, related chronic disease, technological advances and developments across the many professions involved in delivering primary health and social care services.
The Minister acknowledged the dedication and professionalism of those providing primary care from many disciplines working in tandem to provide a comprehensive service, which accounts for some 90% of the activity in the health and social care system.
She commented that the Strategic Framework had been developed in a collaborative and participative manner and encouraged everyone with an interest in primary care to participate in the consultation process.
Concluding, the Minister said: “The proposals set the strategic direction of change necessary if we are to maintain and further develop a modern, high quality and effective primary health and social care service for all our people.”
In June 2003 the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety established a review programme to develop this Strategic Framework.
In developing the proposals in this document the department has drawn on views from a wide range of organisations and individuals involved in health provision: family practitioners, primary care professionals, community and service users, and a number of local and international experts. The consultation submission phase will conclude 8 October 2004.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 March 2003
Primary care must be strengthened says Browne
The role of primary care has to be strengthened and expanded, NIO Health Minister Des Browne has told delegates at the ‘Primary Care-Moving Forward’ conference in Armagh today.
Primary care must be strengthened says Browne
The role of primary care has to be strengthened and expanded, NIO Health Minister Des Browne has told delegates at the ‘Primary Care-Moving Forward’ conference in Armagh today.
14 December 2001
Primary Health care arrangements ‘progressing well’
The Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety Bairbre de Brún has said she is encouraged by the progress so far to establish the new arrangements for primary care.
Primary Health care arrangements ‘progressing well’
The Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety Bairbre de Brún has said she is encouraged by the progress so far to establish the new arrangements for primary care.
14 February 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Women's Health Action Plan
Health Minister Robin Swann has unveiled a new Women's Health Action Plan, designed to "pave the way" for a longer-term comprehensive Women's Health Strategy.
Health Minister Unveils New Women's Health Action Plan
Health Minister Robin Swann has unveiled a new Women's Health Action Plan, designed to "pave the way" for a longer-term comprehensive Women's Health Strategy.
16 November 2021
Health Minister Praises Ongoing Work Of GPs
GP's have been praised for the important role they played in the battle to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, by the Health Minister Robin Swann, in his address to the British Medical Associations' Local Medical Committee Conference.
Health Minister Praises Ongoing Work Of GPs
GP's have been praised for the important role they played in the battle to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, by the Health Minister Robin Swann, in his address to the British Medical Associations' Local Medical Committee Conference.
04 February 2009
NI Health Care Provision 'Shrinks'
The long-awaited reorganisation of health and social care provision has today moved a step ahead with details published of the new organisations. Northern Ireland Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has confirmed the names by which the slimmed-down list of bodies will be known.
NI Health Care Provision 'Shrinks'
The long-awaited reorganisation of health and social care provision has today moved a step ahead with details published of the new organisations. Northern Ireland Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has confirmed the names by which the slimmed-down list of bodies will be known.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
