16/01/2007
Health shake up plan unveiled
Plans for health service changes in Northern Ireland have been unveiled today.
The proposals centre on the formation of a single health board with one patient council watchdog.
Health Minister, Paul Goggins, pledged that proposals would lay the foundations for radical health service reforms.
The Minister said: "This is a substantial piece of legislation - the cornerstone of the RPA reforms. It establishes the roles and responsibilities of the new health and social care bodies and sets out very clearly the accountability arrangements that will be put in place. These new structures make clear to the public who is accountable and what they can expect to see delivered.
"The trusts will be accountable to the new Health and Social Services Authority for their performance, the authority will be accountable to the department and ultimately the whole system will be accountable to patients, clients, carers and all of the people who need our services.
Paul Goggins said: "I want people to have more say about their own treatment and care. It is vital that we listen to the views of the public because they have first hand experience of using those services. That is why we are creating a powerful, independent Patient Client Council."
The Minister said: "More streamlined arrangements are not only more accountable, they are more efficient. Despite the best efforts of the hard working staff, the health and social care sector has been blighted for too long by bureaucracy, too many organisations and too many boundaries. I want this money spent on front line care for patients and clients. I want to sweep red tape away and organise services so that they are more responsive to everyone who needs them."
Consultation on the legislative changes, which will enable the biggest shake-up ever of health and social care services, has begun.
(SP/KMcA)
The proposals centre on the formation of a single health board with one patient council watchdog.
Health Minister, Paul Goggins, pledged that proposals would lay the foundations for radical health service reforms.
The Minister said: "This is a substantial piece of legislation - the cornerstone of the RPA reforms. It establishes the roles and responsibilities of the new health and social care bodies and sets out very clearly the accountability arrangements that will be put in place. These new structures make clear to the public who is accountable and what they can expect to see delivered.
"The trusts will be accountable to the new Health and Social Services Authority for their performance, the authority will be accountable to the department and ultimately the whole system will be accountable to patients, clients, carers and all of the people who need our services.
Paul Goggins said: "I want people to have more say about their own treatment and care. It is vital that we listen to the views of the public because they have first hand experience of using those services. That is why we are creating a powerful, independent Patient Client Council."
The Minister said: "More streamlined arrangements are not only more accountable, they are more efficient. Despite the best efforts of the hard working staff, the health and social care sector has been blighted for too long by bureaucracy, too many organisations and too many boundaries. I want this money spent on front line care for patients and clients. I want to sweep red tape away and organise services so that they are more responsive to everyone who needs them."
Consultation on the legislative changes, which will enable the biggest shake-up ever of health and social care services, has begun.
(SP/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 July 2022
DUP Accused Of Blocking Health Service Reform
The DUP's refusal to return to the Assembly and Executive is blocking health service reform, SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said. Mr McGrath said long-overdue reform was being delayed because of the DUP’s boycott of the institutions and that patients would suffer as a result.
DUP Accused Of Blocking Health Service Reform
The DUP's refusal to return to the Assembly and Executive is blocking health service reform, SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said. Mr McGrath said long-overdue reform was being delayed because of the DUP’s boycott of the institutions and that patients would suffer as a result.
24 November 2010
Call For More NHS Domestics
An urgent call for 200 more domestic staff in the local health service to safeguard and enhance patient safety is being made today by the trade union UNISON.
Call For More NHS Domestics
An urgent call for 200 more domestic staff in the local health service to safeguard and enhance patient safety is being made today by the trade union UNISON.
11 April 2013
£40m Health Care Centres Announced For NI
Two new £40m health care centres for Northern Ireland have been given the go-ahead. The new Lisburn and Newry facilities will accommodate GPs as well as a number of community services provided by the Trusts.
£40m Health Care Centres Announced For NI
Two new £40m health care centres for Northern Ireland have been given the go-ahead. The new Lisburn and Newry facilities will accommodate GPs as well as a number of community services provided by the Trusts.
14 September 2012
Cancer Patients Missing Out On NI Treatment Targets
Cancer patients across Northern Ireland are starting treatment late as health trusts fail on basic performance standards, it has emerged. Last April, the health minister said 95% of people who were urgently referred with suspected cancer should begin treatment within 62 days.
Cancer Patients Missing Out On NI Treatment Targets
Cancer patients across Northern Ireland are starting treatment late as health trusts fail on basic performance standards, it has emerged. Last April, the health minister said 95% of people who were urgently referred with suspected cancer should begin treatment within 62 days.
21 January 2009
NI Patients To Be Allowed Access To 'Top-up' Medication
A leading NI cancer charity has welcomed today's announcement by the Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey that cancer patients here will be allowed to pay for additional drugs without losing their entitlement to free health service care.
NI Patients To Be Allowed Access To 'Top-up' Medication
A leading NI cancer charity has welcomed today's announcement by the Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey that cancer patients here will be allowed to pay for additional drugs without losing their entitlement to free health service care.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.