The Minister for Health said: “This is a substantial piece of legislation which will help manage key services to secure a better system and better care for the people of Northern Ireland. I commend it to the incoming Minister, Executive and Assembly.
“I want to thank all those who took time to respond to the consultation. I am encouraged by the positive comments we have received which give clear indication that the proposals will deliver more effective, responsive and integrated services and bring real decision making to local communities.
“It is important that people across Northern Ireland have had the opportunity to have their say. Important also that we listen to the views of the public because they have first hand experience of using those services.”
The Minister added: “The health and social care system is of immense importance to every single person in Northern Ireland. Everyone, at some time or another will use these services and, when they do, they expect them to be accessible and effective.
“The new organisational structures will make the health and social care system more accountable and responsive. I am particularly pleased that these proposals are now ready to be considered at an early stage by the new devolved administration.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The draft Reform Order creates the legislative framework for the new health and social care organisations. When passed the Order will give the legal authority to bring about:
- The new Health and Social Care Authority in place of the existing four Health and Social Services Boards which will commission services on a region-wide basis and performance manage the new Trusts;
- Seven primary care-led Local Commissioning Groups, within the Authority, which will involve local health and social care professionals and lay representatives in planning services at community level and in partnership with communities;
- A new Patient and Client Council in place of the four existing Health and Social Services Councils;
- A new duty on all health and social care organisations to produce a consultation scheme which sets out how they will ensure that they are listening to the needs of communities;
- The abolition of certain agencies and the transfer of their functions, staff, assets and liabilities to other health and social care bodies including the Authority, the Trusts and the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority.
2. The consultation began on 16 January 2007 when the public was invited to comment on draft proposals for the legislative changes required to bring about the restructuring in the provision of the health and social care system in Northern Ireland. The consultation period ended on 11 April 2007.
3. Responses to the consultation on the draft Order may be accessed on the Department's website at:
www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/hss/rpa-home/rpa-consultation/rpa-hpss-reform-responses.htm
4. Media queries to Aine Gaughran, DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074.
