04 April 2008 - McGimpsey consults with local government on health reforms

The Minister attended a full members meeting of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association in Belfast today.

A key element of the Minister’s proposals for health reform is increased democratisation through local government representation on key bodies and improved partnership working.

Speaking at the consultation event, Michael McGimpsey said: “I have recently outlined a new design for the future reform of health and social care in Northern Ireland that will be efficient, tackles health inequalities and puts patients and clients at the heart of its thinking.

“I firmly believe that local government should play a pivotal role in improving the overall health of our population. Local government is already working closely with local communities, helping to develop and shape services to achieve a better quality of life for local people. There are already good examples of partnership working with local government such as the Health Action Zones and Investing for Health Partnerships, and it is my intention that these will be developed further at all levels both in commissioning and the delivery of services.”

“I want to harness that local knowledge and experience that has been gained over many years. My proposals therefore intend to strengthen, renew and reinvigorate the role of local government in improving the health and well-being of its local populations.”

The Minster’s proposals for local government involvement include local government membership on Local Commissioning Groups, Board membership on the new Regional Public Health Agency and an active role with the Patient and Client Council, with the overall commitment to improved partnership working across the public sector in the commissioning and delivery of health and social care.

The Minister concluded: “I am keen to hear as many views as possible over the next few weeks. These reforms are important because they will bring about real improvements in health for everyone living here. These reforms are about your future. I would encourage those with an interest in these issues to take part in the consultation and help me achieve my goal of establishing a world-class health and social care service for the 21st century.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The key elements of the Minister’s proposals are:

• A new Regional Health and Social Care Board to focus on financial management, performance management and commissioning;
• A new multi-professional Regional Public Health Agency;
• Five Local Commissioning Groups;
• A smaller more sharply focussed Department;
• A common services organisation that will provide a range of support functions for the health and social care service;
• Reinforcing and strengthening of the role of the Health and Social Services Councils;
• Increased democratisation through local government representation on key bodies and improved partnership working.

2. A full copy of the consultation document is available on the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety website.

Copies can also be obtained by contacting:-

3. The consultation ends on 12 May 2008.

4. The Northern Ireland Local Government Association is represents the ‘Voice of Local Government’. NILGA seeks to promote, strengthen and modernise the sector. The Association is supported by all 5 main political parties and all 26 Councils in Northern Ireland. The organisation:

• Provides a forum for debate.
• Develops policy positions for the local government sector based on the best available policy advice.
• Facilitates the relationship between Government and the sector.
• Provides cost effective services on behalf of the sector, and
• Seeks opportunities to develop and promote the sector generally

5. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.