The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has announced the 5th review of the Regional Capitation Formula. This will include a thirteen week public consultation exercise beginning on 13 June 2008.
The Regional Capitation Formula is a statistical tool used by the department to inform how much money is allocated to Health and Social Care commissioners across Northern Ireland.
Lynn Campbell from the Department’s Strategic Financial Analysis Unit said: “Your age, your gender and where you live impacts on how you use the Health and Social Care service. For example a 75 year old male will have different health needs to a 20 year old female. Likewise someone living in an affluent area generally has different needs to someone living in a deprived area. The Regional Capitation Formula assesses these factors to ensure that the funds available are distributed equitably for the population.”
A number of factors determine the amount of available funds allocated to areas including population size, age/ gender profiles, and if there are additional need related factors such as deprivation. A number of cost considerations are also taken into account such as the difference in providing services in rural and urban areas and the costs involved in running hospitals of varying sizes.
Lynn Campbell continued: “Acute Services and Elderly Care together account for two thirds of funds spent by the department and it is important the formula is current and reflective of health and social care need. The consultation exercise is being run between 13 June 08 and 12 September 08, and we invite the public and interested parties to engage with us so we can hear their views on the proposals.”
Those interested in attending one of the public meetings should contact the Department on 028 9052 0223 by Wednesday 25 June. Further information is available on the department’s website.
Notes to Editors:
- The 5th Review of the Capitation Formula documentation can be downloaded from the DHSSPS website at the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety website
. The site also has detail on when public consultation meetings are taking place. - Copies can be emailed to recipients if requests are made to capitation.consultation@dhsspsni.gov.uk
- Hard copies can be requested by contacting 028 9052 0223 or by writing to The Capitation Formula Consultation, Room D3.15, Castle Buildings, Stormont Estate, Belfast, BT4 3SQ.
- The consultation process runs until midnight on 12th September 2008.
- Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575, or out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
