New website for stakeholders in health and social care

A new website for stakeholder involvement in health and social care in Northern Ireland will be launched today.

The website engage is the e-network for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) stakeholder involvement programme in Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of the website DHSSPS Permanent Secretary and Health and Social Care Chief Executive, Dr Andrew McCormick said: “This website is designed to promote good communication, allow for better sharing of best practice, and facilitate exchange of information between users, carers and organisations.

“A discussion forum will allow DHSSPS to raise questions on key areas for change, and to create a dialogue with the public, with staff and with all users of our service. This will make a real contribution to future planning and priorities.”

The launch takes place as part of a stakeholder involvement conference being held at the Dunadry Hotel. The conference – entitled 'Engage, Energise, Empower' – facilitates the sharing of stakeholder involvement information and best practice.

Professor Jonathan Tritter, Special Advisor to the NHS Centre for Involvement and Research Professor in Patient and Public Involvement, is the keynote speaker. He will explore definitions of involvement and engagement and will look at the benefits and potential difficulties of such activities.

Director of the Stakeholder Involvement Project, Sharon Henry said: “This is another opportunity for stakeholders to work collectively to improve health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland by facilitating the exchange of knowledge, ideas and information.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Stakeholder involvement refers to the involvement of key individuals and organisations in decisions about health and social care at regional level.

2. A major programme of stakeholder involvement is underway. The programme was established by DHSSPS as a focal point for stakeholders to inform and influence policy and action.

3. The work of the programme includes:

Establishing networks of stakeholders in order to create a regional system that adds value to all who participate;

Creating an e-network that enables the stakeholder networks to identify and prioritise regional themes;

Carrying out research on the views of service users and the public in relation to HSC services to inform policy and actions at a strategic level.

4. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0579.  Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.