The consultation has been launched by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. The policy would mean that a more efficient and effective administration structure would be developed, freeing up resources which can be targeted towards front line patient and client services.
A spokesperson from the DHSSPS said “Reducing management and administration costs, so that they can be reinvested in front line patient services is a key underlying aim of the Review of Public Administration. The creation of a Shared Services Organisation would enable Health and Social Care Services to concentrate their efforts on their core objective to improve the health and well-being of the population.
“In order to assist the Department in developing a policy to deliver a Shared Services Organisation, we are issuing the document for public consultation and encourage all stakeholders to make their views known.”
The consultation is available on the DHSSPS website 
.
The consultation will last for 12 weeks and will end on 17th December 2007.
Notes to Editors:
1. The consultation will consider the following:-
- What makes up common and business services and how they are currently provided within the Health and Social Care system, the NHS in GB and the wider public sector;
- The services which could be included in an Shared Service Organisation (SSO);
- The criteria for comparing differing organisation arrangements for shared services and the constraints and risks when developing an SSO;
- The alternative organisation structures for shared services;
- The effect upon staff of introducing this change;
- Existing shared service provision;
- Governance arrangements and legal status of the SSO, and
- An implementation plan.
2. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 90520575.
3. Out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
