Issue 14 - Winter 2003 (1.52Mb)

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SPECIAL EDITION ON HEALTH SERVICE RESTRUCTURING ERHA TIMES www.erha.ie

ISSUE 14 - winter 2003 ISSN: 1649-346X

HEALTH SERVICE RE-STRUCTURING AIMS TO PROVIDE BETTER PATIENT CARE, BETTER VALUE FOR MONEY, AND BETTER MANAGEMENT

By Michael Lyons, ERHA Regional Chief Executive. At a special meeting to discuss the restructuring, the ERHA Board passed the This special issue of the ERHA Times aims to explain the nuts-and-bolts of the health following motion on the Hanly Report: services restructuring programme, the most extensive re-organistion of the health system The Board of the Eastern Regional Health in over 30 years. Authority, which incorporates the Members of the East Coast Area Health Board, welcomed The 13 Action Groups will deal with a wide range This means that we will be in a position to have the adoption of the report of the National Task of issues required to establish the new structures. a significant influence on future developments Force on Medical Staffing by the Government. These range from the overall organisation and and will be in a position to assist the In particular, the Board welcomed the restructuring of the services, including the Health communications programme, which must go designation of the East Coast Area Health Board Services Executive, to financial, legal and hand in hand with current developments. as a pilot site for the implementation of this communications structures, industrial relations The supplement also provides details of the brief report. The Board welcomed the opportunities and human resources, primary care, the and membership of the independent Interim this presented to improve access for patients streamlining of agencies organisaton of hospitals, Health Services Executive announced by the to high quality acute care. the establishment of a shared services entity and The programme’s priority focus is improved Minister for Health & Children, Mr. Micheál the development of quality control. The estimated revenue and capital costs patient care, better value for taxpayers’ money Martin, T.D associated with the implementation of the and improved health care management. I am very pleased that a large number of staff Over the coming weeks and months the ERHA report were noted by the Board and it called from the ERHA, the three Area Health Boards and The supplement provides details of the Project will endeavour to keep our own Board and staff on the Minister for Health and Children to the voluntary provider agencies in the east have Office and the 13 Action Projects and their sub and the managements and staff of our provider make the funding available to the East Coast been selected to work in the Project Office and committees, which have been established to agencies as fully informed as possible of all Area Health Board to implement the necessary the Action Groups and their sub committees. progress the re-structuring programme. It lists developments. recommendations of the Report in its the membership and workplan of each group. catchment area.

ALCOHOL CONFERENCE WARNED ABOUT TAOISEACH PRESENTS 'THE PROSPECT OF A BLIGHTED GENERATION' FIRST ERHA AWARDS The Chairman of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, Ald. Joe Doyle, warned about the prospect of ‘a blighted generation' because of FOR INNOVATION alcohol abuse, when he opened a conference Action on Alcohol - Everyone’s Responsibility organised by the Authority recently. IN HEALTH He also hit out at the practice of parents using Ald Doyle said that he had been deeply pubs as a social centre for children’s celebrations concerned about the abuse of alcohol for some SERVICES IN THE such as First Holy Communion or Confirmation. time and had committed himself to doing something about it during his term as Chairman EASTERN REGION The chairman called for the establishment of a of the ERHA. body to combat alcohol abuse along the lines of the Office of Tobacco Control, which he said The Eastern Regional Health Authority and the everyone agreed had done excellent work. three Area Health Boards have published a report "Alcohol Service: Developing an Integrated & "We in Ireland have a chronic alcohol problem. Enhanced Response" among people in the It is reflected in weekend binge drinking by eastern region, which was launched at The Minister for Health and Children, Mr. Micheal Martin , T.D., teenagers, many of them already addicted; in the conference. with Aifric Costello, Megan Parsons, Amy Heafer, Rebecca late night street violence; in overcrowded A&E Moloney, Lucy Hayes, Judith Uhuegbu, Aine Quigley, Saoirse Ni Units; but more importantly in the heavy drinking (Continues on page 3). Mharnain and Aoife Mc Manus, from the St. Louis Convent, Rathmines, who took part in a drama presentation during the of irresponsible parents," Alcohol Conference.

TIMETABLE FOR TOTAL REDEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN’S

HOSPITAL ANNOUNCED The Taoiseach Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., presented the first awards in a major scheme by the Eastern Regional Health As the first facilities of a €50 million development of operating theatres and other amenities at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Authority to reward initiatives that have came on stream recently, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., Minister for Health and Children, announced a timetable for the total redevelopment of the improved health and personal social hospital and a €250,000 fund for developing a telemedicine link between Our Lady’s and a leading children’s hospital in the United States. services in the eastern region. The Derek Dockery Innovation Awards were instituted The Minister sanctioned the appointment of two maps out the schedule for the redevelopment timetable, construction on site will start in 2007 in memory of the contribution to separate design teams for the development of and was presented at a meeting between the and continue up to 2010. the health services of the late Derek the hospital and the planning of MRI facilities. Minister, senior Department officials and Meanwhile Mr. Martin has also announced the Dockery. The Taoiseach is seen here at representatives from the Group. The Chairman of the ERHA Alderman Joe Doyle allocation of €250,000 capital funding towards the award ceremony with Derek’s widow, and the New Crumlin Hospital Group, which The Minister said that the design brief for the the purchase of equipment for a telemedicine Mrs. Mary Dockery. represents parents lobbying for the complete hospital would be completed soon and the link between Our Lady's and St. Jude's Children's See pages 14 & 15 for full report redevelopment of the hospital, welcomed the Outline Control Development Plan would be Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee. issuing of the timetable by the Minister. This completed by Mid-2004. According to the

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CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR INDIVIDUAL RESPONSE IN COMBATING ALCOHOL ABUSE

"No social class or age group has escaped the scourge that is blighting a growing number of families”, the Chairman of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, Ald. Joe Doyle said in his speech at the opening of the Conference Action on Alcohol.

Ald Doyle said that blaming others is no longer an option. "We must shout STOP and mean it" he said. "In this regard, I would like

At the launch of the refurbishment plan for the Meath Hospital Community Unit were, from left, Ms. Mr. Patrick Ryder, a resident of the Community Unit for Ms. Maureen Tunney, Chairperson of the Residents’ Committee, Meath Hospital Unit, meeting the to welcome the proposed changes in the licensing laws". Older Persons, Meath Hospital, with the Minister of State at Minister of Services for Older People, Mr. Ivor Callely, T.D. at the launch of the refurbishing Regina Buckely, Assistant Chief Execuitve, South Western Area Health Board; Mr. Larry Butler, Acting "In today’s world the role of the individual is crucial. Governments the Department of Health and Children, Mr. Ivor Callely, T.D. plan for the Unit. Chairman, Eastern Regional Health Authority; Mr. Ivor Callely, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of can ban alcohol advertising, introduce mandatory identity cards for Health and Children and Ms. Anne Harris, Acting Chairman, South Western Area Health Board. young people, facilitate random breath testing for motorists, close down offending establishments, and sporting organisations can review their sponsorships with Drinking Companies, but it is the MINISTER LAUNCHES €8 MILLION REFURBISHMENT PLAN FOR COMMUNITY UNIT behaviour of every citizen and the theme of today’s Conference, ‘Everyone’s Responsibility,’ which is what will make the difference, ON SITE OF OLD MEATH HOSPITAL said Ald. Doyle.

The Minister for Health and Children is to be congratulated on

An €8 million refurbishment plan for the Meath Hospital Community Unit for Older People, in Heytesbury Street, Dublin, was officially launched by the Minister of State at the Department of At the ERHA Conference, Action on Alcohol, were the Chairman of the Authority, Ald. Joe his efforts to control the use of tobacco. Indeed this Authority Health and Children, Mr. Ivor Callely, T.D., when he visited the hospital. Doyle, the Minister for Health and Children, Mr. Micheál Martin TD, and the Regional was unanimous in passing a resolution in support of his efforts. Chief Executive, Mr Michael Lyons. I am well aware of the good work done to date by the Office for The Chairman of the Eastern Regional Health Authority Ald. Joe Doyle, Tobacco Control. opening the conference. The Minister, who has responsibility for services Hospital. The new accommodation in the re- and four-bed rooms, all with en-suite shower- washing and lavatory facilities will be suitable for "Recently Ireland moved from 12th to 2nd place in the world for older persons, stated that the residents furbished Nurses’ Home will be divided into two rooms, sitting rooms on each floor, and staff wheelchair use. "But I would wish to see the same commitment made by the "Finally, there is the question of facilities for young people. There is ranking for alcohol consumption. This was not accidental. Drink deserved first-class accommodation. He sections – day care accommodation for 25 elderly stations. It will also include on the ground floor, Minister in relation to alcohol, especially in relation to the damage no point in saying ‘No, No, No’ to young people and presenting no The cost of the Project is estimated to be in the companies have specifically targeted young people and particularly highlighted the need to keep the residents in people resident in the area who are unable to visiting rooms, facilities for craft and occupational that it does to the drinker’s own health. Perhaps he might consider other alternative. region of €8m for construction, design and their own community and he stated that the live at home unassisted, and in-house activities, treatment rooms, rooms for girls through advertising and product development. The Licensed setting up a body that would be responsible for Alcohol Control. equipping of the Unit. "In June of this year I attended a Conference in London, which refurbishment of the Unit would allow this accommodation for approximately 70 elderly hairdressing and occupational therapy, and trade has accommodated excessive consumption and unfortunately "The Authority as a statutory body is responsible for supporting the looked at how major European cities tackled alcohol abuse among to happen. people. catering facilities, he said. The South Western Area Health Board will now an irresponsible element has facilitated under-age drinking. As health of the 1.4m people in the region and is committed to young people, and I was delighted to meet there Eddie Keher, who proceed with arrangements to refurbish the old citizens and parents we have not only allowed this to happen but Welcoming the Minister, the Vice-Chairman of Cllr. Butler said the proposed layout of the The external appearance of the building will encouraging individuals who drink alcohol to make the healthy sponsors an organisation known as the NO NAME Club which is a Nurses’ Home on the site to accommodate the have participated in it" he said. the Eastern Regional Health Authority, Cllr building seeks to provide an environment which remain largely unaltered and all parts of the choice of not drinking to excess. However attitudes to alcohol positive alternative for young people to the pub. If we are serious residents who are currently in the main hospital "I think a major change has come about in recent years in the Laurence Butler said this was the beginning of a is not institutional but domestic in size and building will be user-friendly, with no stairs or within society encouraged by the established commercial sector in tackling the problem of teenage drinking then I believe the building. pattern of alcohol drinking. Previous generations went out for a new and exciting development in the Meath character. It will include single rooms, two-bed steps; all entrances will be ramped, and all with an economic interest in promoting alcohol usage means that Government should make financial support available to set up few drinks but with the objective of remaining as sober as possible. any one organisation or sector on its own has little chance of these clubs. Young people now seem to want to get drunk on one drink and it is successfully advocating more sensible drinking patterns" "If something is not done we face the terrible prospect of a blighted not uncommon for them to order a tumbler with four vodkas and a he said. can of Red Bull. I believe it should be against the law to serve generation with unthinkable implications for the future of our ERHA LAUNCHES €3.7 MILLION ACTION PLAN ON ALCOHOL ABUSE people more than one drink at a time" he added Ald Doyle called for agencies to come together and a wide range of country," he said. individual and collective advocates capable of influencing a Mr. Rolande Anderson, Project Director; Helping Patients with transition to a situation where moderate drinking becomes the Alcohol Problems at the Irish College of General Practitioners, said The Eastern Regional Health Authority has formulated a €3.7 million action plan to develop an integrated and enhanced response to alcohol abuse within the region. socially acceptable norm of those who drink and where abstention that the ICGP had been running this project for the past three years The plan was officially launched at the conference on alcohol abuse. as a choice is respected. which was designed to empower GPs to get more involved in Ald. Doyle called on parents to examine their own habits before helping patients with the whole range of alcohol problems they Alcohol-related problems cost Irish society The proposed programme aims to: area health board, The report recognises the complexity of the talking to their children about alcohol: "If your children see you meet in primary care. approximately €2.4 billion per year, according to issues involved, and does not purport to provide Establish Alcohol Aware Practice Initiatives in 7 Roll out a training programme for frontline abusing alcohol either in the pub or at home, it will be very difficult the interim report of the Strategic Task Force on • • over-ambitious targets that are beyond the scope The results of the IGCP research suggest that one third of patients primary care sites, aimed at reaching over 160 staff particularly in health promotion and to convince them to do differently," Alcohol (2002). This includes costs such as of the health services alone to achieve. Rather who required follow up made significant changes in their drinking GPs and their teams education, he said. healthcare, road accidents, alcohol-related crime, the programme it sets out is capable of habits after a three-month period. Appoint senior managers for alcohol services and lost productivity. Extend a pilot programme developed in the • implementation and will make a significant "It is sad and regrettable that the pub has become the focus for so • in each area health board, Superintendent Vincent McGuire of Garda Community Relations said Mater Hospital to detect alcohol-related difference to the quality of life of many affected many celebrations. Young people are now often taken by their The Authority’s plan accepts the currently that the level of alcohol abuse by young people in Ireland had been disorders to hospitals in each area health Improve access to services such as by the consequences of alcohol abuse, and it sets parents to the pubs on their First Holy Communion or Confirmation challenging financial environment, with restraints • a cause of concern for some time. board and introduce maternity screening in information, advice and support out realistic steps along the path of enhancing day or on Sundays for a family lunch. Then the grown ups sit on on recruitment, but it says that if problems in one maternity hospital Provide some increased funding to the services. drinking while the youngsters grow tired and frustrated. It is very "The Age Card Scheme is a voluntary national scheme and is in relation to alcohol consumption and dependency • Refurbish health board residential alcohol voluntary sector and for evaluation and Board members Mrs. Catherine Quinn, Dr. Barney Murphy, and Ms. Maria Hoban sad to see hot and fretful children who have had to spend a lovely operation since April 1999. Since then 121,000 have been issued. are to be addressed, the Authority must have • treatment units, research, and it will expand community at the conference. sunny Sunday afternoon in the pub instead of being outside playing It is a co-operative venture involving young people, the Gardaí and resources and capacity necessary to create the mobilisation programmes. in the sunshine" he said. the Drinks Industry. vital range and level of services. • Bring in a range of professional staff with expertise in alcohol-related problems to each

ERHA TO PROMOTE THE PRACTICE OF ARTS IN HEALTHCARE IN THE EASTERN REGION €50 MILLION DEVELOPMENT AT OUR LADY’S HOSPITAL FOR SICK CHILDREN A new policy for the practice of arts in healthcare has been approved by the Eastern Regional Health Authority and will be promoted in hospitals, health centres, provider agencies, and other Seven new state-of-the-art theatres, five of which have been put into immediate use, are being provided at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin as part of a €50 million healthcare organisations throughout the eastern region. development fund, financed by the ERHA and by a number of private sources, including The Children's Medical & Research Foundation. Pilot arts projects in healthcare already work already carried out by the then Eastern development among the participants; enjoyment training should be formulated and made undertaken by some provider agencies in the Health Board and the Arts Council. of the artistic process itself, increased sociability available for staff involved in arts projects. The hospital is pressing ahead actively with a clinical consultation and patient/parent proceeds of his Testimonial Match in May 2002 commence shortly will bring the total eastern region have shown very positive results among clients, and several clients have got more number of specific development projects to meet reception, as well as support facilities for an will contribute towards the provision of a accommodation for parents and families to 49 Pilot projects undertaken in the region include a A sub-group of the steering committee also and will now be extended, resources permitting. involved in individual development of their acute requirements. These include: extensive outpatient service. physical base for an enhanced ambulatory parent bedrooms (16 of which are double drama/video/creative writing project at Cuan recommended that a pilot scheme for acquiring artistic skills by joining drama groups, taking art service for patients with infectious diseases. bedrooms) within the hospital and 20 family International studies of the use of arts in Ros, a healthcare facility for older people on the artworks for buildings such as hospitals be put in Cardiac Services: Extension of the Cardiac • Gastroenterology/Hepatitis C: Building work on courses, or continuing with creative writing. • The new unit will include extra clinics, clinical units off-site. healthcare have recognised projects involving Navan Road; a stained-glass project undertaken place. This would be run through the Catherisation Laboratory has recently been this development will be completed in 2004. It assessment rooms and a parent and child artistic expression and creativity as essential to by clients of Soilse, the drug rehabilitation The report recommended that the ERHA should Government's Per Cent for Art Scheme under completed. A Project Team is being set up to will provide an outpatient service and allow • Haematology/Oncology: a Design Brief education centre. client well-being, aiding faster recovery in some service; a sculpture project for children in care at establish an Arts Committee and that arts which it is possible to allocate one per cent of plan a new Cardiac Unit. for centralisation in one unit to meet patient identifying the required accommodation for and family requirements. • Cystic Fibrosis: Building work for the provision additional inpatient, daycare and outpatient cases, improving quality of life, and promoting a Creag Aran; an arts project in St. Joseph’s projects should be actively encouraged within the cost of all building and refurbishing projects Dermatology Unit: A new Dermatology better relationship between carers and clients. Intellectual Disability Service, and a drama the health service. Learning experiences from the to purchase artworks for the new or refurbished • Infectious Diseases Unit: Building works have of ambulatory care for patients presenting facilities is near completion. /Outpatient/Day Care facility is under • project involving a consortium of services for pilot projects should be applied across the region. buildings. The scheme is being piloted at Naas commenced on the New Infectious Diseases with cystic fibrosis and other respiratory MRI: The Design Brief has been completed. A Steering Group with a membership drawn from development with a completion date of 2004. • disabled people in Co. Wicklow. In developing services for care groups, arts General Hospital where a major development Unit and the target date for completion is problems is well advanced and due for the ERHA, Arts Council, area health boards, and Neurology Department: Building work is well should be one of the elements incorporated. project is nearing completion. • 2004. Through the generosity of Irish completion in 2004. the voluntary sector in the region has been Outcomes from the projects included increased advanced on a new unit to provide high- Practical supports and information, education and International footballer Niall Quinn, the Parent facilities: building works due to working on the policy for some time, drawing on feelings of self-esteem, confidence and self- standard accommodation for diagnostics, •

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SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT ON STRUCTURAL RE-ORGANISATION OF THE HEALTH SERVICES

ERHA CONFERENCE ON PROMOTING EQUALITY IN THE HEALTH SERVICES IN THE EAST HEALTH REFORMS ARE AN OPPORTUNITY: MINISTER FOR HEALTH The population of the eastern region is growing, there is a greater racial diversity in the area and the workforce is also undergoing a shift in balance, with more women, and more people from abroad, in jobs here than ever before. Launching the proposals to reform the health services, the Minister for Health and Children, Mr. Micheál Martin, T.D., said that they represented the most radical programme of change In recognition of this, the Eastern Regional Health Mr. John Dolan, Chief Executive of the Disability for the sector since the establishment of the health board structure in 1970. Authority hosted a conference on Promoting Federation of Ireland opened the conference. The They represented a threat to no one but an opportunity for everyone who shares the Equality in Health Service Provision recently. The speakers came from a range of organisations objective of building an Irish health system that provides high quality care for all. conference looked at how health services can working to create greater equality in the ensure equality of access for this changing provision of health services. These included the "The sole objective of our health policy is to "The rationale for change of this order is actually population as well as how they can provide Equality Authority, the Health Services Employers deliver access for all to high quality services for quite simple. The current system was designed in equal opportunity for the changing workforce. Agency, the Forum for People with patients. The facts show that services have different times to meet different demands. After Disabilities,Pavee Point, and Age and Opportunity. Since the mid-1990s the operating environment expanded significantly and today there are more all, the health structures are over 30 years old Pearn Kandola Consulting provided an overview of the health services has changed significantly. people receiving care and support services than and have been expanding since then. Successive of international practice in promoting equality in Ireland has enacted new employment legislation, at any time in our history. Activity has increased Governments have set up specialist agencies - health services. Representatives of the Eastern which places responsibilities on public services to in every area of services and there have been often to give focus and to protect particular Health and Social Services Board in Northern ensure equality of access in employment and in substantial improvements in cancer and policy developments. There are now 58 agencies Ireland described their experience of the delivery of services under nine headings cardiovascular services for patients and a operating in the public health system. This is not implementing specific equality measures in including gender, age, race, and disabilities. reduction in waiting times for many specialties" sustainable. This multiplicity has resulted in a "The Government has taken these reports on 1. A Primary, Community and Continuing health services in the North. he said. complex and fragmented system that has itself board and agrees with their analysis of current Care Directorate On the ground, health services are exploring new Providers of health services in the eastern region become an obstacle to achieving improvements. problems. The reform programme sets out the ways to meet changed health needs, including "These are tangible improvements for which the 2. A National Hospitals Office and have begun the task of implementing measures priority actions which we will undertake and the an increasing older population, and patients from health service gets little credit. But the challenge "Rationalisation, standardisation and much 3. A National Shared Services Centre under equality legislation. Reports on two of framework within which we are seeking to diverse cultures. The health services now include is to go still further and deliver a system to meet improved co-ordination are all required to these projects, one being operated by the St. develop the Irish health system. It should be appreciated that services will a significant number of overseas staff and a the demands of an expanding and ageing overcome this fragmentation and to give me, as John of God Order, and the other by James At the recent conference on Equality in the Health services organised by the ERHA were, from left, Mr. John Pepper, Director of Human continue to be delivered through the existing greater percentage of people with disabilities. Resources, St. John of God Services, Ms. Bridget McGuane, Senior HR Officer, ERHA; Ms. Maura Donovan, CEO, Stewarts’ Hospital; Ms. population while also adapting to the rapid pace Minister, a realistic span of control over the "The principles underlying the reforms are: Connolly Memorial Hospital, were presented at hospital and local office network - but they will The experience of other countries shows that Carole Sullivan, Development Officer, Equality Authority; Mr. Kensika Monshengwo, Acting Director, N.C.C.R.I., Ms. Mary Keogh, Director, of development in new treatments. agencies for which I am responsible. the conference. A new national focus on service delivery and operate within a fundamentally realigned there are benefits for patient care as well as Forum for People with Disability; Ms. Sile Fleming, Director, Human Resources, ERHA; Ms Liz Roche, Assistant Director, N.M.P.D.U., ERHA; • Ms. Caroline Mullen, PHC Co-Ordinator, Pavee Point; Ms. Mamo McDonald, President, Age and Opportunity; Ms. Anne Lynch, Director, "In the National Health Strategy we brought "A second issue is the lack of clarity about roles executive management of the system national management structure. social benefits in employing a diverse workforce. Planning and Commissioning, EHSSB, NI, and Mr. John Loughran, Managing Psychologist, Parenkandola. together a wide programme of service between the Department and the system; and A major reduction in fragmentation within "The Department of Health and Children itself evaluations and research and set out, for the first also the tensions between local representation • the system will be completely reorganised to ensure an time ever, detailed objectives for every element and decision-making vis-à-vis national policy improved focus on policy development and of the health system. objectives. In a system as complex and as broad Clear accountability throughout the system • oversight. There will be a clear separation MINISTER OPENS THE NEW ASSESSMENT UNIT AT THE COOMBE WOMEN'S HOSPITAL in scope, it is obvious that clarity about roles, Improved budgetary and service planning and, "At the time we published the Strategy we said • between the executive and non-executive accountability and "where the buck stops" must most importantly, that structural reform would have to follow - that functions of the Department. Key to its role will AND ANNOUNCES NEW DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME be completely clear. the system should be structured to meet these • Improved patient care. be holding the Health Services Executive to service objectives rather than trying to fit service "A third set of issues relate to how things get There will be a major rationalisation of existing account for its performance. The Minister for Health and Children, Mr.Micheál Martin, T.D., has opened the new Assessment Unit at the Coombe Women's Hospital. objectives into the structures already in place. done within the system. The central importance health service agencies - with over 32 to be "The proposals emerging will also support the of adequate planning processes have been amalgamated or abolished. This includes the "The two reports on which the new proposals are commitments made in the Health Strategy in highlighted again and again. Keeping people at abolition of the existing health board structures. The Minister also announced that he had from this and in response to various advances in The Minister said that the unit was a welcome Earlier this year the ERHA, in conjunction with based, involved a comprehensive evaluation of relation to the reform of Acute Hospital Services. the centre of care means that you must start sanctioned the appointment of a Design Team to medical practice, I am happy today to sanction addition to the Hospital and would ensure that the Joint Standing Committee for the Dublin structures, controls and accountability within the A Health Services Executive will be established as It will provide a more unitary approach to the with needs assessment and link planning of allow planning to commence on a new capital the appointment of a Design Team to allow the hospital is in a position to provide an Maternity Hospitals, initiated a collaborative system. It is interesting to note the reports have, the first ever body charged with managing the delivery of hospital services which in turn will services to funding and activity. development at the hospital which will consist of planning to commence on a new capital essential service in an improved environment. planning process to address the needs of users of independently of each other, reached similar Irish health service as a single national entity. support the more even and consistent an extended neo-natal/ICU unit, an operating development at the Coombe" the Minister said. the maternity services. "I understand that the new Assessment Unit has conclusions about the system and have made "The core recommendations involve the The Executive will have its own Board and Chief introduction of consultant-delivered services Theatre, a day assessment unit, an ultra-sound The new Assessment Unit provides a user- been warmly received by patients since it This has resulted in the establishment of a comparable recommendations. Essentially, what development of a new national management Executive Officer. The Board will report directly to in Ireland. suite; a parentcraft/admissions unit and the friendly facility to women who are more than 24 opened and that the Hospital expects Steering Committee for the Strategic Planning for the reports do is move us from the diagnostic structure and the introduction of new financial the Minister for Health and Children. Within the upgrading of mechanical and electrical services. weeks pregnant and who present at the hospital approximately 10,000 admissions to the Unit Maternity Services and Women's Health. As part stage to the treatment plan for the system. accountability procedures. Executive itself there will be three core pillars: "My Department has been working closely with with signs of oncoming labour. The unit is over a twelve month period" he added. of this process, a needs assessment is being the hospital and the ERHA to progress the future midwifery driven, and allows patients to be seen undertaken which will examine the current The Coombe Women's Hospital provides an development of the hospital infrastructure in and assessed immediately in comfortable provision of maternity services and identify the extensive service with over 7,500 births last year HANLY: A NATIONAL REORGANISATION OF ACUTE HOSPITALS IS NOW NECESSARY response to increasing demand for services. surroundings on the ground floor. The unit is main challenges facing the service for the next to over 90 different nationalities. Maternity services for the Naas area were designed to provide an efficient and caring five to ten years and will identify additional previously provided by the National Maternity service to patients who would previously have The hospital has responsibility for the largest requirements in terms of staffing and capacity. Outlining the main provisions of the Report of now be developed. Among its way to ensure high quality safe patient care Development of services in the community, Hospital, Holles Street. This service has had to attend the Labour Ward on the 2nd floor health area in the country covering Southwest the National Task Force on Medical Staffing, recommendations are: • while achieving compliance with the Directive. ambulance services and appropriate minor transferred to the Coombe Hospital, and arising for assessment. Dublin, South County Dublin, South Kildare and the Minister said that it sets out how to improve He signalled that there would need to be NCHDs injury and illness services in Local Hospitals West Wicklow with a population of 515,568. patient care by reducing the working hours of significant changes to the current consultant junior doctors (NCHDs), employing more • Specific measures to reduce NCHD working • Develop closer linkages with GPs and multi- contract before additional consultants could be consultants and reforming medical education hours to 58 hours per week by 1 August 2004, disciplinary primary care teams in line with the employed. and training. It concludes that a national including new work patterns and redistribution Primary Care Strategy. The Task Force also reviewed the experience of reorganisation of acute hospital services is of NCHD workload Consultants Local Hospitals to operate as part of an PATIENT CARE TO BENEFIT AS NATIONAL HEALTHLINK PROJECT GOES ON-LINE • other countries where NCHDs work shorter hours. now necessary. Increased number of consultants under a new integrated hospital network in their area • Mr Hanly said that "Based on the evidence of contract to improve patient care and ensure Patients, doctors and hospitals across the country are set to benefit from greater efficiencies in the primary and secondary healthcare sectors thanks to innovative use of the Internet. Under the European Working Time Directive Education and Training research, best practice and experiences here and better patient access to 24-hour consultant- (EWTD) the average working hours of NCHDs Integration of the training functions currently elsewhere, we strongly recommend integrating provided services. Acute Hospitals • General Practitioners participating in the National There are now over 250 HealthLink users Until now the project has been e-mail based. must fall to no more than 58 hours per week by scattered throughout numerous agencies. the measures needed to reduce NCHD hours with Principles for the reorganisation of acute HealthLink Project funded by the Department of including GPs, practice nurses and practice staff The enhanced web-based system offers users August 2004 and to 48 hours per week by • Mechanisms sufficiently independent of the recruitment of more consultants, reforms in hospital services nationally • Health and Children, can now access the latest as well as five participating hospitals already much greater functionality than before. August 2009. At present, the average is 75 service pressures to ensure the training nature medical education and training and information related to their patients' hospital engaged in the project. The participating hours, and many NCHDs work significantly • Each hospital to function as part of a regional of all NCHD posts. reorganisation of acute hospital care. This is the HealthLink has implemented the HL7 standards longer than this. The Task Force, chaired by network with the full range of specialist route to better patient care". visits instantly online. hospitals are the Mater, Beaumont, Limerick Welcoming its publication, the Minister confirmed approved by HeBE (Health Boards Executive) to Mr. David Hanly, was established to make services. Patients should only travel further for Regional, Ennis General and St. Joseph's, Nenagh. that he would undertake the measures necessary The Minister said that he has now put a number The HealthLink Online service ensure inter-operability with hospital and health recommendations on how best to reduce care that is best provided at "supra-regional" to reduce NCHD hours in line with the timetable of implementations steps in place. A national (www.Healthlink.ie), which is free of charge to The National HealthLink Project, which was board IT systems across the country and has also hours and introduce a patient-led, consultant- or "national" level. General Practitioners, means GPs can gain secure established by the Department of Health and been designed to integrate seamlessly with the set by the EWTD. He said that he is committed to implementation group will work under the aegis provided service. A major hospital providing full range of 24- access to information on matters such as A&E Children in 1997, is a service that links GPs, existing practice management systems (GP • the principle of the Hanly recommendations and of the Labour Relations Commission to reduce The Report set outs a series of principles for the hour emergency and trauma services in each will work to progress their implementation in NCHD working hours while negotiations on a Pictured launching the new initiative were: attendance, laboratory and radiology results, Hospitals and Health Boards computer systems Clinical, Medicom & HealthOne) used by General organisation and delivery of hospital services of the two regions studied. new consultant contract will proceed Ms. Marie Lalor, Project Manager of National HealthLink discharge information, waiting list notification, together to establish a healthcare Practitioners. consultation with key stakeholders. and Dr. Eugene O'Connor, GP. nationally while making detailed Local Hospitals immediately. David Hanly will chair a small group Out-Patient appointments, and death notification. communications network with specific reference The Minister emphasised that the Government Complete product development, training and recommendations regarding the organisation of to advise on a national hospital plan, in to General Practitioner and acute Hospital Reconfiguration of Local Hospitals so that they would not close any hospital, nor did the Task Full implementation of HealthLink Online through support are provided by the HealthLink acute hospital services in two health board • conjunction with the Department and, on its relationships, and data exchange. The HealthLink provide the large majority of hospital care, Force recommend the closure of any hospital. hospitals’ systems can generate efficiency Development Team. regions (the East Coast Area and Mid Western). It establishment, the National Hospitals Office Online Service is available to all Health Boards, outpatient care and diagnostic services for savings, which far outweigh set-up and recommends that a national plan for the The Minister endorsed the Task Force’s conclusion Hospitals & General Practitioners, nationally. local populations implementation costs. organisation of acute hospital services should that a consultant-provided service is the only

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SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT ON STRUCTURAL RE-ORGANISATION OF THE HEALTH SERVICES

CHAIR AND BOARD OF NEW INTERIM HEALTH SERVICES EXECUTIVE APPOINTED NEW STRUCTURES

The Department of Health and Children has established a Project Office and 13 Action Projects to progress the establishment of the new structures. The Minister for Health and Children Mr. Micheál Martin TD., has announced details of the Chair and Interim Board of the Health Services Executive (HSE). Commenting Minister Martin said "in order to provide coherent management of the health service, the Health Services Executive will be established outside the Department of Health and Children. The Health Services Executive will be accountable to the Minister for the executive management of the health service.

The interim HSE will make early progress on the reform of the hospital sector and help drive the overall implementation of the reform programme".

Minister Martin noted the high calibre of those appointed and said that he believed the Board members had the right mix of competencies to undertake this major task. The Board will now oversee the significant legislative programme to underpin the reform which will be in place in early 2005. One of the Frank Ahern, Assistant Secretary, Denis Doherty, Director General first roles of the Board will be to oversee the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer of the HSE. Department of Health and Children of the Health Boards Executive Following this the transfer of responsibilities of existing agencies to the Executive will take place. This will further consolidate the system and reduce the present fragmentation. The Project Office The Project Office is being jointly chaired by Mr. Staff from the Eastern Region selected to work in Frank Ahern, Assistant Secretary, DoHC and Mr. the Project Office include ERHA Senior Commissioner Ms. Louise McMahon, Ms. Cate The Minister for Health and Children, Mr. Micheal Martin TD., with the Chairman of the new Interim Health Services Executive, Denis Doherty, Director General of the Health Mr. Kevin Kelly. Boards Executive, and headed up by Ms. Liz Hartigan, Asst. Chief Executive of the East Coast Canavan, Principal Officer at the DoHC. The Area Health Board; and Ms Mary Morrissey, project office will support thriteen Action Projects Director of Services for Children on the Autistic and will lead and champion the change process. Spectrum with the South Western Area Health It will carry out the following functions: Board. • Project Management Analytical decision-making INTERIM BOARD OF THE HEALTH SERVICES EXECUTIVE • This supplement contains details of Focus on results Staff of the Project Office, front row, from left: Mary Morrissey, SWAHB; Louise McMahon, ERHA; Liz Canavan, Princpal Officer of the DoHC • (head of the Project office); Therese Dalchan, NEHB; John O’Farrell, DoHC; back row, from left, Nora Lynch, DoHC, Brenda Kelly, NWHB; Teamwork and Relationship Building Groups established to progress the • Kilian McGrane, DoHC; Siobhan O’Halloran, DoHC; Louise Donnelly, DoHC; Liam Preston, DoHC; Cate Hartigan, ECAHB; Eileen Duffy, DoHC. • Leading and Championing change. new structures, and a random The other members of the team include: Dara Purcell, SEHB, Winifred Ryan SEHB, Edel O'Connor, DoHC; Eileen Keogh, DoHC; Pauline selection of available photographs Redmond, DoHC; Angela Noonan, DoHC; Marie Dullea, DoHC; Simonetta Ryan, DoHC; Fiona Prendergast, DoHC; Margaret Corroon, DoHC; Siobhain Phelan, DoHC; David Moloney, DoHC; Joan McKenna, DoHC; Sinead Scanlan, DoHC; Emma-Jane Morgan, DoHC; Sheila Kulkarni, of some of the Members. DoHC;Paul Hearty,DoHC; Frank Hughes, DoHC.

The Thirteen Action Projects THIRTEEN ACTION PROJECTS TO DEAL WITH A The Action Projects will be jointly chaired by the Health Board CEOs and a member WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES of the Department.

Michael McLoone Professor P Anne Scott PJ Fitzpatrick Eugene McCague Dr. Maureen Gaffney Professor Niamh Brennan The 13 Action Projects will deal with a wide range of issues required to establish the new structures. These range from the overall organisation and restructuring of the services, Action Project CEO Department including the proposed Health Services Executive to financial, legal, and communications structures, industrial relations and human resources, primary care, the streamlining of Kevin Kelly (Chair) is a Chartered Accountant Michael McLoone has been County Manager Chairman of Clinical Pharmacology (1989-92) the Steering Committee for The Audit of agencies, organisation of hospitals, the setting up of a shared services entity and the Health Services Executive Pat Harvey Tom Mooney and was Managing Director of AIB Bank from with Donegal County Council since 1994. In 1988 and Director of Hypertension Programme Structures & Functions of the Health System development of quality control. 1996-2001. He had previously held the position he was seconded to Beaumont Hospital as Chief (1986-92). He is Chairman, Health Research undertaken by Prospectus Ltd for the Primary Community and of Group Financial Director. Mr. Kelly is a former Executive. He was appointed Chairman of the Board of Ireland. Department of Health Each of the Special Action Groups is chaired Continuing Care Directorate Pat Donnelly Frances Spillane Chairman of the Irish Management Institute and Governing Body of Letterkenny Institute of Bernadette Kiberd, Service Planner on the PJ Fitzpatrick is Chief Executive Officer of the Dr. Maureen Gaffney is the Chair of the National jointly by a CEO from one of the Health Boards • former President of the Irish Bankers Federation. Technology in 1997. Mr McLoone was Chairman Primary And Community Group Nationals Hospitals Office Pat Gaughan Paul Barron Courts Service. He is the first person to hold this Economic and Social Forum (NESF). She was and a nominee from the Department of Health of the Irish Blood Transfusion Board from Dr. Donal de Buitleir is General Manager, Office position and successfully managed the recently appointed to the Chair of the National and Children. Geraldine Smith, Internal Auditor on the Shared September 2001 to September 2002. • Shared Services Michael Lyons Larry o’Reilly of the Chief Executive, AIB Group. Prior to joining establishment of the Courts Service as a new, Monitoring Committee for the Programme for Services Group He was a member of the Commission on The ERHA Regional Chief Executive, Michael AIB, he was Assistant Secretary in the Revenue independent, statutory agency. He previously Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Evelyn Jameson Research Officer on HIQA Financial Management and Control Systems in Lyons, is joint chair of the Shared Services group • Governance Maureen Windle John Collins Commissioners. He was Secretary to the held the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Development under the National Development the Health Service. with Larry O Reilly from the DoH&C. Sile Fleming, Director of HR on the HR/IR Commission on Taxation 1980-1985 and a Eastern Health Board. Plan. She was a Law Reform Commissioner from • group Financial Management and Control Sean Hurley Dermot Smyth member of the Barrington Committee on Local Professor Niamh Brennan, a chartered 1986-1996 and a Senior Lecturer and Director of Pat Donnelly Chief Executive of the SWAHB is Liam Downey is the former Chief Executive of A number of staff from our provider agencies Government Reorganisation and Reform (1990). accountant, is Professor of Management at the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology joint Chair of the Action Group on Primary, Mainstreaming of Agencies Paul Robinson Donal Devitt Becton Dickinson Ireland, a medical technology have also been selected to work on the Action Dr. de Buitleir was a member of the Commission University College Dublin. She is Academic at Trinity College Dublin. She is a Council Member Community and Continuing Care Maureen company. He was the President of the Federation Groups. These include Pauline Bryan from the of Financial Management and Control Systems in Director of the Institute of Directors' Centre of the (ESRI) and of the Insurance Ombudsman Windle Chief Executive of the NAHB is joint Chair HIQA Stiofain de Burca Dr. Jim Kiely of Irish Employers and a Trustee and member of SWAHB, Pat Smyth, Chief Executive Leopardstown the Health Service. for Corporate Governance at UCD. Professor of Ireland Council. of the Governance Action Group and Martin the National Executive Council of IBEC. He is Park Hospital, Michael Lyons, Chief Executive of ICT Martin Gallagher Dr. Tony Holhan Brennan recently chaired the Commission Gallagher, Chief Executive of the ECAHB is joint Professor P Anne Scott is Professor of Nursing former Chairman of the Irish Medical Devices Eugene McCague is a Solicitor and Partner with the AMNCH Hospital in Tallaght, Valerie Judge on Financial Management and Control Systems chair of the ICT Action Group. and Head of the School of Nursing at Dublin City Association and is currently a member of the Arthur Cox. He is a graduate of University College Chief Officer EHSS and Kevin McConville of EHSS Communications Sheelah Ryan Catriona Meehan in the Health Service. University. Previously Anne held academic posts Labour Relations Commission. Dublin, a council member of the Dublin Chamber Michael Lyons, Pat Donnelly Maureen Windle and Angela Kerrigan, A/CE NAHB, Jim Ryan, ECAHB, Legislation Pat Mc Loughlin Noel Usher at the University of Stirling, the Glasgow Michael B. Murphy is Dean of Faculty of of Commerce and Chairman of the Transport Nicky Jermyn, Chief Executive of St. Vincent’s John A Murray is Professor of Business Studies, Declan Lyons, Finance Director ECAHB, Martin Caledonian University and the University of Medicine and Professor of Clinical Pharmacology, Committee of the Chamber. He is a member of University Hospital are also members of the HSE School of Business Studies, Trinity College Dublin. Cowley, Chief Executive, Mater Hospital, Joe HR/IR Pat Harvey Bernard Carey Glasgow. Professor Scott is currently a member National University of Ireland Cork. His academic the Board of Co-operation Ireland and a former Action Group. He has held positions at business schools in Lewis, ECAHB , John O’Brien, Chief Executive, St. of the Governing Authority of Dublin City posts include the Postgraduate Fellowship in chairman of the governing body of the Dublin Europe, Asia and America. He is President of the Six other staff members of the ERHA are also James’s Hospital, John Lamont, Chief Executive, Restructuring of DOHC Paul Robinson Frank Ahern University and the Board of Governors of St Clinical Pharmacology at the Royal Postgraduate Institute of Technology. Marketing Institute of Ireland and a board serving on the Special Action Groups. These are: Beaumont Hospital, Derek Green, Chief Executive Vincent's Hospital, Fairview. She is a member of Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London member of the Institute of Public Administration National Rehabilitation Hospital and Alex the Board of the Health Research Board. and University of London (1980-84), Faculty at Liam Woods, Director of Finance on the Connolly, ECAHB. and of St James's Hospital. He was a member of • A matrix-type system will operate to facilitate linkages between the projects. the University of Chicago (1984-1992), and Finance Group • Angela Fitzgerald, Director of Monitoring & Evaluation on the Hospitals Office Group

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ACTION GROUPS

NATIONAL HOSPITALS OFFICE ACTION GROUP HEALTH SERVICES EXECUTIVE ACTION GROUP

Paul Barron, Assistant Secretary, Pat Gaughan, CEO, Angela Fitzgerald, Director, Louise McMahon, Michael Lyons, CEO Tallaght Hospital Prof. Arthur Tanner Tom Mooney, Deputy Secretary, Pat Harvey, Chief Executive, North Nicholas C. Jermyn, Chief Executive, St. Ambrose McLoughlin, Deputy CEO, Pat Donnelly, CEO, South Western Area Department of Health and Children Midland Health Board Monitoring and Evaluation, ERHA Senior Commissioner ERHA Department of Health and Children Western Health Board Vincent's University Hospital Group North eastern Health Board Health Board

Joint Chairs O'Dwyer SHB; Prof. Arthur Tanner, RCSI • To advance proposals on the organisational • Project 1 – to develop proposals to give effect Joint Chairs Dr. Jim Kiely, DoHC; Mary McCarthy, DoHC; Terms of Reference their work in to the final report and (ii) Paul Barron, Pat Gaughan Key Workers/Secretariat Ger Crowley, MWHB; Ambrose McLoughlin, NEHB; working to ensure the development of a well- structure of the National Hospitals Office to the "hospital network" concept and propose Tom Mooney, Pat Harvey To define the roles and functions of the Maureen Windle, NAHB; Nicky Jermyn, Voluntary • structured and integrated HSE. Members Angie Noonan, DoHC, Siobhain Phelan DoHC, within the HSE appropriate legislative basis Statutory HSE with particular regard to the Members Hospitals; Kevin Callinan, HSNPF; David Hughes, Louise McMahon, ERHA. To take account of the work of other relevant Project 2 – project group to prepare a plan for relative roles of the DoHC and the HSE. To develop proposals for the boundaries of the Dr. Eibhlin Connolly DoH&C; John Cregan MHB; • • HSNPF; Liz Canavan, DoHC; Tony O'Brien, • action projects, particularly in relation to the the reconfiguration of the entire acute hospital Dr. Frances Spillane, DOHC; Pat Donnelly, SWAHB; four regional offices of the PCCC Directorate. Antoinette Doocey, DoH&C, Angela Fitzgerald Terms of Reference Breastcheck. Develop specific proposals for mechanisms to HSE, integration with the PCCC sector, system Paul Barron, DoHC; Pat Gaughan, MHB; Michael • ERHA; Desmond Fitzgerald DoH&C; Louise support and improve integration within the To define the role and functions of the governance, and legislation Lyons, ERHA; Larry O’Reilly, DoHC, Simonetta Project Workers/Secretariat McMahon, ERHA; Fergal Lynch DoHC; Nora Lynch • • Project 3 – to drive the implementation of PCCC sector and with acute hospital services. National Hospitals Office, having regard to the Ryan, DoHC; David Smith, DoHC; Bernie Ryan, DoHC; Michael Lyons AMNCH; Tommie Martin, • The Work on the Action Project will be Hanly recommendations in relation to the Kilian McGrane, David Maloney, Joan McKenna, To maintain overall oversight of the projects Government’s decisions on the role and DoHC; Mary McKeon/Tom Murphy, DoF; • Comhairle na nOspideal; Matt Merrigan, National advanced in the context of the developments reduction of NCHD hours and Louise Donnelly. relating to PCCC, NHO and SS (i) incorporating functions of the NHO arising from its Industries secretary, SIPTU; Tom Murphy, DoF, in the following projects: Project 4 – two groups required to begin to consideration of the Prospectus, Brennan, and • Mary McKeon, DoF, Tracey O'Beirne, Gerry implement proposals in pilot areas. Hanley Reports RESTRUCTURING OF THE DEPARTMENT ACTION GROUP HUMAN RESOURCES/INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTION GROUP

Frank Ahern, Paul Robinson, Larry O Reilly, John Devlin, DoHC Chris FizGerald, DoHC Michael Lenihan, Secretary Manager, Assistant Secretary, DoHC Chief Executive, NEHB Principal Officer, DoHC; National Maternity Hospital Bernard Carey, Director, Pat Harvey, CEO, Western Health Board Cate Hartigan, Sile Fleming, Director HR, ERHA Willie Murphy, Larry O Reilly, Principal Officer, Department of Health and Children Asst. Chief Executive, ECAHB Director HR, MWHB Department of Health and Children Joint Chairs Geraldine Luddy, Association of Chief Executives The removal of executive functions to the HSE In considering implementation of its of Health Agencies. • • Joint Chairs Terms of Reference adversely and inappropriately affected by the GMS Contracts (GP and Pharmacy) Frank Ahern, Paul Robinson The addition of policy-making functions from recommendations, the group will have implementation process; Project worker and secretariat • Bernard Carey, Pat Harvey To develop an industrial relations strategy to Development of management position in relation Members the mainstreaming project particular regard to the scope for utilising the ensure that: To outline the principal elements of the HR to the negotiation of new contracts taking Marie Dullea. provisions of the Public Service Management Members Dave Woulfe, DoHC; Deirdre Walsh, DoHC; Dr. The commitment to a population health agenda to inform the development of a HR account of the recommendations in both the • Act, the Public Service Management and Potential flashpoints in relation to the John Devlin, DoHC; Oilbhe O'Donoghue, DoHC; Terms of reference approach set out in the Health Strategy and William Beausang, DoHC; Gerard Barry, HSEA; • strategy in Phase II Prospectus and Brennan Commission Reports Development Programme and other change implementation of the reports are raised early Angela Noonan, DoHC; Chris Fitzgerald The respective roles and the relationship Pat Ring, DoF; Willie Murphy, NWHB; To define the function and organisation of the • management tools to support formal To co-ordinate with other groups to ensure that NCHD and Hospital Consultant Contracts DoHC,;Larry O'Reilly DoHC; Jimmy Duggan DoHC; between the Department and the HSE Sile Fleming, ERHA; Gerard O’Callaghan, Appropriate mechanisms/processes for Department of Health and Children by: delegation for responsibilities to appropriate • any changes in the restructuring/new structures Seamus Maguire DoHC; Michael Errity, DoF, and HIQA South Infirmary Hospital, Larry O’Reilly, DoHC, managing implementation of reform decisions Development of a Management position in officers are reflected in negotiations Michael Lenihan, National Maternity Hospital, identifying an appropriate structure for the and OHM rep. are developed relation to the negotiation of new contracts Alan Aylward, DoHC, Simonetta Ryan, DoHC, Department in light of and proposals to reflect: Reform decisions are negotiated within the To provide overall oversight to the projects taking account of the recommendations made in Project Workers/Secretariat • financial parameters and timeframe of the outlined below both the Prospectus and Brennan Commission Killian McGrane/Cat Hartigan, Pauline Redmond, project and To liaise and negotiate with representative Reports • Existing processes and negotiations are not bodies HIQA ACTION GROUP

GOVERNANCE ACTION GROUP

Dr. Jim Kiely, Chief Medical Officer, Stiofain de Burca, CEO MWHB Dr. Pat Doorley, Midland Health Board Dr. Kevin Kelliher, Angela Kerrigan, Evelyn Jameson, ERHA Department of Health and Children Midwestern Health Board Asst. Chief Executive, NAHB

John Collins, Chief Executive Officer, Maureen Windle, Chief Executive, John Cregan, HeBe/MHB John O Brien, Chief Executive, Joint Chairs Evelyn Jameson, ERHA; Harry Comber, NCR; Ruth Terms of reference 3. HTA having regard to the population health Adoption Board NAHB St. James's Hospital Barrington HRB; Derval Igoe, NDSC; Fintan actions outlined in The National Health Dr. Jim Kiely, Stiofán De Burca To define the roles and functions of HIQA with Hourihan, HSNPF; John O’Brien, Accreditation Strategy: Quality and Fairness particular regard to the respective roles of the Join Chairs Partnership Forum Project; Dr. Sean Conroy, Keyworkers/Secretariat the basis of the guiding principles emerging from Members Board; Hugh Magee, DoHC; Charlie Hardy, DoHC; DoHC and the HSE 4. Ensuring that best possible outcomes are John Cregan, HeBe, MHB; Fergal Lynch, DoHC; leading practice and the critical elements of John Lamont, Beaumont Hospital, John Collins, Maureen Windle Eileen Keogh, Winifred Ryan, John O’Farrell. Brian Mullen, DoHC; Dr. Tony Holohan, DoHC; Paul achieved within available resources Mary Golden, DoHC; David Smith, DoHC; effective governance and accountability set out in To outline the structures required McKiernan, DoHC; Dr. Eibhlin Connolly, DoHC; Project Workers/Secretariat To describe the policy environment, legislative Members Brendan Ingoldsby, DoHC; Kieran Feely, DoHC; Terms of Reference the Brennan, Prospectus, Deloitte & Touche GMS to implement Mary Jackson, DoHC; John Cregan, HeBe; and other relevant reports. Mary McKeon, DoF; Dr. Pat Doorley, MHB; Dr. and operational requirements to enable HIQA to Dr. John Devlin, DoHC; Dr. Sean Conroy, WHB; To develop guidelines for governance and Siobhan O’Halloran, John O’Farrell, Brenda Kelly. Mary Mulligan; NEHB; Mary McKeon, DoF; Kevin Kelleher, MWHB; Mary Culliton, MHB; 1. HIS discharge its responsibilities. Donal Duffy, Health Service Providers, National accountability for all social service agencies on John O’Brien; St. James’s Hospital. Angela Kerrigan, NAHB; Carmel Higgins, WHB; 2. Quality Assurance

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ACTION GROUPS

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL ACTION GROUP COMMUNICATIONS ACTION GROUP

Caitriona Meehan, Dr. Sheelagh Ryan, CEO, WHB Phil Shovlin, NWHB Rosaleen Harlin, NEHB Dymphna Bracken, MHB Alex Connolly, ECAHB Dermot Smyth, Sean Hurley, CEO, SHB Anne Doherty, SHB Liam Woods, Director Finance, ERHA Raymonde Sullivan Declan Lyons, SWAHB Chief Press Officer, DoHC Assistant Secretary, DoHC Joint Chairs Dymphna Bracken, MHB; Rosaleen Harlin, NEHB; Terms of Reference Ongoing monitoring and review, building in the Joint Chairs Funding & Budget Management Phil Shovlin, NWHB; Alex Connolly, ECAHB; Liz • A preliminary examination of standard The application, in light of the new structures, Catriona Meehan, Dr. Sheelagh Ryan. The role of this group is to oversee the learning to ensure a quality process before - • Canavan, DOHC, Larry Walsh, HSNPF. • Dermot Smyth and Sean Hurley Members development, implementation and co- financial reporting under agreed Care of the results of the existing HeBE project on Members being reshaped, as/if appropriate for phase 2. Group definitions guidelines for strategic implementation plans, Project workers/secretariat ordination of the entire communications Members Dermot Magan, Chair, DoHC; Gerry Kenny, DoF; standardised service plans and performance Brendan Phelan, DoHC; Mary McLoughlin, DoHC; strategy for the reform programme. Liam Woods, ERHA; Martin Cowley, CEO, Mater A description of what linkages should exist Mary Morrissey; Joan McKenna, Louise Donnelly. D. Magan, DoHC; A. Doherty, SHB; E Watters - indicators, including methods for Chris Costello, DoHC; Dr. Eibhlin Connolly, DoHC; Hospital; Ross Hattaway, DoHC; between reported AFS results and annual • To support the project office and action DoHC; D. Lyons, SWAHB; R. O’Keefe, DoHC; J. plan monitoring Maeve O’Connor, DoHC; Derek Green, National Claude Grealy, DoHC; Harry Harris, DoHC; Service Plans activity projects in any communications or media Mooney, DoF Rehabilitation Hospital; Libby Kinneen, WHB; management processes as required Dr. John Devlin, DoHC; - A description of what linkages should exist • Information requirements including Project Workers/Secretariat between Integrated Management Reporting performance indicator development integration Secretariat of information such as enhanced IMRs Winfred Ryan, Fiona Prendergast, Edel O’Connor. (IMRs) and the final SAFS and strategy reporting into the service Emma Morgan, DoHC A description of what linkages should exist LEGISLATION ACTION GROUP Terms of Reference - plans and associated monitoring and Terms of Reference between the SAFS and the Annual Report evaluation processes To advance the Government decision on those A description of what linkages should exist • Taking account of the recommendations set out - Assess the role of HIQA in service planning recommendations in the Brennan and between the SAFS and employment • in the Brennan and Prospectus Reports as Prospectus Reports which relate to financial control/census The approach required to create operational endorsed by Government, prepare: • management and control plans which are needed as a basis for the To set terms of reference for the various action An initial paper making recommendations on creation of the national service • • Set out a high level accounting protocol to project sub-committees so that all relevant the specific funding and budget management Defining appropriate departmental budgets, facilitate transition planning from existing • issues are considered, that replication is responsibilities of which must be capable in the future of being structures to the new reformed structures. avoided and that each is aware of the issues The Department of Health and Children; developed into individual budgets - This will require involvement with the being considered by other committees - Health Services Executive (HSE); following parties To adopt and amend the reports of the Action National Hospital Office and hospitals reporting • - Comptroller and Auditor General’s Office Capital Noel Usher, Director, DoHC Pat McLoughlin, CEO, SEHB John Lamont, CEO, Beaumont Hospital Dara Purcell, SEHB Olwyn McWeeney, WHB Project sub-committees prior to submission to to it; • the overall steering group Health Board Executive and Financial Members Regional Health Offices and units reporting • - Management to it; Richard O’Keefe (Chair) DoHC; Mary Hogan, DoHC; Joint Chairs Lamont, Beaumont Hospital; Donal Duffy, HSNPF; Terms of Reference such other consequential legislative changes Statutory Bodies Executive staff Raymonde O’Sullivan, SHB; Michael Murchan, Nora Lynch, DoHC; as may be necessary Sub-Groups With specific regard to the relationship • Noel Usher, Pat McLoughlin. Scoping the full range of legislative - DoHC; Terry Woulfe-Flanagan, DoHC; Paul de • between the national service plan of the HSE Secretariat implications arising from the reform • To liaise closely with the chairs of each group Freine, DoHC; Dave Wolfe, DoHC; Seoirse Members regarding emerging legislative implications Risk Including Fraud and the new funding/budget structures Identify legislative implications for the effective programme O’hAodha, NEHB; Joe Molloy, WHB. Margaret Corroon/Liam Preston. relevant to their terms of reference and other implementation of the developments on David Smith, DoHC; David Maloney, DoHC; Agnela The preparation of legislation to provide the Chair • action projects accounting and reporting Secretariat O’Floinn, DoHC (legal adviser); Christine O’Rourke, statutory basis for the new agencies and their An initial paper incorporating recommendations Declan Lyons SWAHB; AG’s office, Jennifer Payne, AG’s office; Dara functions, accountability framework, etc., and emerging from a review of case mix as the key From an accounting perspective, make Sheila Kulkarni, DoHC. Purcell, SEHB; Olwyn McWeeney, WHB; John recommendations on effecting the transition Members element in funding acute and non-acute Terms of Reference programmes. Consideration of where the from the current structure to the new structure. Brian Donovan, DoHC; Fintan Fagan, casemix function should lie - the HSE or the Taking account of the recommendations set out Rotunda Hospital; Brendan Pehlan, DoHC; NHO? The paper should outline plans for in the Brennan John Crean, C&AG's office. increasing the casemix percentages used in Service Planning and Prospectus Reports as endorsed by ICT ACTION GROUP government to: Secretariat determining funding. Members Devise a structure for the management Frank Hughes, DoHC. An initial paper considering Activity Based Ann Doherty (Chair) SHB; Joe Mooney, DoF; • Costing as a tool for decision making and funding of capital developments under the Terms of Reference Charlie Hardy DoHC; Eileen Keogh, DoHC; Robbie following headings: Breen, DoHC; Brendan Ingoldsby, DoHC; Phil Taking account of the recommendations set out • O’Shea, NPF; Ciara O’Shea, DoHC; Aidan Brown - Business Planning in the Brennan and Prospectus reports as Accounting NEHB; Dr. John Devlin, DoHC Option Appraisal endorsed by Government to - Members Secretariat Project Management Assess current position of risk assessment and - - Annual and rolling capital plan management in the health agencies Eunan Watters (Chair) DoHC; Diarmuid Collins, Paul Hearty CoHC. - MHB; Eileen Duffy, DoHC; Tim Kinnelly, CEO St. Current year cash management Advise on the role of the Risk Assessment - - John’s Hospital; Helen Minogue, DoHC; Terms of Reference Units, in the Department of Health and Capital Programme modelling and Michael Buckley, C&AG's office. - Dr. Tony Holohan, Martin Gallagher, CEO, ECAHB Gavin McGuire, Director of Finance, John Kenny MHB John O Brien, Chief Executive, Louise McMahon, Children and the Health Service Executive Taking account of the recommendations set out management Deputy Chief Medical Officer, DoHC ECAHB St. James's Hospital Senior Commissioner ERHA in the Brennan and Prospectus Reports as Consider the appropriateness of a Risk Secretariat Integration of Revenue and Capital - endorsed by government to: - Joint Chairs Keyworker Terms of Reference Assessment Unit in the National Hospital’s Sinead Scanlon, DoHC. • ICT contracted developments. Office Dr. Tony Holohan, Martin Gallagher Louise McMahon To develop a framework to support a single Prepare a report outlining the future To ensure that ICT elements of all other action Terms of Reference system-wide approach to the development of - Prepare report on best practice in terms of risk • Specify and agree: management of the capital programme Members Secretariat projects are consistent with the overall ICT assessment and management in the health Taking account of the recommendations set out ICT-based government decisions in relation to: Template and format for national service by the HSE: Kevin Conlon, DoHC; Aidan Clancy, DoHC; Joe framework. agencies to cover acute and non-acute areas in the Brennan - Liam Preston planning taking account of the work Lewis ECAHB; Gavin Maquire ECAHB; John Kenny, The National Health Information Strategy and Prospectus Reports as endorsed by An initial paper outlining appropriate Estate • To develop a written fraud policy for the already undertaken by the HeBE Service MHB; Alan Price SEHB; Ursula O’Sullivan SHB; John Brennan and Prospectus Report and on - government to: Management and Asset Register Protocols • health agencies Planning Group O’Brien, St. James’s Hospital; Chris Costello, DoHC; appropriate elements of the An initial examination of the need to make - Risk assessment and management in relation • Prepare a report incorporating: General content and information requirements Richard Nolan, DoHC; Dermot Halpin, DoHC; ICT Strategy developed by HeBE and - provision for an Annual Minor Capital Programme • to Governance - Standardised presentation formats for Statutory - Process and methodology Tim McCarthy, DoHC. Annual Financial Statements (SAFS) for The group will advise on publication within Agency Annual Reports;

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ACTION GROUPS

€40 MILLION HEART HEALTH ACTION PLAN LAUNCHED PRIMARY, COMMUNITY AND CONTINUING CARE ACTION GROUP A €40 million roadmap to combat heart disease among the 1.4 million people living in the Eastern Region has been launched by the Minister for Health and Children, Mr. Micheál Martin, T.D.

The four-year Action plan drawn up by the ERHA Lyons said at the launch. To promote prevention among those already targets six main areas – health promotion, • suffering from coronary heart disease by "Hospital discharges in the east are also primary care, pre-hospital care, hospital care, introducing individual health passports to increasing, due to increased survival the cardiac rehabilitation, and information gathering facilitate care from relevant professionals changing nature of the disease to that of a and research. The planned developments include chronic one and to the effect of an ageing the introduction of a ‘health passport’ for all To introduce counselling services for those at • population. Thanks to faster treatment and individuals suffering from heart disease; the high risk of heart disease better medication, living with heart disease introduction of chest pain assessment units in all To improve detection and treatment of • remains a reality for thousands of people and hospitals, and a campaign to encourage people undiagnosed diabetes in patients with heart their families. to seek immediate medical help if they are disease Frances Spillane, National Children's Pat Donnelly, CEO, SWAHB Priya Prednergast, WHB Bernadette Kiberd, Service Planner, Tom Kelly, NWHB Pauline Bryan, Director of Acute experiencing chest pain. "However risk factors for heart disease are high Office Primary Care, ERHA Services, Primary Care, SWAHB That all GPs should be offered courses to At the recent launch of the ERHA Heart Health Action Plan, • in Ireland, and a number of them are strongly Over the next four years it is planned enable them to help their patients to give up were from left, Ms. Doreen Bracken, Physiotherapist, James Joint Chairs Bernadette Kiberd (ERHA – Primary Care & Brian O’Donnell (Health Service National related to social class. Connolly Memorial Hospital, Prof Michael Walsh, Cardiology To advance proposals on the organisation of smoking Cardiovascular Health Strategy) Partnership Forum) • That food and industry sectors should integrate Department, St. James’s Hospital, Dr Peter Crean, Cardiologist, Frances Spillane, Pat Donnelly the Primary, Community and Continuing Care • To introduce an individual health passport for "In addition, there is inequality regarding heart St. James’s, Ms. Bernadette Kiberd, Service Planner, Primary heart health policies into their business plans • Tom Murphy (Department of Finance) Des Kavanagh (Health Service National disease in the Eastern Region. For example: Care, ERHA; and Ms. Jo-Ann Campbell, Manager of Crest Members Directorate of the HSE all patients with heart disease Partnership Forum) To develop a partnership with the media to Directorate St James. Bairbre Nic Aongusa (DoHC – Mental Health (i) incorporating the development of a single • To initiate a national public education Males are twice as likely to die from heart Pauline Bryan (SWAHB –Director of Acute Services raise public and political awareness of risk • • Services) Key Workers system of primary, community, and continuing campaign on the importance of immediately disease than females Primary Care) factors for heart disease partnership approach of individuals, groups and care services centred on the primary care model seeking emergency services when suspected organizations reflecting all players is critical to Mary O’Neill (DoHC – Nursing Policy Division) Cate Hartigan ECAHB, Ms Mary Morrissey. That the Authority and the area health boards • Some geographical differences exist: the Fergal Goodman (DoHC – Primary Care Task of care and • chest pain occurs the successful implementation of this Action should target disadvantaged areas and Northern Area Health Board and the South Force) Priya Prendergast (WHB – G.M. Galway Secretariat To establish chest pain units in all A&E Plan" Mr. Lyons said. (ii) having regard to the overall structure of four population groups Western Area Health Board have significantly Community Services) • Dora Hennessy (DoHC – Child Care Policy Unit) Edel O’Connor. regional health offices and 32 local health offices hospitals higher death rates. Pat Smyth (Leopardstown Park Hospital) set out in the Government decision. To establish heart failure services in each "In the past three years the Government has Dr Tony Holohan (DoHC – C.M.O.’s Office) Terms of Reference • hospitals spent ¤12.52 million in developing heart Eilish Timoney (DoHC – Community Health) Tom Kelly (Assistant CEO North Western Health • To define the role and functions of the PCCC • To establish a consultant-led cardiology service services in the east in line with the Authority’s Board) Directorate as one of three pillars of the HSE in each hospital, with the appointment of a Cardiovascular Strategy. The Action Plan was significant number of additional consultant drawn up by an expert working group chaired by cardiologists Dr.Siobhán Jennings, Consultant Public Health Specialist, Eastern Regional health Authority • To provide quality-assured cardiac rehabilitation service to all eligible patients. "The Authority is committed to the "Ireland has the highest death rate from heart implementation of this Action Plan and will do disease among people under 65 in the EU. While everything within its resources to ensure that the Also at the launch of the Heart Health Action Plan were, from Officially launching the Heart Health Action plan was the deaths from heart disease are declining in the excellent momentum achieved is maintained to left, Ms. Marie Lordon Dunphy, Northern Area Health Board, Dr Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, address all the challenges enumerated in the Marie Laffoy, Director, Public Health, ERHA, Dr Siobhan Jennings, Mr. Ivor Callely, T.D., with Ms. Bernadette Kiberd, Service eastern region, it still causes one-quarter of all Specialist in Public Health Medicine, ERHA, and Dr Joseph Galvin, Planner, Primary Care, ERHA, and the Regional Chief Executive deaths," the Regional Chief Executive of the report. But neither the Authority nor the Department of Cardiology, James Connoly Memorial Hospital. of the ERHA, Mr. Michael Lyons. Eastern Regional Health Authority, Mr. Michael Steering Group can do this alone. The positive

Larry O Reilly, DoHC Michael Lyons, Regional CEO, ERHA Geraldine Smith, Director of Audit, ERHA Valerie Judge, Chief Officer, EHSS Jack Somers, SHB Dr. Elizabetrh Keane, SHB ERHA LAUNCHES NEW PROCEDURES TO DEAL WITH COMPLAINTS ABOUT NATIONAL SHARED SERVICES ACTION GROUP HEALTH SERVICES IN THE EASTERN REGION

Joint Chairs DoHC; Mr. Nicky Keogh, HSNPF; Identifying services to be provided through the Examining and putting proposals on how Mr. Paddy Burke, GMS, Martin Cowley, • • The Eastern Regional Health Authority has to launched new procedures to deal with complaints about the health and personal social services Larry O’Reilly, Michael Lyons NSSC, commenting on the feasibility and value existing infrastructures can be used or adapted Mater Hospital. from those who use them in the eastern region. At the launch of the new ERHA procedures to deal with Members for money benefits of the development of Estimating indicative costs for the development Project Workers/Secretariat • complaints were, from left, Mr. Alastair Graham, Management The new complaints framework provides were very happy with them. It ensures that their complaint will be fully specific shared services and protecting the of shared services taking into account Consultant; the Regional CEO of the ERHA, Mr. Michael Lyons; Kevin Conlon DoHC; Richard Nolan, DoHC; Dr. longer-term sustainability of the health standardised systems across the region among recorded. It also provides the option of an Killian McGrane, John O’Farrell, Brenda Kelly, predicted savings on existing services the Chairman, Ald. Joe Doyle; and the ERHA Director of However, a small number, or 7% of those Rosemary Boothman, DoHC; Peter Ryan, SEHB; all service providers to deal with complaints. It independent review " he said. services by ensuring the best possible (revenue) and predicted priority investment Corporate Services, Mr. Martin Devine. interviewed, had made a complaint, and a Jackie Reed, MHB; Jack Somers, SHB; Valerie Terms of Reference provides training to staff to help them cope structures and systems, including the effective (capital) required number of these were not satisfied with the The Regional Chief Executive of the Eastern Judge EHSS, Kevin McConville, EHSS; Pat Dolan efficiently and sympathetically with complaints, To develop proposals for the establishment of a exploitation of ICTs; and handling and outcome of their complaint. Regional Health Authority, Mr. Michael Lyons said NWHB; Dr. Elizabeth Keane, SHB; Geraldine Smith, • To maintain overall oversight of the and inaugurates a new three-step system to national shared services centre as one of the Exploring new and innovative service delivery that the benefits of the framework would include ERHA; Larry Dunne, DoF; Jim Murphy, • development of recommendations of the ICT ensure that if a person does not receive "The challenge for those providing services in our three pillars of the HSE, including: options including outsourcing the introduction of a standardised approach to Action Project Committee to ensure adequate satisfaction initially they can take their region is to convince these people who make a the handling of complaints resulting in greater regard to the development of new structures complaint further. complaint that they matter and that we are equity. It would also provide a simpler process and in particular shared services. prepared to deal seriously with their complaints. The three pronged system provides for resolution for people to make complaints; common Where standards of care, treatment and practice of complaints at local level where at all possible. principles and procedures to ensure a standard fall short it is important that those who make a Pictured with the ERHA Chairman, Ald. Joe Doyle are, from left: Where this is not possible complaints will be comprehensive complaint record; and the complaint should know that they will be listened Mr. Ned Byrne, CEO, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Fairview, Ms. Trixie referred to the Chief Executive of the agency independent chairing of reviews. Geekie, National Rehabilitation Hospital; Mr. Matt Merrigan, to" he said. STREAMLINING OF AGENCIES ACTION GROUP involved and if no resolved at this stage, will go Ombudsman’s Office; Ms. Eileen Kehoe, DoHC; and Mr. David In preparation for the implementation of the to independent review. The survey showed that what people wanted Smyth, DoHC. framework, it was intended to pilot the new Joint Chairs Secretariat when they made a complaint was to have it The procedures aim to be ‘people-centred’, procedure in the region. At the conclusion of the heard promptly, and that it should be handled Donal Devitt, Paul Robinson Liam Preston DoHC. prompt, efficient, and sympathetic. They will pilot phase the views of complainants, their efficiently and sympathetically, he said. ensure that where a mistake has occurred, or families and staff handling complaints would be Members Terms of Reference poor service has been delivered, the complainant When a mistake has been made, or poor service sought on the effectiveness of the new Dr. Rosemary Boothman, DoHC; Eamonn Corcoran, DoHC; In consultation with the management of the relevant agencies, to will receive an apology and the assurance that delivered, they wanted to receive an apology framework, he said. Eddie Flood, DoHC, Brendan Mulligan,HSEA; Deirdre Walsh,DoHC; devise the means and timeframes for the streamlining of identified the organisation concerned will take steps to and an assurance that the mistake would not The Authority’s Director of Corporate Services, Mr. James O’Grady, MWHB; Jane Carolan,NEHB; Jim Ryan, ECAHB; Terry agencies into the HSE/DOHC/and HIQA including: prevent a recurrence. be made again. The aim of the new framework Martin Devine, said that in the course of the Walsh, DoF; Cormac Walsh, DoHC; Gerry O’Toole, HSNPF, Mary was to provide a more effective way of dealing Timetable for the phased implementation Also seen at the launch are, from left, Ms. Noeleen Flinter, St. Launching the new framework, the Chairman of review a number of issues were identified as • with complaints. McLoughlin, DoHC. James’s Hospital; Ms. Helen Stokes, ERHA Board Liaison Officer, Identification of the legislative provisions to give effect to the the Eastern Regional Health Authority, Ald. Joe being relevant to the establishment of an • the Chairman of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, Ald Joe Donal Devitt, Assistant Secretary, DoHC Paul Robinson, CEO, NEHB Key Workers Doyle, said that the findings of the recent People "It ensures that people who complain will enhanced complaints procedure. These included streamlining (into existing and new organisations) Doyle, Mr. John Davis, Board Secretary, ECAHB; Ms. Brenda Matter survey carried out by the ERHA showed receive fair and equal treatment no matter who staff training, advocacy issues, customer services Siobhan O’Halloran, DoHC; Brenda Kelly, NWHB. Working closely with the HR/IR group in devising a protocol for Whelan, Patient Support Manager, Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick • that the majority of people in the region who they are or what their status is. It makes it and a regional database to support the process managing the staff-related issues. Children, Crumlin; Ms. Ann Tolan, Director of Nursing, Leopardstown Park Hospital; and Ms. Veronica Lacey, Assistant had used the health and personal social services simpler for them to make a complaint. of handling complaints. Director of Nursing at Leopardstown Park Hospital.

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DEREK DOCKERY AWARDS

Other finalists in this category:

Woodlands Park

In April 2001, a nurse at Woodlands Unit for Older People in James Connolly Memorial Hospital suggested that a garden would improve and enhance the quality of life of the thirty high-dependency residents. The garden was developed in partnership between JCM Hospital - Woodland staff, health promotion, hospital management,

Mountjoy prison officers and prisoners, the families of residents and Attending the awards ceremony were the family of the late Derek Dockery, from left to local community groups. The garden has made a huge difference to right, family friend Nicola Kenny, daughters Lisa and Sharon, widow Mrs. Mary Dockery, the lives of the residents as it provides them with a beautiful place sister Mrs. Carmel Long, and son Ronan.

Winners in Category 2 and overall winners of the perpetual trophy the COPD Team from Beaumont The Taoiseach Mr. Bertie Ahern, TD, with The Rainbow Clinic Team, Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, finalists in Category 1: Ms. Michele Goode, Finalists in Category 3 – Innovations in Improving Services for Marginalised Groups, to spend time with their families and generally enjoy life in an Hospital. They are seen here, with from left, Ald. Joe Doyle, Chairman of the Eastern Regional Health Ms. Emma Noonan ,Member of the Woodlands Team Infectious Disease Clinical Nurse Specialist; Margaret O Meara, Infectious Disease Clinical Nurse Woodlands Project – the team included Mr. John Malone, Mr. Micke Portelle, Mr. Sam environmentally friendly ambience. President Mary McAleese Authority, and team members Ms. Claire Byrne, Clinical Nurse Manager, Dr. Richard Costello, COPD Specialist;Dr. Karina Butler, Paediatric Infectious Disease Consultant; The Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., Kelly, Ms. Kathy Kavanagh, Ms. Marie Hoey, Ms. Joan Gorman, Ms. Kathleen Harte, Ms officially opened the garden in September last year 2002, Outreach Team; Pat O’Loughlin, IPB Mutual Insurances Ltd.; An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., and Mr. and Ms. Eilis Hayes, Infectious Disease Clinical Nurse Specialist. Eileen O’Doherty, and, seated, Ms. Emma Noonan. and the garden continues to develop with the help of the team Michael Lyons, Chief Executive, Eastern Regional Health Authority. from Mountjoy. Category 2: Care Provided to Clients in the Community Dedicated Haemoglobinopathy Clinic, Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick OUTREACH TEAM FROM BEAUMONT WINS OVERALL DEREK DOCKERY AWARD The winner in this category: (and the overall winner) Children, Crumlin

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Outreach Team, Beaumont The dedicated Haemoglobinopathy Clinic at Our Lady’s Hospital for The Derek Dockery Innovation Awards were instituted in memory of the contribution to the health services of the late Derek Dockery. Derek, who worked for the ERHA at the time of his Hospital Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) also known Sick Children provides comprehensive screening, diagnostic and death, was a former Chief Executive of the Children's Hospital, Harcourt Street, amd the Meath Hospital, and also worked in a number of other voluntary hsoptials as well as contributing as chronic bronchitis and emphysema is a common respiratory therapeutic services for children with haemoglobinopathy disorders, Members of the team which carried out the Kilcock Community Alcohol Awareness extensively to the ongoing education and development of staff in the health services. The winners of the overall innovation award was the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Outreach condition. In September 2001 Beaumont Hospital commenced a the most common being sickle cell disease. In the first six months Project which was a finalist in category 2: - Back (l-r) : Hugh Kane Assistant Chief Team from Beaumont Hospital. COPD Outreach programme to provide care at home for patients of 2003, 350 haemoglobinopathy diagnoses were recorded in Executive, SWAHB; Liam Reilly, Kilcock Traders Association; Sheila Wright, Health with COPD infection who would otherwise require hospitalisation. Ireland, and 174 of these were diagnosed at the newly instituted Promotion; Fr. P.J. Byrne, PP, Kilcock; Martin Rogan, Assistant Chief Executive, SWAHB. Front (l-r): Marion Rackard, Senior Counsellor; Aileen Dooley, Drugs Aids Helpline; Laura Presenting the awards, the Taoiseach said that this was a unique The winning projects and the finalists in each of the four The team, comprising a respiratory physiotherapist and nurse, haemoglobinopathy clinic at Our Lady’s. The treatment of Molloy, Health Promotions Catherine Brogan, Suicide Resource & Mental Health provides a high-quality, professional, holistic patient-focused opportunity to acknowledge, with great appreciation, the categories were: haemoglobinopathies is a new and challenging area for healthcare Promotion Officer; Martina Queally, Director of Health Promotion, SWAHB. contribution of people whose commitment and vision have made a service in the patient’s home, which aims to improve the patient's professionals in Ireland. The clinic commenced in October 2002 and Category 1: Care provided to clients in health facilities: very significant difference to the quality of health services quality of life and increase their social functioning. This bridges due to the increase in patient referrals now operates two sessions throughout the country. Winner in this category: Parents Plus Programme - Department of the gap between hospital and community by providing a safe per week. Child and Family Psychiatry, Mater Misericordiae Hospital transition home. "To each of this year's finalists, I convey my heartfelt Category 4: Innovations in management and administration congratulations. This is an occasion when we celebrate your This practical and positive video-based parenting course is designed Other finalists in this category were: Home First, Beaumont of services/support unparalleled work, and dedication to enhancing the health services to support and empower parents to manage and solve discipline Hospital/Northern Area Health Board The Winner in this category was: Recruitment, St. James’s Hospital in your specific area. Your vision, commitment, and innovation are problems, to create satisfying and enjoyable family relationships Home First is an initiative developed in partnership between the an inspiration to us all. Such attributes always have a ripple effect and to help children and adolescents to grow up and reach their full ERHA, the Northern Area Health Board and Beaumont Hospital, St. James’s Hospital recognised that in an internationally competitive that reaches far and wide and invariably leads, in the long term, to potential. Targeted at both children within the normal range of which aims to enable and support older people who are clinically employment market, an effective recruitment strategy was a critical improved delivery of services for all our people," he said. development as well as children with special needs such as discharged from Beaumont Hospital to return home to live if that is requirement. In late 2001, the process began with extensive focus attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, speech and language and group research within St. James’s Hospital. A dedicated recruitment "I knew the late Derek Dockery for many years. Having seen the what they choose to do. The project provides home-based services Members of the Peter Bradley foundation, which was the winner in Category 3 – The Eastern Health Shared Services team who were finalists in Category 4, included, other developmental problems, the Parents Plus Programmes are website, www.stjamescareers.ie, followed in mid-2002. The Improving Services for Marginalised Groups. Seen here, from left are Mr. Michael Lyons, fruits of his foresight and innovation, I believe it most fitting that for older people who wish to live at home, and represents a from right, Ms. Judith Maxwell, Mr. John Smith, Director Employee Services, EHSS, ideal as interventions particularly in child and adolescent mental initiative delivered higher response ratios, more suitable candidates Regional Chief Executive, Eastern Regional Health Authority, Ald. Joe Doyle, Chairman of pictured with EHSS Chief Officer Ms. Valerie Judge, Mr. Pearse Costello, HR Director these awards are named in his honour. The Awards remind us of seamless and integrated partnership between the primary care health services. The focus of the Parents Plus Programmes is and reduced the average cost by 60% in the first 18 months. This the Eastern Regional Health Authority, Ms. Lisa Dockery, Ms. Barbara O’Connell, CEO of ECAHB, Ms. Valerie Wade, EHSS, and Mr. Declan Hynes, EHSS Training and Development. the great legacy that Derek has left this country in the vital area of team, the acute hospital and other agencies to ensure the delivery the Peter Bradley Foundation, Ms. Esther Bradley (Peter’s mother) his sister and brother, positive, aiming to build on parents' strengths and help them not derives from both effective media space utilisation and sourcing the health services and in the promotion of education and training of quality care for older people. One of the innovative aspects of Paula and Peter Bradley, Ms. Liz Cusack, Residential Manager, Peter Bradley Foundation, only to manage discipline and developmental problems but also to applicants from web-based advertising. Managers with advertised in health services management" the Taoiseach added. the project is that it places the older person who uses its services at Mr. Davic Buxonat, Rehab Assistant, Peter Bradley Foundation, Mr. Alex Bradley, Peter’s have more enjoyable and satisfying relationships with their children. its centre, and the package of home care reflects the choices of that vacancies are provided with a proof of any media display before Father, and An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D. Twelve teams were named as finalists in the Derek Dockery publication, and advised of the relevant costs to the placement. This The other finalists in this category were: Department of Respiratory person. He or she is supported by the care organiser, who maintains Awards, with four winners selected from these finalists. From these, has led to an increased awareness of recruitment spend, and Medicine, James Connolly Memorial Hospital a supportive, caring relationship with the older person. To date, over the overall award for the most significant project was won by an eighty dependent older people have benefited from Home First, increased collaboration and joint decision-making when planning Early diagnosis of lung cancer is vital in the successful treatment of outreach team from Beaumont Hospital, which provides care at and the scheme is currently being extended throughout the recruitment initiatives. home for patients with chronic bronchitis or emphysema who this disease, which now accounts for more deaths than any other eastern region. Other finalists in this category were: Eastern Health Shared Services would otherwise need to be hospitalised. cancer. Under the direction of Consultant Respiratory Physician, Dr. Training & Development Services Conor Burke, this project put in place a fast track evaluation, biopsy, The Community Alcohol Awareness Project This team was presented with the overall glass and Kilkenny marble pathological and radiological investigation service at James Connolly EHSS delivers training and development services to the ERHA, EHSS trophy by the Taoiseach. Awards of miniature copies of the trophy In April 2002, The South Western Area Health Board identified Memorial Hospital, and all 200 patients seen to date have been and three Area Health Boards and has developed the former nurses’ were also presented to the winners in each of the four categories. Community Mobilisation as a method of tackling alcohol misuse. A successfully evaluated within one week of initial referral. This was home in St. Mary’s Hospital, Phoenix Park into a Training & These, and the finalists in each category, are listed below. project team was assembled including staff from Community achieved through partnership between referring doctors and the Development Centre. A team of four Employee Development Alcohol Services, Health Promotion, Suicide Prevention, Addiction The Team from St. James’s Hospital Recruitment Department, who won in Category 4, Entries were received from a wide range of services and providers. existing medical, nursing and administrative staff. The project has Officers were recruited, and it is estimated that the project will be Members of the Occupational Therapy Team from Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Services and Communications. This group worked with local Innovation in Management and Administration. From left, Ald. Joe Doyle, Chairman of Crumlin, finalists in Category 4, Innovation in Management and Administration, from left, The judging panel was chaired by Ms Justice Catherine McGuinness, had positive effects on waiting lists and the need for casualty community leaders in the Kilcock area, including Gardaí, Teachers, self-financing within two to three years as the centre obviates the the Eastern Regional Health Authority, David Aberdeen, HR Director, St. James’s Hospital, Ms. Breda Butler, Recruitment Manager, Ronan Dockery, Derek’s son, Sarah Cunnea, Ms. Antoinette Steele and Ms. Kathleen Devlin Rooney. and the other members included solicitor and former Chair of the referrals, and has been of immense satisfaction to patients and Voluntary and Community Groups, Clergy, Health Care Staff and need to hire trainers and training venues. The ability to create Hospice Movement, Dr. Mary Redmond; broadcaster and writer Mr. their families. training solutions which are purpose built and cost effective for five rectruitment, An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., Paula Philips, Recruitment, Nathan Local Publicans to identify key messages and to communicate these Bray, recruitment, Joan Treacy, recruitment, and Mr. Michael Lyons, Regional Chief John Quinn, and former Regional Chief Executive of the ERHA, Mr. separate client groups adds great value and the EDO team plans to Rainbow Clinic Team, Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin messages during a defined time period. Executive, Eastern Regional Health Authority. Donal O Shea. deliver 1000 training days in 2003. The Rainbow Clinic is a National Service for Paediatric Infectious Category 3: Innovations in improving services for Mr. Michael Lyons, ERHA Regional Chief Executive, said that the Occupational Therapy Department, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Diseases, which has at its core an ethos of holistic multidisciplinary marginalised groups. The Winner in this category was: awards were a wonderful opportunity to highlight and commend Children, Crumlin team care, based at a single centre but delivered nationally and in The Peter Bradley Foundation the extraordinary work done by the people involved in health and close liaison with adult infectious disease service providers. The The occupational therapy department at OLHSC have been involved personal social services in the region. The Peter Bradley Foundation provides assisted living and other initial motivation for its development was simply to minimise the community services for people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) in in the implementation of a framework that incorporates the use of "At a time when the health services are under pressure, it is pain and suffering endured by families coping with HIV infection Ireland. In response to a lack of services for people with ABI, Peter Evidence Based Practice in the preparation of clinical protocols to important to remember that there are ongoing positive initiatives and to provide quality health care for HIV-infected children. The Bradley and his family founded the Peter Bradley Foundation in ensure that occupational therapy consumers and hospital taking place in health. The good news stories often go unreported, Rainbow Clinic Team has evolved to provide a National Service for partnership with the East Coast Area Health Board, in June 2000. management receive services that are based on the best available and the introduction of this award is an opportunity to celebrate the Paediatric Infectious Diseases focusing major efforts on the Peter himself had suffered acquired brain injury following a motor evidence regarding their effectiveness. The project has also served achievements of dedicated people involved in making a difference prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and treatment accident. The Foundation was founded on the belief that with the to produce a range of comprehensive resources that clearly The overall winners in Category 1 – Care Provided to clients in Health Facilities was the in their area of service" he said. and support of children with infectious diseases. Its success is correct supports and appropriate environment, people of all ages articulate all of the evidence links supporting individual areas of Finalists in Category 2, Care Provided in the Community, were the Home First team from defined by the low mother-to-child transmission rates of HIV practice. This information is then used for both clients and other Parents Plus Programme from the Mater Hospital’s department of Child and Family Mr. Lyons paid tribute to all the entrants and finalists, and thanked with Acquired Brain Injury can live a full life, by maximising their Psychiatry. From left, Ms. Mary Fanning, Principal Speech and Language Therapist; Mr. Beaumont Hospital. They are: from left, Olubokola Eigbogba, Senior Physiotherapist; infection, the enhanced quality of life and life expectancy health service providers to inform them of the clinical basis behind Angela Kennedy, Assistant Director of Public Health Nursing; Liz Doyle, Assistant Director the members of the judging panel, who under the chairmanship of ability and minimising their disability. Michael Lyons, Regional Chief Executive, Eastern Regional Health Authority, Mrs. Mary of HIV-positive children and the expert treatment of other occupational therapy intervention, and the expected resulting health of Public Health Nursing; Celine Deane, Head Social Worker; Dr. Ciaran Donegan, Ms. Justice Catherine McGuinness, gave generously of their time Dockery, widow of the late Derek Dockery; Dr. John Sharry, Principal Social Worker, An infectious diseases. outcomes. Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., Grainne Hampson, Senior Speech and Language Consultant Geriatrician, Gretta Thompson, Care Organiser, and Ms. Patricia Kelly, Manager and expertise. of Services for Older People, Area 8. Therapist, Professor Carol FitzPatrick, consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, and Jean Forbes, Senior Social Worker.

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SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

FUNDING FOR EYE AND EAR HOSPITAL WARMLY INTER HOSPITALS HOCKEY TOURNAMENT WELCOMED BY ERHA CHAIRMAN Report on the 2003 tournament by Brendan Carr

The Chairman of the Eastern Regional Health Theatre and Recovery area and the Out-Patient This year we had two divisions of six teams The Inter hospitals mixed hockey tournament has Authority, Ald. Joe Doyle has warmly welcomed Department. each. Beaumont won the Premier division. been running since 1968. Anne Kinch who the allocation by the Department of Health & Having beaten Tallaght firsts 3-2 in the semi they worked in St Patrick’s Hospital was the main The plan allows for the completion of building Children of ¤1.62 million to the ERHA for qualified to meet National Rehabilitation hospital instigator. It has always been open to all staff work, the provision of new equipment, for improvements to the theatre and out-patient (NRH) in the final. The latter won a penalty working in the Health services mechanical, electrical, and safety work and for shoot out over the Mater and then lost the final department facilities at the Royal Victoria Eye & The popularity of the tournament was massive in general decoration and refurbishment. on penalties after extra time failed to divide the Ear Hospital. The new funding was announced the 80’s with 32 teams partaking on a number of teams. Key players for Beaumont were Aileen by the Minister for Health and Children, Mr. The hospital is now putting in place measures to occasions. They were divided into four divisions. Flynn, Eleanor Leahy, Parnell Keeling and Gerry Micheál Martin, T.D. in August and is being ensure minimum disruption of services while St James’s often fielded three teams. While St O’Donoghue. The NRH stars were Amanda Carthy, resourced by the National Development Plan. these works are being carried out. Brendan’s, Mater and St. Ita’s had two each. Lesley Corcoran, Fred Wenham and Nicky This funding will allow the Hospital to commence Cinnamond. The organising committee often held a press immediate improvements to the Operating conference to announce details of the St. James’s won the other division. Having competition. The Evening Press and Evening defeated Tallaght seconds 3-1 in the semi they Herald featured photographs and a statement qualified to play Temple Street in the final. The about the competition. This was usually placed in LAUNCH OF THE FIRST PSYCHIATRY OF OLD AGE latter beat St. Vincent’s 2-1 in the semi. It was the social page of the paper. The morning papers their third runner-up placing on the trot. Marie (Times, Press and Independent) announced the NURSING NEWSLETTER IN IRELAND Scanlan roofed the only goal of the game with competition and also carried results on a regular twelve minutes left on the clock. Key players for basis. the winners were Dominic Cunningham, Vicky Jones and Sheila Roche. While Temple Street At one stage the finals night was a huge were well served by Anne Marie Cullinane, occasion. Over 400 people were known to attend Maeve Andrews, Kieran Downes and Colm the social and presentations. Tickets were as Buckley. precious as gold dust.

Clontarf’s CRC won the wooden spoon. Captain Martin Storey the captain of Wexford’s All Ireland Paul Cahill and manager Andrew Semple are on winning hurling team played hockey for St. the look out for a foreign coach. Loman’s and actually met his future wife at the prize giving party in 1988.

Ann Sheridan graduation

Pictured at the Launch Of The First Psychiatry Of Old Age Nursing Newsletter were, from left, Ms Caroline Clifford, Editor; Mr Michael Shasby, Secretary to the Nurse Education and Development Group in Ireland; Mr Cormac Walsh, Mental Health Nursing advisor, Department of health and Children; Dr Margo Wrigley, Clinical Director/Consultant Psychiatrist in Old Age, NAHB/Mater Hospital, and St. Vincent’s Hospital, Fairview, and Ms Patricia Moran, Chairperson of the Group.

The first Psychiatry of Old Age Nursing newsletter has been published. The publication will be a valuable resource for nurses and all professionals working in this specialist area of health care.

The first Psychiatry of Old Age Service in Ireland Nursing with the North Dublin Psychiatry of Old was set up in 1989 as a pilot project by the Age Service. It provides a forum for education former Eastern Health Board. There are now and support for the increasing number of nurses nineteen such services in Ireland with more working in this specialist area across the country. planned. They aim to offer a comprehensive The current chairperson is Ms. Patricia Moran community-orientated psychiatric service to Dr. Ann Sheridan, Assistant Director of the ERHA’s Nursing, Midwifery Planning and Development Unit, pictured here with her husband from the Castlebar Service who has replaced Ms. elderly people within a designated catchment Michael Rigby, and daughters Charlotte and Elizabeth, at her graduation with a Ph.D. in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing from the Mary Mannix from the Limerick Service. Mr. area. Services have a multidisciplinary team University of Birmingham. She is the first person in Ireland to be awarded this degree. Shasby has been secretary to the group since it approach to health care and provide assessment first started in 1998. and management of patients suffering from functional mental disorders such as depression Further information can be accessed through ERHA FUNDRAISER FOR GOAL and organic disorders such as dementia. the National Council for Nursing & Midwifery website; The Psychiatry of Old Age Nurse ERHA staff members proudly wearing their teams’ jerseys to work in support Education/Development Group was founded in www.ncnm.ie/poanedg/index.htm of fund-raising for Goal 1998 by Mr. Michael Shasby, Assistant Director of

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Four new Members have joined the Board of the Cllr. Fiona O'Loughlin (for Cllr Sean O Fearghail, Eastern Regional Health Authority as a result of T.D.); Cllr. Adrian Kane (for Cllr. Jack Wall, T.D.); the new regulations on dual mandate: Cllr. Mary Murphy (for Cllr. Roisin Shortall, T.D.); Cllr. Louise Cosgrave (for Cllr. Olivia Mitchell, T.D.).

Where To Find Us

The ERHA Times is published four times a year by the Eastern Regional Health Authority. We are always interested in news and/or photographs from members of our own staff or those of our service providers in the region. You can contact us at ERHA Communications, Mill Lane, Palmerstown, Dublin 20.

Email: [email protected]; telephone 01 620 1830. Back row from left, Steve Pitman, supporting Newport, Fionnuala Duffy, Dublin, Linda Desmond, supporting ice-hockey team The Montreal Canadians, Liam Woods, Irish rugby team; Middle Row, Ashling Culhane, Dublin, Ashling Benson, Irish Rugby Team, Jackie Irving, Celtic, Paul Redmond, Wexford, Niall Redmond, Paul’s son, Antrim, Adrian Donoghue, Liverpool; Front: Joe Reeves, Blackburn

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