14.12.11
Professionals respond to new NI health model
A new model for health and social care has been launched in Northern Ireland.
A review, which received over 3,000 contributors and advice from a panel of independent experts, suggest that changes need to be made to improve the service.
The key recommendations include more care being delivered in the home, increasing the role of GPs, increasing the use of social care services to meet people’s needs and the outreach of acute services into the community.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Health Minister Edwin Poots said: “The Report contains a compelling set of proposals for the future of health and social care services in Northern Ireland. It proposes a model which puts the individual at the centre.
“We must stop doing what does not work, challenge out-of-date practices and acknowledge that some of our services are no longer fit for purpose. The system needs to change. Our services need to be resilient, sustainable and safe.”
Commenting on the report, Dr Paul Darragh, chairman of the BMA’s council in Northern Ireland, said: “Many of the proposals contained within this report appear to be sensible in terms of putting the patient at the centre of care and of the need to tackle obesity, smoking and drinking, and health inequalities.
“However, the next stage will be crucial. That is, how will these proposed changes be handled to ensure professional and public acceptance?”
Derry GP Tom Black, chairman of the BMA’s GP committee in Northern Ireland said: “The clear emphasis is on changing the centre of gravity of healthcare from secondary to primary care. GPs recognise they have a role to play but the challenge for primary care is how this change is managed.
“The proposed changes cannot take place without sufficient resources being put in place. General practice is already working to capacity with over 10.5 million consultations taking place per year, and will need investment in staff and facilities in order to meet an increased workload.
“As doctors, we are looking forward to working with our colleagues across the profession to ensure that any change to our health service is practical and workable.”
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