New Regional Health and Social Care Board
Published: 04 February 2008
RCN Northern Ireland calls for strong nursing input to new Regional Health and Social Care Board
RCN Northern Ireland has said that the new Regional Health and Social Care Board must include strong nursing representation in order to ensure that it meets the needs of patients.
Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety Michael McGimpsey MLA has announced his proposals for the establishment of the new Regional Health and Social Care Board. From April 2009, the Board will be responsible for the commissioning of health and social care, performance management and the financial management of the health and social care system.
The Minister’s announcement ends a period of uncertainty following the announcement last year that the establishment of the new regional body had been suspended pending further detailed consideration of its size, scope and functions. A twelve week consultation on the Minister’s proposals will begin on 15 February.
Responding to the Minister’s announcement, RCN Northern Ireland Director Mary Hinds said: “We welcome the fact that the Minister has ended this period of uncertainty and outlined his proposals for a new Regional Health and Social Care Board and five local commissioning groups. In particular, we are pleased that locally-elected representatives, voluntary and community groups will have an input to these groups.
"We welcome the Minister’s comments that effective commissioning is the link between policy and delivery on the ground. Nurses are fundamental to making this happen and ensuring that patients and communities get the services they need. The priority for nurses and nursing is the delivery of high quality care and treatment that is appropriate to need, can prevent illness and tackle inequalities.
"Nurses must be represented from the bedside to the boardroom and anything less than this is wholly unacceptable. The Minister has acknowledged the willingness and commitment of staff to making this process work and we look forward to working with our colleagues in health and social care to ensure that the patients we work so closely with get the health and social care services they need and deserve.”