Background to the Organisational ChangesIn 2005, the NI Review of Public Administration concluded that major reform was required in the administrative structures of health and social services. In addition an Independent Review of Health and Social care Services in NI conducted by Professor John Appleby the same year highlighted the need for reform and modernisation of the management of these services. As a first phase of the RPA reforms in health and social care, five integrated Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts were established in April 2007 to operate alongside the existing Northern Ireland Ambulance Services HSC Trust. Following public consultation, the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety announced details of the second phase of health and social care reform in Northern Ireland. Central to this is the establishment from 1st April 2009 of a new Health and Social Care Board (HSCB), including 5 Local Commissioning Groups coterminous with the Trusts, the Public Health Agency (PHA), a Business Services Organisation (BSO) and a Patient and Client Council (PCC). Each of these organisations have distinct roles to ensure the integrated provision of health and personal social services to the people of Northern Ireland in an efficient, effective and economic manner. Further information about the new organisations can be found on their respective web sites by following the links below www.patientclientcouncil.hscni.net Further information about the Review of Public Administration in Health and Social Care can be found at: http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/hss/rpa-home.htm and information on the wider aspects of the Review of Public Administration at: |