Menu
01/07/2003
Minister unveils twenty-year health strategy
Health Minister Angela Smith has unveiled plans for a new twenty-year Regional Strategy for Health and Wellbeing in Northern Ireland.
The Minister announced the plans during a major conference on ‘Future Trends and Challenges in Health and Social Care’ yesterday.
Acknowledging the progress that had been made in health and social care, the Minister said: “Compared with twenty years ago people are living longer both as a result of tackling the determinants of ill health and through the use of new medical technologies. The Health and Social Services are helping more people than ever, and increasingly in a way which allows people to take control of their own health and wellbeing and that of their community.
“But health and social care is changing and we are facing new challenges that will test services as never before. The aging population, rising costs of care and treatment, and changes in lifestyle and diet will all result in increased pressure on services in the years to come.
“If we are to provide the health and social services that the people of Northern Ireland need – and deserve – we have to start planning now. This is why a new long term vision and strategy is needed."
The Minister said the Strategy will contain a vision for the health and personal social services over the next twenty years as well as establishing priorities for future investment and identify the steps which need to be taken to achieve needed goals.
Stating that the consultation exercise for the Strategy was one of the most extensive ever undertaken by the Department, she added: “One of the great strengths of the Strategy is that it will combine the views and insights of members of the public and front line-staff with the very best advice from professionals and experts on health and social care.
“So far we have had a magnificent response to the consultation process and we will carefully consider all of the submissions made."
Among the speakers at yesterday's conference were Professor Ray Robinson, European Health Observatory, Dr Peter Colvin, Royal College of General Practice and Dr Angela Coulter, Picker Institute Europe.
(MB)
The Minister announced the plans during a major conference on ‘Future Trends and Challenges in Health and Social Care’ yesterday.
Acknowledging the progress that had been made in health and social care, the Minister said: “Compared with twenty years ago people are living longer both as a result of tackling the determinants of ill health and through the use of new medical technologies. The Health and Social Services are helping more people than ever, and increasingly in a way which allows people to take control of their own health and wellbeing and that of their community.
“But health and social care is changing and we are facing new challenges that will test services as never before. The aging population, rising costs of care and treatment, and changes in lifestyle and diet will all result in increased pressure on services in the years to come.
“If we are to provide the health and social services that the people of Northern Ireland need – and deserve – we have to start planning now. This is why a new long term vision and strategy is needed."
The Minister said the Strategy will contain a vision for the health and personal social services over the next twenty years as well as establishing priorities for future investment and identify the steps which need to be taken to achieve needed goals.
Stating that the consultation exercise for the Strategy was one of the most extensive ever undertaken by the Department, she added: “One of the great strengths of the Strategy is that it will combine the views and insights of members of the public and front line-staff with the very best advice from professionals and experts on health and social care.
“So far we have had a magnificent response to the consultation process and we will carefully consider all of the submissions made."
Among the speakers at yesterday's conference were Professor Ray Robinson, European Health Observatory, Dr Peter Colvin, Royal College of General Practice and Dr Angela Coulter, Picker Institute Europe.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
10 August 2007
NIPSA Brand Hospital Artwork Spending Decision As "Madness"
The health service union NIPSA has hit out at a decision to spend £30m on artwork for Northern Ireland’s hospitals. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has announced its intention to spend just under £3 billion on its capital projects over the next 10 years, with one per cent of that capital to be spent on artwork.
NIPSA Brand Hospital Artwork Spending Decision As "Madness"
The health service union NIPSA has hit out at a decision to spend £30m on artwork for Northern Ireland’s hospitals. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has announced its intention to spend just under £3 billion on its capital projects over the next 10 years, with one per cent of that capital to be spent on artwork.
07 March 2019
Student Mental Health Services Allocated £150k
Student mental health services in Belfast are set to benefit from a first of its kind pilot project worth £150,000.
Student Mental Health Services Allocated £150k
Student mental health services in Belfast are set to benefit from a first of its kind pilot project worth £150,000.
09 December 2003
Consultation document on sexual health released
Health Minister, Angela Smith has published a Sexual Health Promotion Strategy and Action Plan consultation document. The Minister said the introduction of the plan was necessary because of the importance of sexual health as part of physical and mental health, as well as emotional and social wellbeing.
Consultation document on sexual health released
Health Minister, Angela Smith has published a Sexual Health Promotion Strategy and Action Plan consultation document. The Minister said the introduction of the plan was necessary because of the importance of sexual health as part of physical and mental health, as well as emotional and social wellbeing.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
