O’Neill establishes strategic health partnership forum

Health Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA today announced that she is establishing a strategic Health Partnership Forum with Trade Union colleagues.

Health Minister Michelle O'Neill

The Forum will bring senior Staff Side representatives together with senior managers from the Department and the wider HSC to discuss the Minister’s vision for the future direction of health and social care in the north of Ireland.

Announcing the decision the Minister said:  “Effective partnership working requires recognition, acknowledgement and respect for the goals of all organisations and individuals within the health family.

“The development of shared aims and an agreed approach on the way forward will ensure that everyone is behind the reshaping and refocusing of our services. In order to ensure a health and social care system that pursues excellence, ensures better outcomes for the public and enhances the experience of health and social care for the population, we need all relevant partners to provide strategic influence in both policy development and service delivery.”

The Minister will chair the first meeting of the Forum, expected to be held in late September/early October. The Minister concluded: “Since I took up the post of Health Minister, I have made it clear that I want to listen, I want to hear ideas from the grass roots and where I can, I want to make changes that reflect those ideas. I am looking forward to chairing the first meeting of this forum and hearing from members.”

Notes to editors: 

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