PAC Report supports need for ambitious Reform of Health and Social Care

Health Minister Simon Hamilton comments on today’s General Report on the Health & Social Care Sector 2012-13 and 2013-14 by the Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

Minister Hamilton said: “The Public Accounts Committee's report into Northern Ireland's Health and Social Care system reaffirms the need for far reaching and radical reforms. I have started a series of ambitious reforms including removing an entire layer of bureaucracy by closing the HSC Board.

“Just this week an Expert Panel under the chairmanship of Prof Rafael Bengoa has begun its work on how we can build a world class system. Party leaders are being invited to a political summit next month as part of a consensual approach, since our political system means agreement of more than simply my own party is required. It is not lost on the public that many who criticise the pace of change are the first to rush to protest at the most minor and common-sense service reforms.”

The Minister continued: “I have also indicated that I intend to utilise some of the increase in my Department's budget to specifically fund transformation in how we deliver services.

“The PAC's comments endorse the need for each of these reforms if we want to create a world class Health and Social Care system and importantly put it on a sustainable financial footing for the future. Given the cross party nature of the PAC I trust that this endorsement of the need for reform will manifest itself in support for and courage to deliver the ambitious plans for change that I have already set in motion.”

Notes to editors: 

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