Public consultations conclude on reshaping services

Change in health and social care is both necessary and unavoidable. That is the message from the Department of Health following the conclusion of public consultations on reshaping stroke and breast assessment care.

Permanent Secretary Richard Pengelly said: “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to make their views known.  The Department will now examine the evidence submitted and decide on the best way forward.  In doing so, I can assure the public that we will be paying close attention to all the issues raised, including the genuine concerns voiced about the proposals for stroke and breast assessment care.”

Mr Pengelly continued: “It is widely accepted that change is both necessary and unavoidable. The choice is between managing change or letting it happen in an unplanned, chaotic fashion with services becoming increasingly untenable and prone to collapse. Managing change is the only responsible choice to make.”

Mr Pengelly continued: “This is the central message of the health transformation agenda.  And while change is required to ensure care is reliable and of the highest standard, the key issue is that we need to make the right changes in the right way. There is always a difficult balance to be struck between accessibility and sustainability of services.

“I am very pleased that these consultations have helped encourage much-needed public debate.”

The Department is planning further public consultations in the months ahead on the future of daycase surgery services and urgent and emergency care.

Notes to editors: 

1.    The public consultations on reshaping stroke and breast assessment care ended on Friday August 30.

2.    For media enquiries please contact the Department of Health Press Office team on 028 9052 0575 or email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk. For out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110 and your call will be returned.

3.    Follow us on twitter @healthdpt

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