14.1.2016 This Plan focuses on different types of actions, someimmediate and some more long-term and sustainablesolutions, which recognise that behaviour change iscomplex, challenging and takes time. This does notmerely focus on overcoming deficits but concentrates onsolutions and strengths and reshaping the environmentfor physical activity.
26.2.2016 What is the Values Initiative? The Values Initiative is a process to consult on, identify, agree and commit to a set of nursing and midwifery values that underpin practice in Ireland. The Initiative is led by the Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health, in partnership with the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director (ONMSD) HSE, and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). The purpose, rationale, context, and outcomes of the project are set out in the Concept Note. Regional Consultations on Values in Nursing and Midwifery Consultation with nurses and midwives is central to this initiative and a series of meetings have been organised around the country during the first part of this year. These will be interactive sessions which will: See invitation for more information on when and where such consultations will be held. Join the conversation There are many other ways to engage with this initiative.
24.2.2016 A Monitoring Group was set up by the Department of Health in May 2013 to monitor and support the implementation of the recommendations of the Review of the Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery Degree programmes (DoH 2012). Report of the Review of Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery Degree Programmes The report of the Monitoring Group (DOH 2015) outlines the progress made implementing the recommendations of the Review. In summary this report outlines the changes that have been agreed to the entry and exit criteria for persons wishing to pursue a career in nursing and /or midwifery education. The governance arrangements and the processes to ensure appropriate support to achieve the clinical learning outcomes are also outlined. The nursing and midwifery education programmes Standards and Requirements (NMBI 2015) have been reconfigured within a four-year competency framework. The revisions are designed to reflect demographic and health system changes. Overall the programmes are underpinned by the values of person-centred care and compassion. Report of the Monitoring Group Implementation of the Recommendations of the Report of the Review of Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery Degree Programmes 2012 (DOH 2015)
22.2.2016 Ireland's first National Maternity Strategy, Creating A Better Future Together, 2016 – 2026 was launched by the Minister for Health on 27 January 2016. The Strategy maps out the future for maternity and neonatal care, to ensure that it will be safe, standardised, of high-quality and offer a better experience and more choice to women and their families. The model of care proposed in the Strategy is based on the principle that childbirth is a natural, physiological process. At the same time, it recognises that some women have higher care needs. Accordingly, one model of care is proposed with three care pathways; Supported Care, Assisted Care and Specialised Care. Across all pathways, care will be woman-centred and provided by a multidisciplinary team. The Strategy was informed by a public consultation process and an international literature review. The Strategy, consultation report and literature review are available at the links below. National Maternity Strategy Creating a Better Future Together Consultation on the development of a National Maternity Strategy National and International review of literature on models of care across selected jurisdictions to inform the development of a National Strategy for Maternity
3.2.2016 The Strategy sets out the Vision, Mission and Values for the Office. It also highlights the Officeâ?Ts Strategic Objectives until end 2017, as follows: Ã'Â
1.2.2016 Minister Varadkar was joined by the Chief Nursing Officer Dr Siobhan Oâ?THalloran and nursing union leaders to launch the first national Framework for safe nurse staffing and skill mix in general and specialist medical and surgical care settings in acute hospitals. This is the first policy paper published by the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer. Ã' The Framework sets out an evidence based approach aimed at stabilising the nursing resource, delivering positive benefits for patients, and making hospitals a healthier and more attractive work environment for staff. The next step in this work, is to pilot test the Framework. This â,¬2 million pilot project will Ã' be carried out in three hospitals ranging in size from small-scale to large-scale and will test the capability of the Framework components to deliver on their intended outcomes. Â
22.3.2016 This literature review on alcohol was commissioned by the Department of Health in 2014 to update evidence contained in the National Substance Misuse Strategy. To view a copy of the Review here. Â
8.3.2016 Notice to Industry - March 2016 Under Articles 5 and 20 of Directive 2014/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014[1], on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products and repealing Directive 2001/37/EC, manufacturers and importers of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and refill containers are required to submit information on their products including information on ingredients, emissions and toxicological data to competent authorities of the Member States in which they place/intend to place these products on the market. Further details on the requirements, as well as how this information should be submitted to the competent authorities are set out in two Implementing Decisions: To facilitate the submission of the required information, the EU Commission is currently developing an EU common entry gate (EU-CEG), an IT tool to ensure uniform application of the reporting and notification obligations. In order to be in a position to submit information via the EU-CEG, manufacturers and importers of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and refill containers are required to create an account to use the EU-CEG and apply for a Submitter ID number. Further details on the EU-CEG and the submission process are available on the EU Commission website. Please ensure that the necessary arrangements are put in place to ensure compliance with the legislation. If you have any queries please email them to tobacco@health.gov.ie. Further notices in relation to other requirements under the Tobacco Products Directive will issue in due course. _______________________ [1] OJ L 127, 29.04.2014, p. 1
21.4.2016 This Governance Framework aims to provide a clear overview of the principal aspects of corporate governance within the Department of Health. The Governance Framework is drafted in accordance with the Corporate Governance Standard for the Civil Service . It documents the governance arrangements for the Department, which are underlined by five key governance principles. The Framework may evolve over time with changes in Minister or in Government policy, but at all times it should provide a comprehensive foundation on which the Departmentâ?Ts policies and actions develop in accordance with these principles of good governance. The Framework also sets out the elements against which compliance with the Corporate Governance Standard will be measured. Department of Health Governance Framework Â
6.4.2016 Drugs misuse continues to be one of the most significant challenges facing our country. It is highly destructive and has devastating effects on individuals, relationships, families, communities and society in general. Implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016, which sets out Government policy in dealing with the drugs problem, is being pursued across a range of Government Departments and Agencies. Solid progress is being made across the 63 Actions of the Strategy, which are based around the five pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research. The Oversight Forum on Drugs meets on a quarterly basis and reviews the implementation of the Strategy. The Forum is chaired by the Minister with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy. 2015 Annual Progress Report on the implementation of the actions of the National Drugs Strategy
26.5.2016 "Better Health, Improving Health Care†is a strategic briefing document prepared by the Department for the incoming Minister for Health, in advance of the publication of the Programme for Government. It sets out some strategic considerations to inform the task of developing a clear and coherent agenda for action to improve the health service. Better Health, Improving Health Care
20.5.2016 BriefingÃ'Â material provided to Minister Harris upon his appointment. Relevant sections of the brief were provided to each Minister of State. Ministerial Briefing May 2016 Â
16.6.2016 This is the second National Healthcare Quality Reporting System (NHQRS) annual report. It focuses on a rangeÃ' of outcomes that are important to patients and that reflect the broad range of health services provided inÃ' Ireland. Presenting the information in this way is an important first step in understanding performance, qualityÃ' and safety of health services. It is an essential part of the Department of Healthâ?Ts commitment to transparencyÃ' and the use of public information. National Healthcare Quality Reporting System (NHQRS) Second Annual Report 2016 National Healthcare Quality Reporting System (NHQRS)Ã' First Annual Report Â
10.6.2016 In 2014 the Department of Health and the Health Insurance Authority commenced work on the development of a more refined health status measure using Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) to be implemented in a timely and phased manner. A key requirement of the reform is more comprehensive and sophisticated data collection and analysis. To assist with this work the Authority committed to submitting this detailed report on the topic to the Department of Health. Report on Incorporating Diagnosis Related Groups into the Risk Equalisation Scheme
20.7.2016 Medicines play a key role in improving the health of patients in Ireland. Securing timely access to medicines for patients at an affordable price, in particular innovative medicines offering enhanced health outcomes, is a key priority for Ireland. Securing the cost effective and economic provision of medicines to the health services in Ireland is vital to free up resources for continued investment in new and innovative medicines for patients; this Agreement is a key element in delivering that objective. This will ensure that Ireland remains at the forefront of its European peers in terms of early access to these new medicines in an affordable manner and within available resources. Framework Agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines