Minister Signs Agreement With His Basque Counterpart

Health Minister Edwin Poots has signed a significant agreement with his Basque counterpart to enable closer cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Basque region.

Mr Poots and Rafael Bengoa, who is the Regional Minister of Health and Consumer Affairs in the Basque Government, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last night at the opening dinner for the Institute of Healthcare Management (IHM) conference at Titanic Belfast.

Welcoming Dr Bengoa to Northern Ireland, Mr Poots said that the two Ministers had a strong working relationship built on previous meetings in Brussels and Bilbao. He said both Ministers understood that their devolved administrations faced similar challenges of ageing populations and limited budgets. He said the MOU offered both regions an opportunity to draw on each other's experiences and expertise and he added that international collaboration would ensure patients get the best possible care.

The Minister said: "In May, Dr Bengoa's administration and my Department agreed to work together to tackle the common challenges facing our healthcare systems. We agreed to strengthen links between health, science and industry and to improve learning on systems and health technologies across our two regions. We also recognised that closer co-operation in this area has the potential to unlock key European Union healthcare funding.

"That is why we are signing this Memorandum of Understanding. It is a strong foundation for future co-operation. By sharing our experiences, challenges and expertise, we will bring benefits for the health and social care in both Northern Ireland and in the Basque region."

Speaking to delegates at the IHM dinner, Mr Poots spoke of his determination to drive through the reform of health and social care to deliver better outcomes for all service users.

He said healthcare managers have a vital role to play in delivering change by providing leadership. Mr Poots told delegates he expected them to challenge, advise, communicate and guide where appropriate. He said that change is vital and that it should not be feared and he reminded those gathered of the importance of engaging fully with the consultation process on the proposals emerging from Transforming Your Care.

(CD)