Poots Joins UK, Spanish At Health Conference

Health Minister Edwin Poots has joined representatives from the UK and Spanish governments at a health event in Madrid.

The conference is focussing on sustainability and has been organised by UK Trade and Investment and the British Embassy in Spain.

'Making National Health Systems Sustainable' will highlight Northern Ireland’s health links with the Basque Government, whose representatives are also attending.

Last year, Mr Poots signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Belfast with the Basque region, agreeing closer co-operation in policy development, learning networks, research and procurement.

During the one-day event at the Embassy in Madrid, Mr Poots will address delegates on how new technology delivers improved patient care more efficiently.

Speaking before leaving for Madrid, he said: "Northern Ireland is not alone in facing very difficult challenges in delivering health care in the future. Across Europe, countries are experiencing similar demographic trends and face challenges associated with an ageing population. It is therefore essential that we take steps now to reshape our services to ensure we deliver both appropriate health care and value for money.

"Because we faced the same issues around sustainability in our health services, we signed the MoU with the Basque Government. I am looking forward to sharing with the two national governments and the regional governments the benefits of this working relationship. I also want to share with my counterparts the measures we are taking in Northern Ireland under Transforming Your Care to ensure our service remains sustainable in the future. However, I believe it is equally important for me to learn and understand the policies and strategies employed in other regions."

Martin Phelan, Director of UK Trade and Investment Iberia said: "As is the case in the UK, Spain’s regions are responsible for healthcare provision with both countries facing similar economic and demographic challenges. The agreement signed between Northern Ireland and the Basque region last year on approaches to long-term illnesses highlights the possibility for cooperation between European regions in confronting these shared challenges. The conference hopes to build on previous efforts through a frank and constructive exchange of ideas on ways to ensure the sustainability of our national health systems."

(IT/MH)