Help shape NI healthcare, public urged

An advertising campaign, calling on people to play their part in shaping health and social care services by becoming a public appointee, has been launched by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS).

The campaign will include radio and newspaper advertisements and posters, which will be placed in hospitals and GP surgeries in the coming months. The adverts feature a new born baby girl and an elderly person and ask questions about the sort of health service they should expect.

Minister with responsibility for the DHSSPS, Angela Smith, said: "Public appointees have a valuable role to play in influencing the way health services are delivered and organised. There are many people who would make excellent appointees but may feel that they do not have the necessary skills.

"These are challenging posts for people who are committed to developing an efficient and effective Health and Personal Social Services. The department is particularly keen to have more appointees from the west of the province and will be carrying out a leaflet drop to target those areas in the coming weeks.

"Appointments are not just for people who have followed a traditional career path. The department wants to hear from people with experience and knowledge that can help us shape the future of health and social care. Many appointments are open to people who do voluntary or community work, and it is not essential to have experience of health and personal social services."

Public appointees work on a part-time basis and can nominate themselves or another person for consideration at any time.

The advertisements will begin in mid-September, together with a two-week radio campaign while a leaflet drop will also take place in the Omagh, Enniskillen and Londonderry areas later this month.

(MB/GMCG)