Report released on improving standard of Health and Social Services

A report outlining new standards aimed at raising the quality of Health and Social Services in Northern Ireland has been released today.

The Quality Standards for Health and Social Care are to be developed around five "quality themes" including Corporate leadership and accountability of organisations; Safe and effective care; Accessible, flexible and responsive services; Promoting, protecting and improving health and social well-being; Effective communication and information.

These themes have been identified following discussions with patients, clients and their representatives, carers and people working in Health and Personal Social Services (HPSS).

Speaking on the announcement of the publication, Health Minister, Shaun Woodward, said: "This is a key step in my commitment to put patients, clients and carers first. These Standards will enable service users and carers to understand what quality of service they are entitled to and provide the opportunity for them to shape the quality of services provided by the HPSS and others."

The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority are to use these "Standards" to consider the current quality of the care provided by the HPSS and will report its findings to the Department of Health and the general public.

The Health Minister continued: "People want to be able to access services easily and when they need them and to receive a high standard of service regardless of where they live. They also want to receive care and treatment from professionals, and in an environment, that respects and promotes their independence, safety, dignity, privacy and rights.

"The HPSS and other organisations will now be able to measure themselves against these Standards and demonstrate how improvement in the quality of service provision is being made."

A leaflet is due to be launched tomorrow to promote the role of service users and on how to become an active and informed member of the care team.

Mr Woodward added: "It is important that people are empowered to become actively involved in their health and well being and to take part in decisions about their treatment and care."

He concluded by saying that the leaflet has been developed in conjunction with the 4 Health and Social Service (HSS) Councils and the Northern Ireland Clinical & Social Care Governance Support Team, and will provide helpful advice and information as to how to get the best from these services.

(EF/SP)