General News
18 August, 2024
Health review backs importance of local brand
WHILE the Government rejected the health service review recommendation to amalgamate hosdpitals, it did accept the call for keeping “the local brand”. In its report, the review committee said: “We recognise health services are the bedrock of...
WHILE the Government rejected the health service review recommendation to amalgamate hosdpitals, it did accept the call for keeping “the local brand”.
In its report, the review committee said: “We recognise health services are the bedrock of many communities, particularly in rural areas, with many people deeply committed to their long-established local hospitals. These connections must be valued and strengthened. All individual health services will become part of a network, to improve the care that can be provided locally and strengthen workforce support.
“There must be continuing local leadership within each Network, informed by local community voices. In recognition of the importance health services have to communities, we recommend they all retain their individual identities and brands.
“Within each network, there will be clearer definitions of the roles and responsibilities of different types of health service site, ranging from very small sites to major tertiary hospitals, and women’s, children’s and specialist hospitals. These definitions will set out what types of care can safely be provided where, and what communities can reasonably expect. Clearer, more logical pathways will be established between different hospital sites, so that as patients’ care needs change, they receive timely and appropriate care in the right location.”