Health minister to move forward with development of  regional health areas

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly. There is a belief in the Government that the current delivery of ‘joined-up care’ is difficult as there are six hospital groups, nine community healthcare organisations and Children’s Health Ireland, none of which align geographically.

The Minister for Health is bringing a memo to Government on Tuesday for the implementation of regional health areas.

The new regional health areas will see the geographical alignment of hospital and community health and social care services at a regional level and are set to be based on defined populations and their local needs.