Policy to pay patient reps will not come in before next year

Dr Gabriel Scally cited the introduction of proper pay and supports for patient representatives as a key issue that must be addressed. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

A much-delayed policy to pay patient representatives will not be published until next year, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has confirmed.

It is more than three years since the Government first promised those who give up their own time to sit on health steering groups would be remunerated for the work they do.