Health system reform - Local boards may rebuild confidence

IT SEEMS that a return to bigger class sizes may not be the only instance where we may have to be prepared to walk over familiar ground.

In a move taken straight from the history books, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is expected to establish up to nine regional health authorities, so it can become more efficient.

Managers of smaller, general hospitals will be directed by local health managers, who will report to a regional manager. If this arrangement seems familiar it is because it is. The HSE replaced eight health regional boards when it was established four years ago. Larger hospitals, which offer tertiary specialist care, are likely to report to a national director rather than a regional manager.