The reconfiguration forum in HSE South has been re-established and is to develop a new work programme by the end of next month.
IMN understands that the forum was dissolved last year following the introduction of new policies by the Department of Health’s new Special Delivery Unit (SDU).
According to the HSE South Regional Service Plan 2012, the forum has now been “re-established with new membership and terms of reference”.
Professor John Higgins, Head of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences at University College Cork (UCC) and former Director of Reconfiguration in HSE South, is to chair the forum.
“In Cork and Kerry, the reconfiguration forum provided an opportunity for consultation, discussion and consensus building which contributed significantly to the process of developing the Roadmap for Acute Hospital Services, published in November 2010,” the plan outlines.
“As we progress implementation, and taking on board the emergence of the SDU and the national clinical programmes, the overall arrangements have been re-organised.”
Meanwhile, Mr Barry O’Brien, HSE South Assistant National Director of Human Resources, said that unions have been briefed on planned work changes sought through the Public Service Agreement (PSA).
“We’re going to expand both the role and the scope of the director of public health nursing, to cover two areas where previously they had one,” he indicated.
“We’ll be looking for directors of nursing for community nursing hospitals to cover two hospitals where previously they had one. Equally we’ll be looking to consolidate and maximise the nurse managers we have. Across mental health services we’re going to make significant changes in our nurse management structures.”
The budget for primary care services in the HSE South has been cut by €6 million in 2012.
The five per cent reduction in funding for 2012 is exacerbated by the fact that by the end of the year, the number of people working in the sector will have fallen by a further 61 posts.
The plan states that the funding cut must not impact patient services; “savings to be achieved without reduction in the quantum of services provided to patients”.
In spite of the cuts, HSE South aims to roll out 23 new primary care teams in 2012 to bring to 134 the number of teams in operation.
