Poots updates Assembly on progress of Transforming Your Care

He urged MLAs, health service staff and the general public to give careful consideration to the next steps in the process.

Speaking to the Assembly after receiving the draft Strategic Implementation Plan and draft Population Plans, which map out the next steps in the reform process, Mr Poots said: “Transforming Your Care provides a compelling case for a major and long overdue reform of our health and social care services. It is crucial that we take steps now to build a system that is fit for the future.”

The Minister outlined that Northern Ireland has the fastest growing population in the UK and it continues to grow, for example:

The number of people over 75 is expected to increase by 40% by 2020

The population of over 85 is to increase by around 20% by 2014 and by 58% by 2020 compared to 2009

The prevalence of long term conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes, amongst adults in Northern Ireland is expected to increase by 30%.

The Minister said: “These are not new figures but they are still startling. We need to recognise fully the demands and pressures that these changes will bring. Demand for services could grow by around 4% per year by 2015 and we are planning strategically to meet patient and client needs in light of these projections.”

The Minister has now received the draft Population Plans and the over-arching draft Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP). These plans identify which services and facilities are needed in each area to address the needs of the local population and set out how this can be delivered. The Minister will want to give the documents his full consideration before endorsing them.

Minister Poots said both the draft Population Plans and the draft SIP would be available to view on the DHSSPS website. He said: “In a spirit of openness and transparency, I have asked that the draft Population Plans and the Strategic Implementation Plan are made publicly available today. I would ask Members, Health and Social Care staff and the public to familiarise themselves with the documents.”

There will be a period of quality assurance of the documents and further engagement with clinical leaders before the formal consultation process begins in September, which means the draft Plans may be subject to change. The Plans will be finalised after the autumn public consultation exercise.

The Minister concluded: “I want to emphasise how crucial it is that we get the reforms right. It is important though that the documents are given careful consideration. Not to do so would be failing in our responsibilities.”