By Mairead Mackle,
Managing Director of Homecare Independent Living.
In the current difficult economic climate, Government spending cuts mean savings must be made across all Departments. To this end we have seen budget cuts in education, infrastructure, the arts and also the Department of Health.
Health, the largest portfolio and one which directly affects us all, accounts for 40% of the overall Stormont budget. Recent indications are that cuts may not only lead to unit closures across the province, but also the rationalisation and closure of a range of services which we all have come to take for granted. With a review of Health and Social Care Services in Northern Ireland underway, it is now, more than ever, critically important that our Department of Health considers how, within the constraints of its current budget, it intends to meet increased demand for the range of care services required by an ageing population and those with complex needs in the community.
The commissioning of healthcare in the community, whether it is from the statutory or the private sector, will therefore be dictated by efficiency and value for money.
There is no doubt that people needing care prefer to receive that care at home where they can remain in familiar surroundings with ready access to family and friends. An effective community care provider will help those with complex needs live at home and maintain their independence whilst preventing unnecessary admission to hospital and support early discharge.
Furthermore being able to receive the necessary health and social care within the home is the next logical step with today’s advanced communication and technology systems.
In Northern Ireland people appear somewhat apprehensive about the involvement of the private sector in healthcare, despite private companies being involved successfully in many other sectors of our society. Private sector involvement and investment in Northern Ireland can only complement the professional services of the NHS as private health providers have a wealth of knowledge, innovation, information and experience that can be shared with the Department to improve the level of service provided. In order to achieve this level of service the sectors must work in true partnership, contributing to the future service delivery and allowing companies to be better placed when making investment decisions as too often the private sector is second - guessing what is required. Improving communication will also mean a more complete picture is revealed of who and what care is being provided across the province, helping to also report on outcomes.
We all have a part to play and it’s about working more efficiently with both the public and the private sector resources.
In these times of austerity it is important that any budget cuts are carefully thought through and community services are kept sustainable so as to have minimal impact on the sick, the disabled and the elderly who are the most vulnerable members of our society.
Homecare Independent Living was set up in 1995 by Mairead and Gerald Mackle and over the past 16 years has become a leader in the provision of Community Health and Social Care in Ireland. Homecare employs over 850 people, providing a mix of integrated housing and care models and services that facilitate people of all abilities transition from institutional or hospital care into the community.
