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What does it mean for you?
Major changes are happening, intended to improve in the health service in Northern Ireland. They are designed to increase efficiency and improve the level of the service provided. What will they mean for people with arthritis? What difference will they make for you?
Structures
The current four health boards will be replaced with one body for Northern Ireland. Five 'super trusts' will replace the current 19 hospital and primary care trusts. The health boards will order services from the trusts, which will have seven sub units based on the seven new local government areas. The Department of Health will direct policy. These changes may improve efficiency, but they could also complicate the decision-making process.
ICATS
Integrated Clinical Assessment and Treatment Services (ICTAS) is a newe scheme designed to ensure that people referred by GPs will be assessed by teams, and sent on to the appropriate professional (such as a physiotherapist) or for further tests, with only those who require it being referred to hospital consultants. The idea is good, but is enough being done to deliver on the promises being made? Without additional resources and staff it could just amount to imposing another burden and another set of targets on already overworked staff.
Politics
The political context could change too.
At present the Northern Ireland Assembly is suspended and decisions are
made by Ministers appointed by the UK Government, rather than by local
politicians. Local representatives can try to influence them, but they
can’t make the decisions. Progress on devolution might bring the
decision-making process much closer to home.
Keeping you informed – and learning from you
Only time will tell what the full effect of these and other changes will be. But it is important to be aware that they are happening and whether your local services – the services which affect you – are getting better or worse. Arthritis Care will be trying try to keep people with arthritis informed of changes as they happen, and we want to have your feedback on what is happening in your area.
