Two members of the HMI Council are among the 17 people who have been appointed by Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly to the Regional Health Areas Advisory Group for a one-year term.
HMI Council Member, Lucy Nugent, is Chief Executive of Tallaght University Hospital, a former President of the HMi and is involved in a number of initiatives of the European Association of Hospital Managers.
HMI Council Member, Mellany McLoone is Chief Officer of Community Healthcare Organisation Dublin North City and County (CHO DNCC). She has had significant experience in the Irish public health system over the past three decades, having worked in a number of senior management and leadership roles in the areas of human resources, business support and operational management in hospitals, community services and TUSLA.
The Group which is chaired by Medical Council CEO, Leo Kearns, has been tasked to provide support and guidance as the Department of Health and HSE plan for the transition towards Regional Health Authorities (RHAs).
The Department of Health said RHAs would ensure the alignment of hospital and community healthcare services at a regional level, based on defined populations and their local needs. This was key to delivering on the Sláintecare vision of an integrated health and social care service.
Minister Donnelly said, “I am keen that voices from across the health and social care service are heard as we implement RHAs. The RHA Advisory Group will support the realignment of our services, utilising their shared knowledge and direct experience to inform meaningful change in how health care is delivered across Ireland.”
Mr Leo Kearns said: “This group, with expertise and a range of perspectives from across health and social care, will provide guidance, support, and advice on the design of an implementation plan for RHAs to the Department of Health and HSE officials charged with implementing this work programme under Sláintecare.
“The intention of Regional Health Areas is to empower local decision-making, support population-based service planning and to enable the integration of community and acute care, which will ultimately lead towards improved patient experience, access to healthcare and play a key role in strengthening our health service.”
The other members of the Group are Brian Fitzgerald, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Beacon Hospital, Dublin, Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE, Derval McDonagh, Chief Executive Officer, Inclusion Ireland, Prof. Donal Reddan, Former Clinical Director, Saolta Hospital Group and Consultant Nephrologist, Galway University Hospital, Eileen Whelan, Director of Nursing HSE, Jill Long, Former President, Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and non-Executive Director, Peamount Healthcare, Dr. Martin Fellenz, Associate Professor of Business Studies TCD, Mary Dunnion, former Chief Inspector of Social Services, HIQA, Niall Hogan, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Paul Tighe, Head of Pharmacy Services, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Dr. Ronan Fawsitt, GP and Member, Irish College of GPs National Council, Sarah Lennon, Executive Director, Sage Advocacy, Dr Susan Finnerty, Inspector of Mental Health Services, Mental Health Commission and Dr Tony Fox, GP and former Medical Director, Irish College of General Practitioners,
