A Bill which provides for a Board and CEO governance structure for the HSE, has been published by the Government.
The Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill 2018, proposes that the Board will be the governing body of the HSE, accountable to the Minister, and responsible for strengthening governance, oversight and performance. The CEO will be accountable to the Board.
The Bill provides for a nine person non-executive Board including the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson. The Board will have authority to perform the HSE’s functions and will be accountable to the Minister for the performances of its functions.
The HSE will have a CEO who will be responsible to the Board for the performance of his or her functions.
Other than in the case of the first CEO, the appointment of the CEO will be a matter for the Board. The first CEO will be the person holding the position of Director General immediately before the Board is established. The Director General position is vacant at present and a recruitment process is underway. The legislative provisions on appointing the first CEO will be kept under review to take account of progress in filling this vacancy.
Priority issues for the new Chairperson and Board will include:
- Developing and implementing an effective performance management and accountability system in the HSE
- Developing a plan for building public trust and confidence in the HSE and the wider health service
- Ensuring the HSE’s full support for and implementation of the Government’s programme of health reform as will be set out in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
Health Minister, Simon Harris said, “I have no doubt that a Board governance structure, with strong skills and experience, will make a critical difference in building HSE oversight and performance pending its further reorganisation. The recruitment campaign to select the Chairperson of the Board is underway and he or she will play a central part in the direction, leadership and corporate and clinical governance of the HSE, during a period of complex change.
“I look forward to bringing the Bill through the Oireachtas this year and working with colleagues in the Houses on this important legislation. I intend to establish the Board once the legislation has been passed.”
