The importance of “accountability” and “consistent” access to healthcare across all health regions was emphasised in a recent letter from the Minister for Health to the HSE Chair.
In her letter of approval for the HSE National Service Plan (NSP 2026) on 17 December, Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill noted the particular importance of the new performance and accountability framework (PAF). The letter was seen by this newspaper following a Freedom of Information request.
The PAF sets out how the HSE’s services, their heads, and individual managers are held to account for their performance. The PAF applies to the health regions, national services and HSE centre functions.
“I welcome the emphasis in the PAF on both regional and national accountability for results and the drive towards ensuring that consistent access and services are provided across all regions,” wrote the Minister.
“It is critical the HSE maintain a strong focus on driving performance improvements to ensure every region performs to the same high standard, as we move towards achieving the NSP objectives and targets throughout the year.”
Elsewhere in her letter, the Minister noted that the delivery of the commitments set out in the NSP 2026 represents “a fundamental change in the delivery of health services, enhancing regional responsibility and accountability”, and providing for improved productivity and access.
Previously, on 19 November, the HSE Chair Mr Ciarán Devane wrote to the Minister, noting that the NSP 2026 was prepared in such a manner as “to signal a strong delivery focus”, incorporating quantifiable targets and measurable actions.
“This marks a stepped change in the maturing of the regional delivery model,” he wrote.
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