Patient input sought for new charter

The HSE is inviting members of the public to have their say about the health services as part of a consultation process for the development of a patient charter.

With this in mind, the health executive has published a new public consultation document entitled "The HSE and You." The document includes a submission form in which members of the public can send in their suggestions on the development of more user-friendly services.

The HSE, in statement, said the public consultation process is an opportunity for service users to have their views heard and to contribute to a new patient charter that will define what service users can expect from the HSE and vice-versa.

The consultation document sets out supporting arrangements for a partnership of care between everyone involved in healthcare, from patient to carers to healthcare providers.

Developed by the HSE and the Department of Health in consultation with advocacy groups, the document, according to the HSE, sets out what a service user can expect from the HSE and what service users' responsibilities are in relation to maintaining their personal health and in contributing to the efficient running of the health service.

Nine key areas of responsibility for those providing services to patients are identified - access; respect; safety; communication; information; participation; privacy; being heard and prevention.

The document states that patients should should not have to wait more than 70 days from a GP referral to access physiotherapy x-rays or scans and the same time limit should apply for a consultant referral for the same services.

The HSE says there should be a maximum wait of 90 days for a hospital outpatient appointment, and six months for an inpatient or day case procedure or treatment to be carried out.

It says patients too have responsibilities in terms of access; respect; safety; communication; participation; prevention and giving feedback.

Department of Health Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Philip Crowley said the document is an initiative that is part of the implementation of the Commission on Patient Safety report.

"We believe everybody should have a say about our health service and in doing so, we will ultimately create an effective patient charter which will ensure that health service users and workers can have their voices heard."

The public can view the consultation document here

Consultation questions are contained on page 20 of the document and the deadline for submissions is May 31.

People can return their feedback/submissions to Advocacy Unit, Oak House, Millennium Park, Naas, Co.Kildare
or by email to june.boulger2@hse.ie or yoursay@hse.ie or by phone at 045 882544.

Have your say today on hospital services on irishhealth.com's Rate My Hospital website - (www.ratemyhospital.ie)

[Posted: Tue 04/05/2010]