Click here for Neurosurgical Guidelines
Background to the programme
The National Clinical Programmes represent a strategic initiative between the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate and the various post-graduate training bodies. The programmes aim to design and implement change initiatives to improve and standardise the quality of care and access for all patients in a cost effective manner. The Programmes are structured with broad cross functional input and with clinical leadership being provided by the training bodies to ensure that patients remains at the centre of any change recommendation. The National Clinical Programmes each share three core objectives:
- To improve the quality of patient care delivered to all HSE patients
- To improve access to appropriate services for patients
- To Improve value /cost effectiveness to the patient and the healthcare system
The National Clinical Programme in Surgery (NCPS)
The aim of the National Clinical Programme for Surgery (NCPS) is to provide a framework for the delivery of safer, more timely, accessible, more cost effective and efficient care for all surgical patients. NCPScommenced in 2010 and an overview of the programme is shown in the schematic below.
The NCPS works closely with the other National Clinical Programmes, notably the Programme in Anaesthesia but also with Acute , Emergency Medicine, and Critical Care. It also works with other National Clinical Programmes, when appropriate, as well as the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), patient advocacy groups and all relevant stakeholders across the health system.
The National Clinical Programme for Surgery reports directly into both the RCSI Committee for Surgical Affairs (CSA) and the Director of Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate of the Hse. This CSA committee meets monthly and its membership includes the Programme Leads, Professor Frank Keane, Mr. Ken Mealy, as well as representation from the RCSI Dept. of Surgical Affairs (DOSA) and 16 Surgical Specialties.
While the National Programme for Surgery is generic at the outset it is anticipated that other surgical programmes, including sub-specialty programmes may, in time have their own programme co-ordinated through the National Office.
The Trauma and Orthopaedic Programme, for example, is already well established and others are in a process of development.
For other information;
