Ireland furthers reforms with Health Bill 2004:
This article was originally published in Clinica
The Irish government has published the Health Bill 2004 which is set to effectively centralise service delivery policy-making as part of a wider modernisation programme. From January 1, subject to the approval of the Oireachtas (parliament), the Health Service Executive will become a statutory body and replace the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the other health boards. The move promises "improved, integrated and high-quality care", based on the national implementation of best practice policy. It will also centralise political responsibility under the health ministry. HSE chairman Kevin Kelly has been appointed interim chief executive officer of the HSE. He takes up the new position on January 1, pending the appointment of a new CEO.