The ND Planning and Performance updated the Committee on the NSP 2026 process. The pre-Letters of Determination (LoD) draft NSP 2026 and its current timeline were circulated to the Committee in advance of the meeting for review and consideration. Given the timeframes for developing the 2026 Plan, the pre-LOD version submitted to the Committee was prepared to provide an early view of how it is proposed the Plan will be structured and the type of content to be included in the Plan.
The ND Planning and Performance provided a summary of work completed to date on the pre-LoD version of the NSP and briefly summarised the proposed timelines for completing the NSP within 21 days of receiving the final LoD from the Department of Health (DoH) and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE).
The ND Planning and Performance outlined that the NSP 2026 will see a shift toward a more measurable, action-oriented plan which will be delivery-focused, specific and measurable, and regionally integrated. In addition to the Capital Plan and Digital for Care Capital Plan, the updated 2026 Performance and Accountability Framework will also be submitted to the Minister for approval alongside the NSP 2026. It was confirmed that the 2026 service planning process will reflect the strategic commitments of the HSE’s Corporate Plan 2025-2027.
The Committee noted the next steps and indicative timeline for developing the plan, and the appendices setting out a draft chapter outlining the proposed structure of the NSP and proposed 2026 KPIs and activity measures. The Committee discussed whether significant changes would be made to the KPI targets for 2026 and ND Planning and Performance advised that the aim is for the NSP 2026 to be more delivery focused and outline specific key actions required. Engagement with Section 38 and Section 39 voluntary services was also discussed
The Committee noted that all material included in the papers circulated in advance of the meeting was presented as draft, and that feedback would be incorporated in the first full draft of the NSP which will be informed by the final LoDs when received.