The ND Planning and Performance updated the Committee on the NSP 2025 process. The Penultimate draft NSP 2025 and its current timeline were circulated to the Committee in advance of the meeting for review and consideration. Final Committee feedback was requested in advance of the Board’s approval of the NSP on 26 November 2024 and its subsequent submission to the Department of Health (DoH) and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY).
The ND Planning and Performance advised that the aim is to have a shorter more succinct NSP for 2025, focused on deliverables and outcomes. He confirmed that the narrative has been reduced by approximately 45% compared to NSP 2024. The remaining content comprises Appendices showing KPIs, including a new Appendix requested by the Department of Health detailing the list of 2025 Capital projects. The ND Planning and Performance highlighted other proposed changes to the KPIs as set out in the circulated papers. It was also highlighted that a reconciliation of 2025 revenue funding and staffing approval levels set out in the Letter of Determination (LoD) was being undertaken. This was to confirm that the staffing required to operationalise additional beds will be available. Progress against delivery of these beds will be reported on a monthly basis.
The Committee highlighted the importance of identifying IT projects as enablers, especially regarding the delivery of new beds. Following a query from the Committee, the CTTO confirmed that progress made on the Individual Health Identifier is well advanced, as is the Electronic Healthcare Record and Shared Care Record. The Committee requested assurance that the prioritisation framework, which was signed off by the Board in 2023, is now being used as part of the NSP drafting process. The CTTO confirmed that the prioritisation framework is currently being used and he will provide more detail to the Strategy and Reform Committee.
The Committee discussed the collaboration between the HSE Centre, Departments, and the Regions in drafting the NSP 2025 and noted the remaining key milestones and proposed dates for finalising the plan, including the Infrastructure Capital Plan and ICT Capital Plan development. The CTTO updated the Committee on the development of the ICT Capital Plan 2024. The HSE annual eHealth & ICT Capital Plan is prepared by the eHealth function in conjunction with the Services, taking account of contractual commitments, investment priorities and funding available. This plan is provided alongside the NSP in response to the LoD from the Minister of Health.
REO West/Northwest and CTTO left the meeting
The Committee provided some specific page-by-page feedback relating to language and clarity to the ND Planning and Performance and AND Planning for incorporation into the final draft NSP. The Committee agreed to recommend to the HSE Board the adoption of NSP 2025, including the ICT Capital Plan 2025, on the basis that all feedback is incorporated into the final drafts. The Committee thanked the ND Planning and Performance for the work completed to date and he confirmed that the Committee’s comments and feedback would be addressed in the next draft. It was noted that the final version of the NSP 2025 is due to be adopted by the Board on Tuesday 26 November and then submitted formally to the DoH and the DCEDIY.