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HSE Launch

Irish health service launches National Intercultural Health Strategy To mark the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the Health Service Executive (HSE) which manages all health services in Ireland has launched an intercultural health strategy which promotes greater access and inclusion of minority ethnic communities, migrants and asylum seekers in the health service. The strategy, which is the result of a widespread two year national, regional and local consultation process, was officially launched by the Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD and the CEO of the HSE, Professor Brendan Drum at an event in Dublin on 21 February. Speaking at the event Mr Drum said: “We must ensure that our services are provided equally to all and respond appropriately to the specific health needs of new and well established minority communities.” In recent years, Ireland has experienced a rapid growth in ethnic, religious and cultural diversity. The most recent Census (2006) shows that one in ten of Ireland’s population is now non-Irish. This diversity builds on the diversity (albeit in relatively small numbers) that has always existed in Ireland. Most of the recent inward migration into Ireland is closely linked to the very rapid economic growth rates experienced over the past decade and athe concomitant skills and labour shortages. This is clearly reflected in the health service where 33 per cent of those working in the medical and dental fields and 14 per cent of nurses and midwives are from overseas. The primary objective of the strategy is to provide a framework through which service providers are supported in addressing the unique care and support needs of people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. “It is widely acknowledged that people from minority groups are at increased risk from poverty and social exclusion. Irish Travellers, asylum seekers, refugees and migrant workers are especially vulnerable and members of these groups may be exposed to racism and discrimination,” said Ms. Alice O’Flynn, HSE Assistant National Director for Social Inclusion at the launch, “This coupled with language and cultural barriers may further compromise health and well being. This strategy advises on the optimum way towards planning and delivering of care and support in an equal, accessible and effective way, while acknowledging and valuing the diversity of all service users and providers.” Among the key priorities set out in the strategy are: The delivery of services on the basis of equality of access. The provision of information in culturally appropriate and accessible formats, as well as greater availability of professional interpretation and translation services. To ensure that the HSE reflects the diversity of current Irish society and that there is commitment at all levels of the organisation to interculturalism and equality. Greater staff awareness and understanding of the needs of different cultural, religious and ethnic groups. To continue to work in partnership with minority ethnic communities to ensure their ongoing participation in service developments. The National Coordinating Body of EY/ID 2008 in Ireland, the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) was a member of the steering group which oversaw the development of the intercultural health strategy. To download a copy of the strategy go to: http://www.hse.ie/en/Publications/HSEPublicationsNew/ HSECorporatePlans/InterculturalHealthStrategy/