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Focus on quality in healthcare in Ireland

Chris G. Collins (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland)
Pauline Joyce (International School of Healthcare Management, Dublin, Ireland)

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance

ISSN: 0952-6862

Article publication date: 21 March 2008

3231

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarise the recent debates and issues on the healthcare system in Ireland, which have come to the fore through media exposure. The implications for these debates on quality are suggested and questions are raised to stimulate further debate.

Design/methodology/approach

Recent reports and media opinion articles are reviewed in the light of the health reform programme and the increased prosperity due to the Celtic Tiger era in Ireland.

Findings

The Health Service in Ireland is not what it should be. Progress has been made but resistance at all levels is significant due to the mistrust and miscommunication between the managerial and clinical personnel which have built up during the past number of years. The trust of the public is at an all‐time low. However, once patients are within the system they are satisfied with their care.

Originality/value

This is a discussion paper which raises more questions than answers and is timely with the focus on quality in healthcare, particularly now as Ireland prepares for a general election for a new government with healthcare a priority issue.

Keywords

Citation

Collins, C.G. and Joyce, P. (2008), "Focus on quality in healthcare in Ireland", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 219-228. https://doi.org/10.1108/09526860810859067

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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