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Introduction
The Irish government’s Programme for Government 2025 lays out a comprehensive roadmap for transforming healthcare, particularly in the areas of medical negligence, patient safety and support for vulnerable patients.
At the heart of these proposals is a deep commitment to improving patient experiences and ensuring that individuals who face health-related challenges receive timely, compassionate and effective care.
Prioritising Court-Supervised Mediation for Neonatal Brain Injury Cases
One of the standout features of Ireland’s Programme for Government 2025 is the prioritisation of a court-supervised mediation process for handling neonatal brain injury cases. These types of medical negligence cases can place significant strain on families and the healthcare system alike.
In response, the government plans to introduce a mediation-based process aimed at resolving such cases more efficiently and less contentiously. This initiative seeks to offer a less adversarial path for families to seek justice and compensation, ensuring a more compassionate approach to resolving medical disputes while also helping to prevent protracted legal battles.
Considering a Dedicated Medical Negligence Court
Further strengthening its commitment to improving the resolution of medical negligence claims, the government will consider the establishment of a dedicated medical negligence court. This specialised court would streamline the legal process for claims related to medical negligence, offering a more focused and expert-led environment to address the nuances of such cases. If implemented, this court could improve outcomes for claimants by providing a faster and more efficient resolution to their cases, helping those affected by medical negligence navigate the legal system with greater ease.
Tackling the Rising Cost of Health-Related Claims
In addition to these structural changes, the Programme for Government includes a commitment to implementing the recommendations from the Report of the Interdepartmental Working Group on the Rising Cost of Health-Related Claims.
The aim is to reduce the financial burden of health-related claims while also making the process less stressful for patients when things go wrong. By introducing reforms to how health claims are managed, the government intends to create a more transparent and patient-friendly system. This effort will not only make it easier for patients to seek redress but also help contain the growing costs associated with healthcare claims.
Reducing Neonatal Brain Injury Incidences
The government is also committed to improving outcomes for newborns. It will require an annual review between the State Claims Agency and maternity hospitals to determine the incidence of neonatal brain injuries and to take steps toward reducing these injuries.
This proactive approach signals the government’s commitment to improving the safety of maternity care and ensuring that neonatal brain injuries, which can have lifelong consequences, are minimised through enhanced safety protocols and practices within hospitals.
Safeguarding Adults in Health and Social Care
Another key initiative in the Programme for Government 2025 is the publication of a national policy on adult safeguarding within the health and social care sector. This policy will seek to protect vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect, promoting a safer environment for those in care. By setting clear standards and safeguards, the government is aiming to create a more responsive and compassionate care system for adults in vulnerable situations, ensuring their safety and well-being are always a top priority.
Introducing Patient Advocates in Hospitals
The government also plans to introduce hospital-based patient advocates to provide assistance to parents caring for children with disabilities or newly diagnosed conditions. These advocates will help guide families through the complex healthcare system, providing vital information on navigating medical services and accessing Social Protection income supports.
By offering this critical support, the government is addressing the emotional and logistical challenges faced by families during what can be incredibly stressful times.
Supporting Patient Advocacy and Safety Improvements
In addition to the introduction of patient advocates, the government has pledged to continue supporting the Patient Advocacy Service and the National Patient Safety Office. These bodies play an essential role in overseeing a programme of patient safety improvements, working to ensure that patient care is continuously evolving to meet high standards of quality and safety.
By strengthening the support for these services, the government aims to foster greater patient confidence in the healthcare system and further promote a culture of safety.
Extending Patient Advocacy to Mental Health Services
Finally, the Programme for Government 2025 proposes to examine the extension of the Patient Advocacy Service to support individuals accessing public mental health services. Mental health patients, who often face additional challenges in navigating the healthcare system, will benefit from enhanced advocacy services. By providing this support, the government hopes to ensure that those seeking mental health treatment receive fair, transparent, and compassionate care, free from stigma or undue complexity.
Conclusion
Ireland’s Programme for Government 2025 represents a forward-thinking approach to healthcare reform, with a clear focus on improving the patient experience, reducing the stress associated with medical negligence claims and ensuring that vulnerable individuals are protected within the healthcare system.
Through these initiatives, the government aims to create a more equitable, compassionate, and efficient healthcare environment for all.
By prioritising patient advocacy, medical negligence reforms and adult safeguarding, the government is setting a strong foundation for a healthcare system that places the well-being of individuals at the forefront.
Further Information
For further details or expert legal advice on any Healthcare or Medical Negligence matter, please contact Avril Scally, Partner and Head of our award-winning Medical Negligence & Personal Injury Team.