HSE denies report of regional break-up

The Health Service Executive has dismissed reports that it would break up into four separate bodies, stating there are "no such plans in place".

In a statement, the HSE said claims it "is about to engage in a drastic break up, dividing into four separate bodies with their own budgets and CEOs are not accurate".

"The HSE engaged McKinsey & Company to advise on how it could further support the development of integrated services for patient and clients within and between hospital and the community," the HSE said.

"This work is part of the ongoing work on the HSE's Transformation Programme specifically in relation to the integrated model of care which began in early 2007."

A report in   the Irish Medical Times yesterday suggested a "more regional structure" for the HSE, with greater autonomy and devolved budgets for four regional divisions "is the likely outcome" of the McKinsey review.

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