| Synopsis: |
The setting of quantitative, time-limited targets by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety on behalf of patients, clients and taxpayers has been a notable feature of performance improvement efforts in the health and social care service in recent years. This Report examines some evidence of the impact of this approach, in terms of the extent to which patients and taxpayers are seeing real improvements in both public health and health and social care services in Northern Ireland. Assessing public health and health care against measurable targets in this way tracks the vital signs of the health system. The picture that emerges is one of marked improvement in access, quality and outcomes in many areas of health and social care services but also some areas where progress may be falling short of initial expectations, particularly in relation to some public health issues.On the one hand, patients are waiting far less time for treatments and appointments in hospital and fewer people are dying from common conditions such as cancer and coronary heart disease. There have also been significant reductions in smoking prevalence and in unplanned births for teenage mothers.On the other hand, some groups of people continue to need more attention. For instance, too many manual workers are still smoking, some five per cent of Primary 1 school children are obese, the suicide rate (albeit an unreliable indicator of health patterns) has been climbing; and the relatively limited focus on preventative care in oral health needs to be redressed. |