Ireland is entering a challenging new era of national healthcare that will put the patient first, it was claimed today.
The Health Department's top official Michael Scanlan told the Dail's Public Accounts Committee that the new Health Service Executive (HSE) was a 'significant milestone' and would co-ordinate the nationwide delivery of services unlike the regional fragmentation of the past.
Secretary general Mr Scanlan told the PAC today: "We are in a time of significant change in how the health services are managed and delivered but by working together the department and HSE will meet these challenges and secure improvement in the health services."
It was the first public appearance by Mr Scanlan who replaced Michael Kelly in the post earlier this month.
The PAC was today discussing the Comptroller & Auditor General's report on the health sector audits for 2003.
C&AG John Purcell called on the HSE to exert more financial control over its budget and to avoid overspending on projects.
He said the wages bill for the health service was becoming unsustainable, the cost of the General Medical Scheme was rising every year and €115 million had been spent without proper authorisation.
Accepting the report's findings, HSE chief Kevin Kelly said: "We are the biggest employer in the state and we must have the highest standards of controls and corporate governance."
Mr Scanlan agreed: "We're entering into a new phase of health service delivery which provides many opportunities for improvement in the system.
"The Irish health service has developed significantly over the years and the purpose of the reform is to enable further development.
He said the purpose of the HSE was to "deliver more effectively and efficiently for the needs of patients in a national delivery system."
A single management and delivery system offers a real opportunity to implement best practice right across the country, he added.
PA