Health board (Ireland)

Health Board (Ireland)

The Health Boards in Ireland were regional bodies responsible for providing health and personal social services. They were established under the Health Act 1970 and were operational from 1971 until their dissolution in 2005. The Health Boards were replaced by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

History

The Health Boards were created to decentralize the administration of health services in Ireland. Prior to their establishment, health services were managed by a combination of local authorities and voluntary organizations. The Health Act 1970 aimed to streamline and improve the efficiency of health service delivery by creating eight regional Health Boards.

Structure

Each Health Board was governed by a board of directors, which included representatives from local authorities, medical professionals, and other stakeholders. The boards were responsible for the administration of hospitals, community care, and other health services within their regions.

The eight Health Boards were:

• Eastern Health Board
• Midland Health Board
• Mid-Western Health Board
• North Eastern Health Board
• North Western Health Board
• South Eastern Health Board
• Southern Health Board
• Western Health Board

Functions

The primary functions of the Health Boards included:

• Management of public hospitals and health facilities
• Provision of community health services, including public health nursing, social work, and mental health services
• Administration of primary care services, such as general practitioner services and dental care
• Implementation of health promotion and disease prevention programs

Dissolution and Replacement

In 2005, the Health Boards were dissolved and their functions were transferred to the newly established Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE was created to further centralize and streamline the administration of health services in Ireland, with the goal of improving efficiency and service delivery.

Legacy

The Health Boards played a significant role in the development and administration of health services in Ireland for over three decades. Their establishment marked a significant shift towards a more organized and regional approach to health service delivery, and their legacy continues to influence the structure and function of the HSE.

See also

• Health Service Executive
• Health Act 1970
• Public health
• Primary care
• Mental health services in Ireland