North and south join forces to improve healthcare

The Departments of Health on each side of the border are set to work closer together to tackle obesity, prevent suicide and improve cancer treatment services.

The recommendations are suggested by the North-South Feasibility Study, which has been commissioned by the two departments over the past two years.

Policymakers, practitioners and researchers can build and share evidence, information and skills to support public health promotion, particularly in the areas of smoking, men’s health and health impact assessments. 

The report says: “Through working together to address major health issues, significant additional benefits to the population of each jurisdiction can be achieved, which could not be achieved by each system working in isolation.”

A joint programme and approach to tackle obesity and an all-Ireland plan aimed at preventing suicide and self-harm has been agreed.

Collaborating to improving access to care services in border areas, which are generally rural, would reduce journey times for many patients and make the service more cost effective.