A NORTH-SOUTH programme to tackle obesity, an all-island suicide prevention plan and greater sharing of cancer treatment services are among recommendations in a report from the Departments of Health on each side of the Border.
The North-South Feasibility Study was commissioned by the two departments and carried out over the past two years.
“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,” the report says.
Throughout, the study notes how initiatives are being taken separately on each side of the Border to tackle the problems common to both jurisdictions.
There is a strategic framework on obesity in the North, which is aimed at drawing on good practice from the whole island.
It will be helped by using the learning gained by the obesity strategy in the South.
The report recommends that the two departments and the relevant agencies “should promote joint programmes and joint approaches to tackle obesity”.
On mental health promotion and suicide prevention, an all-Ireland plan aimed at preventing suicide and self-harm has been agreed, says the report.
It adds that “deliberate and systematic action is needed to bring together the relevant range of policymakers, practitioners and researchers to build and share evidence, information and skills” to support public health promotion in a range of areas.
Of particular concern are smoking, men’s health and health impact assessments.
The report calls for greater collaboration on improving access to care services “particularly in Border areas where, as a consequence of rurality, access could be compromised”.
The incidence of cancer will increase beyond 2015 and it will be necessary to start planning now for additional treatment capacity.
The report says additional capacity in the northwest “would offer significant advantages”.
“Both Ministers have agreed to co-operate in relation to the provision of radiotherapy services in the northwest . . . offering services to the population in both jurisdictions.”
This would reduce journey times for many patients and make the service more cost effective.
The report makes recommendations also on cross-Border foster care arrangements; the formal exchange of information on standards of homes and staff in child-protection; and the development of a joint service on organ transplants.
