The development of modernised care pathways (MCPs) is a core component of the transformation of the delivery of scheduled care services, with the goal of improving access time to services, improving quality of service and delivering care in the best place for the patient. Modernised care pathways are part of a national programme of work progressing under the governance of the HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer and the Strategic Programmes Office to implement 36 Modernised Care Pathways.  These pathways are a key deliverable of the Minister’s Waiting List Action Plan 2023, a frontrunner of integrated care delivery, and a building block for the new HSE Health Regions organised under Sláintecare.

The National Clinical Programme in Surgery (NCPS) has been working with Strategic Programmes Office to implement pathways in Urology, Otolaryngology, Plastic and General Surgery across the country. NCPS are delighted to report that they have secured over €8m to support over 80 new staff to establish three urology and three otolaryngology pathways nationally along with General and Plastic Surgery pathways.

Professor Eamonn Rogers, National Clinical Advisor for Urology has developed Haematuria, Lower Urinary Tract Symptomatology (LUTs) and Continence pathways to enable realisation of the recommendations of the National Model of Care for Urology.

Professor Eamonn Rogers speaking at the 'Future of Integrated Care in Ireland: Modernised Care Pathways Implementation Workshop' held in RCSI in May 2023. 

Professor Michael Walsh, National Clinical Advisor for Otolaryngology, has developed Dysphonia and Dysphagia, Vertigo and Imbalance, and Hearing Loss pathways to enable realisation of the recommendations of the National Model of Care for Otolaryngology.

Professor Michael Walsh speaking at the 'Future of Integrated Care in Ireland: Modernised Care Pathways Implementation Workshop' held in RCSI in May 2023. 

These pathways are being established in both Community and Acute Hospital setting with a shift towards community and will support more timely and direct access for patients. Depending on the pathway, services will be led by advanced nursing practitioners or health and social care professionals such as physiotherapists, audiologist and speech and language therapists.

Mr. Robert Watt, Secretary General at the Department of Health, visited St. Vincent's University Hospital (SVUH) to witness first-hand the transformative impact of Modernised Care Pathways on patient care and waiting lists.

From left to right, Mr. Diarmaid Moran (Urologist SVUH), Robert Watt (Secretary General at Department of Health), Aoife McDonnell (ANP for Urology), Mr. David Mulvin (Clinical Director SVUH) and Mr. Eamonn Rogers (NCPS National Clinical Advisor for Urology).