October 2026
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This conference examined next steps for Sláintecare reform.
It brought stakeholders and policymakers together to examine practical and strategic considerations for implementation of the Department of Health’s Path to Universal Healthcare: Sláintecare & Programme for Government 2025+ and delivery of the Health Service Executive’s National Service Plan 2026, alongside implications of the Sectoral Plan for Health 2026-2030.
The agenda brought out latest thinking on approaches to the delivery of aims for digitalisation, system integration, increased capacity, and more accessible and person-centred care.
Policy, governance & accountability
Delegates assessed progress and the effectiveness of existing measures, looking at key issues and stakeholder concerns around fragmented governance, accountability, and the pace of delivery.
Implementation of the HSE’s Public Health Strategy 2025-2030 was discussed in the context of Sláintecare delivery, including issues around resource allocation, health system resilience, and local decision-making. Delegates also considered priorities for improving coordination across HSE health regions, strengthening public engagement and accountability, and supporting practical progress towards more integrated and community-based care.
Attendees also examined accountability and transparency, looking at strategies for improving public engagement and for developing reform that can be sustainable for the long-term and adaptable to future needs. Delivery of equitable regional care, safe and effective use of digital tools, and system-wide priorities for improvement and innovation were considered, as well as the roles of the HSE, private sector, advocacy and community groups in supporting person-centred and effective delivery.
Addressing capacity, workforce & funding challenges
With concern from some around capacity, access and the ability of the health and social care workforce to meet increasing demand, we expected latest thinking on addressing waiting times, primary and community care constraints, and the balance between elective and emergency care. This included strategies to increase and upskill workers, retain talent and strategically deploy resources, alongside implications of the Department of Health’s Ireland’s Future Health and Social Care Workforce policy paper and further aligning the workforce with population and patient needs.
The capacity of health infrastructure to manage immediate and long-term pressures was also examined, as well as approaches to strategic resource planning and regional organisation to achieve faster and fairer patient access. Strategies to expand the pharmacy sector and improve elective treatment capacity were also considered.
Further discussion focused on how funding and investment can be strategically deployed to build capacity, meet regional needs and improve access - with targets set out in these areas in the Minister for Health’s The Path to Universal Healthcare, €27.4bn allocated for the health service in 2026, and provisions for health infrastructure in the Department of Health’s Sectoral Plan.
Digital technology & AI use in healthcare
With the AI for Care 2026-2030 strategy being implemented, attendees considered what is needed moving forward for safe, responsible use of AI in the healthcare system, including steps to ensure accountability, awareness and education around the use of AI tools.
The agenda explored the wider role of digital healthcare in supporting consistency, sustainability and efficiency across the system, as well as in improving resource and capacity management, and optimising service quality. Priorities for standards, legislation and governance will be discussed.
Community-based care, inclusion & targeted services
Delegates considered practicalities for the expansion of community-based care under the Enhanced Community Care Programme, including the role of local authorities, voluntary services and social care providers in supporting home-first care, integrating digital resources and meeting activity targets.
Strategies for improving population health, promoting community wellbeing and progressing the Healthy Ireland Programme were also discussed, with a focus on the development of Sláintecare Healthy Communities and next steps for channelling the Healthy Ireland Fund. The expansion of primary care and implications for providers was considered, including priorities for improving affordability, ensuring consistent patient experience and increasing infrastructure capacity.
Further discussion considered longer-term questions around accessibility, affordability and sustainability in a one-tier system. Sessions assessed what may be required to align system reform with quality of care, social inclusion and practical conditions for lasting implementation.
Attendees also looked at how policy and funding can best support targeted services, including the delivery of an age-friendly system, reforming disability services, women’s health and further reducing barriers for underserved groups. Sessions considered strategies to increase service capacity and reduce segregated provision, as well as the sufficiency of ongoing reform and regulatory initiatives to develop an age-friendly healthcare system. Following the signing of the Mental Health Act 2026, discussion also considered priorities for delivering person-centred mental healthcare.
As well as key stakeholders those attending included officials from the Department of Health; Department of Health, NI; and Care Quality Commission.
