Review of Clinical and Social Care Governance arrangements in ...

Setting the Scene
General overview of services
In Northern Ireland, health and social care services are integrated within a single structure.
Under the review of Public Administration, the previously existing 19 Trusts have been replaced by fi ve new health
and social care Trusts (combining acute and community health with social services) and a new Regional Health
and Social Services Board, which has yet to be established. Each of the new Health and Social Care Trusts,
with the exception of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, was established following an amalgamation of
previously existing Legacy Trusts, as shown on the map below.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HSC Trust is included within these services and brings to 6 the number
of Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts which provide health and social services. The six HSC Trusts became fully
operational on 1st April 2007 and are overseen by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
The proposed new Regional Board, when established, will cover the entire province and will replace the
commissioning function of the four existing Boards
Health and Social Services Boards
Health and Social Care Services in Northern Ireland are provided as an integrated service. At present the four
Health and Social Services Boards plan and commission services for the residents of their areas.
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