4858 Mental Health Report - National University of Ireland, Galway

Collaborative Practice and Policy
for reconciliation and greater understanding within and between the crossborder
communities would be created. This project was evaluated by a team from
the University of Ulster (Hayes et al. 2000).
Many benefits to this project were documented. Through cross-border working
nurses acquired new skills and forged new relationships with colleagues. In
addition nurses developed a new sense of energy to their work. Nurses placed
great value on the benefits gained and felt that this contact heightened an
awareness of similarity rather than differences across the border.
Patients surveyed believed firstly that cross-border co-operation in health was
possible and in addition it was of benefit to them. Patients surveyed viewed
health concerns as an excellent medium for breaking down barriers and felt that
collaboration would result in a reduction in waiting lists and an improvement in
both the standards and quality of health provision. The readiness of the patients
to engage in cross-border co-operation in health issues was seen as an
acknowledgement that health concerns do not recognise political boundaries.
A strategy was developed and implemented for C-BAP: this proved to be a
positive experience that promoted learning and action while at the same time
encouraging enthusiasm, solidarity and support between like-minded people.
Funding that was made available for the project allowed innovation,
experimentation and the dissemination of good practice. The project thus helped
to reduce the impact of political frameworks on the provision of health care.
There were also apparent barriers to the project. There appeared to be a lack of
clarity about the aims and purpose of this work, resulting in a shift away from
the original objectives with the cross-border dimension becoming a peripheral
aspect of the initiative. In addition, there were deficiencies in the quality and
quantity of contact as no joint training took place, and personnel from both
jurisdictions appeared to be reluctant to travel across the border for meetings.
Shortcomings existed in terms of communication and information mechanisms.
It was felt that for effective cross-border co-operation to occur closer liaison
between all project staff is required. Active involvement by all members would
suggest commitment at a high level. In conclusion, the C-BAP by its very existence
showed how understanding and vision are broadened through joint activities.
Cross-border Co-operation in Health Services
This study was carried out by Jamison et al. (2001) for the Centre for Cross Border
Studies. The study focused on initiatives with the greatest potential for future
development in health services across the Irish border. The study found that
although differences exist between the two health systems, they have common
core principles, face common health and service problems, and there are similar
approaches to tackling issues.
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