'Positive' outlook from inaugural Midwest Academic Health Science Systems conference

THE MIDWEST region’s top health leaders have forecast an exciting population and patient-centred future in the delivery of the Sláintecare strategy, ahead of the implementation of the HSE’s new Health Regions in spring 2024.

Health leaders and clinical experts from across the region convened at the inaugural Midwest Academic Health Science Systems conference entitled The Power of Collaboration: Building an Academic Health Science System in the Midwest at the Clinical Education Research Centre (CERC) at University Hospital Limerick.

One area of focus at the conference was on an integrated population based health system, aligning with the Sláintecare strategy, which aims to "provide high-quality, accessible, and safe care that meets the needs of the population."

The conference heard that the Midwest’s population has grown by 7% since 2017 with the over 65 age cohort growing by 22% and the over 85 age cohort by 25%. To add to this, it is estimated that 8% of people living in the Midwest are classified as being deprived, very deprived, or extremely deprived with almost 12% of the Region’s population being classified as disadvantaged or very disadvantaged.

Public Health Mid-West estimates that investing in primary care services will result in substantial cost savings for acute hospital settings like University Hospital Limerick. They estimate that for every €1 invested in social inclusion primary care services, there is an estimated return of over €1.70, reflecting costs averted in the acute hospital setting.  

Dr Anne Dee, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Public Health HSE Mid-West, said: “By investing in the essential health services in the community, not only do you provide pathways for a healthier population, you also significantly reduce burdens on our hospital systems. Additionally, this paves the way for a more equitable health service where the most vulnerable and underserved are not left behind.”

The Health Sciences Academy is a partnership between University of Limerick, UL Hospitals Group and HSE Mid West Community Healthcare. The partners share the primary aim, through the Health Sciences Academy, of improving health and wellbeing for people in the Midwest by delivering transformative education and training, and by driving innovation in healthcare delivery and technologies through research.