HSE to extend activity-based funding

Activity-based funding (ABF) will be extended in 2020 to community services, according to the HSE National Service Plan 2020.

The Medical Independent (MI) recently detailed how the implementation had stalled due to a range of factors and the completion of a second ABF implementation plan had been delayed.

However, ABF has been identified as a priority according to the new service plan, which has been published.

It states that ABF will be extended in accordance with the targets set in the ABF implementation plan.

“This includes development of community costing capacity within the Healthcare Pricing Office, to enable extension in the community setting,” according to the plan.

The HSE CEO Mr Paul Reid referred to the extension of ABF in his introduction to the report.

It was mentioned under a list of service plan priorities that have been informed by Sláintecare.

The list is as follows:  Continue with the disability sector reform programme; extend ABF, including within the community setting; develop and implement a governance and oversight model between the HSE and the Department; continue with the “efficiency programme”, with a targeted 1 per cent (circa €170 million) “improvement”; push forward on the use of generic drugs and biosimilars; progress electronic health record project for Children’s Health Ireland; implement and adhere to the Pay and Numbers Strategy 2020; maintain focus on preparations for Brexit; and maximise value “with the entirety of the resources” provided by the Minister.