Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care (PDF 351 KB)

This document sets out a framework for the governance of research conducted by or on behalf of the Health & Personal Social Services (HPSS)

PCHR Booklet (PDF 497 KB)

Personal Child Health Record Booklet

Improving Patient Safety - Building Public Confidence (PDF 440 KB)

A response by the Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety to the recommendations contained in the Shipman Inquiry Reports 3, 4 & 5.

Equality Impact Assessment of the Oral Health Strategy (PDF 120 KB)

The Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 requires the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide or secure the provision of health services in Northern Ireland designed to promote the physical and mental health of the community through the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness. This includes the provision of oral health care. åÊ åÊ

Annual Report to the Equality Commission 03-04 (PDF 212 KB)

The Department’s Equality Scheme makes explicit the Minister’s and top management’s commitment to fulfil the Department’s statutory equality duties. This commitment is integrated into the Department’s work and clearly seen in its planning processes. Objectives and targets relating to Section 75 obligations feature in the Department’s strategic and operational plans, and the annual business plans of Directorates and Branches. Officials, where appropriate, include specific equality related targets or actions in their personal objectives which are subject to appraisal in the annual performance review. åÊ

Direct Payments Policy and Practice Review Report (PDF 243 KB)

Direct Payments are cash payments made in lieu of social service provisions, to individuals who have been assessed as needing services. Direct Payments increase choice and promote independence. They provide for a more flexible response than may otherwise be possible for the service user and carer. They allow individuals to decide when and in what form services are provided and who provides them, who comes into their home and who becomes involved in very personal aspects of their lives. Direct Payments put real power into the hands of service users and carers, and allow them to take control over their lives. Access to Direct Payments as a means of delivering social services in Northern Ireland has been available since 1996 under the Personal Social Services (Direct Payments) (Northern Ireland) Order 1996. Since then take up of Direct Payments has been limited in number with the majority being accessed in the physical disability programme. åÊ

DHSSPS Statutory Equality Duties 2003 - 2004 (PDF 212 KB)

The Department’s Equality Scheme makes explicit the Minister’s and top management’s commitment to fulfil the Department’s statutory equality duties. This commitment is integrated into the Department’s work and clearly seen in its planning processes. Objectives and targets relating to Section 75 obligations feature in the Department’s strategic and operational plans, and the annual business plans of Directorates and Branches. Officials, where appropriate, include specific equality related targets or actions in their personal objectives which are subject to appraisal in the annual performance review. åÊ

Asylum Seekers And Refugees Policy Guidance On Access To Health And Social Services (PDF 136 KB)

This policy guidance is intended for staff working within the Health and Personal Social Services sector in Northern Ireland, and aims to provide advice and information on the provision of health and social care services to asylum seekers and refugees. The purpose of the policy is to ensure that asylum seekers and refugees are given equitable access to health and social care services under the terms of the current legislation, with the overall aim of providing a culturally competent health and social care services. åÊ

Priorities For Action 2004/05 (PDF 427 KB)

PRIORITIES FOR ACTION- 2004/2005 Planning Priorities and Actions for the Health and Personal Social Services

Equality Programme for Health, Social Services and Public Safety (PDF 181KB)

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (HSSPS), like all public authorities, is required under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (‘the Act’) in carrying out its functions, powers and duties, to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity and good relations among 9 specific categories of people. In fulfilling these obligations, the Department is required to submit its policies and programmes to formal assessment of the equality implications arising from them through Equality Impact Assessments (EQIAs). åÊ

Consultation of a Proposal for an Order in Council (PDF 226KB)

The Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (NI) Order 2003

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Strategy (PDF 383 KB)

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Vision Statement, issued for consultation in July 2001, describes a long-term vision for the use of ICT in the Health and Personal Social Services (HPSS). Responses to the consultation strongly supported the Strategy Vision. The ICT Strategy for the HPSS is aimed at delivering the Vision. It is based on analysis of the current use of ICT in the service and consultation with service users, those directly involved in health and social care, and the Department for Health, Personal Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS / the Department). Developments under way and planned elsewhere, particularly in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, have been reviewed. Suppliers of ICT products and services were invited to present their perspectives on the future of ICT in health and social care. åÊ