Oct. 27, 2016 Europe Publication

The integration of health and social care services

The Government is committed to the introduction of a single-tier health service, supported by universal health insurance (UHI). Under UHI, everyone will be insured for a standard package of primary and hospital care services, including mental health services. It is understood that primary and hospital care will be funded mainly via the UHI system and social care services and public health services will be funded by general taxation. While funded separately, these services will need to be delivered in an integrated manner around the needs of the person. This review considers the international evidence in relation to mechanisms and structures used to integrate health services (provided under UHI) and social care services.