A study of The Irish Healthcare System
Recently, I facilitated a study trip to Dublin for 30 executives from 12 Belgian hospitals.
It was organised by the Vlerick Business School where I studied back in 2000 and graduated in 2002. Many happy memories of my time in Brussels and Leuven as a mature student.
It was a great opportunity to compare and contrast both health systems and found it highlighting many challenges facing all of us here in Ireland including:
- Public health funding
- Waiting lists
- A growing and ageing population
- Staff retention
- Digital Healthcare including Electronic Patient Records
It also highlighted the ‘good things’ in the system:
- Sláintecare is being rolled out albeit at a slower pace than anticipated
- Almost 1 in 2 (47%) of the population can afford to take private medical insurance
- Once in the system, care and outcomes are as good as anywhere worldwide
- Ireland is not lacking in technology innovations with many new healthcare initiatives
For 25 years, the MINOZ Research Centre has focused on how hospitals are managed. They produce practical insights to help hospitals address current challenges and optimise operational processes. My aim here is to lead a national debate in how such a proven system could help address many of the issues we face in Ireland when it comes to operational efficiency.
Thank You
I wish to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the Irish Healthcare professionals we visited during these three days (25– 27th October). Thank you for the wonderful insights into the care being delivered every day across all the facilities.
The warmth of the people we met throughout the visit, their openness to discuss healthcare developments and challenges across all sectors, made a lasting impression on our visitors. Co-creation and collaboration amongst stakeholders came across as the underlying theme for future developments.
The feedback I got from our academics, researchers and the leadership team members (of the 12 Belgian hospitals represented on the trip) made me feel very proud of what we deliver every day for healthcare in Ireland. In addition, our legendary Irish hospitality and friendliness came to the fore during these three days leaving an indelible mark on all those in attendance.
A Wonderful Networking Opportunity
We were invited to enjoy a reception at the Belgium Embassy graciously hosted by Ambassador Karen Van Vlierberge. Her words of welcome reflected the longstanding Belgian-Irish cooperation and the prospects presented by sharing the healthcare outcomes and opportunities between both our countries.
The Last Word
“I think we had a good study trip, with great exchange of thoughts and updates. Thank you once again for your facilitation and opening towards speakers and visits!”
BRECHT CARDOEN
Professor & Director DBA Programme
Vlerick Business School
“It was a pleasure to meet you again in Dublin. I am also very grateful for your support in developing the programme. Participants informed us that they were very satisfied with the programme and the trip.”
Prof. Dr. Paul Gemmel
Dean Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
Ghent University
“We all thoroughly enjoyed the knowledge exchange with the Irish healthcare professionals, and it was a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow together.”
Ester Van Haute
Senior Researcher
Vlerick Business School
