The people tasked with providing advice and support to the Sláintecare Programme Office on the delivery of the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy, have been announced.

The Sláintecare Report 2017 is a 10-year plan aimed at reforming healthcare in Ireland. The Sláintecare Implementation Strategy, which was announced in August of this year, is the Government's plan for delivering on this report.

The Sláintecare Implementation Advisory Council will be made up of 23 members from a range of backgrounds, including medical professionals and patient advocates.

According to the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, the appointment of the Advisory Council 'is a critical element in the implementation of the Sláintecare vision'.

"I am delighted that we have been able to appoint a diverse group of people with a breath of experience and expertise in healthcare, governance, change management and leadership. The council combines patient/service user representatives, senior health service leaders, clinical leadership, and a number of independent change experts from outside the health service, who will bring expertise and an independent perspective," the Minister noted.

The 23 members have been appointed for a three-year period, which will commence on October 24.

The council will be chaired by Dr Tom Keane, former director of the National Cancer Control Programme. Its executive director will be Laura Magahy, who has led some of Ireland's most significant public sector projects, including the €284 million development of the Mater Hospital (2000-2014).

Other members include consultant geriatrician, Dr Siobhan Kennelly, consultant gastroenterologist, Dr Anthony O'Connor, former general secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, Liam Doran, the CEO of Fingal County Coucil, Paul Reid, and Roisin Molloy, whose baby son Mark died shortly after birth at the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, in 2012 as a result of a number of ‘care failings and systems failure'.

"I wish the Sláintecare Implementation Advisory Council well and look forward to working with it in delivering fundamental change to the Irish health system. I would like to thank the members for agreeing to participate in this challenging role, which will ensure the Sláintecare ambition turns into reality," Minister Harris added.

The Advisory Council will meet between two and four times per year and all discussions and engagement with the Sláintecare Programme Office will be conducted on a confidential basis.