Our Principal’s first involvement in public sector strategy was as project manager for acute services in the Western Health Board, which became HSE West after the single, national, statutory health agency was set up.

The requirement was to develop an over-arching strategic framework for balancing accessibility, efficiency and quality – and from which detailed business plans would be developed for individual hospital services.

The strategy addressed bed capacity needs, patient-first philosophy, technology and information requirements, service accessibility and quality, and new service models (Hub & Spoke and Managed Clinical Networks) for organising and coordinating facilities and staff in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.