A senior University of Ulster academic is to advise a Stormont Executive commissioned Review of Health and Social Care Services in Northern Ireland.
Professor Deirdre Heenan, Provost and Dean of Academic Development on the University’s Magee campus, was today appointed by Health Minister Edwin Poots to advise the review which is being headed by John Compton, chief executive of the Health and Social Care Board.
She was one of five external and independent advisers asked by the Health Minister to assist Mr Compton as he draws up recommendations on the future provision of health services in Northern Ireland.
Professor Heenan is a highly respected researcher, author, lecturer and broadcaster and has published extensively in national and international journals. She is a co founder and former co director of the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey, a key statistical resource for policy makers, academics and students.
A board member of the Ilex urban regeneration company in Derry-Londonderry, she has been at the forefront of the University’s campaign to expand student numbers at Magee and has published widely on the delivery of health and social care and models of devolution.
She will join the chief executive of the King's Fund Professor Chris Ham, Dr Ian Rutter, a general practitioner, retired civil servant Paul Simpson and the executive chair of SSE Ireland, Mark Ennis on a panel providing expert advice and independent assurance to the review.
Health Minister Edwin Poots today said Professor Heenan and the four other advisers would bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the wide ranging review which would benefit greatly from their input.
Professor Heenan said today: “I am extremely honoured to have been asked by Minister Poots to advise the review.
“John Compton has been tasked with heading up a hugely important review which will help shape health and social care services in the region for years to come.
"I am looking forward to working with the review team to address the unprecedented challenges associated with delivering high quality, fair, accessible, cost effective health and social care."