In November 2014, members of the Donegal Community Health Network attended the launch of a research project entitled ‘A Framework for Community Participation in Primary Healthcare’. It was a project undertaken by a team from the University of Limerick drawing on learning from Community Health Forums around the country, including Donegal. It is a useful tool designed to enhance community participation in primary health care.
At the launch, John Hennessy, National Director, Primary Care, HSE said: “This framework is an expression of innovative, real research translated into a practical, accessible guide that can be used in primary care and other settings. The HSE welcomes the framework and is committed to progressing its application as an effective means of supporting community participation in primary care”. Click on this link for a copy Framework for Implementation of Community Participation in Primary Healthcare_0 (1).pdf or contact Stephane.Pinson@ul.ie
In County Donegal the Community Health Forums and community representatives have formed a Community Health Network to share information, set priorities and to act as a link with the HSE and those other agencies that may have an impact on health.
The Community Health Network meets two or three times a year. Most meetings of the Community Health Network are open to all members of the Community Health Forums as well as all community representatives
The agreed main purposes of the Community Health Network are to:
Peter Walker, Social Inclusion Office at peter.walker@hse.ie