Our Role

The Board's role is that of a commissioner which means it is required to assess the health and social care needs of local people and plan, secure and pay for services to meet these needs.

Buying services is a complex process which calls for knowledge of people's needs and aspirations. Services are planned so that they are distributed equitably. The Board obtains this information from many different sources and takes this into account when reaching its decisions. Those involved include:

Local communities Northern Health and Social Services Council Professional organisations Elected representatives Borough and District Councils Voluntary groups Statutory bodies Trusts, and Family doctors and other primary care professionals.

The Board reviews and monitors services provided in hospitals and in the community to ensure improvements in the care provided.

It encourages people to live healthy lives and liaises with other agencies to this end. The Board works closely with the Northern Health and Social Services Council, which was established by Government in 1991, to represent the interests of the public on health and social services matters within the Board area.

Other services provided by the Board include the control of infectious diseases and the monitoring of the statutory functions delegated to Trusts.

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