Reduce average unit to the levels identified in the VFM Review. (KM 9) Plans developed at agency level to reduce pay per place costs to the average. Migration plan developed by HSE for transition to funding on the basis of direct pay cost per place Number of agencies with direct pay costs per place close to the average increased substantially. National average direct pay cost per place reduced. Lead Roles: HSE Timelines: 2013-2014 Immediate action(s) recommended by the VFM Review [4] Each agency should undertake an immediate and robust examination of the findings and key recommendations of the VFM Review, and draw up an implementation plan to give effect to the recommendations. The following recommendations should be advanced as a priority: [4a] Agencies should immediately audit and critically review their rosters, and make necessary adjustments to rationalise staff deployment patterns across service units, consistent with client need and cost-effectiveness. [4b] The appropriate mix of professional and non-professional needed to deliver services and supports should be determined through an examination of skills, functions and grades. Agreed national guidelines should be determined. [4c] The HSE and disability service providers should critically examine their existing cost base in the light of the findings and recommendations in Chapter 5 of the VFM Review. The HSE should also engage with disability agencies to establish the reasons for costs that remain higher than the average costs detailed in the Review. [4d] Pending the implementation of a resource allocation model, the HSE should work with agencies from 2012 onwards through the mechanism of the SLA process to reduce current direct pay costs to the levels set out in Table 5.18 (based on data given by agencies in respect of staff/client ratios on their 2009 SLA Schedule 3 returns). 3
Develop a methodology for measuring resource usage. (KM 18) Resource usage methodology developed. Manage transition to a resource allocation model. (KM 19) Migration plan developed by HSE for transition to funding on the basis of full-cost per place. Lead DOH/HSE/NDA Timelines: 2013-2015 Implementation Priority recommended by the vfm review [4] A national resource allocation model should be developed, based on a standardised and appropriate assessment of need process, a methodology for associating standard costs with assessed needs and transparent protocols for determining the basis for allocating finite resources. 5 Develop and implement an information infrastructure to support the effective delivery of the Disability Services Programme Key Measures to achieve Strategic Aim 5 Key Measure KPI Establish a strategic information framework. (KM 20) Strategic information framework developed. Define, test and collect operational data requirements. (KM 21) Information requirements reviewed and rationalised. Common data definitions developed. Financial coding systems standardised. Define, test and collect performance measurement data. (KM 22) Review of performance indicators completed. Implement unique identifiers for service providers, service locations and service users. (KM 23) Unique identifier implemented for service service providers and service locations. Lead Roles: DOH/HSE Timelines: 2013-2014