NMBI Irish Healthcare System

Question 1

What is the Health Service Executive (HSE) and what is its role in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

The HSE is the national body responsible for providing all public health and social care services in Ireland

Answer

The HSE was established under the Health Act 2004 and is responsible for providing all public health and personal social services in Ireland. This includes hospitals, community health services, mental health, disability services, and primary care.

Question 2

What is a medical card and who is entitled to one in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

A card providing free access to public health services for individuals and families whose income falls below a certain threshold, assessed by the HSE

Answer

A medical card provides free access to GP services, public hospital services, dental services, and prescription medications. Eligibility is primarily based on a means test (income assessment), though automatic eligibility applies to certain groups such as those on social welfare payments.

Question 3

What is the role of HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) in the Irish healthcare system?

Accepted Answer

To set standards for health and social care services, monitor compliance, investigate concerns, and publish health technology assessments

Answer

HIQA is the independent authority responsible for developing standards for health and social care, monitoring and inspecting services against those standards, investigating systemic concerns, and conducting health technology assessments to inform policy decisions.

Question 4

What is the primary care model in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

A community-based healthcare approach centred on GP-led multidisciplinary teams providing a range of health services outside of hospitals

Answer

Ireland's primary care model is based on community-based primary care teams (PCTs) led by GPs and including practice nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and other allied health professionals. The aim is to provide comprehensive care as close to home as possible.

Question 5

What is Sláintecare and what are its objectives?

Accepted Answer

A 10-year programme to reform the Irish health system toward universal healthcare, reducing wait times, expanding primary care, and removing financial barriers to access

Answer

Sláintecare is Ireland's cross-party 10-year health reform programme aimed at creating a universal single-tier health service where access is based on need, not ability to pay. Key objectives include expanding primary and community care, reducing hospital waiting lists, and achieving universal coverage.

NMBI Practice Test

NMBI Practice Test

NMBI Irish Healthcare System