Consultation
5.A formal consultation exercise on the policy proposals informing the Health and Social Care (Reform) Act was carried out during the period from 18 February 2008 until 12 May 2008.  Over the 12 week period the consultation process was informed by a considerable number of workshops with HSC organisations, the Voluntary and Community sector, the Department and one on Public Health.  In addition, various meetings have taken place with a wide range of stakeholders including – HSS Councils, Trades Unions, the Assembly HSSPS Committee, NI Local Government Association, Directorate of Information Systems, Family Practitioners Services, Superannuation Branch, NI Confederation, Regulation and Improvement Authority, Health Promotion Agency, General Practitioners Commission, Royal College of GPs, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, British Dental Association, and the Omnibus Partnership.    Over 200 formal responses to the consultation were received.  In general, there were many positive comments that welcomed the proposals for health and social care reform.  A range of issues and suggestions were also highlighted and have been extremely helpful in informing consideration of the detail of the proposals.