A comprehensive and contemporary overview of the current issues in the Irish health service. Examines the major activity areas of health care management and reviews some of the contemporary developments in this area. The book is divided into four parts, each dedicated to a specific theme: Part one: The Health Care Environment  - Describes the structure, functioning and governance of the Irish health care system and how external factors such as economics and policy development impact on care delivery decisions Part two: Fundamentals of Service Provision - Defines leadership, organisational culture and delegation within the context of the Irish health care system and how they are impacted by historical, political and social influences - Describes the financial management process in health care with emphasis on how health professionals may contribute to the budgetary process Part three: Developing Professionals in the Health Service - Key issues such as human resources, communication, conflict resolution, motivation and working in groups are detailed and explored as tools to improve efficiency and productivity within the health care system Part four: Developing the Health Service - Change management processes, performance measurement, clinical governance, audit, and integrated care pathways are explained with emphasis on their contribution to the improved quality and delivery of care - The importance and application of informatics in health care is discussed with reference to worldwide trends and uses * Each chapter is written by an expert in the field, and supported by the most up-to-date national and international literature in health care management * Reflective questions, questions, case studies with recommendations for further reading and online resources are presented throughout the text ESSENTIAL READING FOR: Undergraduate & postgraduate Nursing degree programmes Other health care professional courses such as Medicine, Radiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Also health care management courses at both undergraduate & postgraduate levels