HSE Health and Wellbeing has welcomed the publication of a comprehensive independent national process evaluation of the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme (SHCP). The landmark review, overseen by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), examines how the Programmes is being implemented and identifies opportunities to strengthen its impact and sustainability.
Launched in 2021, to combat health inequalities, the SHCP uses a place-based approach to improve health and wellbeing in 24 designated communities experiencing persistent social and economic disadvantage. The evaluation rigorously examines the governance, systems, and cross-sector partnerships required to support the programme’s long-term impacts.
Programme data demonstrates strong engagement with priority groups including those living with long-term health conditions, social isolation, and unemployment. Key HSE services delivered through the programme include:
- Stop Smoking Services
- Parenting Programmes
- Community Food and Food Poverty
- Social Prescribing
- Making Every Contact Count (MECC)
SHCP is coordinated locally through a partnership between a HSE Coordinator and a Local Authority Development Officer, bringing together health services, local government and community organisations to address both health needs and the broader determinants of health in the targeted communities.
The evaluation places particular emphasis on understanding the systems, relationships, structures and processes through which SHCP is delivered. Using a mixed-method approach, the evaluation combined a review of international evidence on place based approaches, analysis of SHCP documentation, semi-structured interviews and structured workshops with key stakeholders across national, organisational, local government, delivery and community perspectives.
A key finding from the evaluation is the importance of the collaboration between the Department of Health, the HSE, and Local Authorities. The report outlines a clear “theory of change,” establishing structural guidelines to formalise these partnerships rather than relying solely on individual goodwill. By integrating HSE health and wellbeing supports with Local Authority resources, such as local seed funding and community enhancement schemes, the programme can play an important role in addressing the broader social determinants of health, such as housing, poverty, community connectiveness and access to local amenities.
The HSE will work alongside its partners such as the Department of Health and Local Authorities and community partners, to implement the evaluation’s recommendations. This includes sharpening local governance, enhancing data tracking, and ensuring that the community’s voice remains central to shaping, monitoring, and evaluating local action to improve health and wellbeing.
The full evaluation is available to read or download here.