The Productive Ward-Releasing Time to Care programme aims to empower ward teams to identify areas for improvement by giving staff the information, skills and time they need to regain control of their ward and the care they provide (NHS Institute for Innovation & Improvement's -NHSI). The Productive Ward and its other companion 'Productive' Programmes, have been greatly effective in the National
Health Service (NHS) in England.

The ONMSD decided to introduce the productive series within the HSE nationally on a phased basis. A National Advisory Group (NAG) was set up in April 2011. The National Surgical Clinical Programme already commenced the Productive Operating Theatre (TPOT) in some hospitals in 2010, in areas such as Cork, Kilkenny and Dublin.

The Productive Operating Theatre programme will merge with the NAG governance structure. Evaluation of the process will be carried out by Ms. Lorraine Murphy who recently commenced a two year International Fellowship with the NHSI, Research Fellowship with Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland. It is envisaged that the roll-out of this initiative will be supported by a National Implementation group chaired by Mark White, A/Director of the NMPD HSE-SE. It is planned to have up to 12 sites recruited in 2011. Further Information from Mark White. A/Director NMDU-SE Email Mark.white@hse.ie Phone: 0567785629.