Learning from the economic shock - health system resilience in Ireland

This chapter explores health system resilience in the context of Ireland's response to the 2008 economic crisis. Using Thomas et al.’s four stages of the shock cycle, it critically examines the health system’s preparedness, response, and long-term adaptations to this financial shock, offering insights into the dynamics of health system resilience under stress. The chapter reflects on the Irish health system’s mixed resilience to austerity, noting that while there were initial absorptive and adaptive responses, the long-term transformative changes needed for sustained resilience were limited. It also highlights the importance of learning from these experiences to strengthen resilience now and in the future. The authors advocate for a comprehensive understanding of health system resilience, emphasising the need for ongoing improvement and learning, especially in the face of complex and uncertain health system and policy environments.