The Health Agency is responsible for health protection in the territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands:
1. It draws up a public health programme taking into account the health priorities established by the health conference provided for in article L. 1524-1. This programme focuses in particular on protecting the health of mothers, young children, school-age children and workers, as well as combating communicable diseases, alcoholism, drug addiction and mental illness. This programme includes a hospital project, including a medical project, and the Agency contributes to the implementation of this programme with the possible assistance of legal entities governed by public law;
2. While respecting patients’ rights, it provides diagnostic examinations, monitoring and treatment for the sick, injured and pregnant women, taking into account psychological and cultural aspects and guaranteeing equal access to the care it provides to all persons whose condition requires its services. It must be able to care for them day and night, and in an emergency if necessary. It will consider the ethical issues raised by care and medical treatment;
It draws up and implements a policy of continuous improvement in the quality and safety of care and risk management aimed at preventing and dealing with undesirable events related to its activity.
Within this framework, it organises the fight against undesirable events, healthcare-associated infections and iatrogenia.
3. If necessary, it ensures their transfer to another establishment capable of providing the care required by their condition;
4. It delivers, on medical prescription, the medicines and medical devices mentioned in article L. 5211-1;
5. It assesses and identifies the health needs of people in detention. It defines and regulates healthcare provision in prisons.
In addition, the agency may participate, by means of an agreement with the territory, in the implementation of actions of a social nature, in particular in favour of the elderly or disabled.