Tipperary appeal for local volunteers to join hospital group's Patient Council

Volunteers are being sought to help improve services across UL Hospitals Group by joining the Patient Council. ULHG includes Nenagh Hospital.

The Patient Council was established in 2016 and provides an independent voice for patients, service users and their families. It gives patients and members of the public the opportunity to become involved as active partners in UL Hospitals Group and advise hospital management on improving patient experience.

The Council brings together volunteers from the general public and senior hospital staff. It is currently looking to increase the number of public members and expressions of interest are sought from people who have had experience of University Hospital Limerick, Ennis Hospital, Nenagh Hospital, Croom Orthopaedic Hospital or University Maternity Hospital Limerick.

In recent years, the work of the Council has resulted in or influenced a number of significant initiatives across our hospitals. These have included improvements in patient meals, internal road network safety and disabled parking, hospital signage and patient communications.

John Hannafin, Chairman of the Patient Council, said that in the course of its ordinary work and through its engagement on a wide range of hospital committees - including Nutrition and Hydration, the National Inpatient Experience Survey, End-of-Life Care, Patient Flow, and many others - the Patient Council was having a positive impact in improving services across the group.

“We are now looking forward to building on this work and strengthening the voice of patients through bolstering Council membership.

"We are appealing to members of the public who have had direct experience of HSE acute hospitals in this region - either as a patient or as a relative - to consider making an application to join the Patient Council. This work can make a difference,” said Mr Hannafin.

If you are interested in becoming part of the UL Hospitals Group Patient Council, contact Allen Moran, or Liz Barry, Patient Advocacy Liaison Managers via email at [email protected]; 061-727185 or 061-485259. For more information visit www.ulh.ie

Applicants will be invited for interview and successful candidates will undergo Garda vetting and reference checks.