New regional health forum set up dedicated to the Mid-West region to examine issues at Limerick hospital

A REGIONAL health forum dedicated to the Mid-West region has now been set up. 

The first regular meeting will take place this March and there are seven Limerick City and County Council representatives on the forum. 

Councillor Michael Collins has been elected as the chairperson and Limerick representatives make up half of the forum.  

The Mid-West was previously included as part of the HSE West, whereas now Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary will have issues raised at this forum instead. 

Councillor Rita McInerney from Clare County Council has been elected as vice chairperson and Councillor Francis Foley is chair of the committee meetings. 

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Speaking about being appointed as chairperson, Cllr Michael Collins said: “It's a historic day for the HSE and for Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary. 

“I look forward to working with the management and staff of the HSE in Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary and of course with my colleagues on the health forum, of whom there will now be 14 members.”

Maria Bridgeman, integrated healthcare area manager, HSE Mid-West said: “Since the establishment of the regional health forums, the people of Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary have been ably represented by elected members seeking answers on a range of health and social care services relied on by the people of our region.

“With the new geographical alignment, I expect a more keenly trained regional focus with benefits both for our elected members and for the HSE Mid-West alike. 

“I would like to congratulate Cllr Michael Collins upon his election as the first chairperson of the Regional Health Forum Mid-West and I look forward to working with all forum members in the years ahead as we deliver services to the people of the region.”

 The Limerick City and County Council members are: Cllr Sharon Benson, Cllr Bridie Collins, Cllr Michael Collins, Cllr Greg Conway, Cllr Francis Foley, Cllr Liam Galvin and Cllr Elisa O'Donovan. 

The Tipperary County Council representatives are Cllr Phyll Bugler, Cllr Seamie Morris and Cllr JP O'Meara. 

Representatives from Clare County Council include: Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua, Cllr Mary Howard, Cllr Rita McIninerney and Cllr James Ryan. 

The meetings will be attended by senior HSE managers to answer councillor questions.