HSE acknowledges emergency response by voluntary services in Limerick

HSE Mid-West has thanked members of the voluntary emergency services (VES) across the region for their support in ensuring vulnerable people in the community could access essential health and social care services during two severe weather events.

The support of colleagues in the Defence Forces was also recognised for their assistance to the HSE during these events in January 2025.

The following VES and partner organisations were thanked by the HSE at a special event at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Limerick: Clare Civil Defence, Galway Civil Defence, Irish Coast Guard, Irish Red Cross, Limerick Civil Defence, Order of Malta and Tipperary Civil Defence.

In January 2025, the HSE Mid-West experienced two severe weather events, starting with an eight-day period of extreme cold and snow starting on January 3. This was followed by Storm Eowyn, a red level windstorm on January 24.Both events caused significant disruption to health services due to the initial weather-related impacts and the damage in the aftermath.
During the protracted snow event, these organisations assisted with the transportation of 201 priority patients and 479 staff in key frontline roles.

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HSE structures for crisis management were stood up by Regional Executive Officer, Sandra Broderick. These included the Regional Crisis Management Team and the Severe Weather Transport Group (SWTG), who oversee exceptional requests for transport to ensure the most urgent services can continue to be delivered.

Speaking at the event, Niamh Wallace, Head of Service, Health and Wellbeing, and Chair of the SWTG, HSE Mid-West, said:

“The severe weather events of January 2025 presented significant challenges for the HSE in terms of service continuity, staffing and logistics... Despite the significant challenges presented by the severe weather events of January 2025, it is a tribute to everyone involved in the response that no adverse event was reported relating to a delay in access to healthcare. A major part in this success was the essential role played by our partners in the voluntary emergency services.”

Maria Bridgeman, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary, HSE Mid-West presented a plaque to representatives from each of the eight voluntary emergency services and partner organisations thanked on the night.

“We are fortunate in the Mid West to have built strong relationships with voluntary emergency services and with colleagues in the Defence Forces.”