HSE South West provides updates on health and social care services in Kerry to Regional Health Forum South West

HSE South West has today (Thursday) provided updates on a range of issues relating to the delivery of health and social care services in Cork and Kerry to local authority members of the Regional Health Forum South West. The Regional Health Forum comprises of representatives from the Cork City Cork County and Kerry County Councils.

Responding to motions from Councillors Marie Moloney and Jackie Healy Rae, HSE South West confirmed “that based on the current schedule, it is expected that the Killarney Community Nursing Unit will be formally handed over to the HSE before the end of this year, following which the HSE will proceed to prepare the facility for occupation and service delivery.”

HSE South West announced that “following submission from the Kerry Local Area Management Team of a proposal to enhance Crisis Mental Health Services in Kerry, Kerry Mental Health Services received positive news on October 8th, 2025, that they had received funding for a Crisis Resolution Team (CRT) in the 2025 Budget. The new Crisis Resolution Team with associated ‘drop-in’ crisis cafes will be funded for Kerry as alternatives to emergency departments to support those in a mental health crisis. Funding includes a full Multidisciplinary Team including Medical, Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Administrative staff. A CRT steering group has been convened and has met already. This steering group has already commenced the recruitment process for staff where applicable (many disciplines already have panels to recruit staff from). The steering group is now actively working on a Standard Operating Policy (SOP) for the CRT. This team will work collaboratively with all stakeholders including Primary Care Services, Emergency Department Services, Specialist Mental Health Assessment Hub (SMHA), and existing Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs). The new team will provide quality care in a timely fashion to enable those in acute distress to remain in their own community with specialised mental health support.” A motion on the matter was tabled by Cllr Mikey Sheehy.

Cllr Norma Moriarty raised the matter of staffing levels at Caherciveen Community Hospital to which the HSE South West clarified that “one Health Care Assistant commenced employment in Caherciveen Community Hospital in August following a recent recruitment campaign. Unfortunately, there was no other expression of interest from those who emerged successful from the campaign. A local recruitment campaign was undertaken, and 2 Multi Task Attendant (MTA) posts have been filled at the hospital. One MTA commenced on 03rd November 2025 with the second MTA due to commence employment on 10th November 2025. Following another recent local recruitment campaign, an expression of interest has been extended in relation to a Catering Assistant post, and a response is awaited. The Registered General Nurse deficit to open to capacity in Caherciveen is 1.2 whole time equivalent – this vacancy is proving challenging to fill with nil expressions of interest received to date.

To ensure the safety of both our residents and our staff, bed capacity is dependent on adequate staffing levels and requires an appropriate staff skill-mix to be in place. We are committed to filling all vacant posts at the hospital and I can assure the members that the service will continue to explore all available options to fill these posts, including running bespoke recruitment campaigns.”

In response to a query from Cllr Jackie Healy Rae in relation to Kenmare Community Hospital, the HSE South West stated “Kenmare Community Nursing Unit (CNU) is located on the outskirts of the town of Kenmare and is currently registered with HIQA to accommodate 35 residents.

The intention is to enhance capacity at the unit once adequate staffing levels are in place to ensure the safety of our residents and staff. The number and skill mix of staff has to be appropriate to meet the needs of the residents living in the unit.

HSE South West has been actively recruiting for positions at the unit with very positive results. Permanent positions recently appointed at the CNU include 1 WTE Multi-Task Attendant on 4th August 2025, 1 WTE Multi -Task Attendant on 13th October 2025, 1 WTE Multi-Task Attendant on 27th October 2025 and .44 WTE chef appointed on 3rd November 2025.

HSE South West’s goal is to enhance capacity at Kenmare CNU and we will continue our recruitment efforts to ensure that the unit is maintained at safe staffing levels which meet operational requirements. HSE South West is committed to ensuring that optimal services are provided to the Kenmare community and the wider Kerry region.”