HSE South West today provided a comprehensive briefing on a wide range of health and social care matters at the March meeting of the Regional Health Forum South West, at Cork County Hall.

Forum members received responses to motions and questions raised by elected representatives on key areas including capital development, disability services, community hospitals, staffing, and primary care. Updates provided to forum members included:

Oncology services at University Hospital Kerry

In response to a motion from Cllr Mikey Sheehy, the HSE confirmed that the Oncology Services Project at University Hospital Kerry (UHK) remains within the National Capital Programme.

A Development Control Plan for the UHK campus is currently under way to determine how best to integrate the new oncology development, including an aseptic compounding unit, within the long-term campus strategy. The HSE reaffirmed its commitment to progressing this vital service for the South West region.

Outdoor recreational facilities at community hospitals and day centres

Following a motion from Cllr Ann Bambury, the HSE outlined how all new Community Nursing Unit (CNU) builds incorporate safe, accessible outdoor spaces.

These include:

• Killarney CNU (130 beds) – secure landscaped gardens and external areas.
• St Finbarr’s (105 beds) – double courtyard design for resident access.
• Midleton CNU (50 beds) – courtyard garden and first floor terraces.
• Dementia friendly gardens in Kanturk and Clonakilty.
• Planned provision at the future St Raphael’s Youghal CNU (60 beds).

Regular capital and condition reviews continue to ensure future refurbishments prioritise outdoor environments.

Respite services for people with disabilities in Kerry

Responding to a motion from Cllr Jackie Healy Rae, the HSE outlined substantial ongoing investment in respite services across Kerry:

• Two children’s residential respite houses (North and South Kerry), each with four beds, operating seven days a week.
• Two adult residential respite houses (North and South Kerry) with a capacity of four each, alongside seven additional legacy respite beds provided by Kerry Parents and Friends Association.
• Expansion of alternative respite models such as after school clubs, outreach support, and holiday breaks.
• Launch of a new weekend respite club serving approximately 20 children.
• Allocation of 75 outreach support packages (96 hours annually) since February 2026.
• Funding for Kerry Social Farming to provide respite supports to 100 people from 1 April 2026.

A joint working group with St John of God Services is also examining future uses for St Mary of the Angels, with residents and families contributing directly to decision making.

Respite capacity and waiting list in Cork and Kerry

Responding to a question from Cllr Peter Horgan, the HSE provided a breakdown of 72 adult respite beds delivered by 11 partner agencies across the region.

There are currently 104 adults on the waiting list for overnight respite.

Matches to respite beds are based on assessed need rather than chronological order.

Diabetes services in South West Kerry

Responding to Cllr Norma Moriarty, the HSE confirmed that Cahersiveen’s Clinical Nurse Specialist led diabetes outreach clinic remains fully operational.

The clinic continues to support patients locally and has seen increased referrals through the new Healthlink pathway established in 2025.

Consultant and nursing staffing at University Hospital Kerry

In response to Cllr Marie Moloney, the HSE confirmed that all beds at UHK are currently open and staffing vacancies are not impacting bed availability.

Opening of the new Killarney Community Nursing Unit (CNU)

In response to Cllr Jackie Healy Rae, the HSE confirmed continued engagement with HIQA to facilitate the opening of the new 130 bed Killarney CNU by the end of Q1 2026.

Residents and staff from Killarney Community Hospital (34 beds) and St Columbanus Hospital (67 beds) will transfer on approval, with a phased opening of remaining capacity subject to staffing.

The next meeting of the Regional Health Forum South West will take place on Thursday, 7 May 2026 at 11am in the Council Chambers, Cork County Hall.