New Regional Health Forum meets in Kerry for first time

New Regional Health Forum meets in Kerry for first time

The new Regional Health Forum (RHF) South West meeting was held in Tralee today – 22 years after Kerry last hosted a meeting of the Southern Health Board, in 2004.

The Regional Health Forum South West comprises of members from Cork County Council, Kerry County Council and Cork City Council. The meeting took place at the Council Chambers of Kerry County Council at Rathass, in Tralee.

When the Southern Health Board was stood down to make way for the new HSE in 2005, the newly formed RHF South meetings covered the south, south-east and south-west of the country. These took place in Cork City as the most central location. The RHFs have now been restructured nationally to align with the regionalisation of the HSE into six regional health areas. RHF meetings for HSE South West will be shared between Kerry and Cork going forward.

Chairperson Cllr Finbarr Harrington said: “It is wonderful to be in Tralee today, back at the Council Chambers where the Southern Health Board meetings used to take place over 20 years ago.

“The Regional Health Forum is such an important body; it allows local authority members to put forward motions and questions to senior HSE officials from HSE South West and voice the concerns of our communities. Not only do we learn so much about the health services available to our communities at these forums, but we get to make suggestions as to what we believe could improve the delivery of health services in Cork and Kerry too.”

HSE South West provided updates on a range of issues relating to the delivery of health and social care services in Cork and Kerry at the meeting:

Access to University Hospital Kerry (UHK)

A motion from Cllr Deirdre Ferris requested an additional access point to UHK from the N86 to address congestion and support ambulance response times. HSE South West confirmed that a full Traffic and Travel Assessment is underway as part of the UHK Development Control Plan. This work will inform future decisions on traffic management, including potential new access points and improved circulation across the wider campus, including links to the Ballymullen–Clash Roadway.

ED Responsiveness to Endometriosis Presentations

Cllr Ann Bambury sought a review of emergency care for women and teenagers presenting with acute endometriosis pain. HSE South West outlined that CUH and CUMH Emergency Departments already follow structured triage and pain‑management pathways, with escalation to gynaecology teams when required.

The National Framework for the Management of Endometriosis (2025) is guiding improvements in assessment, training, and clinical clarity. A dedicated endometriosis pain‑management workshop will take place in May 2026. Routine audits and patient feedback continue to monitor outcomes.

Permanent Ambulance Base in Midleton, Co. Cork

Cllr Ann Marie Ahern sought an update on the proposed ambulance base in Midleton, Co. Cork. HSE South West confirmed that the National Ambulance Service is working with HSE Capital and Estates to progress site options, with an updated capital submission expected in Q2 2026.

ENDS