Regional Health Forum South West May meeting, held at Cork County Hall.

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

The meeting included detailed updates on capital developments, service delivery, workforce, waiting lists, complaints management, disability services and digital transformation initiatives across the South West region.

Capital projects and infrastructure

In response to a question from Councillor Margaret McDonnell, the HSE confirmed that construction of the Glanmire Primary Care Centre commenced in November 2025 but is currently temporarily paused to allow coordination works with Cork City Council in relation to the Greenway. Construction is anticipated to resume in June 2026, with completion expected in Quarter 3 2027.

Councillor Ann Bambury sought an update on the proposed inpatient development at Cork University Hospital. HSE South West confirmed that strategic assessment and preliminary business case work is progressing, with submission for approval expected in Quarter 2 2026. Subject to approvals, the project will proceed to planning, with an estimated construction programme of approximately three years.

In response to a motion tabled by Councillor Danny Collins regarding community hospital capacity in West Cork, HSE South West confirmed that a demand and capacity study is currently underway to inform future development planning for Bantry and the wider West Cork area.

Service delivery and waiting lists

In response to a question from Councillor Mikey Sheehy regarding endoscopy waiting lists, HSE South West outlined a coordinated regional approach following the conclusion of insourcing arrangements in May 2026.

A Regional Endoscopy Oversight Group has been established to provide governance and oversight of capacity and demand across the system. Additional in-house capacity has been delivered at Bantry General Hospital, which is now operating two endoscopy rooms with activity being increased in a phased manner.

Further developments include plans for additional endoscopy rooms at the Mercy University Hospital and refurbishment of facilities at Cork University Hospital, alongside expanded activity at University Hospital Kerry, subject to recruitment.

Workforce

In response to a question from Councillor Peter Horgan, members were provided with a detailed breakdown of ambulance service staffing across Cork and Kerry. The HSE advised that staffing levels remain dynamic, with a small overall shortfall across services, noting recent retirements and new allocations of paramedic and EMT posts.

The HSE continues to actively manage recruitment and workforce planning to support service delivery across the region.

Complaints and patient feedback

In response to a question from Councillor Deirdre Ferris, the HSE outlined the operation of its national complaints management process, Your Service Your Say, which is underpinned by the Health Act 2004.

The HSE advised that the process is designed to support learning, service improvement and accountability, with complaints managed locally where possible. Complaint data is monitored to identify trends and improve patient care, recognising that complaints may span multiple categories including access, communication and quality of care.

Disability and community services

In response to a question from Councillor Danny Collins, HSE South West provided an update on the proposed development of an autism and disability service in Dunmanway, which includes supported living, respite and day services.

The project, led by CoAction West Cork CLG with HSE support, is currently under consideration following submission of a business case in March 2026 and is subject to the availability of capital funding.

Digital transformation

In response to a motion tabled by Councillor Mikey Sheehy regarding the rollout of the Individual Health Identifier and digital health systems, the HSE outlined progress on the Community Care Record programme.

This programme will provide a digital system to manage patient information across community services and is a key component of the HSE’s broader digital transformation agenda. Rollout will commence in the Midwest region in late 2026, followed by implementation in the South West region in 2027.

Motions

Members considered a number of motions at today’s meeting.

In response to a motion from Councillor Peter Horgan regarding nicotine products, the matter was discussed in chamber.

In response to a motion from Councillor Ann Bambury regarding ethical procurement, the HSE outlined that all procurement activity is governed by EU and national legislation and must comply with international agreements, including obligations under the World Trade Organisation framework. The HSE emphasised that procurement processes must remain open, transparent, competitive and non-discriminatory.