Working Life: ‘When I left school at 18, I went straight into a caring role in my local nursing home’

Michael Cronin, regional patient and service user engagement lead, HSE Mid West

Michael Cronin, Regional Patient & Service User Engagement Lead, HSE Mid West. Picture Brendan Gleeson

“I grew up in Bruff, Co Limerick. From a young age, I had a strong sense of community and connection with people. When I left school at 18, I went straight into a caring role in my local nursing home. That experience ignited my passion for supporting people and making sure their voices are heard in decisions that affect their lives.

“My career has spanned a variety of roles, including working in an emergency department, homeless services, family support roles in some of the State’s most deprived areas, and other frontline health and social care settings. Each experience gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges people face and the importance of designing services with communities that truly meet their needs.

“In my current role, I work in partnership with the HSE Mid West regional executive officer, Sandra Broderick, and support the executive management team, ensuring that patient and service user perspectives are brought directly into senior-level decision making. The connection between community engagement and executive leadership helps bridge the gap between strategy and lived experience.

“A typical day involves being out in the community — listening, facilitating conversations, and working in partnership with people from all walks of life. It’s about more than just consultation, it’s about co-designing services so that people of the Mid West are at the heart of every decision.

“One of the moments that has stayed with me most was seeing the tangible changes that came from a patient-led initiative I helped facilitate, the North Side Engagement Project, working in partnership with communities. Watching individuals who had once felt unheard find their voice and see their ideas put into action was incredibly rewarding.

“Outside of work, I like to keep active and much of my free time is spent supporting my daughter, who is a two-time national boxing champion. Watching her commitment and drive is both inspiring and a reminder that dedication pays off, whether in sport, work, or life.

“Right now, I’m encouraging people to get involved in the upcoming HSE National Patient and Public Partnership Conference. The theme, ‘navigating our partnership journey together’, is all about strengthening collaboration between patients, communities, and the health service to create better outcomes for all.”

• The third HSE Patient and Public Partnership Conference takes place on Wednesday, September 17, in Croke Park. For more information, see hsepatientconference.ie