Health system reforms draws up four new regions

THE final shape of the Government’s health system was revealed yesterday as the boundaries of the country’s new regional health areas were unveiled.

With the Health Services Executive (HSE) due to replace the health boards from January, the country will be split into four new areas with dedicated regional offices in each.

Announcing the four regional HSE areas yesterday - Western, Southern, Dublin/North-East and Dublin/Mid-Leinster - Health Minister Micheál Martin said the structure would improve patient services. The headquarters of the regional offices will be located in Galway City; Cork City; Kells, Co Meath, and Tullamore, Co Offaly.