HSE shuts offices in centralisation move

The HSE is closing its administration offices and public counter at Abbeycourt House, Cork, as part of a centralisation programme.

From next Monday, Oct 8, the public will instead be able to get advice on community services from the health centre at Grattan Street.

Gabrielle O’Keeffe, the HSE’s general manager in Cork, said that in line with the Public Service Agreement, the administration of the community services schemes including the community adult ophthalmic scheme, blind welfare allowance, drug payment scheme, maternity and infant schemes are being centralised in three sites in West Cork, North Cork and Cork City.

Ms O’Keeffe claimed this would “allow the HSE to maximise the administration efficiencies within the service without affecting the current service provided to the public”.

The HSE said the closure of the public office at Abbeycourt House is necessary as the lease on the George’s Quay premises is due to expire.

Ms O’Keeffe said that many application forms and information can be obtained online at www.hse.ie.

HSE staff in the Grattan Street health centre will be available to provide application forms for community health services and schemes and will also facilitate, where possible, the public in forwarding completed applications for processing.

Community services will be centralised in West Cork at Coolnagarrane, Skibbereen, and in North Cork at Floor 2 in the Mallow Primary Healthcare.