HSE set to create up to nine new regional authorities

The HSE is reportedly set to create up to nine new regional health authorities as part of a plan to improve the way it operates.

Reports this morning say the change will see smaller hospitals reporting to local health managers, who in turn will report to a regional manager.

However, larger hospitals which offer tertiary specialist care are likely to report to a single national director rather than a regional manager.

The exact number of regions and the areas covered by each will reportedly be announced before Christmas.

Critics say the move highlights the folly of creating the HSE in the first place as the body was designed to centralise health management by replacing the old health boards.