HSE forum should serve the people’s interests

THE report on Monday that HSE Forum South members from Fine Gael are threatening to quit the “talking shop” comes as no surprise. I have attended two meetings of the chairpersons of the four national forums.

It was evident that only Galway and Kells were working after a fashion. There is an obvious need for reform. The Dublin Northeast body at Kells has some little influence. Until the law is changed, it is better that elected representatives use their positions to advocate for their people and try to change services for the better.

The legal position where the forum is in reality an advise centre for the HSE Board is of course farcical underlined by the recent action of the minister in defenestrating the former board. Change in the health service is imperative and should always happen as circumstances and technology develops. The forum should serve as a guardian of the people’s interests and forensically question the effects of policy decisions on local populations.

At Kells, we have tried to push the boundaries of what is possible in the interests of better communications and a better service. Councillors from all parties and none have worked together to achieve this, and the management has responded. Until the law changes we will try to persevere. Meanwhile, I would urge my colleagues at HSE Forum South to persist.

Dr Bill Tormey

Chairperson HSE Forum

Dublin Northeast,

Kells, Co Meath