LIMERICK and the Mid West will have its own Health Forum from this month, where elected representatives and stakeholders can discuss issues specifically about the region.
Previously, Limerick came under the auspices of the Health Forum West, which dealt with matters in areas like Sligo and Galway. Many elected representatives from Limerick rarely attended, citing a lack of debate on matters affecting the Limerick region.
At its inaugural meeting, the members elected Fianna Fáil councillor for the Newcastle West Distract Michael Collins as its first chairperson.
Cllr Rita McInerney was elected vice-chairperson and Cllr Francis Foley was elected committee meeting chair.
Regional health forums were established in 2006 as a way to facilitate representations and feedback on public health and social care services from nominated members of local authorities.
Senior HSE managers are present at forum meetings to answer questions from councillors.
Speaking upon his election, Cllr Michael Collins said: “I am delighted to be the chairperson of the first Regional Health Forum Mid West. It’s a historic day for the HSE and for Limerick, Clare, and North Tipperary.”
“I look forward to working with the management and staff of the HSE in Limerick, Clare, and North Tipperary, and of course with my colleagues on the Health Forum, of whom there will now be 14 members.”
The Limerick members of the Regional Health Forum Mid West are: Cllr Sharon Benson, Cllr Bridie Collins, Cllr Michael Collins, Cllr Greg Conway, Cllr Francis Foley, Cllr Liam Galvin, and Cllr Elisa O’Donovan.