HSE invites people in Louth to join Patient and Service User Council

For people in Louth who have ever used a health service and thought, “this could work better”, or supported someone to get care and saw something that made a real difference, HSE Dublin and North East is inviting them to bring those experiences to the table and help shape better local services.

Two places are available on its Patient and Service User Council: one for a young adult aged 18–25 and one for a person from an under-served group. The opportunity is open to people living in North Dublin, Louth, Meath, Monaghan or Cavan.

The Council brings patients, service users, family members and staff together to advise regional leadership and recommend improvements. Members share what matters to them, highlight difficulties people encounter and contribute ideas about how services could work better.

Fiona O’Driscoll, who leads this work regionally for HSE Dublin and North East, said: “If you have ever left an appointment thinking something could have been explained more clearly, found it difficult to get the support you needed, or experienced care that made you feel genuinely listened to, you have something valuable to contribute.

“You do not need to work in healthcare or have experience of sitting on a council. We are looking for people who want to share their perspective, listen to others and help make services better.”

The Council wants to broaden the range of experiences informing its work, particularly by hearing from young adults and people from communities that can face barriers to accessing care.

For young adults, this is an opportunity to bring their experiences and priorities into discussions about services they use now and may rely on in the future. For someone from an under-served community, it is a chance to help regional leaders better understand what can make care harder to access and what could make a difference.

Applications are welcomed from people with lived experience of addiction services or homelessness; refugees and people seeking international protection; members of the Traveller, Roma and LGBTQI+ communities; and victims and survivors of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence.

Applicants should have experience of using health and social care services or supporting someone who has.

Fiona continued: “This is a chance to be part of the conversation about how services can improve, rather than feeling that decisions are happening somewhere else.

“Your experience may help us recognise something we have missed, understand why an approach is not working for someone, or learn from something that works really well.

“We are not asking any one person to speak for everyone their age or everyone in their community. We are asking them to bring their own perspective and work with others. That can help us see services differently and identify improvements that could benefit many more people.”

Council members discuss strategic regional issues and make recommendations. They can also take part in projects and other opportunities that interest them.

Earlier this year, the Council co-created its 2026 plan, setting out five aims: driving meaningful change, working in partnership, building a culture of partnership, working openly and transparently, and empowering every person.

For new members, taking part offers an opportunity to meet others who want to improve services, contribute to regional discussions and develop skills and confidence. Training, support and personal development opportunities are provided.

Fiona said: “We want people to feel supported to take part. If you are interested but unsure whether this is for you, or need help with an application, please contact us. We would be very happy to talk through what is involved.”

Members join for a two-year term. Meetings take place in person every two months in Kells, Co. Meath, usually on Wednesdays from 11am to 1pm. The overall time commitment is approximately four to six hours each month.

Membership is voluntary and unpaid. Agreed expenses are reimbursed in line with national HSE policy, and support is available to help members participate.

Applications close on 2 November 2026. Apply online: https://surveys.hse.ie/s/patientcouncil/

For more information, help applying or alternative application formats: Email: [email protected] or call WhatsApp: 087 068 0325