HSE South West is setting up a new patient and service-user group to encourage people to have their say on healthcare across Cork and Kerry.

A partnership council is being established and applications are now open with a May 26th closing date for expressions of interest.

Jimmy Burke, HSE South West Regional Patient and Service-User Lead said: ‘Partnership is about patients, service-users and staff learning from each other to improve people’s health and the results of care.

These new partnership groups give patients and service users a clear way to use their lived experience to improve our services.

‘We welcome applications from anyone living in Cork or Kerry, over the age of 18. You need to have experience of using health or social care services.

‘You might be a patient, service user, carer, or work with a voluntary organisation that provides health or social care. We are excited to work with you on shaping the future of local hospital and community services.’

The Patient and Service User Partnership Council will bring patients, service users, carers, and HSE staff together as one team.

Through its feedback the council will advise the regional healthcare management team and make sure the views and experiences of people who use services help shape and improve those services.

Apply for the council and join the panel and mailing list at hse.ie/patientcouncil, or email [email protected] to request an application form.