Tiberius Pereira (Volunteer member) and Fiona O’Driscoll HSE, both members of the Patient and Service User Council
People from Louth and Meath are being invited to help shape health and social care services across the region by joining the HSE Dublin and North East Patient and Service User Council.
Two places are currently available on the council, one for a young adult aged between 18 and 25 and another for a person from an under-served community.
The opportunity is open to people living in Louth, Meath, North Dublin, Monaghan and Cavan who have experience of using health and social care services or supporting someone who has.
Bringing lived experience into health services
The Patient and Service User Council brings together patients, service users, family members and HSE staff to advise regional leadership and recommend improvements to services.
Members can highlight difficulties they have encountered, share positive experiences and contribute ideas about how services could work better.
Fiona O’Driscoll, who leads the work regionally for HSE Dublin and North East, said people do not need professional healthcare experience to take part.
“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.”
HSE looking for a wider range of voices
The HSE said it particularly wants to hear from young adults and people from communities that may experience barriers when accessing care.
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.
Fiona said members are not expected to represent everyone from their age group or community.
“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 regional issues, make recommendations and can also take part in projects that interest them.
Earlier this year, the council developed its 2026 plan around five aims, including driving meaningful change, working in partnership, building a culture of partnership, working openly and transparently and empowering every person.
How to apply
Members join the council 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 HSE estimates the overall commitment at approximately four to six hours each month.
Membership is voluntary and unpaid, although agreed expenses are reimbursed in line with national HSE policy. Training, support and personal development opportunities are also provided.
Applications close on 2nd November 2026.
Applications can be made online at https://surveys.hse.ie/s/patientcouncil/
For more information, help applying or alternative application formats:
- Email: Partnership.DublinNorthEast@hse.ie
- Call or WhatsApp: 087 068 0325
