Thank you for your interest in the HSE Dublin and North East Patient and Service User Council. We have recently closed our recruitment campaign and will be in touch with applicants over the coming weeks. If you would like to be involved in future patient and service user engagement opportunities, please contact Fiona at fiona.odriscoll3@hse.ie or 087 068 0325 to find out more.
What is HSE Dublin and North East?
There are six health regions in Ireland. They provide hospital and community care.
HSE Dublin and North East is one of these regions and we cover:
- North Dublin
- Louth
- Meath
- Monaghan
- Cavan
We provide lots of different types of services like:
- going to hospital or GP appointments
- using community mental health services
- visiting a hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department
- going to a physiotherapist
- using disability day services
What is the Patient and Service User Council and what does it involve?
We want our patients and service users to have the best possible care and experience. The Patient and Service User Council will aim to improve the experiences, access and outcomes for everyone living in the region. The Patient and Service User Council will represent the patient and service user perspective. It will give advice and guidance to leaders and teams in the region. The Council will be made of people who have used our services.
As a member, you will:
- join meetings every 2-3 months (in-person or online) to discuss regional issues
- share your personal or community experience in a respectful and constructive way
- take part in other projects or opportunities you are interested in
- promote the importance of involving patients and service users to shape services
How often are meetings?
The Council will meet every 2 to 3 months. Each meeting will last around two hours. We will help you join meetings. For example, setting up video calls or meeting at certain times.
How much time will it take?
We expect that it will take about 30 hours of your time over one year. This is roughly 2 to 3 hours per month.
How long will my role last for?
Your role on the Council will initially last one year but may continue after this.
What support would I receive?
We will support and develop members of the Patient and Service User Council. We will give you initial training and support and offer further personal development opportunities.
This is a voluntary unpaid role, but agreed expenses will be reimbursed, such as travel to and from meetings. We will provide any support you need to take part. For example, if you need information in certain formats or can only meet at certain times.
Who can apply and what skills and experience are needed?
You can apply if:
- you live in North Dublin (city or county), Louth, Meath, Monaghan or Cavan
- you are over 18 years old
- you have experience of using health and social care services or supporting others who have
We want to hear from people who have experienced different types of health and social care services. You may be a patient, service user, carer or supported someone using these services.
It is important that the Patient and Service User Council is diverse. We want members with different experiences and perspectives. We encourage people from under-represented communities to apply.
For example:
- people with disabilities
- ethnic minorities
- LGBTQIA+ individuals
- older people
- people with mental health experience
- carers
- people from areas affected by social or economic disadvantage
What skills and experience do I need?
- You have experience or interest in making things better for patients and service users.
- You are comfortable speaking at meetings and taking part in group discussion.
- You can talk about your experiences in a way that others can learn from them.
- You can work with and listen to people who may have a different view.
- You give constructive feedback.
- You support equality, diversity and inclusion.
- You might be connected with local groups e.g. carer or mental health support groups.
- You have a positive attitude.
Data privacy statement
How we use your information. The information you share in this form will be used by HSE Dublin and North East to support the recruitment of members to the Regional Patient and Service User Council.
We collect this data as part of the application process to:
- ensure you meet the eligibility criteria
- understand your background and interests
- ensure diverse and inclusive representation
- contact you about your application
Your information will be stored securely and will be restricted to HSE staff who require access to your data in managing this process. All data will be processed in line with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 and HSE Data Protection Policies.
The HSE’s Privacy Notice, which is on the HSE website will provide you with further information on how we process personal data as well as information on your rights as a data subject and how you can exercise those rights. Here is the link: HSE Privacy Notice Service Users V1.5
You can withdraw your application at any time by contacting us at: fiona.odriscoll3@hse.ie
If you are not satisfied with how HSE is processing your data, you have a right to lodge a complaint with the Data Protection Commission (DPC) at www.dataprotection.ie.
We will keep the information you share should you become a member of the Patient and Service User Council, until you leave the Council. If you opt-in to be considered for another opportunity, we will keep your information for 12 months. If not selected for the Council and you don’t wish to be considered for other opportunities, we will delete your information one month after the Council has been selected.
