Accessing Health Services
HSE Services
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has ultimate responsibility for providing Health and Personal Social Services for everyone living in the Republic of Ireland. The HSE provides information on services and supports available to carers. The Find a Service section will bring you to the range of services and contact details provided by the HSE.
Carer’s Services
The HSE employs Carers Development Officers in a number of regions throughout the country who support carers in their role. The Carers Association, Crosscare, and Age Action, also provide such co-ordination.
Hospice/Palliative Care Services
There are dedicated Hospice and palliative care services for people who are facing death and have complex needs – these are called specialist palliative care services. Some of these are community based and some are located in the specialist inpatient units (hospices), of which there are currently eight in Ireland.
Useful information sources regarding hospice/palliative care services are:
- Irish Hospice Foundation – provides a directory of palliative care services
- Citizens Information – provides some guidance on the area of access to palliative care services and moving into long term care
- Directory of National Voluntary Organisations – provides a comprehensive listing of health and disability related organisations, many of which provide services and/or information that can be of assistance to people with life limiting diseases and their carers.
Other Useful Information Sources for Health Services
The Citizens Information Board is the national support agency responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice and advocacy on social services. The Board’s information website provides comprehensive information on all aspects of Public Services and entitlements in Ireland, including Irish Health and Personal Services
, and how these services are organised. Citizens Information also provides links to information on:
The HSE provides information about entitlements to health services in Ireland, as well as specific details on how to access Medical Cards and theGP Visit card
