Potential delay in health region roll-out listed as high risk by HSE in 2024

The introduction of the new health regions was listed on the HSE risk register at the end of 2024.

According to the register, there was a high risk that “implementation of the HSE’s health regions and Centre reforms will be delayed and benefits not realised”.

However, a HSE spokesperson confirmed to the Medical Independent that the new regions, due to take effect on 1 March, are now “operational”.

“Each region is responsible for providing both hospital and community care, with its own budget, leadership team and responsibility for local decision making. 20 integrated healthcare areas (IHAs) have been established, each serving a population of c.300,000 people. These IHAs will be focussed on operational service delivery and driving integration across services,” the spokesperson said.  

“Implementation commenced in health regions from March 2025, focused on the integrated service delivery model, within the IHAs. Health regions continue to work towards the Sláintecare objectives, of integrated and population-based service delivery. 

“The HSE Centre reforms have been implemented, in its core role of supporting the health regions in planning, enablement, performance and assurance.”

The HSE regions comprise Dublin Midlands; Dublin and North East; Dublin and South East; Mid West; West and North West; and South West.

The HSE has argued that, by joining community and hospital services, it can take a more “patient-centred approach to healthcare”.

The new regions mean services can be planned to meet the specific healthcare needs of individuals living in each area, according to the HSE.

The HSE also believes the new regions will help strengthen local decision-making by giving each region the power to “plan, manage and deliver their own care”.