Accessing 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 details of the Primary Care teams/Community services and Hospital services that are available county by county.   Find a Service will bring you to the range of services and contact details provided by the HSE.  Information is also provided on GP Out of Hours cover.

The HSE employs Carers Development Officers in a number of regions throughout the country who support carers in their role.  The Carers Association, Crosscare, Age Action, West Cork Carers Support Groupalso provide such co-ordination.

The HSE provides information about entitlements to health services in Ireland, as well as specific details on how to access Medical Cards and the GP Visit card

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 Hospitals, GPs, Older Persons' Services,  Public Health Nurse and Services for People with Cancer    

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. A directory of palliative careservices can be accessed from the Irish Hospice Foundation.  Citizens Information also provides some guidance on the area of access to palliative care services andmoving into long term care. The Directory of National Voluntary Organisations provides a comprehensive listing of health and disability related organisations.  Many of these organisations provide services and/or information that can be of assistance to people with life limiting diseases and their carers.