The Health Service Executive (HSE) is the national organisation responsible for delivering public health and social care services across Ireland. Funded by the Irish government, the HSE provides a wide range of services that support individuals, families, and communities at every stage of life.
Table of Contents
- 1. Primary Care Services
- 2. Hospital and Acute Care Services
- 3. Mental Health Services
- 4. Disability Services
- 5. Older Persons Services
- 6. Public Health and Health Protection
- 7. Maternity and Child Health Services
- 8. Community and Social Care Services
- Who Can Access HSE Public Health Services?
- Why the HSE Is Central to Healthcare in Ireland
- Final Thoughts
- Related Posts
1. Primary Care Services
Primary care is often the first point of contact with the public health system. These services are community-based and focus on prevention, early diagnosis, and ongoing care.
HSE primary care services include:
- GP services (free for medical card holders)
- Public health nursing
- Community physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Speech and language therapy
- Social work services
- Primary Care Centres across cities and rural areas
These services aim to treat patients close to home, reducing pressure on hospitals.
2. Hospital and Acute Care Services
The HSE manages public hospitals nationwide, providing acute and specialist care.
Key hospital services include:
- Emergency departments (A&E)
- Inpatient and outpatient services
- Maternity and neonatal care
- Surgical and medical specialties
- Diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, labs)
Public hospitals operate alongside private care but remain the backbone of Ireland’s emergency and acute health system.
3. Mental Health Services
Mental health is a major component of public healthcare in Ireland, delivered through community and specialist services.
HSE mental health services include:
- Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs)
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
- Adult mental health services
- Psychiatry of later life
- Inpatient psychiatric units
- Crisis intervention and suicide prevention supports
The focus is on community-based care, recovery, and early intervention.
4. Disability Services
The HSE provides supports for children and adults with physical, sensory, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.
Disability services include:
- Early intervention and children’s disability network teams
- Residential and respite services
- Day services and supported living
- Therapy supports (OT, physio, speech & language)
- Assistive technology and mobility aids
Many services are delivered in partnership with voluntary and non-profit organisations.
5. Older Persons Services
As Ireland’s population ages, the HSE delivers a wide range of services to support independent living and long-term care.
Older persons services include:
- Home Support (formerly Home Help)
- Public health nursing for older adults
- Day care centres
- Community rehabilitation
- Long-term residential care
- Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Fair Deal)
The goal is to help older people remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
6. Public Health and Health Protection
Public health services focus on prevention, population health, and disease control.
Key public health functions include:
- Infectious disease surveillance and control
- Vaccination and immunisation programmes
- Health promotion and lifestyle programmes
- Environmental health inspections
- Health screening programmes
Examples include breast, cervical, and bowel cancer screening, as well as national immunisation schedules.
7. Maternity and Child Health Services
The HSE provides comprehensive supports for pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood.
Services include:
- Antenatal and postnatal care
- Maternity hospitals and units
- Public health nurse visits for newborns
- Developmental checks and vaccinations
- School health and childhood screening programmes
These services play a critical role in early intervention and child development.
8. Community and Social Care Services
Beyond clinical care, the HSE delivers essential social and community supports.
These include:
- Addiction and substance misuse services
- Homeless health services
- Traveller health services
- Palliative and end-of-life care
- Community welfare and social inclusion initiatives
These services address the social determinants of health, not just illness.
Who Can Access HSE Public Health Services?
Access depends on residency status, income, and eligibility:
- Medical card holders receive many services free of charge
- GP visit card holders receive free GP care
- Other residents may pay subsidised or full fees
- Emergency care is available to everyone
Eligibility is assessed through national schemes and local HSE offices.
Why the HSE Is Central to Healthcare in Ireland
The HSE is the largest employer in the state and the primary provider of:
- Public hospitals
- Community healthcare
- Mental health and disability services
- Preventive and population health programmes
Its role is central to ensuring equitable access to healthcare across Ireland.
Final Thoughts
The main public health services provided by the HSE in Ireland cover primary care, hospitals, mental health, disability, older persons care, public health, and social services. Together, they form an integrated system designed to support health and wellbeing from birth through old age.
For anyone living or working in Ireland, understanding how HSE services operate is key to navigating the public healthcare system effectively.
