Who is the new Galway member of the Regional Health Forum – ‘I expect a steep learning curve’
Fine Gael Councillor Laurie Harney has been selected as the newest member of the Regional Health Forum West and Northwest to stand as an ambassador for Co Galway to the HSE.
At February’s county council meeting, Councillor Jimmy McClearn nominated his fellow Fine Gael colleague to fill the casual vacancy set on the agenda.
Cllr Harney accepted the nomination stating his interest, and unique position, to represent the county as he has faced extensive health challenges in 2024.
At that time, he spent nearly six weeks in the hospital. Cllr Harney told the Irish Independent about his experience.
“I was surprised at how cramped the whole area was in the regional hospital in Galway. The circumstances have changed over the years insofar as the working space hasn't increased, but the occupants have,” he said.
Fellow forum members and council colleagues find themselves in good company with the addition of Cllr Harney who also wishes to prioritise getting Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe “back as a first-choice hospital” to the surrounding eight counties.
Merlin Park hosted a Regional Health Forum meeting this week on February 24 at 2pm, and Cllr Harney expected “a steep learning curve” for his first day on the job.
“I'm going to listen, and pay attention, and see what the general consensus of the board is.”
“I won't be rocking any boats. I'll wait until I know how the tide is working before I start doing any fast peddling,” he added.
He joins five other Galway County councillors on the forum: Cllr Eileen Mannion, Cllr Shaun Cunniffe, Cllr Alan Harney, Cllr Evelyn Parsons, and Cllr Donagh Killilea.