The hub is tipped to ‘drastically’ reduce waiting times
The Minster for Health has officially opened Kerry’s new Women’s Health Hub in what is described as a major step forward for the county.
The €8m multidisciplinary facility in Tralee brings together a broad range of professionals under the same roof to provide care to women of all ages.
The 9,700 square foot health hub on John Joe Sheehy Road welcomed its first patients in March this year.
It is hoped the integrated model of care will support improved access, earlier intervention and more seamless pathways between community and acute settings.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Health Minister, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, said the hub would enhance care for women and families across the region.
“The Women’s Health Hub in Tralee, with an investment of over €8 million, reflects our commitment to strengthening women’s health services in every part of the country,” said Minister MacNeill.
“This facility brings together expertise that supports Kerry women throughout their lives, and it is shaped by what women have told us that they really need from their health system.”
Consultants, specialist nurses and midwives, physiotherapists, infant feeding experts, social workers, perinatal mental health professionals and bereavement support staff are all present at the centre.
Julie O’Neill, HSE South West Manager for Kerry, said the establishment of the hub reflected the commitment of the HSE to advancing women’s health services in Kerry and the wider South West region.
“It provides a modern, multidisciplinary environment that supports high-quality care and improved access for women at every stage of life,” Ms O’Neill.
“By bringing specialist teams together under one roof, we are enhancing clinical pathways between community and acute services and ensuring women can receive timely, co-ordinated care in a purpose-built setting.”
Dr Waleed Khattab, Clinical Lead, Women and Infants Directorate, at University Hospital Kerry said the hub would speed up treatment at the hospital and reduce wait times.
“By bringing advanced clinical pathways like ambulatory gynaecology service, colposcopy and nurse-led urogynaecology into a community setting, we are drastically reducing hospital waiting times and improving patient outcomes,” said Dr Khattab,
“Coupled with our integrated women’s health physiotherapy, this hub allows us to deliver seamless, comprehensive care that supports women.
“Our multidisciplinary approach means patients receive faster ‘see and treat’ diagnostic in a dignified, welcoming environment right here in Kerry.”
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme