# HSE staffing dispute leaves south-east task force without coordinator for seven years

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-real-reason-why-the-only-task-force-that-can-help-victims-of-drug-dealer-intimidation-in-the-south-east-has-not-had-a-coordinator-for-seven-years-and-why-every-day-vulnerable-families-go-withou/
- Published: 2026-10-25T20:41:59+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-25T21:07:54+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16236067/The-real-reason-task-force-help-victims-drug-dealer-intimidation-south-east-not-coordinator-SEVEN-years-day-vulnerable-families-without-one-potentially-life-threatening.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Geopolitics, Health, Medicine, Politics, World

## Key points

- The task force has lacked its lead coordinator for seven years.
- Its chair says the vacancy is limiting support for affected families.
- The HSE has declined to comment on the employee’s case.

## Summary

The South East Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force has been without its lead coordinator for seven years because of an unresolved HSE human resources dispute. The task force’s chair says the gap is seriously hindering efforts to support families facing drug-related intimidation, prompting calls for the HSE to resolve the issue urgently.

The coordinator, Chris Purnell, has reportedly been on gardening leave, while the role has been filled on an interim basis in recent years. The task force says the absence of dedicated oversight limits its ability to manage projects, secure resources and maintain momentum; a local councillor has also described meetings being cancelled and concerns going unanswered. The HSE declined to discuss an individual employee.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.