Fórsa has welcomed the news that a Chief Health and Social Care Professional Office has been created within the Department of Health.
This follows almost a decade of Fórsa campaigns, calling for an independent, senior, and strategic leadership role to oversee all issues related to the second largest clinical workforce within the Irish Health Service.
Forsa national secretary Linda Kelly said that it is ‘incredible’ to see the position finally established:
“The creation of this office will result in significant improvements for healthcare workers and citizens alike. Issues in recruitment and retention require significant attention from an experienced HSCP leader who can address problems in clinical governance, working conditions, and career advancement.
“It is an incredible achievement, one which we have worked so hard for. All credit is due to our members, activists and staff who have campaigned for this recognition since 2013/14.
There is disappointment that the role is an initial 3 year seconded appointment and clarification is required as to why HSCPS who are not regulated by CORU are being excluded. We will now seek an immediate clarification on both these issues from the Minister.
The new role will report through the Assistant Secretary for Primary Care division and will initially be based in the Strategic Workforce Planning Unit of the Department to support specialist policy development as a priority under Sláintecare.
Fórsa will seek an immediate meeting with the successful candidate once appointed.