The Fórsa National Health Office Team had a meeting with the Health Service Executive (HSE) on February 23rd regarding the proposed Health Region restructuring. The meeting, which was prompted by Fórsa's request to engage with the HSE, saw representation from both sides.  The dialogue primarily focused on seeking clarification and raising queries around the proposed changes. 

Fórsa was represented at the meeting by Ashley Connolly, head of division; Linda Kelly, national secretary; Denis Keane, assistant general secretary; and Chris Cully, assistant general secretary. The HSE side was led by Ann Marie Hoey, national director of HR; John Delamere, national employee relations; and Liam Woods, national director of Health Regions Programme.

The union team raised several key concerns, including the impact of reviewing the HSE centre on its members. Additionally, the team sought clarification on the rationale behind the proposed grading of CEO -1 and REO -1 roles, alongside a request for access to all related draft job descriptions. Furthermore, Fórsa questioned why a Regional Director for HSCP was excluded from the REO -1 level and emphasised the necessity of addressing backfilling requirements upon the appointment of the REO, as well as establishing adequate support teams.

“The HSE committed to providing comprehensive responses to the queries our team raised during the next meeting scheduled for 19 March 2024. In addition to specific inquiries, Fórsa has been emphasising the importance of a robust engagement process throughout the restructuring. Both parties acknowledged the necessity for a clear and inclusive process and agreed to further discussions to outline a high-level engagement plan in the forthcoming weeks,” said Linda Kelly, national secretary.

“The National Health Office Team will provide regular updates to all members on the Health Region restructuring as we progress through each stage of the process. The next will issue after our scheduled meeting on 19 March 2024. If any member has a query upon receipt of this update, they should contact their local Branch Executive Committee in the first instance,” urged Ashley Connolly, head of the Health & Welfare division.

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