Since 2000, IMPACT/ Fórsa Voluntary group representatives, IICMS representatives and Fórsa  officials have been attending ongoing talks between the HSE and DOHC re the need for a formal programme of learning  to be established to ensure uniformity of qualification across all disciplines and in particular to eliminate unsafe work practices. Traditionally, we were known as Technicians, but the debt of our knowledge and working practices did not reflect this title. In 2005, the HSE agreed the BSc in Clinical Measurement Science as a minimum entry requirement for Clinical Physiologists.

Initially the implementation talks had been very positive with a definite willingness on behalf of the HSE and DOHC to engage with the working party.  The working group was established to bring our profession up to date akin to that of our other allied health professionals. It was tasked to review our career structure, to include such areas as professional title, workplace title, quality awareness and standards and training and development.  In 2014, the McHugh Report for Clinical Measurement Science was published.

The HSE had agreed to review a detailed report submitted by our professional body, the IICMS, on suggested possible acceptable outcomes in keeping with professional academic development and to reply with a definitive response. Development.

In August 2014 , we finally saw our  professional title changed to reflect our responsibilities and  level of expertise. We are now known as Clinical Measurement Physiologist in our specific disciplines.

Another key issue was HSE recognition of the IICMS as the professional body representative for Clinical Measurement Science, responsible for such areas as professional academic development and providing a pathway for those candidates who do not have the BSc in Clinical Measurement Science to apply to the IICMS for equivalence and recognition to practice. The practice of employing nursing staff and/or personnel who are not fully trained and proficient in the discipline to which they are employed should no longer exist.The IICMS has to approve any applicant for a suitable appropriate qualification prior to any appointment. This provides safeguarding to our profession to keep its high standards of educational and professional expertise

We are aware that some hospitals are not seeking potential candidate letters of Equivalence prior to shortlisting, and that situations have arisen that positions have been offered to candidates that do not comply with HSE regulations qualifications. Can we appeal to Head of Departments to ensure that prospective candidates are not short listed for interview if they have not yet sought equivalence.  Likewise, if you are aware of any staff carrying out our job descriptions without suitable qualifications, FORSA needs to be aware and you can contact your local representative with the details, and your anonymity will be protected. Similarly, if you spot any job advertisements that do not comply with HSE regulations, please don’t assume that someone else has seen it, please bring it to the attention of the vocational group or your local FORSA representative. We need to protect our job titles and disciplines in order to maintain our professionalism, and avoid inappropriately trained staff performing investigations.

These review negotiations are still ongoing. There are still some issues of concern that hasn’t been concluded, such as management structure, long service increments, advances in academic and technological areas and possibility of specialist grades, pay scales, professional registration with CORU,etc.

The union has tried to advance these negations however between Covid and HSE/ IBEC being slow to reenter negations, Catherine Keogh , FORSA General Secretary has confirmed  that the Clinical Measurement Professional Group has been being registered under the Sectoral Agreement piece in the Public Sector Agreement. This means that we are now listed as “being on the list of outstanding agreements that needs to be implemented”.

We await the outcome under this agreement.