Clinical Measurement Physiologists are being asked to vote in a ballot on industrial action in a dispute ongoing since October 2024. The ballot closes on Friday 12th December.  

The dispute centres on three key issues: a stalled workforce review, lack of consultation around new community hubs, and outsourcing of CMP services.  

Clinical Measurement Physiologists carry out vital diagnostic work in the HSE and in HSE funded agencies, in both community and acute settings. There are five disciplines within the profession: Neurophysiology, Respiratory Physiology, Vascular Physiology, Cardiac Physiology and Gastrointestinal Physiology.  

Since July 2022, the Fórsa national professional committee (NPC) for Clinical Measurement Physiologists has made extensive efforts to engage, discuss and negotiate a workforce review with the HSE. The need for this review stems from the HSE’s failure to fully implement the McHugh Doran report of 2010, which made recommendations on career pathway and structure. 

While terms of reference were agreed in 2022, management reneged on these one year later, which led to engagement at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC, resulting in a second terms of reference agreed under the auspices of the WRC in May 2024.  

Since then, despite further attempts to progress matters under the revised terms of reference at conciliation, management have not offered a cohesive or consistent position.

National secretary Linda Kelly said: “Management’s lack of clarity has made it impossible to complete a final workforce review report with recommendations for implementation. This has a direct impact on all Clinical Measurement Physiologists as it stalls much needed development within the professional career structure across the public health services.” 

“In failing to complete the workforce review, the employer is failing to recognise the evolution of this critical role over the past 15 years since the McHugh Doran report was published.” 

There is also a significant issue arising from a lack of formal consultation with Fórsa on the establishment of Clinical Measurement Physiologist roles in Enhanced Community Care hubs.  

Linda explained: “The NPC considers that the proposed grading of roles at Senior Physiologist is not appropriate for the establishment of a new service. In addition, there has been no formal consultation or agreement with Fórsa members in existing hospital departments, who are expected to provide governance for the service, despite multiple efforts to engage by the NPC.” 

 “We are also deeply concerned about ongoing outsourcing of CMP roles within the public health system. Protections against outsourcing are a core part of the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026, however despite this management have not responded to our concerns on this issue either.” 

Linda concluded by urging members to vote in the ongoing ballot, which closes next Friday 12 December.  

She said: “Extensive efforts have been made by your national representatives to engage in direct discussion, and in conciliation, with management to resolve these issues. It has not been possible to secure the outcomes you and your colleagues deserve due to the inaction of management on these significant issues of concern. Now, you are being asked to vote on next steps. Don’t miss out on your chance to have your say.” 

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