Fórsa has called on the health minister to make good on his commitment to appoint a specialist adviser on health and social care professionals (HSCPs). The union said such an appointment would facilitate the implementation of ‘system-wide’ reform, facilitate the multidisciplinary approach envisaged by the Sláintecare health reform programme and slash waiting lists.

Addressing an oral hearing of the Oireachtas Health Committee in March, Fórsa assistant general secretary Catherine Keogh said health and social care professionals were years behind their nursing colleagues with regard to advanced practice.

“If advanced practice was introduced for physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy, with the right numbers and physiotherapists operating at an advanced practice level, orthopaedic waiting lists could be cut,” she said.

Catherine added that the minister had given the union a commitment, almost two years ago, that an adviser would be brought in to advise on health and social care professionals.

“How can anyone implement a system-wide reform involving a multidisciplinary approach without someone giving advice? We call on the Minister to make good on that promise as part of driving Sláintecare forward,” she said.

The Oireachtas committee had convened the hearing to discuss the ongoing and persistent overcrowding crisis in hospitals. Fórsa told the committee that a necessary shift of care delivery from acute hospitals into the community is vital, and that the only way to avoid hospital admissions, and reduce pressure on acute hospitals, is through initiatives that will see care delivered within the community.

If implemented fully and without delay, Fórsa said this measure would allow the health service to provide appropriate care, with health and social care professionals delivering the full range of necessary services in the community.