Following a successful campaign by health and social care professional members, the HSE has begun the process of recruiting regional directors of HSCP for each of the six health regions. The move will guarantee HSCP workers are represented in decision making at senior management level.

National secretary Linda Kelly praised members’ commitment to securing the posts. She said: “These posts only came about thanks to the activism of our members. You highlighted how serious this omission was. Everyone who signed the petition added their voice to the call for HSCP representation in senior management.”

The issue arose during the restructuring of the HSE into six new health regions as part of the transition to Sláintecare. The HSE initially denied HSCP workers representation at senior management level, despite being the second largest clinical group in the HSE. 

In a letter sent to then Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly in July of last year, Linda drew attention to regional director posts being created for medical staff, and nurses and midwives. She stated that the exclusion of HSCP from senior management was “in direct contradiction to the stated aims of Sláintecare which envisions integrated delivery of care in the right place at the right time.”

Following the letter, HSCP members and Fórsa officials continued to put pressure on the HSE and government ministers, resulting in their eventual agreement.

Linda said: “Once the HSE agreed to the posts it was just a matter of engagement over the job description and funding.”

“Health and social care professionals have an integral and important role to play in the delivery of Sláintecare. These posts will guarantee that their invaluable input is part of management decisions and help ensure Sláintecare’s success.” 

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