Fórsa has sought an engagement with the HSE’s internal audit division to discuss a range of issues of concern emerging for members.

The division deals with risk management and governance of the HSE with staff placed throughout the country.

Fórsa official Ryan McKinney said a number of issues had come to light and the union is now reconstituting a technical group of internal audit members in order to prepare for future engagement with management.

“There are a number of issues, including the introduction of new working practices without consultation, which we need to address, and to ensure management remains compliant with the HSE’s own guidance on health service change.

“The union is also seeking discussion around appropriate resourcing of regional units. There appears to be a trend of staff moving on, for instance to Dublin, with no backfill of the post they’ve vacated.

“The transformation of healthcare envisaged by Sláintecare demands that we need to be fully engaged in a discussion about future staffing plans, not least to ensure that regions are not short-changed on services,” he said.

Ryan added that the union is now seeking nominee representatives from each regional office to join the technical group. Interested members should send their contact details HERE.