Delivering quality CPD options for health service workers is essential
The health and social care landscape is changing in Ireland, as in other countries, and with it the priorities for the delivery of healthcare services.
Health policy decisions and the significant fiscal challenges we face mean that resources expended on the provision of healthcare must be used effectively, and in a manner, that is justifiable in terms of improved patient outcomes so the provision of affordable and cost-effective Continuous Professional Development (CPD) options for health service workers is essential.
Last Tuesday (19th September) a SIPTU College for Continuous Professional Development, a collaborative partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI), was launched by the Minister for Health, Simon Harris and SIPTU General Secretary Designate, Joe Cunningham.
Continuous Professional Development is the systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of the knowledge, skills and development of personal qualities necessary for the execution of professional and technical duties throughout a practitioner’s working life
The SIPTU College of Continuous Professional Development has been tasked to integrate the technological, psychological and sociological aspects of health care and facilitate the practise and development of healthcare professionals in an evidence-based environment. It is also to further the development of a range of skills appropriate in the current healthcare environment and provide practitioners with a broad perspective of the many facets of quality health care.
It will also further the development of a range of skills appropriate in the current healthcare environment and provide practitioners with a broad perspective of the many facets of quality health care.
As the largest Trade Union in the country, we have a responsibility to lead on the training and education of our workforce. This big step to work with the RCSI towards ensuring members get the best of education and training that will provide patients with the best possible healthcare and outcomes.
Continuous Professional Development consolidates the existing knowledge, skills and attitudes of the practitioner, and accommodates rapid technological change.
It becomes an ongoing, lifelong activity for the healthcare professional and the fact now that SIPTU can walk this journey with their member step by step can only provide better health care for patients and better jobs for workers.
SIPTU College for Continuous Professional Development will provide SIPTU Health Division members with access to world-class education programmes provided through direct and remote teaching methods.
The programmes will be accredited by the RCSI and will be provided to SIPTU Health members at a very competitive cost.
There is a video of the launch available here