National health care assistants forum launched
SIPTU representatives have today (Monday, 1st July) welcomed the launch of a report into the role of health care assistants (HCA) at the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin. Conducted by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in collaboration with union representatives and public health service stakeholders, it is the first review of the role of the HCA’s in more than a decade.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Marie Butler, said: “The role of our members has significantly developed into all areas of care and health services over recent years. This review sets out many important recommendations, including the immediate establishment of a permanent national forum for HCA’s which will transition into a full-time HCA office in the HSE within two years. This forum will act as a conduit for all issues of concern for our members including their education, qualifications and professional registration. Our sector committee has been relentless in shaping and influencing the future development of the HCA role and support for its integration into local care teams.”
Chairperson of the SIPTU Health Care Sector Committee,Ann Marie Tibby, said: “The launch of this review and the establishment of this HCA forum is the result of many years of hard work by members to get our issues firmly on the agenda. Crucially, this review recommends that our title is protected to safeguard the development of our role as a key occupation within the health service.”
Link to report here