Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
1283. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the action being taken by his Department to increase the number of training places that can be allocated to radiation therapy students in the HSE, in view of the current crisis in recruitment and retention of radiation therapists in the health sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28370/23]
View answer1284. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the action being taken by his Department to increase the number of training places that are allocated to radiation therapy students in each of the HSE hospitals where radiation treatment is being provided for cancer patients, in view of the current crisis in recruitment and retention of radiation therapists in the health sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28371/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1283 and 1284 together.
Health and Social Care workforce planning and ensuring an appropriate pipeline of suitably qualified healthcare professionals in Ireland is a top priority for the Government.
My department is committed to ensuring that there is an adequate number of health professionals to meet demand within the health service. As part of this commitment, the department is heavily invested in the ongoing education of healthcare staff, including radiation therapists, to support recruitment and retention.
Department of Health officials engage on an ongoing basis with colleagues in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Higher Education Institutions to ensure that we train enough graduates with the skills necessary to support the delivery of health and social care services and to develop a strategic approach to workforce planning for the health sector.
The HSE is focused on retention of existing HSE staff and maximising the number of health care graduates from Irish colleges entering the public health services. Over the past 3 years the HSE has increased its overall numbers by over 20,500 and this trajectory will continue in order to meet the healthcare needs of our growing and aging population. In recognition of the challenge of attracting and retaining health care workers, the HSE has recently established a National Programme which aims at adopting a strategic health service response to recruitment and retention.
The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) are also continuing to progress recruitment campaigns and efforts are also being made to secure students as they graduate.
An independent radiation therapist review was agreed under the auspices of the WRC and began in December 2022 with representatives from SIPTU, the Department of Health, the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and the radiation oncology services. This review is ongoing, and the group is meeting with staff and management at each of the radiotherapy centres. Radiation therapy staff in public services have been offered additional hours, which will enable patients to be seen more quickly.
