Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1247. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will work with the relevant bodies to establish a defined career pathway for clinical physiotherapy tutors to include recognition of specialism and further to advance the establishment of clinical academic posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11702/24]
View answerThe role of tutor posts across the Health and Social Care Professions (HSCP) is to support practice placements for HSCP students. These roles are generally at senior level and may be based in the health services or in the universities. Physiotherapy practice tutors are not in a specific academic or clinical career pathway, however, this does not preclude tutors from applying for career progression opportunities in either area.
The Chief HSCP officer had an initial meeting with the Chief Academic Officers in February 2024. The establishment of joint clinical academic posts was a topic of discussion, as well as the provision of clinical placements and a career structure for practice tutors across the health and social care professions. It is proposed that further meetings will occur to explore these areas of mutual interest and enable more detailed discussion, collaboration and support where relevant.
