Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015
473. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a workforce plan for the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14015/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAction 46 of Future Health commits the Department of Health to work with the HSE to implement an approach to workforce planning and development that achieves the objectives of: recruiting and retaining the right mix of staff; training and upskilling the workforce; providing for professional and career development; and creating supportive and healthy workplaces. This approach will include the development by my Department of a national integrated strategic framework for health workforce planning during 2015. A cross-sectoral Working Group will be convened to develop the framework in the near future. The Group's deliberations will take into account issues including population ageing and any relevant considerations arising from the review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme currently underway. Consultation with key stakeholders will form part of the Group's work.
In relation to the recruitment and retention of nurses in the nursing home sector, two areas are currently under active review.
Firstly, with regard to the recruitment of nurses educated and trained in Ireland, the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director has facilitated the nursing home sector to meet with graduate students in higher education institutions. In addition, the Chief Nursing Office in my Department has engaged with the nursing home sector in promoting nursing of the older person as a career choice. The Office has facilitated discussions, spoken at conferences and engaged with higher education institutions in seeking solutions. Discussions have involved exploring career pathways within older people services to encourage staff into this area of nursing practice.
Secondly, with regard to the international recruitment of nurses, three adaptation courses are available in April, June and August 2015 respectively. These courses are 6 weeks in duration and facilitate the integration of nurses to nursing in an Irish context. Of the 195 places available, only 60 places have been taken to date. The nursing home sector is aware of these vacancies. Options are also being explored regarding a one-day programme of assessment through an examination format. A pilot of this programme is planned for 2015.
