Niamh Smyth
Ceist:114. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department is taking in relation to concerns about a shortage in radiation therapists to carry out treatment in Ireland. [51505/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 20 October 2022
Ceisteanna (114)
Freagraí scríofa
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we have been committed to ensuring sufficient staffing levels to meet both COVID-related and long-term healthcare demand. There are 15,177 more whole-time equivalents working in our health service than there were at the beginning of 2020. This includes 4,500 nurses and midwives; 2,300 health and social care professionals; and 1,400 doctors and dentists. The workforce is continuing to grow at a rapid pace and will continue into 2023.
In relation to radiation therapists, there are currently 208 WTE working in these grades in the Health service. This is an increase of 4.5% from pre-pandemic levels.
While there has been significant growth, labour shortages of health care professionals has been a significant challenge. The HSE have expanded recruitment capacity and expanded the use of international recruitment markets to achieve the growth seen to date. We have directly targeted all of the 2022 health and social care professional graduates from Irish colleges and these applications are being interviewed currently. In relation to radiation therapists, an independent radiation therapist review has been agreed under the auspices of the WRC to consider issues including recruitment and retention.
These recruitment and retention efforts will continue in 2023, with Budget 2023 securing funding for the expansion of 6 thousand additional whole-time-equivalents. These will include a significant number of health and social care professionals being added to the workforce.