More health workers needed to care for ageing Irish population

Highest per annum growth is projected for occupational therapists, rising from 2.7% to 3.3%, and speech and language therapists, upwards from 2.3% to 3.3%

The number of people in Ireland aged 85 years and older is projected to more than double, adding to demand for healthcare workers. 

New ESRI research, funded by the HSE, provides projections of public acute hospital workforce requirements both nationally and regionally in Ireland up to 2035.

This is a Phase I report as part of a broader research programme to develop regional workforce projections. In the report, the regional workforce projections are presented in terms of both hospital groups and Regional Health Areas (RHAs).