HSE ends funding for mandatory healthcare training

THE HSE is no longer funding healthcare professionals to carry out mandatory training essential to work practices, it has emerged.

Previously, health professionals such as social workers, occupational therapists and physiotherapists were eligible for funding for continuing professional development (CPD), but they are being told by the HSE that, due to the exceptional economic circumstances, it has no money for this.

A spokesperson for the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) said its members were having to fund their own training – and take holiday leave to complete the courses.

“Some of these courses can cost from €150 up to €700 for a day. In the past they were at least part-funded by the HSE,” she said.

“It is imperative that chartered physiotherapists have access to CPD and lifelong learning and CPD funding is essential.

“It is a condition of registration with the professional body (ISCP) that a minimum number of hours are undertaken annually to ensure that physiotherapists remain at the forefront of clinical advancements.”

Under new EU rules, CPD is set to become a legal requirement with health professionals needing a certain number of points each year. A spokesperson for the Central Remedial Clinic said it is hosting an international conference in Dublin in September, but the number of Irish physiotherapists and occupational therapists in attendance would be extremely low. It was not a good image to present at an international conference.

“People are indicating generally that they will not be able to attend because their places cannot be funded,” the spokesperson said.

“We have people coming from all over the world to this who have no issues with funding, but we are hearing from people here that they cannot get the funding – or the time off work to attend. This is a wonderful opportunity for professionals to get points for CPD, but it looks as though there will be a very low Irish attendance.”

She said it appeared as though the HSE was in the future not going to pay for any external training for health workers.

A spokesman for the HSE said it was in talks to find a way forward, but in the economic circumstances, things were very difficult.

Fianna Fáil Senator Maria Corrigan said she would hope to see some sort of compromise between the HSE and the health professionals. “In light of the economic situation, it may not be possible for services to provide financial support for professionals working within the public service for continuing professional development.

“Some of the CPD events are quite costly and, if it is not possible to make a financial subsidy available, particularly for those in the public service who are PAYE workers, perhaps it should be possible to consider a tax relief.”