HSE U-turn on temporary paramedic contracts following protests

Emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and advanced paramedics from all over Ireland had protested last week outside the Dáil in solidarity with 80 of their newly qualified paramedics. Picture: Moya Nolan

Paramedics graduating from University College Cork (UCC) will now receive permanent contracts following a HSE U-turn on a shock offer of temporary work only.

The move has come too late for some, as several from the latest class of 76 have already quit the service in search of permanent work.

The course includes two years of work around the country with the National Ambulance Service while training.

The graduates had expected to receive permanent jobs like every class before them, but the National Ambulance Service made a shock offer of 16-week contracts only last month. 

On Wednesday, trade union SIPTU welcomed a row-back on this offer. This followed talks between HSE management and trade unions on Tuesday.

SIPTU sector organiser, John McCamley, said: “Our members welcome the decision by the National Ambulance Service to abide by the pre-existing arrangements for permanent contracts to be offered to graduate paramedics.” 

He said the move will now give “some stability and reassurance” to paramedics. "We hope that no future paramedic graduates are treated in this manner," he said.

The move was welcomed as “brilliant” by James Mullen, chairman of the Irish Society of Paramedicine.

Earlier this month, the society and dozens of paramedics gathered outside the Dáil in protest. 

However, several had resigned beforehand because of the uncertainty, which marred the positive outcome, he said.

The society is now working with the HSE to see what solution can be found for that group. 

Mr Mullen said he understands there may be changes in future to the terms offered to new entrants into the training course.