Concern as one in three radiation therapists quit HSE jobs
Unit Minihane Document Denis New Internal Jobs File At Hse Quit Cancer (cuh) Radiation University That 26% The Of Relatively Cork Therapists The Reveals Hospital In Picture:
More than one in three radiation therapists quit working for the HSE during in a two-year period with many leaving for the private sector, an internal HSE business case calling for more funding warns.
This included one quarter (26%) of therapists leaving the Cork University Hospital service which caused “significant staffing concerns” the document said.
These therapists give vital radiation to cancer patients targeting their tumours and are involved in wider treatment plans.
This business case, released under the Freedom of Information Act, reveals high levels of concern in the HSE at the shortages.
It found during 2019 to 2021 some 65 out of a total of 295 quit the service.
This “significantly high turnover figure”, they said meant “obvious difficulties and challenges posed in terms of replacement but also critical experience and knowledge lost”.
CUH is one of five centres offering radiation therapy.
Therapists reported moving to private healthcare, to industry, seeking promotion in other HSE departments, or returning to education.
The business case also argues senior staff are being lost at a high rate.
One reason for this, they found, is frustration at limited promotional chances. This has resulted in “a major disparity” between higher numbers of new graduates compared to experienced staff, the HSE found.
Recruiting more experienced staff could also help reduce accidental radiation exposure for patients, they said. The document refers to a 2019 report which showed 68 hospital patients had this happen.
The analysis also found 19.9% of the therapists are not on permanent contracts.
CUH has a relatively new cancer unit and the document argues any development like this should be mirrored by higher staffing levels.
In Galway they found “numerous recruitment campaigns can be required to fill posts” as there are not enough experienced candidates.
Salary scales start at €35,539 with pay for a senior radiation therapist going from €47,714 to €55,281.
The business case highlights these therapists can also work as dosimetrists in hospital cancer services. It said these have “less requirements” and no patient involvement. The salary for senior dosimetrists ranges from €55,971 to €71,178.
It also warns of “potential for industrial unrest” if issues are not addressed.
Indeed Siptu warned last year of inactive equipment — linear accelerators — at cancer hospitals because of staff shortages.
The HSE business case, dated October 2021, has been submitted to the Department of Health. A national workforce review of radiation therapists was then carried out involving various groups.
That completed but unpublished review, seen by the in August of this year, recommended “urgent action” on vacancies. It also called for an “immediate” increase in training places.
On Friday a HSE spokeswoman said meetings have now started on how to implement that review. These are being chaired by Graham Finlay, national employee relations HSE and Siptu.
Terms of reference are being finalised for an implementation oversight group.
A Department of Health spokesman said action on recommendations is subject to approval from that department and that of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
Recruitment funding for next year includes for eight radiation therapy staff and six advanced practitioner roles.
Support is also being given to expand clinical learning support hours at the five hospitals with five extra college places supported, he said.