Newly qualified paramedics face an uncertain future

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Approximately 80 newly qualified paramedics face an uncertain future, having received news that they must reapply to retain their jobs. The paramedics, employed at the Health Service Executive (HSE) National Ambulance Service (NAS), have recently completed a BSc in Paramedic Studies, the final phase of their paramedic training. This development is a break from established practice within the HSE NAS. Previously, HSE NAS offered graduating paramedics permanent contracts on successful completion of training.

With no prior warning or engagement, the group were informed on February 20th, that their temporary training contracts are to be extended for just 16 weeks. The stated purpose of this extension, according to HSE NAS, is to allow staff to participate in an internal recruitment competition to secure permanent jobs. At time of writing, the affected staff members have been given no information about where vacancies may become available, prompting significant concern among the group.

"This change has forced a sudden, seismic shift in expectations," says James Mullen, chair of the Irish Society of Paramedicine. "At every step along their journey, our members expected to have permanent employment when they finished their training, as all of their predecessors did. They have been working on emergency ambulances for two years, providing invaluable service to their communities. Now, they face an uncertain future because the jobs they are offered may be far from the communities they have settled in," continues Mr Mullen.

The move by HSE NAS comes amid ongoing staff shortages and reports of low morale amongst frontline HSE NAS staff. The HSE NAS has invested approximately €16 million in salaries and training costs to bring the group to this point in their careers. "We're hearing that some of this group just won't stay with NAS at any cost," warns Mr Mullen. "Our members are real people, with real choices to make; some have talked about emigration, others have said they'll look for other jobs. Either way, the skills they have developed, and the money spent to train them, will go with them."

"We're living through a combined housing and cost-of-living crisis. It's just unacceptable that this group of emergency workers may be expected to commute long distances, or move house, to facilitate poor planning by the NAS. The ISP is calling on NAS management to reverse this decision immediately. Precedence has lead our members to expect permanent jobs when they complete their training. They have done everything asked of them as trainee paramedics and deserve the same treatment as those that have gone before," says Mr Mullen.