From this week, six new public health areas will be established, which will pave “the way for the Sláintecare regional health areas”, according to the HSE.
As part of the establishment of the new health areas, five area directors of public health at medical consultant grade have been appointed, “with the sixth expected to commence in the coming weeks,” said the HSE.
In May 2021, public health specialists in the IMO voted to approve an agreement with the Department of Health, which included a commitment to establish 84 consultant posts to be recruited on a phased basis by December 2023.
The new area directors of public health (medical consultant grade) “are the first appointments of a significant recruitment drive aligned to this landmark agreement”, according to the HSE.
“I wish our new area directors of public health every success in their new roles,” said Chief Clinical Officer, HSE, Dr Colm Henry.
“I look forward to working them all to shape the future of our public health areas over the months ahead to ensure a cohesive approach to service delivery across all public health areas.”
Dr Aine McNamara, Area Director of Public Health (Area F – West North West) said, “it is a very exciting time for public health. Over the past two years there has been a significant investment in strengthening our workforce.”
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