Professional Bodies’ Advocacy on Progressing Disability Services (PDS) Delivers Significant Result

AOTI, IASLT, IASW, ISCP and PSI issued a statement in October 2023, expressing our significant concerns over clinical governance in Childrens Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) due in part to lack of Discipline Managers, and the impact this has on safety of staff and children.  This statement was supported by the INDI and Fórsa.

Follow on discussions were held with the National Clinical Programme for People with Disability and the National Childrens Disabilities Services where we again highlighted the need for Discipline Managers among other things.

We welcome the outcome of recent Fórsa/WRC negotiations, given the significant concerns raised and ongoing advocacy by Professional Bodies, that the HSE has agreed to the introduction of interim Discipline Managers in CDNTs.

This is a result of our collaboration and sustained pressure to advocate for the interests and priorities of Health and Social Care Professionals and their patients/service users.

We will be continuing our engagement with the National Clinical Programme for People with Disabilities and the National Disabilities Team on issues of concern to our members regarding PDS including staff recruitment and retention, clinical governance, scope of practice, risk management and clinical supervision.