HSE has commenced engagement with secondary schools

The HSE has begun an engagement programme with secondary schools to encourage students to consider careers in the health service.

The initiative was discussed by members of the Sláintecare programme board at its meeting in November.

The board noted that “future-proofing healthcare supply will require increased and accelerated momentum with our second-level schools to promote the broad spectrum of healthcare professions and roles as attractive value-based careers”.

Members were told that a career guidance network was due to launch imminently. This would be supported by an online engagement platform for second-level students.

A HSE spokesperson confirmed to the Medical Independent that it had begun outreach and engagement with secondary schools. The purpose is to encourage students to consider careers in the health service and to provide education on the spectrum of opportunities available.

Health service representatives highlight the “wide range of settings” across HSE health services. These include hospitals and community care, disability services, older persons’ services, maternity and children’s services, administration, and other areas.

Students are encouraged to visit the HSE’s ‘Service in the Spotlight’ website (https://careerhub.hse.ie/service-spotlight/) to hear “real-life stories” from healthcare workers in local communities.

Separately, the meeting discussed the digitisation of recruitment to the health service and the need for improvements. The meeting heard that a “simplified application form” was due to be launched before the end of last year.

The HSE spokesperson confirmed that a new online application form and a digital checklist were established to streamline the application process. This form was part of “modernising the recruitment experience” and can be used for all grades.