There was a 36 per cent fall in the number of consultant posts processed by the HSE last year, according to the latest consultant applications advisory committee (CAAC) annual report.
The Executive’s consultant division processed a total of 347 consultant applications in 2024, the report states.
The consultant division is the secretariat to the CAAC. The 347 figure represents a reduction of 194 applications when compared to 2023.
In response to questions about this decline, a HSE spokesperson told the Medical Independent that a “significant level” of investment has been directed towards expanding health services in recent years, including the creation of new consultant positions.
In 2023, the consultant division processed 283 new positions. However, the spokesperson noted that, despite ongoing investments, the number of new positions fell to 152 last year.
The introduction of the public-only consultant contract (POCC) has “streamlined the approval process for direct replacement applications”, according to the HSE.
But the spokesperson added that the volume of replacement applications processed “has remained consistent at approximately 150-160 per year”.
“This reflects the natural attrition within the profession, primarily due to retirements.”
Of the 347 applications processed last year, 225 were considered by the CAAC, compared to 438 applications in 2023.
As a result of the introduction of the POCC, applications for replacement appointments are no longer required to be presented directly to the CAAC.
According to the annual report, on average, there were 25 applications considered per meeting.
Of the 225 applications considered, 224 posts were recommended for approval, with one post deferred.
Separately, according to new HSE figures, at the end of February, there were 4,640 whole-time equivalent consultants employed in the public health services.
Of these, 2,893 are recorded as holding the POCC, which equates to over 62 per cent of consultants.
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