The development of an integrated, well-trained workforce is “vital” for the success of the national public health strategy, according to the Irish Society of Specialists in Public Health Medicine (ISSPHM).
The ISSPHM “strongly” welcomed the recent publication of the HSE Public Health Strategy (2025–30).
“This is a key milestone in the journey of public health reform and provides an essential foundation for the work public health consultants need to do across Ireland,” Dr Fiona Cianci of the ISSPHM and Consultant in Public Health Medicine told the Medical Independent (MI).
While all aspects of the new strategy “are important”, the Society regards the development of an integrated, well-trained public health workforce as the “most vital” priority.
“An integrated workforce approach is the foundation that enables all other strategic priorities, ensuring we effectively harness the collective expertise and efforts of our workforce,” said Dr Cianci.
Speaking at the launch of the strategy last month, Chief Medical Officer Prof Mary Horgan described it as “a bold and timely vision for improving health and wellbeing across Ireland”.
A HSE spokesperson told MI a strategic workforce plan would be developed through the national office of public health, “with engagement with key stakeholders,” including National Doctors Training and Planning.
“This work will consider the full multidisciplinary public health workforce, including but not exclusively our consultants. A timeline for this work is currently being developed.”
The spokesperson added that the development of a strategic action plan is a key step in driving the implementation of the strategy. See news feature.
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