ATU and HSE announce partnership for new programme
Atlantic Technological University has announced a new partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to address staffing shortages.
The partnership aims to address an ongoing issue with staffing shortages across Ireland’s diagnostic laboratory services, while also upskilling existing staff.
ATU will run a new part time education pathway, which is developed by their Medical Science Programme Board within the Department of Analytical, Biopharmaceutical and Medical Services.
The Higher Diploma in Science in Medical Science is a two year part time programme and aims to provide an alternative route to becoming a CORU-registered Medical Scientist.
This will specifically target medical laboratory workers who already work in the HSE while holding a relevant Level 8 degree in a science subject.
The HSE has committed €2.44 million to help fund around 120 places on the course over the next five years, hopefully creating a pipeline of medical scientists for the health service.
This partnership is beneficial to the HSE, as students will remain in paid employment throughout the course, allowing the health service to retain experienced staff while building a stronger future.
Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, said: “This partnership between ATU and the HSE will help to address critical skills needs across hospitals in our region and throughout Ireland, delivering real impact for patient care and service delivery. This programme is also a potential blueprint for other ways in which we can support the HSE workforce, and I want to thank our team in ATU for all their work in developing this innovative offering.”
Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer for HSE West and North West, said, “Medical scientists are at the heart of healthcare and provide an essential service to support our patients right across the West and North West region, it is an area where we face ongoing recruitment challenges. This programme, which is a result of strengthened collaboration between the HSE and ATU, will ensure our medical science services into the future are robust, sustainable and delivered by a highly skilled workforce.”
This year, the programme will take on 24 students, and the closing date for the first intake is April 30. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply through ATU’s application portal.