SIPTU Health Division representatives met with the Taoiseach, along with the INMO, IMO and Fórsa, on 30th April to discuss the challenges many healthcare workers face arising from the cessation of the special leave with pay scheme for Long Covid.
“We impressed on the Taoiseach the need for action to be taken to address these issues,” SIPTU Health Division Organiser Kevin Figgis said.
Health care workers put themselves on the frontline at a time in the pandemic when there was little access to PPE, no vaccine and many are paying a heavy price as a result.
“We also informed the Taoiseach of the challenge many healthcare workers face in accessing critical illness cover, as the HSE has refused their applications or delayed appointments for several months,” Figgis said about the meeting.
As an initial step, the HSE confirmed to the Taoiseach at the meeting that they would expedite these matters and use managerial discretion to resolve them.
It was agreed that the Taoiseach would reflect on the points raised and that a further meeting would take place.
“We welcome the opportunity to resolve this serious issue for many healthcare workers who contributed greatly on the frontline during the pandemic,” Figgis said.