Before the Health Care Assistant (HCA) grade was introduced in 2001, those performing patient care duties in Ireland were known by various titles, such as nurse’s aide or auxiliary nurse. Regardless of the title, these workers have always been essential in providing compassionate care and aiding recovery.
The path to recognition for HCAs has been challenging. The role was formalised in 2001 and expanded under the SKILL project. After 2008, the role became more crucial during the economic downturn when the boundaries between HCAs and nursing roles blurred due to recruitment freezes.
However, today HCAs are recognised as vital contributors to the Irish health service across hospitals, maternity services, mental health, disability services and elderly care.
SIPTU has played a key role in elevating the status of HCAs, launching the Care Sector in 2015 to organise and advocate for patient care staff. This initiative led to the recognition of HCAs as crucial to the future of Ireland’s health services. In 2017, a new contract for Home Helps was secured, leading to the creation of the Health Care Support Assistant grade.
A 2018 review, achieved through a concerted campaign by SIPTU, underscored the increasing importance of HCAs. A successful campaign for a Job Evaluation Scheme, which included industrial action in 2019 resulted in significant pay increases for HCAs and support staff. SIPTU continues to fight for pay parity with the public service for HCAs in the Section 39 sector, and advocates for decent wages within the challenging environments of private home care and nursing homes.
Despite the challenges, the journey toward recognition has proven worthwhile. HCAs, once undervalued, are now acknowledged as key to delivering quality care.
SIPTU Care Sector President, Annmarie Tibby, emphasises that while much has been achieved, the future of the grade depends on continued organisation and activism within the Union.