Over 20 paramedic vacancies identified across Northwest and West region

There are over 20 paramedic vacancies across the Northwest and West, with some hoped to be filled in the coming weeks following a resolution in a dispute between the HSE and the National Ambulance Service (NAS).

The dispute arose after the HSE refused to give 76 newly qualified paramedics permanent contracts, instead ordering them to reapply for their jobs.

Up until a few months ago, paramedics who completed their three-year course were automatically granted permanent contracts upon meeting all the requirements.

The dispute has now been resolved, and Year Three Paramedics graduating this year will be offered full-time, permanent contracts with the NAS.

The issue was raised at the recent meeting of the Northwest Regional Health Forum, where Sligo Fianna Fáil councillor Edel McSharry asked why the 76 newly qualified paramedics were asked to reapply, whether graduates in the Sligo-Leitrim area would be offered positions, and she also queried how many paramedic positions were vacant in the Northwest.

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A response to Cllr McSharry’s questions explained that there will be a range of opportunities available to graduates, including existing vacancies arising from retirements and promotions, as well as new posts linked to new service developments under the National Service Plan.

All vacant posts across the Service are first offered to existing NAS staff before then being offered to new graduates. 

Once those existing staff have made their decisions on vacant roles, NAS will then be able to clearly identify the permanent roles available for this year’s graduates.

“It is important to state that there are more than enough vacant or new posts for every student graduating this year,” the response confirmed.

The response also detailed how, as of March 24, there were 24 paramedic vacancies across the Northwest and West. “These vacancies are currently subject to an internal transfer process, and some may be filled in the coming weeks,” the response concluded.

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