The Health Service Executive (HSE) has reached a landmark agreement with health sector unions to extend the working week across hospitals and HSE-funded agencies, marking a major shift in how Ireland’s healthcare system will operate.
Under the new arrangement, health staff including consultants, social workers, and administrative workers will be rostered over seven days rather than the current five-day structure. The extended hours aim to improve patient flow, reduce overcrowding in emergency departments (EDs), and increase the number of outpatient services outside typical working hours.
“This has been a priority of the Minister for Health and the HSE,” said Bernard Gloster, Chief Executive of the HSE. “We now look forward to implementing this change, with a focus on emergency department patient flow and expanding access to outpatient clinics during non-routine hours.”
The agreement was first reported by the Irish Independent and has since been confirmed by both the HSE and unions.
The Fórsa trade union, which represents many administrative and support staff in the health service, welcomed the structured approach to implementation. In an update to members, the union clarified that not all services would automatically shift to extended hours. Instead, each affected department must enter a consultation process with staff and union representatives before changes take place.
For employees hired before December 16, 2008 — and who have not been promoted since — participation in the extended roster will remain voluntary. However, those employed or promoted after that date may be required to adopt the new working pattern, depending on service needs.
Where disagreements arise, the process includes referral to a Joint Review Group, with the possibility of independent adjudication if necessary.
“Any proposal to extend services must be based on maintaining safe staffing levels,” Fórsa stated, highlighting patient safety and staff welfare as critical components of the new model.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill praised the deal as an “extraordinary agreement” and a step toward a more efficient, patient-focused health service. “It’s a huge change to work practices. It allows for a better use of hospital infrastructure and gives patients a more predictable experience, seven days a week,” she said.
The minister also confirmed she will present a Cabinet memo on new hospital patient safety standards, aiming to align Ireland’s system with international benchmarks. She stressed the urgency of reforms in light of recent high-profile cases involving maternal deaths and issues in emergency departments.
The changes are expected to be phased in over the coming months, as each hospital and unit engages in discussions on how best to implement extended working hours in their specific context.
