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Monumental Progress for Advanced Practice for the Irish Radiation Therapy Community

The Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy (IIRRT) has been at the forefront of advocating for advanced practice within the professions of Radiography and Radiation Therapy for many years. This sustained effort has culminated in a landmark achievement in 2025, with the announcement of new advanced practice candidate roles, a pivotal moment that marks significant progress for these professions in Ireland.

Following extensive lobbying and policy engagement, led and coordinated by the IIRRT alongside other key stakeholders, six advanced practice candidate roles have now been approved for Radiography for quarter three this year, with a further six roles set to be introduced for Radiation Therapy. This development represents a monumental step forward, reflecting national recognition of the evolving complexity and autonomy required in these clinical roles. It aligns closely with Ireland’s broader health service reform agenda, which emphasises the progression of senior clinical decision-making roles within the National Health and Social Care Professions (NHSCPO).

A key driver of this achievement was the completion of the National Radiation Therapist Review in 2024, undertaken by SIPTU (Trade Union) in collaboration with the IIRRT, government departments, and other key stakeholders. This comprehensive review examined the workforce challenges in Radiation Therapy, particularly focusing on staff retention amid significant shortages both in Ireland and internationally. The review identified the introduction of advanced practice roles as a critical strategy to enhance career progression, support workforce planning, and retain highly educated and skilled Radiation Therapy professionals (National Radiation Therapist Review, 2024).

This progress would not have been possible without the strong advocacy and sustained support of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Health and Social Care Professions (HSCP) Office, whose leadership in workforce policy and strategic planning has been instrumental. Their commitment to advancing professional roles ensures that the implementation of these new pathways is fully aligned with national healthcare priorities and will continue to be supported at a political and National level.

Advanced practice and enhanced roles play a vital role in the retention of Radiation Therapists by offering clear, rewarding career pathways that recognise professional expertise and promote continuous development. The availability of these roles helps to address the underlying factors contributing to workforce attrition, such as limited progression opportunities and the lack of formal structures for career advancement. By providing Radiation Therapists with meaningful avenues to expand their clinical, leadership, educational, and research contributions, advanced practice roles foster greater job satisfaction, engagement, and commitment to the profession. This, in turn, supports service sustainability and improves the ability of the health system to retain experienced practitioners (Jones et al., 2016; National Radiation Therapist Review, 2024; HSE, 2022).

The process was marked by exceptional collaboration and leadership from Radiation Therapy representatives, who worked closely with SIPTU, policymakers, TDs (elected members of Irish parliament) and other stakeholders. Their ability to build alliances and maintain constructive dialogue ensured continued pressure on the government to prioritise and fund these advanced practice roles. This coordinated advocacy effort ultimately secured dedicated funding, reflecting the power of collective action in achieving long-awaited professional advancement.

The move is informed by a comprehensive policy framework set out in the 2022 Report on Literature Review and Policy Analysis of Advanced Practice in the Health and Social Care Professions, commissioned by the Health Service Executive (HSE). This report, along with the Health and Social Care Professionals Education and Development Strategy 2017–2026, the HSCP Office’s Advanced Practice Framework (HSCP Office, 2023), and the findings of the National Radiation Therapist Review, identifies advanced practice as a strategic priority, linking it to workforce planning, career progression frameworks, and service restructuring efforts. These documents recognise the importance of advanced practice in addressing evolving service demands and ensuring a sustainable, highly skilled HSCP workforce.

The Department of Health recognises that advanced practice roles offer critical opportunities to extend care beyond traditional hospital settings, enhance patient satisfaction, and alleviate pressure on primary care services such as GP practices.

Advanced practice in this context is defined as a level of professional activity characterised by a high degree of autonomy, expert clinical decision-making, and significant responsibility. Practitioners in these roles operate within a governance framework shaped by national policies and evidence-based standards (HSE, 2022). The scope of advanced practice encompasses four key pillars: expert clinical practice, leadership and management, education and facilitation of clinical learning, and engagement with evidence, research, and service development.

The IIRRT’s contribution in advancing these roles underscores the professional body’s commitment to enhancing service delivery and responding proactively to the complexities of modern healthcare. It paves the way for Radiation Therapists and Radiographers to contribute more fully to multidisciplinary teams, deliver improved patient outcomes, and take on leadership roles within the health system.

This achievement not only benefits Radiation Therapists and patients in Ireland but also reflects the growing international recognition of the importance of advanced practice roles in Radiation Oncology and allied health professions. The IIRRT remains dedicated to supporting its members through this transition and will continue to engage with national stakeholders to ensure successful implementation and ongoing professional development.

 

Sinead O'Sullivan
IIRRT CPD Officer

Deborah Kelleher

IIRRT Council Member

References

Department of Health, 2017. Health and Social Care Professionals Education and Development Strategy 2017–2026. Dublin: Department of Health.

Health Service Executive (HSE), 2022. Report on Literature Review and Policy Analysis of Advanced Practice in the Health and Social Care Professions. Dublin: HSE.

HSCP Office, 2023. Advanced Practice Framework for Health and Social Care Professions. Dublin: Health and Social Care Professions Office, Health Service Executive.

Jones, M., Higgs, R., de Angelis, C. and Taylor, K., 2016. Advanced practice in radiography and radiation therapy: A global perspective. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, 63(3), pp.173–180. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.185

National Radiation Therapist Review, 2024. National Radiation Therapist Review: Workforce Planning, Career Development and Retention Strategies. Dublin: SIPTU, IIRRT, Department of Health, and stakeholders.