My Name is Shauna Burke, I am A Clinical Placement Coordinator (CPC) attached to the National Forensics Mental Health Service (NFMHS).
With the opening of the the new Hospital campus in Portrane, Co Dublin in November 2022 our service demands and capacity increased overnight.
As part of the move to Portrane Campus the NFMHS has integrated with DCU to fast track specialist (nursing programmes/degrees) so that we can have Student nurses who commit to the forensic service. This has already had an impact on our ability to recruit & retain mental Health staff Nurses.
Last October I attended a protest meeting regarding the non payment issue for CPCs the enthusiastic response underscored the profession’s commitment to shaping the future of nursing and midwifery in Ireland. My participation highlighted the dedication to advancing clinical education and practice, bringing my extensive experience in forensic mental health nursing to the table.
The CPC group made it clear the critical importance of direct entry into the mental health nursing profession was shared by many stakeholders on the day.