HSE South West Press Release
9 April 2025
HSE South West marks the nationwide celebration of Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCP) Day today, Wednesday, April 9, honouring the essential contribution of over 2,500 HSCPs working across Cork and Kerry.
This year’s theme "Innovating Health and Social Care: Embracing Technology, Research, and Evidence" highlights the transformative impact of these professionals in advancing patient care and service delivery through innovation and evidence-based practice. Across Ireland, HSCPs are leading the way in designing services that are responsive, data-informed, and focused on improving patient and community outcomes.
The HSCP workforce represents one of the most diverse and dynamic groups within the health service, encompassing 26 distinct professions across diagnostic, therapeutic, and social domains. From audiologists and physiotherapists to social workers and psychologists, HSCPs are at the forefront of innovation in their fields, introducing new models of care, advancing telehealth, and translating research into real-world improvements:
Working in settings as varied as acute hospitals, community and primary care centres, residential services, mental health, disability, and services for older persons, HSCPs play a central role in delivering therapeutic, rehabilitative, diagnostic, and social care interventions. Their expertise is critical to implementing Sláintecare’s vision of integrated, person-centred care delivered closer to home.
In recognition of HSCP Day 2025, events are taking place across HSE South West sites, celebrating the ongoing commitment of HSCPs to improving the health and wellbeing of their communities. A highlight of the celebrations will see an all-day research poster display, a showcase of innovative work, and Cork City Hall will be illuminated in orange tonight, 9 April to mark HSCP Day 2025.
Dr Andy Phillips, HSE South West Regional Executive Officer remarked:
“As we continue to implement Sláintecare reforms, the leadership of Health and Social Care Professionals is crucial in building integrated services. The dedication to evidence-based, person-centred care seen across HSCPs is not only improving health outcomes but also shaping the future of healthcare in Ireland.”
HSE South West invites all HSCPs to join the celebration by sharing projects, research, and stories that reflect this year’s theme. Whether it’s a local innovation, a collaborative research study, or a new service model, these efforts demonstrate the ongoing evolution of care in Ireland.
Speaking ahead of HSCP Day 2025, Sarah Shanahan, HSE South West Health and Social Care Professions Regional Integration Development Lead said: “HSCP Day is an opportunity to recognise the incredible innovation happening across Ireland’s health and social care professions. These professionals are the drivers of change, adapting services to better meet the needs of people and communities, and embedding research and technology into everyday care. We are incredibly proud of their contribution.”
Join the conversation on April 9 by sharing your story using #HSCPDay2025.
Last updated on: 09 / 04 / 2025
