Redeployment of employees is one of the core elements of the HSE’s response to COVID-19.
As the demand for health services increase, the number of employees available may decrease due to staff being absent because of self-isolation or with a COVID-19 diagnosis.
Co-operation from all employees is required during this outbreak.
The Redeployment of Staff during COVID-19 Infectionpolicy applies to all HSE employees. This policy has immediate effect. It replaces all previous publications.
Redeployment of staff
Hospital groups, community health organisations and national directors are being asked to identify and document essential and non-essential activities in line with local continuity business plans.
Non-essential services may need to get cancelled or postponed. Employees working in these areas may be redeployed to assist in essential services.
Managers must consider vulnerable staff members before redeploying staff groups.
Read occupational guidance for pregnant and vulnerable healthcare workers. Managers must check the most recent occupational health advice on these staff groups regularly as advice may change.
Read occupational guidance for pregnant and vulnerable healthcare workers
Temporary redeployment – clinical roles
All employees who redeploy to clinical roles temporarily during COVID-19 will have their current terms and conditions of employment protected. Training and up-skilling will be provided in certain circumstances.
HR memo regarding temporary redeployment and clinical roles
How redeployment will be managed
Local crisis management teams are leading on the redeployment of employees. This is being done in line with local business continuity plans, and working with service managers.
Employees with skills required during COVID-19, and no longer working in frontline health services, may be redeployed to areas where their skills are required most.
Payroll
During COVID-19, redeployed employees will get paid by their usual payroll department.
Local line managers will approve overtime requests as needed.
Alterations to work location or grade
Normal notice requirements are suspended during COVID-19.
This includes notice given for:
- scheduling shift changes
- changes to hours of work
- changes to work locations
Redeployment needs will be assessed daily.
Employees may be required to work different hours or in a different location. This will be based on urgency of need.
Work or redeployment refusals will be handled in accordance with the grievance procedure. This outlines the requirement of staff to ‘work under protest’ based on a service imperative.
Keeping up to date
The COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly so the redeployment policy and procedure are being revised regularly to meet the demands on our health services during COVID-19. To keep up to date managers and staff should continue to check the staff coronavirus information page.
Related files
Guidance on reducing the risk of transmitting COVID-19 in all healthcare settings