Responding to the launch of the Artificial Intelligence for Care Strategy, the ICTU Group of Healthcare Unions has stated that any integration of Artificial Intelligence into the public health service must be done in consultation with the human backbone of the health service - its workers.
Healthcare unions have expressed disappointment that a document advancing AI processes in the public health service was published without adequate or any real engagement with worker representatives.
Acting Chair of the Staff Panel of Healthcare Unions and INMO Deputy General Secretary Edward Mathews said:
Unions who represent the vast majority of healthcare workers in the State are rightly concerned that the HSE has ploughed ahead with publishing a document outlining how AI will be used in the public health service without proper consultation with workers.
AI has the potential to contribute to healthcare services but ultimately healthcare is a human profession, and AI carries with it both potential benefits but also great risks. The HSE and the current and future Ministers for Health should not be completely transfixed by AI alone. It must enhance personal care provided to patients not replace it, and be delivered alongside continued investment in growing the public health service workforce ensuring safe staffing in all services
For the potential benefits of AI to be seen in our public health system, or for the significant risks to be appropriately mitigated, the members we represent must be involved in development and implementation, with codesign at the heart of all steps. This must be coupled with appropriate safeguards, and time and resources provided to facilitate staff involvement and to train staff up on new systems, alongside clear lines of accountability and safety measures in place to protect patients. Starting off with no real consultation with workforce representatives is a poor beginning to a complex journey.
SIPTU Head of Health Division, Kevin Figgis said:
The future of healthcare provision in Ireland must be human-led. The Irish public health service must be seen as an attractive place to work that is at the cutting edge of future technology but is one that is staffed correctly and safely.
There is no doubt AI technology has potential in human healthcare but it should not be at the risk of the essential nature of human lead and delivered direct patient care by the members we represent.
Fórsa Head of Health and Welfare Division, Ashley Connolly added:
Unions have today sought an urgent meeting with the Chief Technology Officer of the HSE to discuss the implementation of AI policy within the public health service.
Any advancement of AI initiatives must be accompanied by appropriate protections to ensure that patient care remains safeguarded through effective human oversight.