Fiona Steed has been appointed Chief Health and Social Care Professional (HSCP) Officer with the Department of Health.
Fiona Steed’s professional career spans 30 years of working in the health sector, having qualified from Teesside University with a BSc in Physiotherapy in 1993 and spending her formative career working in the North East of England during the formation of the National Health Service (NHS) Trusts.
She then worked as a private practitioner in her own sports injury clinic before returning to Ireland in late 2000, taking up a senior physiotherapist role in Nenagh Hospital, now part of UL Hospitals Group (ULHG).
She completed a Masters of Science in Neuro Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in University College Dublin (UCD) in 2007, and a Higher National Diploma in Healthcare Management in University of Limerick (UL) in 2016.
In 2017 Fiona was appointed the inaugural Group Lead of Allied Health in ULHG which was a unique position within the HSE holding a group-wide remit as lead to six Health and Social Care Professional departments.
The Department of Health said that during this time Fiona fostered key relationships with UL and the community health organisation which led to significant research outputs and increased practice education placements in the region.
“Notably, Fiona was a key driver in bringing the Intermediate Care Facility to life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The collaboration between ULHG and UL provided a unique opportunity for innovative student-led practice education.”
In February 2021 Fiona was the first HSCP to be appointed as directorate General Manager in ULHG.
Outside of work, Fiona can be found either on the side of a rugby pitch or around the committee table at the IRFU where she is currently 1 of 3 female representatives.
Welcoming this appointment, Minister Donnelly said:
“I am delighted that Fiona is being appointed to this important role within my Department. The Chief Health and Social Care Professional Officer will have a key strategic role that will provide leadership on policy direction and evidence-based expert advice for the Health and Social Care Professions policy agenda. The role provides an exciting opportunity to develop and strengthen collaboration across the professions, as well as leading and enabling advanced practice.”
Fiona said, “I am honoured to take up this role as Chief HSCP Officer within the Department of Health. The office is something we have championed for over a long period of time, and I see it as a privilege to represent the 26 professions.
“My initial focus will be on advanced practice, strategic workforce planning and practice education.
“I look forward to engaging with all the professions, the National HSCP office and the Universities over the coming weeks and months.”
