Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown (HSE Dublin and North East) is seeking a Head of Quality and Safety (Grade VIII) to lead the hospital’s Quality and Patient Safety function. This senior role plays a pivotal part in maintaining the highest standards of governance, patient care, and organisational performance within one of Ireland’s major acute healthcare facilities.
Published: 20 October 2025
Closing Date: 3 November 2025, 12:00 PM (noon)
Reference: CH20254301
Contract Type: Permanent Wholetime
Grade: Grade VIII (0655)
Location: Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin North
Recruiter: HSE Dublin and North East – North Dublin, Meath, Louth, Cavan & Monaghan
About the Role
Reporting to the General Manager, the Head of Quality and Safety will provide strategic and operational leadership across all quality and risk management functions. As a key member of the Executive Management Team, this role ensures that systems, policies, and procedures are in place to support a safe, patient-centred environment and compliance with HSE and HIQA standards.
The post holder will oversee the implementation of the hospital’s Quality Improvement Framework, clinical incident management, audit and evaluation processes, and risk mitigation measures. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior healthcare professional seeking a leadership role in one of Ireland’s foremost teaching hospitals.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the hospital’s Quality and Patient Safety Strategy in alignment with HSE national frameworks.
- Ensure effective governance structures, clinical risk management, and safety oversight.
- Manage quality audits, clinical incident reporting, and root cause analysis processes.
- Coordinate accreditation and compliance activities, ensuring adherence to HIQA and HSE standards.
- Support departments in developing quality improvement plans and performance metrics.
- Provide expert advice to senior management and clinical leads on regulatory, patient safety, and quality issues.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, transparency, and learning across the organisation.
- Line-manage quality, risk, and patient safety teams, providing mentorship and professional development.
Required Qualifications
Essential
- A third-level qualification in a relevant discipline such as Health Services Management, Nursing, or Quality Improvement.
- Minimum of five years’ management experience in a healthcare or related setting.
- Proven knowledge of clinical governance, quality systems, and risk management frameworks.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage change effectively.
Preferred
- Postgraduate qualification in Quality Management, Risk Management, or Patient Safety Leadership.
- Experience working in the HSE or large-scale public sector healthcare environment.
- Familiarity with HIQA, ISO, or JCI accreditation standards.
What We Offer
- Salary: HSE Consolidated Pay Scale (Grade VIII, Code 0655), effective from 1 August 2025 — annual range €69,676–€86,680 per annum (as per Department of Health Circular 6/2025).
- Permanent Wholetime contract with access to HSE pension and benefits.
- Commitment to professional growth and leadership development.
- Opportunity to shape patient safety and quality improvement at a strategic level.
- Supportive, multidisciplinary hospital environment located in Blanchardstown, Dublin North.
Ready to Apply?
Applications are open to both HSE and non-HSE candidates.
Closing Date: Monday, 3 November 2025 at 12:00 PM.
Informal Enquiries: Ms Shirley Timmons, General Manager – gmchb@hse.ie
Apply via the official HSE recruitment portal:
