The Clinical Lead Neonatology HSE role offers a unique national leadership opportunity for an experienced Consultant Neonatologist. Working in partnership with the National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP), this position plays a pivotal role in advancing neonatal quality, safety, and system learning across Ireland’s 19 maternity units.
This is a specified purpose, part-time position under a confined competition, open to permanently appointed Consultant Neonatologists within the HSE.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a member of the Obstetric Emergency Support Team (OEST).
- Lead NWIHP OEST initiatives and subsequent Quality & Safety Improvement programmes.
- Engage with maternity sites regarding continuous learning events (e.g., HIE/neonatal events).
- Collaborate nationally with labour ward managers and clinical leads on neonatal activity.
- Support all 19 maternity units in producing and analysing IMIS data.
- Represent NWIHP on national working groups and strategic forums.
- Visit maternity units to standardise protocols and promote best practice sharing.
- Review neonatal data trends to enhance system-wide learning and patient safety outcomes.
- Report directly to the Clinical Director and Director of NWIHP.
Risk Management, Quality & Safety
- Identify, assess, manage and monitor risks within the scope of responsibility.
- Maintain working knowledge of HIQA Standards, including Healthcare Standards and Infection Prevention & Control.
- Ensure compliance with all associated HSE quality and governance protocols.
Education & Training
- Engage in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) with the relevant professional body.
- Provide and support multidisciplinary team (MDT) education nationally.
Management & Leadership
- Demonstrate proactive commitment to effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
- Contribute to ongoing development of the role and national neonatal services.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Permanently appointed Consultant Neonatologist within the HSE (Grade to Grade – confined competition).
- Extensive clinical experience in neonatology.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
- Strong analytical skills with experience reviewing clinical performance data.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Availability to commence work as soon as possible.
Salary, Benefits & Working Hours
- Grade: Consultant Neonatologist (1678).
- Contract Type: Specified Purpose, Part-time.
- Salary: In line with HSE Consultant pay scales and Department of Health consolidated salary scales (February 2026 revision).
- Public sector pension scheme and associated benefits apply.
- Flexible base location (to be agreed prior to commencement).
Location & Employer Information
This national role is with the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the National Women and Infants Health Programme. The base location will be agreed prior to commencement. The post holder will be required to attend and lead meetings in Dublin and nationally, with flexibility regarding primary base location.
As Ireland’s public health service provider, the HSE delivers comprehensive healthcare and specialist services across acute and community settings.
Application Details
This is a confined competition (Grade to Grade appointment). Candidates must be permanently appointed in the same grade within the HSE.
Reference: NWIHP0126
Category: Medical and Dental
Advertisement Type: Confined Competition
To apply, submit a cover letter and CV to:
Tracy.McAuley@hse.ie
Applications must be received by 18 March 2026, 3:00 PM.
CVs received after the closing date will not be accepted.
Informal Enquiries:
Dr Cliona Murphy
Clinical Director, National Women and Infants Health Programme
Email: cd.nwihp@hse.ie
Apply directly via the official HSE recruitment process before 18 March 2026, 3:00 PM.
