Rotunda Hospital & Children's Health Ireland
Job Specification and Terms & Conditions
Job Title
Locum Consultant Neonatologist
Campaign Reference
2026/88
Closing Date
Friday June 19, 2026, 5pm.
Taking up Appointment
August 2026. The position is offered for an initial six-month term, with the possibility of extension subject to service requirements.
Hours
The Rotunda Hospital and Children's Health Ireland are seeking to fill this Locum Consultant Neonatologist post on a temporary basis - 18.5 hours per week at The Rotunda Hospital and 18.5 hours per week at Children's Health Ireland across the Temple Street and Crumlin sites.
Location of Post
The Rotunda Hospital is located in Dublin 1, in close approximation to CHI at Temple St.
Children's Health Ireland (CHI), comprises of the three children's hospitals at CHI at Crumlin, Dublin 12, CHI at Temple Street, Dublin 1 and CHI at Tallaght, Dublin 24 and the Paediatric Outpatients and Urgent Care Centre, CHI at Connolly Hospital, Dublin 15. The new OPD and Emergency Care Unit in Tallaght opened in Nov 2021.
CHI's Programme Office, CHI Herberton is located in Rialto, Dublin 8 adjacent to the new children's hospital which is on the campus shared with St James's Hospital.
Children's Health Ireland across the Temple Street and Crumlin sites.
Context/ Background
The Rotunda is a level III Unit with up to 9000 deliveries annually. The Neonatal Unit (including Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, High Dependency Unit and Special Care Baby Unit) has more than 1200 admissions every year with 120 to 140 babies below 1500g (very low birth weight infants). The Rotunda is the biggest provider of the care for VLBW infants in Ireland. The NICU provides highly specialised care including high frequency oscillation, inhaled Nitric Oxide and Total Body Cooling. Due to its proximity to CHI at Temple St and the Mater Hospital, The Rotunda neonatal unit is referral unit for antenatally diagnosed surgical abnormalities especially neurosurgical anomalies and a site for delivery of mothers with congenital cardiac defects.
The neonatal service in Rotunda also includes fully functioning outpatient department clinics with both neonatal and neurodevelopmental follow up for Rotunda graduates.
Children's Health Ireland (CHI) operates as a single service across the existing Dublin children's hospitals, Crumlin, Temple Street and Tallaght. Also, the paediatric outpatients and urgent care centres, Connolly which opened in July 2019 and Tallaght which opened in November 2021. CHI governs and operates local paediatric services for the Greater Dublin Area and all national paediatric specialist services, some of which are on an all-island basis.
- Just under 25% of our population are children under 18 years of age. It was estimated in 2016 that 16% of our children have a chronic disease, such as, diabetes, allergies and asthma and this was increasing. 2% are acutely ill or have complex and multiple care needs requiring national services.
- CHI currently has a staff of 4,150 delivering care annually to 334,500 children, young people and their families through 39 clinical specialities and 442 in-patient & day care beds.
Ireland will soon have a world class new children's hospital that is purpose built to deliver the best care and treatments that are available for future generations to come. The new children's hospital, which will open in 2025 will bring together the three children's hospitals into a world class building on a campus shared with St James's Hospital. CHI is leading on the clinical and operational transformation on how children's healthcare will be delivered in the future to deliver better, safer and more sustainable healthcare in the future. The new hospital is planned as the first 'Digital Hospital' in the system with the implementation of an Electronic Healthcare Record, as well as, other evidence based standards, such as, 100% single rooms.
Children's Hospital Programme is a major programme of work led by CHI, focused on transformative service change to enhance services for children, young people and their families, to integrate the three existing hospitals, while maintaining existing and new services, ensuring patient safety and quality until transition is complete.
For further information about CHI, check out our recruitment website WWW.CHI.jobs
Reporting Arrangements
As per POCC 2023 the Consultant's reporting relationship and accountability for the discharge of his/her contract is:
i) To the Master / Chief Executive Officer of the hospital through his/her Clinical Director.
Key Working Relationships
Clinical Directors across the three Children's hospitals and new Paediatric OPD and Urgent Care Centres.
With the Master and head of department of the Neonatal unit in the Rotunda Hospital
Clinical colleagues within the cross-city Neonatology department
Clinical Lead for Neonatology and Clinical Leads for the other Paediatric and Neonatology Clinical Programme and the Integrated Care Programme for Children
Scope of the Role
The Rotunda Hospital is the busiest maternity hospital in the State. The appointee will join the existing team of Consultant Neonatologists delivering inpatient and outpatient care to infants born in the Rotunda and those referred from external sites.
Children's Health Ireland (CHI) Neonatology at Temple Street and Crumlin is a quaternary referral service for infants born at any of the 19 maternity units in Ireland who require specialist care. Across the two sites, all paediatric subspecialties for neonates with complex needs and congenital abnormalities are provided for. The neonatal consultant team also provide care for infants with common acute neonatal problems presenting to their sites via ED up to 7 days after delivery.The appointee will join the existing team of Consultant Neonatologists delivering inpatient and outpatient care to infants referred neonatal service at CHI.
A twenty-four hour on call service is provided on both sites.
Integration of neonatal services is a key priority over the coming years prior to the opening of the new Children's hospital. There is increasing cross-site collaboration with the neonatal service at Temple street. The development of guidelines and shared practice as well as shared roles and the promotion of a neonatal ethos across CHI for this patient group are strategic priorities. A 2-year project to develop the neonatal service Educational and CPD activities are shared with both CHI and maternity services including grand rounds and journal clubs.
Medical student, NCHD and extended team teaching is a core part of the consultant role on both sites.
Purpose of the Role
This role is to contribute to the running of the neonatal services in the Rotunda Hospital including ongoing education and service developments.
This role is being developed as part of workforce reconfiguration within the neonatal department at CHI as the service transitions towards delivery of the neonatal Model of Care for the new Children's Hospital which will include an 18 bedded NICU.
Currently intensive care for neonatal patients is provided in the paediatric intensive care setting. Some high dependency and all ward level care is under the governance of the neonatal service with the majority of patients having shared care with surgical and specialist colleagues. It is anticipated that further substantive posts will be part of ongoing reconfiguration as the neonatal service evolves.
Educational and CPD activities are shared with both CHI and maternity services including grand rounds and journal clubs. Medical student, NCHD and extended team teaching is a core part of the consultant role on both sites.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
The successful applicant, as an appropriately trained specialist in Neonatology will assume a full clinical role in the stabilisation, investigation and clinical management of patients presenting with the full spectrum of Neonatology requirements. The responsibilities at each site will include:
Act as Locum Consultant Neonatologist for The Rotunda Hospital and Children's Health Ireland
The responsibilities within OPD will include delivery of patient care, supervision of junior colleagues in training, sharing administrative duties and contributing to the educational programme within the department of Neonatology
Clinical management of the department of Neonatology, in conjunction with other Neonatology Consultant colleagues. The precise division of responsibilities between the Consultants in Neonatology will be agreed between the Consultant, Speciality lead, the Clinical Director and the Master/CEO or their appropriate delegate. These responsibilities will be reviewed on an annual basis
Participation in the consultant on-call rota in the Neonatology Department of the Rotunda Hospital and one of the existing children's hospitals and subsequently in the Neonatology Department of the new hospital at St James' campus.
To undertake essential supporting duties for clinical care including, inter alia, risk management, critical incident investigation and oversight of rosters.
Undertake Child Protection duties associated with the role of Locum Consultant in Neonatology and services provided at the hospital. The Locum Consultant Neonatologist will play a lead role in ensuring systems are in place for the care of other at-risk or vulnerable neonatology patient groups.
To participate in the Clinical Directorate structure. The Consultant shall receive training and support to enable him/her to participate fully in such structures
Contribute to clinical governance and clinical operations improvement activities in the Department of Neonatology on both sites.
Participate in the collection, analysis and the reporting of data necessary for quality assurance activities in the Department of Neonatology on both sites.
Organise and participate in teaching, including undergraduate and postgraduate teaching neonatology other medical, nursing, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, and paramedical staff
Participate in conference commitments of the department and of the hospital for neonatology
To supervise and be responsible for diagnosis, treatment and care provided by non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs) under the Consultant's care
Be responsible for the recruitment, supervision and training of an assigned team of non-consultant hospital doctors, in conjunction with Consultant colleagues
Ensure all non-consultant hospital doctors assigned to his/her team attend Hospital Orientation and, where appropriate, departmental orientation
Contribute to the provision of structured training and situational learning opportunities for NCHDs on recognised training programmes and support the clinical and professional development of medical staff in the Department of Neonatology
Active participation in Neonatology and hospital educational activities and the development of training and education in emergency care for each site.
Involvement in research activities in the department, as appropriate to a Locum Consultant Neonatologist post in each hospital
Engage in clinical audit activity and provide leadership in multidisciplinary clinical audit in the Department of Neonatology on both sites
Actively engage in Continuing Professional Development and comply with Professional Competence Assurance requirements
A willingness to develop special interest aspects of Neonatology as appropriate to one's competencies, the Department of Neonatology, The Rotunda Hospital and Children's Health Ireland
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Ongoing participation in Major Incident Planning for the Neonatology Department, Urgent Care Centre(s) and the new children's hospital and the Health Service Executive
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Participate in Major Incident and structured Pre-hospital responses outside the hospital as appropriate to one's professional competency and skills in this area, if requested to do so on behalf of the hospital and within the governance of the HSE
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Attendance at management and service development meetings at departmental, hospital, regional or national meeting of strategic importance to the department or hospital. This may include participation in other professional and administrative groups as appropriate to the role of Locum Consultant in Neonatologist
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To ensure in consultation with the Clinical Director that appropriate medical cover is available at all times
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Provide such service commitments and specific duties as detailed in the Health Service Executive letter of approval for this post
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Follow the agreed guidance for patient/service user engagement to ensure the voice of the child, young person and family is considered in the development and implementation of the clinical network
Attend and participate in meetings relevant to the post, e.g. Medical Board and appropriate division
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Liaise with the Master/Chief Executive/s, Group Chief Executive, Group Clinical Director, Clinical Director/s, Director of Nursing, Director of Operational Services, Management Team/s, relevant senior Medical and Nursing staff and other staff in all matters pertaining to the general efficiency of The Rotunda Hospital and Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght, Connolly and pending the transfer to the new children's hospital
- Perform such other duties appropriate to his/her office as may be assigned to him/her from time to time by the Master/Clinical Director/Chief Executive or their designated officer, of their base hospital, pending the transfer to the new children's hospital
The above is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post, which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.
Professionalism at CHI
"Professionalism" at CHI involves forming values and developing behaviours and attitudes which foster professional relationships, promote public trust and enhance patient safety.
Medicine is a profession in which a doctor's knowledge, clinical skills and judgement are put in service for the benefit of human health. This purpose is realised through a partnership between patient and doctor, one based on mutual respect, individual responsibility and appropriate accountability.
Medical students and doctors should be committed to compassion, effective communication, integrity and honesty, working in partnership with the wider healthcare team/s, advocacy, ethical practice, altruism/selflessness, reflective practice that promotes continuous improvement, evidence based practice, cultural sensitivity and self-care, all culminating in improved child/patient centred service.
These commitments aspire to excellence, professional identity formation and leadership.
Our Values
Our values reflect what we all believe will make the most positive difference to the care we offer and to the way we work with one another.
By 'living our values' we will develop our organisation, our people, and continue to improve the quality of the patient experience in everything we do.
The post holder will be expected to embody these values and enable them across the organisation
Child-Centred
The children and families in our care are at the centre of everything we do. We are...
o Accountable for our patients' safety
o Great team members
o Passionate about our purpose
Compassionate
We care about our patients, their families and our colleagues. We are...
o Always kind
o Aware of our impact
o Leaders in care
Progressive
We provide access to the latest knowledge, innovation and technology for the best patient outcomes. We are...
o Focused on developing our self and others
o Always seeking to improve
o Always looking for innovative solutions
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge
Eligibility Criteria
Professional Qualifications and Experience
Mandatory:
(a) Registration as a specialist in the Specialist Division of the Register of Medical Practitioners maintained by the Medical Council in Ireland in the specialty of paediatrics or neonatology
and
(b) Two years certified postgraduate training in neonatology
"The successful interviewee must be registered as a specialist in the relevant specialty on the Specialist Division of the Register of Medical Practitioners maintained by the Medical Council of Ireland, within 180 days of the day of interview and before taking up appointment. In exceptional circumstances proleptic appointments may be considered for candidates engaged in relevant training programmes.
The Consultant must, at all times while continuing to hold office, continue to be registered with the Medical Council of Ireland. Documentary evidence of Medical Council Registration is required and must be produced annually to the Medical Administration Department within the Children's Health Ireland.
Should the successful candidate not be registered as a Specialist at that time, the post may be offered to the next suitable candidate. Should no suitable candidate exist, a further recruitment process may be initiated".
Desirable Criteria:
Clinical fellowship in neonatology, national or international
Subspecialty neonatology expertise in line with the interests of the units
Essential:
Skills / Competencies / Knowledge:
Significant experience in clinical practice in delivery of acute unscheduled care at both local and national levels
Experienced clinician with credibility and the ability to command the respect of all clinical and non-clinical professionals
Experience of developing, applying and reviewing an evidence-based approach to decision making
Excellent inter-personal skills, including experience and familiarity with public, professional, media and political communications and stakeholder relations
Demonstrate commitment to fostering partnerships, multi-professional and multi-disciplinary relationships
Demonstrate a knowledge and undertaking of the current governance structures and anticipated changes with the establishment of the new children's hospital
Experience in reconfiguring acute services across organisations and regions
Demonstrate leadership and team management skills including the ability to manage his/her staff and service and work with multi-disciplinary team members
Experience of operating in complex and challenging environments
Knowledge of the Irish health sector, national health programmes and health reform agendas
Strong negotiation and influencing skills
Effective change management skills
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Risk and issue management skills
Ability to recognise and respect the expertise of others and the contribution of team members and harness good teamwork and open contributions to enable the achievement of programme aims
Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organising skills including awareness of resource management
Have excellent computer skills, competencies and knowledge of hospital data/ information systems
Health & Safety
These duties must be performed in accordance with each hospital health and safety policy. In carrying out these duties the employee must ensure that effective safety procedures are in place to comply with the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act. Staff must carry out their duties in a safe and responsible manner in line with the Hospital Policy as set out in the appropriate department's safety statement, which must be read and understood.
Quality, Risk & Safety Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of all staff to:
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Participate and cooperate with legislative and regulatory requirements with regard to Quality, Risk and Safety.
- Participate and cooperate with the hospitals Quality, Risk and Safety initiatives as required.
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Participate and cooperate with internal and external evaluations of hospital structures, services and processes as required, including but not limited to:
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National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare
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National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections
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HSE Standards and Recommended Practices for Healthcare Records Management
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HSE Standards and Recommended practices for Decontamination of Reusable Invasive Medical Devices (RIMD)
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Safety audits and other audits specified by the HSE or other regulatory authorities
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To initiate, support and implement quality improvement initiatives in their area which are in keeping with the organisation's continuous quality improvement programme.
It is the responsibility of all managers to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for Quality, Safety and Risk within their area/department.
Specific Responsibility for Best Practice in Hygiene
Hygiene in healthcare is defined as "the practice that serves to keep people and the environment clean and prevent infection. It involves preserving one's health, preventing the spread of disease and recognizing, evaluating and controlling health hazards."
It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure compliance with hospital hygiene standards, guidelines and practices.
Department heads/ managers have overall responsibility for best practice in hygiene in their area.
It is mandatory to attend hand hygiene and sharps awareness workshops yearly
Competition Specific Selection Process
The criteria for short listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and/or the essential & desirable knowledge, skills and competencies section of this job specification.
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process
To apply for this position, please upload a CV and letter of application.
The closing date for submissions of CV's and letter of application is 5pm on Friday June 19. Applications must be completed through the Rotunda Careers website.
Applications will not be accepted through direct email or any other method.
Informal Enquiries can be obtained from: Prof. Michael Boyle, Consultant Neonatologist - 01-8171700/Email: [email protected] or Dr. Ann Hickey, Consultant Neonatologist - 01-8784200/Email: [email protected]
For queries relating to this recruitment process, please contact [email protected]
Information on "Non-European Economic Area Applicants" is available from https://dbei.gov.ie/en/
The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on the executive remit of this post and as structures change the job description may be reviewed.
This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.
The Rotunda Hospital and Children's Health Ireland are equal opportunities employers.
