Purpose of role: A: CHI at Crumlin (pre NCH opening)
•Currently only 0.7 WTE Consultant Microbiologist staffing in place for a large tertiary paediatric hospital site with multiple national referral units and national specialist diagnostic and reference microbiology services
•Additional post is urgently required to support delivery of laboratory governance, IPC, antimicrobial stewardship, clinical liaison, and preparatory work for opening of NCH
•The appointee will develop and strengthen interaction with haem-oncology and intensive care units and the transitional care unit.
Antimicrobial stewardship within these areas is particularly important as well as the development of clinical guidelines (e.g.
antifungal prophylaxis)
•As lead in Antimicrobial Stewardship will serve as deputy chair to the CHI Crumlin AMS committee which is chaired by the current lead for antimicrobial stewardship Dr Cilian O Maoldomhnaigh (ID Consultant at CHI – Crumlin and Temple Street) and will co-chair the CHI cross-site AMS committee (currently co-chaired by Drs C O Maoldohmnaigh and R Cunney).
These committees will be merged into a single CHI AMS committee on transfer to NCH.
•The appointee will work together with Consultant Microbiology colleagues, Paediatric Infectious Diseases, and Pharmacy in rolling out/leading on antimicrobial stewardship interventions.
The appointee will lead in surveillance of antimicrobial use, relevant audits, and local implementation of the 2022 HSE AMRIC Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidance for All Healthcare Settings
B: Transition from existing CHI sites to NCH
In addition to the site-specific requirements detailed above, the additional post is required to ensure the safe and timely opening of NCH.
This includes ensuring laboratory processes, IPC policies and procedures, clinical guidelines, and delivery of antimicrobial stewardship are harmonised and standardised across the existing sites prior to the opening of NCH
Following the delivery of the NCH building to CHI (mid 2025) there will be a requirement for delivery of microbiological aspects of commissioning, establishing IPC policies and procedures, and commissioning/validation of a new laboratory.
In addition, there is a requirement to establish a new electronic healthcare record system (EPIC), IPC/surveillance management system (BUGSY) and a new laboratory management system (BEAKER).
C: Post NCH opening (mid 2026)
In addition to delivery of laboratory management, IPC, surveillance, clinical liaison, and on-call commitments (shared as part of the Clinical Microbiology team) the appointee will be the lead for Antimicrobial Stewardship, but this role will rotate among the Consultant Microbiologist on a 3 to 5-yearly basis.
Essential Criteria: Mandatory:
•Registered as a specialist in the Specialist Division of the Register of Medical Practitioners maintained by the Medical Council in Ireland in the specialty of microbiology, or be within 180 days of registration at the time of interview and commencing work.
•Possess an FRCPath in Clinical Microbiology or an equivalent qualification
•Evidence of completion of a specific training programme in Clinical Microbiology, as evidenced by a certification or qualification by a national or internationally recognised body
(In exceptional circumstances proleptic appointments may be considered for candidates engaged in relevant training programmes)
Desirable:
•Experience in the development of surveillance systems and antimicrobial stewardship 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.
How to apply & informal queries: 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 send a CV and letter of application.
The closing date for submissions of CV's and letter of application is April 6th 2025 at 11:45pm.
Applications must be completed through the advertised post on by clicking 'Apply for Job'.
Applications will not be accepted through direct email or any other method.
Informal Enquiries can be obtained from:
Robert Cunney, Consultant Microbiologist (******)
For other queries relating to this recruitment process, please contact the Medical recruitment department: ******