Head of Quality, Patient Safety & Risk
Grade:
VIII
Contract Type:
Full-Time, Permanent, On-Site
Job Summary:
This senior leadership role is responsible for providing strategic and operational oversight of all aspects related to quality, patient safety, and risk management. The position is part of the Executive Management Team and plays a critical role in developing, implementing, and monitoring structures and systems that promote a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and high standards in healthcare service delivery.
Qualifications and Experience:
Candidates must meet the following criteria by the closing date of application:
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Minimum of 5 years' senior managerial experience in an acute hospital in-patient setting with responsibilities in quality and patient safety.
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A third-level qualification in a clinical field
OR
Hold a QQI Level 8 or higher academic award in Risk Management or Quality in Healthcare (or equivalent). -
Experience in:
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Incident management and system analysis investigations
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Leading and implementing quality improvement initiatives
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Delivering education and training to change organizational culture
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Team leadership and working with multidisciplinary stakeholders
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Skills, Competencies & Knowledge:
Professional Knowledge:
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Expertise in incident and risk management frameworks, root cause analysis, and after-action reviews.
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Familiarity with risk assessments, registers, audits, and statutory patient safety requirements.
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Understanding of healthcare quality standards, policies, and compliance frameworks.
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Excellent skills in MS Office Suite; capable of producing KPIs, reports, and training materials.
Planning & Delivery:
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Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects, meet deadlines, and implement change initiatives.
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Ability to analyze performance data and patient feedback for service improvement.
Problem Solving & Decision Making:
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Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and decision-making abilities.
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Capable of justifying decisions and resolving complex issues independently.
Communication & Teamwork:
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
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Strong ability to influence, build relationships, and lead teams in a collaborative environment.
Commitment to Quality:
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Strong focus on service user needs and continuous professional development.
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Evidence of high performance standards and adherence to clinical governance.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership:
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Lead the design and implementation of quality, safety, and risk strategies aligned to the organization’s goals.
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Provide expert input into governance structures and drive the quality improvement agenda.
Risk Management:
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Manage risk registers, reporting, and compliance with incident management frameworks.
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Analyze incidents and trends to inform risk mitigation and quality improvements.
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Liaise with legal entities, state bodies, and investigators (e.g. coroners, state claims agencies).
Quality Management & Audit:
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Oversee internal and external clinical audits.
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Develop and monitor quality improvement plans across clinical and non-clinical services.
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Benchmark services using KPIs and national standards.
Governance:
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Monitor and report on governance structures for quality, patient safety, and risk.
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Support committees, forums, and audits in alignment with regulatory requirements.
Education & Development:
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Promote a culture of openness and continuous learning.
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Identify and support training needs within the quality and risk team.
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Lead on Open Disclosure training and practice.
Reporting Line:
Reports directly to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer / Chief Operations Officer.
Terms and Conditions:
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Hours: 35 hours/week (Monday–Friday), on-site only.
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Salary: In accordance with Grade VIII scale (€81,444 – €98,231).
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Pension & Sick Leave: As per public service regulations.
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Probation: 6-month probationary period.
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Medical Clearance & Confidentiality: Appointment subject to satisfactory medical exam and compliance with confidentiality and data protection regulations
To know more about the role contact Sonal Tikariha
