Apply now to be National Lead NCHD Fellow 2026-2027
The role of National Lead NCHD Fellow 2026-2027 is now open for applications.
The fellowship offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership and management skills, oversee the Lead NCHD initiative and work with key stakeholders on initiatives designed to improve the NCHD experience. You will work with National Doctor’s Training and Planning (NDTP) for the duration of the Fellowship.
Speaking about the role, current National Lead NCHDs Dr Cara Gill and Dr Kathleen Mc Donnell shared:
"We have thoroughly enjoyed and embraced the National Lead NCHD role, and we would highly recommend the role to anyone interested in healthcare management and leadership. The role of National Lead NCHD is an essential pillar of NCHD representation at a national level, ensuring that the experiences, interests, and perspectives of NCHDs are represented and clearly heard by key stakeholders at the national health service level, in order to improve the training and working experiences of our colleagues. The National Lead NCHD role is particularly vital now at a time of significant organisational change within the HSE. The role offers excellent opportunities to participate in a wide range of national groups and committees overseeing NCHD working and training experiences across the health service. This offers a unique opportunity for the National Lead NCHD to bring clinical insight and frontline experience to strategic discussions regarding NCHD working and training conditions across the health service."
For more information on the programme, watch this video to hear from previous National Lead NCHD Fellows.
Find the application form here.
To apply, send your completed application from to nl.nchd@hse.ie by the 16th of January.
Lead NCHD Autumn Workshop
In September 2025, 56 Lead NCHDs from across the country gathered in Dublin for the inaugural Lead NCHD Workshop.
Pictured: The cohort of LNCHDs who attended this first workshop with the National Lead NCHDs, Prof Anthony O'Regan, NDTP Medical Director, and Dr Darragh Sheilds, NDTP Regional Director of Postgraduate Medical Training and Education.
The day began with a warm welcome from Prof O’Regan, Medical Director at NDTP, who provided an overview of Ireland’s healthcare structure and services. This was followed by a series of engaging exercises facilitated by National Lead NCHDs, Dr Cara Gill and Dr Kathleen Mc Donnell. These exercises were designed to help participants explore the resources needed for success in their roles, and to develop ideas for quality improvement projects for the year ahead.
In the afternoon, leadership and communications coach John Slattery guided participants through interactive sessions focused on effective communication and leadership strategies. Topics included advocating for resources, resolving conflict and communicating with senior colleagues. These essential skills are hugely important for Lead NCHDs in their new positions.
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Pictured: Row 1 L-R (Image 1: Dr Kathleen Mc Donnell and Dr Cara Gill, National Lead NCHDs; Image 2: HSE NDTP DIME and HSE Spark Innovation Teams; NLNCHDs networking), Row 2 L-R - Image 1: Prof Anthony O'Regan, NDTP Medical Director; Image 2: Dr Mc Donnell hosts brainstorm session; Image 3: Dr Seán O'Malley, HSE Spark Innovation; Image 4: John Slattery, Communications Coach)
The workshop concluded with the nomination of Regional Lead NCHDs across the Dublin and North East, Dublin and Midlands, Dublin and South East, West and North West, Mid West, and South West regions. These Regional Leads will work alongside Group Leads representing Children’s Health Ireland, General Practice, Public Health, and Mental Health Services, to support their peers and foster collaboration nationwide.
Overall, the workshop provided an invaluable opportunity for Lead NCHDs to network, share ideas, and strengthen connections across sites and regions, laying the groundwork for enhanced training and development at a national level.
NCHD Newsletter
The National Lead NCHDs, Dr Cara Gill and Dr Kathleen Mc Donnell, will issue monthly bulletin updates throughout the year. This bulletin will provide updates on training supports, scholarship opportunities, and other initiatives relevant to all NCHDs.
