Posts by: Eimear Galvin

Minister for Health secures Government approval to create national research ethics committee

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The Government has approved proposals by Minister for Health Simon Harris TD to prepare a General Scheme of a Bill to provide for national research ethics committees.

Speaking today (Thursday), Minister Harris said “Health research is essential to deliver the best care and treatment for our patients, better value for our health spending and more high-quality jobs for our workforce.  Supporting health research is a key part of the Sláintecare programme”.

The Minister added: “Research ethics committees (RECs) are key in ensuring that health research is carried out to the ethical standards expected by society, and we need to support a national system of research ethics committees that is fit for purpose.  The new National REC system will ensure that there is public confidence in how health research is being conducted, especially in new and emerging areas of research”.

Innovation 2020, Ireland’s strategy for research and development, science and technology , aims to make Ireland a global leader in research and innovation and the Government is committed to the ongoing development of a quality focussed research-active health system in Ireland.  That commitment has already seen major public investment in research infrastructure, personnel, new skills and technology.  Over the last decade, there has been more than €150 million Government funding invested in clinical research and clinical trials infrastructure through the Health Research Board (HRB) alone.  There has also been significant investment from State bodies, like Science Foundation Ireland, voluntary organisations and the private sector.

The proposed new system will address concerns that have been raised by stakeholders over the last decade about the existing RECs system in Ireland for clinical trials and health research generally. This approach will maximise synergies and value-for-money outcomes and make Ireland a more attractive international location for all health research.

Welcoming the Minister’s initiative, the CEO of the Health Research Board, Darrin Morrissey, said “The establishment of a single, cohesive national Research Ethics Committee structure in Ireland is long overdue.  It will help grow health research and clinical trial activity that will benefit people’s health and patient care, as well as underpinning health innovation and economic growth in Ireland.”

The HPRA also welcomed the Bill saying “The HPRA supports further development of the National Ethics Committee framework as a key part of the infrastructure required for active health research and clinical trials in Ireland and to align to future changes in the regulatory requirements for European clinical trials.”

The Bill is regarded as a priority and the Department will work closely with stakeholders, including the Health Research Board and the Health Products Regulatory Authority to have a Bill published by the end of the year.

In the context of the preparation of the General Scheme, the Department will engage with a broad range of stakeholders including other Departments, agencies, institutional RECs, researchers, industry and patients to seek their views on specific matters.

HIHI and the Health Service Supplies Mission to the HSE

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British Ambassador to Ireland Robin Barnett  welcomed 36 UK companies to Ireland on Tuesday and outlined the great opportunities available in the Irish health landscape.

HIHI National Director Colman Casey presented at the event and both he and Eimear Galvin, Manager of HIHI in Dublin met a number of healthcare companies, showcasing the hub as part of the attractive health eco system here in Ireland.  The companies from across the UK were on a trade mission to learn more about the opportunities here in Ireland.

The event was organised by Dept for Int’l Trade UK Dublin office. DIT’s principal role is partnering with Irish companies and helping them both source from & set up and expand in The UK.

Irish Cancer Society is now accepting Expression of Interest applications for the 2019 Research Scholarship Programmes

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We are pleased to announce that the Irish Cancer Society is now accepting Expression of Interest applications for the 2019 Research Scholarship Programmes: Biomedical Research Scholarship and Social and Allied Health Science Research Scholarship.

Applications can be made through the Irish Cancer Society Online Grant System.

Deadline for Expression of Interest applications: 3pm Tuesday 26th February 2019.

We are hiring in Dublin – Executive Officer – Health Innovation Hub Ireland

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Post Specification (Comp: 033555)
Apply through Trintiy College Dublin vacancies page here

Post Title: Executive Officer – Health Innovation Hub Ireland
Post Status: Two year Fixed Term contract – Part-Time,
Department/Faculty: Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin
Location: Health Innovation Hub Ireland, St James Hospital, Dublin 8.
Reports to: HIHI Manager, Eimear Galvin
Salary: Appointment will be made (pro-rated) on the Executive Officer Merged Salary Scale at a point in line with Government Pay Policy €25,460 to €42,035 p.a.
Hours of Work: 37 Hours per week, (Part-time Equivalent)
Closing Date: 12 Noon (Greenwich Meantime) Thursday January 24th 2019.

The successful applicant will be expected to take up post as soon as possible.

Post Summary

The Health Innovation Hub Ireland, based in St James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, seeks to recruit an Executive Officer to provide comprehensive administrative support for the delivery of all aspects of the work of the hub. HIH in Dublin leads on delivery of the education programmes for HIHI and the post holder will be required to support work in this area also. The HIHI Executive Officer will provide administrative support to the Manager of HIHI and will oversee communications work –web editing and some social media. The post holder will also be the central contact for HIHI in Dublin. It is expected the successful candidate will take up his/her duties as soon as possible.

Further Information

Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) was established by Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Health, supported by Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to drive collaboration between the health service and enterprise. HIHI launched in 2016, offering companies pilot and clinical validation studies and the health service access to innovative products and devices that they may not otherwise be exposed to.

On the ground, HIHI is a partnership of clinical and academic centres from across the country – Cork, Dublin, Galway – brought together with the shared objective of accelerating healthcare innovation and commercialisation, addressing healthcare challenges and impacting jobs and exports. In Dublin HIHI is partnered with Trinity College and based in St James’ Hospital.

Informal enquiries about this post should be made to:

Ms Eimear Galvin, HIHI Manager, galvinei@tcd.ie

  • Standard Duties and Responsibilities of the Post
    To provide administrative support to the HIHI Manager across tasks and HIHI education programmes.
  • Handling telephone and drop-in enquiries from staff, visitors, clients and the wider public.
  • Maintenance and regular monitoring of HIHI project notes on internal Smartsheets and SharePoint systems.
  • Some digital support – web, online survey, social media.
  • Support in the organisation of events, including HIHI educational opportunities.
  • Performing routine office tasks (photocopying, scanning, filing, drafting letters, dissemination of information, and other general administrative tasks).
  • Maintain and improve office procedures and information management systems.
  • Organise conference/meeting travel arrangements.
  • Carry out day-to-day office tasks to ensure the smooth running of activities in the hub.
  • Maintain the office stationery and equipment for the Hub with responsibility for ordering supplies and equipment.
  • Responsibility for the processing of invoices, reconciling Petty Cash and processing orders in a timely manner.
  • Assist with diary management for HIHI Manager.
  • Liaison with other hub offices in Ireland, as required.
  • Carry out any other duties as may be assigned by the HIHI Manager.

 Funding Information

Funding for this post is from Enterprise Ireland via the “Health Innovation Hub Ireland” grant award.

Person Specification

Qualifications

  • Hold European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) or equivalent.
  • Recognised secretarial or office administration qualification and / or a minimum of 2 years relevant work experience in an administrative role supporting a senior manager in a busy work environment.

Knowledge & Experience (Essential & Desirable)

  • Display evidence of a high level of competency in Microsoft Office, in particular Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft Outlook including Microsoft diary management, databases, and working knowledge of social networking applications.
  • A desire to learn new IT skills is necessary for this post.
  • Have a polite, confidential and discrete manner.
  • Have excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Have the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Strong organisational skills and the ability to keep track of multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Be a strong team player with the ability to work on own initiative with minimal supervision in a busy but dynamic environment.
  • Strong analytical skills with a pro-active approach to work, anticipating and resolving problems in advance.
  • Highly motivated with a good attitude and commitment to HIHI goals.
  • Appreciates and enjoys bringing a high level of detail to tasks.
  • Keen ability to work independently, show initiative, and take ownership.
  • Natural problem solver with a bias to action.
  • Experience in web editing and social media skill is desirable for this post.

Skills & Competencies

  • Oral communication: Ability to communicate convincingly and confidently when speaking to others at all levels: comes across as welcoming, cooperative and approachable in manner.
  • Written communication: documents are free of grammatical and punctuation errors; clear, concise and error-free writing; uses resources when unsure of proper spelling, punctuation or grammar; e-mails and memoranda are clear and to the point; uses formatting effectively to highlight key information. Ability to draft correspondence.
  • Organisational skills: has information in well organised files; monitors information regularly and updates accordingly; keeps track of multiple projects.
  • Interpersonal skills: Is discrete and knows when information is of a confidential nature and acts accordingly. Ability to interface effectively with students and staff in the Department, affiliated hospitals and college community. Fosters good working relationships; is known as someone who is helpful to others; can work effectively in a multi-cultural, bilingual environment.
  • Conscientious: work is accurate; ensures details are completed.
  • Deadline orientated: Can work well under pressure; handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
  • Resourceful: Can work on own initiative; knows where to find information and help and can problem solve.
  • Team worker: Can operate effectively as part of a team – is cordial and willing to help others; is cooperative and patient; shares work and information; establishes rapport with everyone..
  • Analytical skills: Can prioritise work effectively; can identify a problem and propose an appropriate solution.
  • Motivated: Is interested in work and committed to the future development of the department and wishes to contribute.

More here: https://www.tcd.ie/hr/vacancies/

 

 

Success, as HIHI kicks off workshop delivery with ‘Re-Thinking Healthcare Innovation’, in St James

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On Thursday November 22, Health Innovation Hub Ireland’s Dublin office welcomed its first cohort to the HIHI Innovation Workshops. 19 attended on the day, with a participant mix across regions – Dublin, Cork, Mayo, hospital groups, clinical and administrative, junior and senior.

The workshop, which took place in St James, is part of a connected series of five ‘Innovation Workshop’s run by Health Innovation Hub Ireland. These one-day workshops have been developed to build participants insights into the latest thinking on practical implementation of new processes ideas, new product ideas, and creative approaches to re-thinking healthcare from within.

The five core workshops as a continuum, will guide and encourage participants to explore the potential for innovative approaches within their own healthcare environment. The only requirement for entry is that participants are a HSE or voluntary hospital employee.

If you are interested in hearing more and being kept up to date with opportunities to sign up, please email – galvinei@tcd.ie.

IPPOSI Patient Education Programme 2019 – now open for applications

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The call for applications to the 2019 IPPOSI Patient Education Programme in Health Innovation is now open. This 10-month blended-learning education programme, the first of its kind in Ireland, runs from January to November 2019 on a number of IPPOSI-relevant topics. 

The programme is being led by IPPOSI, in partnership with a number of education partners, and will cover the following topics:

1. Understanding Clinical Trials – delivered by the University College Dublin Clinical Research Centre

2. Regulatory Affairs, Medicinal Product / Medical Device Safety, and Pharmacovigilance – delivered by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA)

3. Health Technology Assessment principles and practices – delivered by the Dept. of Medicine & Therapeutics, Trinity College Dublin, in association with the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE)

All of the information you need to complete the application – including a Guide for Applicants, a link to the online application form – and last year’s instructional webinar are available on the IPPOSI website at the link below.

The closing date for applications is midnight, Sunday 18th November 2019. Apply here

PLEASE NOTE:

Applications will be accepted from:

Employees/volunteers of patient organisations in the Republic of Ireland

Patients with a chronic and/or lifelong illness/condition who is not affiliated with a patient organisation and who participates or intends to participate in projects / activities / committees etc. to represent his/her personal experience as a patient and/or the perspective of an informal group of patients

Family member / carer (not affiliated with a patient organisation) of a patient with a chronic and/or lifelong illness/condition who participates or intends to participate in projects / activities / committees/etc. to represent patients.

Please examine all of the supporting documents on the IPPOSI website before making your application to ensure eligibility, and a thorough understanding of the commitments involved.

Minister for Health Simon Harris TD opens second Health Innovation Hub Ireland in Dublin

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Thursday, October 4: Minister for Health Simon Harris TD, today continued the Health Innovation Hub Ireland growth story by opening the second office in the national network, based at St James Hospital partnered with Trinity College Dublin. Minister of State Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan TD, joined Minister Harris at the opening.

First launched by Minister Harris in Cork in 2016, Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) is establishing Ireland as a leading location for start-ups and expanding healthcare companies, by allowing easy interaction with hospitals and primary care centres. Collaboration between the health service and enterprise, is leading to the development of new Irish healthcare technologies, products, and services.

The official opening of a second HIHI in Dublin, with another to come in Galway marks a period of strong growth for HIHI:

  • Since 2016, HIHI has managed 200 company engagements, ran 25 studies in Irish healthcare settings, 72 companies receiving follow up support through HIHI.
  • 46 % increase in applications to the HHI national call aimed at companies, start-ups, SMEs (2016: 45 applicants, Vs 2018: 66 applicants.)
  • One location, to three in 2018 (Cork, Dublin, Galway).
  • Staff more than trebled – four to 15, across the country.

HIHI, established by Department of Business, Enterprise, Innovation, and the Department of Health, supported by Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). As a unique joint government initiative, HIHI offers companies the opportunity for pilot and clinical validation studies and the health service access to innovative products, services, devices. HIHI works to impact Irish business and Irish healthcare in three key areas.

1. Industry: Acting as a broker, HIHI matches companies with relevant clinical teams, overseeing a study of each product in an Irish clinical setting.

2. Healthcare: HIHI is an open door to all healthcare staff to assess ideas to solutions they have encountered in their work. HIHI acts as mentors and advises on taking an idea and developing it into a service or product.

3. Education: Delivering a series of five HIHI workshops and a diploma in healthcare innovation, HIHI is embedding an innovation culture in Irish healthcare.

Minister for Health Simon Harris, TD, said:

“I am delighted to be launching the new Dublin office of the Health Innovation Hub Ireland here in St. James Hospital today. The Hub is important because it aims to foster a unique partnership between the health service and the enterprise sector that will improve healthcare and outcomes for patients.

“The innovative ideas will not only come from enterprise – I am pleased to say they will also emerge from within the health service, and I want to encourage people working in healthcare to take part and make proposals.  I am confident the development of the Hub has huge potential that can, ultimately, greatly benefit patient care.”

Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan TD, said:

I’m very pleased with the work the Hub is doing to provide innovative enterprises with the support they need to gain access to the Irish healthcare system. This will afford them the opportunity to develop and test their new healthcare technologies, products, and services, which will in turn help to create Irish jobs and exports.”

“I am delighted to announce the launch of HIHI’s new education programme. Through a series of five workshops, over 12 months – HSE and voluntary hospital staff will gain the tools to experiment, think and propose solutions to the questions and challenges we face today and into the future. Healthcare professionals, across all disciplines and grades, can visit the Hub’s website today, and enrol for the first workshop due to take place here in St James’ Hospital. I encourage them to do so.”

Announced at the opening were details of the HIHI educational programme, designed to build a sustainable culture of improvement and innovation in the Irish health system and enrolment was opened for the first of a series of five workshops here

HIHI Principal Investigator, Dublin, Prof Seamas Donnelly, said:

“We are proud that HIHI is establishing Ireland as a leading location for start-ups and expanding healthcare companies, allowing easy interaction with hospitals and primary care centres. But we also want to create a sustainable culture of innovation within the Irish healthcare system so we need to reach the frontline.

“The HIHI education programmes, announced today are designed specifically for clinical staff – to empower problem solvers and convert thinking into action. People who participate in these programmes then become catalysts for innovation within the health system. The overall aim is to embed ambassadors of innovation within the healthcare sector and build a national network of alumni who will foster an internal ecosystem of entrepreneurship within the HSE.”

Operationally HIHI is a partnership of clinical and academic centres from across the country. HIHI works directly with three hospital groups (South/South West, Dublin Midlands and Saolta in the West/North West), but the HIHI network can access all acute and community hospitals, pharmacies, primary care centres and healthcare centres. Academic partners are UCC and CIT, TCD and NUI Galway respectively. HIHI operates an open door policy, across its national network, to both industry and healthcare.

Over 40 per cent increase in HIHI double national call applications

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In June we launched a national call – both focussed and open – to Irish industry. The open call was aimed at companies, start-ups, SMEs, who have innovative products or services that are at pre-commercial, demonstration or late development phase and have the potential to significantly impact healthcare. Our partner, the HSE, highlighted a strategic need for the health service in the focussed call – ‘Enabling positive ageing’.

The call closed at the end of August and we can now share that we have seen a 40 per cent increase in HIHI national call applications.

  • Total applications were up to 66, from 45 in 2016.
  • Focused call applicants more than doubled this year when compared to 2016, from 28 to 12.
  •   Open call also increased, from 33 applications in 2016 to 38 this year.

Next is stage two, where successful applicants are invited to a rigorous competitive pitch process, with representatives from Enterprise Ireland, HSE, Science Foundation Ireland, Health Research Board and other influencers that they would not ordinarily have direct access to.

At stage three, we acts as a broker, matching companies with relevant clinical teams, overseeing a study of each product in a real life Irish clinical setting.

Watch this space!

Calling all health professionals: HIHI and IGNITE 2018 launches in Galway

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This September, Health Innovation Hub Ireland will launch IGNITE 2018 with partners HSE NDTP, National Doctors Training and Planning, Saolta University Healthcare Group & ICAPPS, Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation. IGNITE 2018 is a competition aimed at people working in healthcare in the West or Ireland, where individuals or teams can submit innovative ideas and have an opportunity to engage with experts in innovation.

A mentoring forum for healthcare staff to develop early stage ideas and potential solutions. The best applicants will be brought together for a Dragon’s Den style pitch on 29, November 2018, and the winners and runners-up will receive a bursary to develop their idea in collaboration with Health Innovation Hub Ireland. An IGNITE 2018 information session will be held on Thursday, 27 September at 5pm in the Clinical Science Institute at University Hospital Galway.

 

We are hiring! HIHI Galway is looking for a lead to manage innovation from those within the healthcare community.

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Job Description:

Have you worked in Medtech? Do you have a passion for innovation and want to work to improve our healthcare system for patients and healthcare workers? Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI) is a new initiative which seeks to foster innovation from within the Irish health service. It also provides the medtech industry with better access to the healthcare system to develop and test their technologies.

HIHI has recently opened an office in Galway and is seeking candidates to lead their ‘Innovation Out of Healthcare’ activities at a national level. They will work closely with healthcare professionals from across a diverse range of disciplines to review, mentor and progress new projects based on unmet clinical needs. They will be a strategic thinker, capable of influencing key stakeholders to develop and execute the ‘Innovation Out’ programme to meet targets and deliver impact. Previous experience of the healthcare/medtech startup sector will be advantageous along with a firm understanding of the technical, commercial and clinical factors that may impact on the commercialisation of new solutions.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for someone looking for a new challenge and to join a focused team working at the frontline of medtech innovation. HIHI is a highly collaborative environment with team-members based in Galway, Cork and Dublin who work closely with HSE hospital groups (including the Saolta University Healthcare Group in the West) and community care services. Our stakeholders include Enterprise Ireland, the HSE, partner academic institutions, Clinical Research Facilities (CRFs), hospital groups, patient groups and industry. Further detail at www.hih.ie.

Duties:

  • Lead Health Innovation Hub Ireland “Innovation Out” healthcare projects to achieve goal of developing new technologies or process improvements based on problems identified from within the Irish Healthcare System.
  • Develop and roll-out an HIHI Innovation Out strategy at a national level.
  • Assist academic partners with conducting research projects within the School of Medicine.
  • Conduct thorough technical and commercial research to evaluate proposed solutions, identifying risks and path forward.
  • Develop and deliver an innovation training strategy and roadshows across hospital and primary care locations.
  • Work with clinicians and HSE staff to identify and investigate opportunities for innovation.
  • Design tools and methodologies that streamline the Innovation Out evaluation process.
  • Support HIHI clients to identify suitable funding sources for their projects.
  • Collaborate with CÚRAM, the SFI Centre for Medical Devices, the NUI Galway Translational Medical Device Lab, the Innovation Office (TTO) at NUI Galway, BioInnovate Ireland (national medtech innovation training), GMIT Innovation Hubs and Gmedtech.
  • Lead all reporting and management requirements related to the post.
  • Provide advice on data protection issues and uphold data protection best practice in all HIHI activities.
  • Provide input in the form of planning, de-risking, etc. for new HIHI projects.
  • Play a leading role on behalf of Health Innovation Hub Ireland in regional, national/international collaborative research projects and contribute to increasing the levels of funding within the School of Medicine.

    Qualifications/Skills required:

    Essential requirements:

  • Significant experience working in the medical device/healthcare area with experience of working with different clinical indications in a research, technical or commercial role.
  • PhD role or equivalent experience in medical device/healthcare area.
  • Previous experience working in a role to deliver impact / change based on strategic planning.
  • Experience in influencing stakeholders to drive policies and lead new initiatives.
  • Previous experience of working with innovative technologies (in a research, technical or commercial role) including knowledge of the product development and commercialisation process for new medtech technologies.
  • Project management experience including planning and resource management in new medtech focused projects.
  • A clear understanding of how to evaluate research projects in the healthcare area and new medtech opportunities.
  • Experienced in developing plans to de-risk and progress new medtech innovation projects.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

Desirable requirements:     

  • Previous experience of working with healthcare professionals/clinicians to identity unmet clinical needs and opportunities for new technology development.
  • Knowledge and experience of using structured methodologies to evaluate new medical device technologies to determine technical feasibility and commercial viability.
  • Worked on projects to develop new device from early concepts through to transfer to production and market release.
  • Detailed understanding of investor requirements for funding of med-tech start-ups, e.g. IP, market opportunity, etc.
  • Previous experience of leading early medical device technology projects forward to seed funding.
  • Previous experience of working (in a technical or commercial role) on product development projects with an understanding of associated processes required for medical device regulatory approval.
  • Previous experience of working across academic, clinical and industry sectors.
  • Knowledge of funding streams for innovation projects in research and/or industry.

Salary:  EUR €63,125 (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply).  This is a full time position.

Start date: Position is available from 1st October 2018

For informal enquiries about this post, please contact Aisling Dolan (aisling.dolan@nuigalway.ie).

Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway.

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie

NB: Gárda vetting is a requirement for this post

To Apply:

Applications to include a covering letter, CV,and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Aisling Dolan (aisling.dolan@nuigalway.ie)

Please put reference number NUIG-158-18 in subject line of e-mail application.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm Monday 10th September 2018 

Interviews will take place week of 17th September 2018.

National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.

All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment

Full detail here