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.
National Lead NCHD Fellow 2025-2026 - Applications have closed
Applications for the role of National Lead NCHD Fellow 2025-2026 have now closed.
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, previous National Lead NCHD Dr Lenin Patrick Ekpotu shared: "Healthcare is evolving, and so must our leadership skills. The National Lead NCHD Fellowship offers a unique chance to develop essential leadership and management expertise, like stakeholder engagement, governance, and change management. Represent NCHDs at the highest levels and drive impactful initiatives with NDTP. Ready to lead the future of healthcare.”
For more information on the programme, watch this video to hear from previous National Lead NCHD Fellows.
Keep an eye on our social media in early 2026 to apply for the 2026/2027 fellowship
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.
