Medical Director

Medical Director & Person Responsible - Top Fertility Clinic - Competitive Salary - Belfast Area

We are proud to be working with a fantastic Fertility Clinic who are looking for a Medical Director to come in and take over their newly aquired Clinic. They pride themselves on providing the best care and treatments for all their patients. They are looking for likeminded Consultants who are ready to step into a leadership position.

Job Overview

The Medical Director shall be responsible for the direction of all clinical aspects of the assigned designated services. The Medical Director works collaboratively with the organisation's senior leadership and service area managers. He/she shall have responsibilities regarding the quality, safety, and standard of care provided and shall be actively involved in performance improvement initiatives to enhance treatment outcomes and mitigate the risk of harm to patients

Responsibilities and Duties Regulatory Compliance

Ensure that all activities are performed in accordance with:

• The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (as amended).
• The Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Quality and Safety) Regulations 2007.
• The HFEA Code of Practice (current edition).
• The Human Tissue (Quality and Safety for Human Application) Regulations 2007, where applicable.
• RQIA Standards for Independent Healthcare Clinics.

Licence Conditions

Ensure that all conditions attached to the HFEA licence are met at all times and that no unlicensed activity is undertaken.

Notifications and Change Control

Notify the HFEA and/or RQIA of any proposed substantial change in the clinic's activities, staff, premises, or procedures, and obtain formal approval prior to implementation.

Inspections and Corrective Actions

Serve as the principal point of contact for HFEA and RQIA inspections, audits, and reviews. Ensure inspection outcomes are documented, corrective actions implemented, and continuous compliance maintained.

Personnel and Competence

Ensure that all staff directly involved in clinical, embryological, and laboratory activities are appropriately qualified, trained, and competent, with training records maintained and reviewed regularly.

Testing and Laboratory Oversight

Ensure that required tests are performed by accredited and approved laboratories in accordance with HFEA and UKAS standards.

Traceability and Record-Keeping

Maintain robust systems for traceability of all gametes and embryos from donor to recipient and vice versa, for a minimum of 30 years post-use, as per HFEA and Human Tissue (Quality and Safety) Regulations.

Reporting Obligations

• Submit annual activity and compliance reports to the HFEA.
• Promptly report any Serious Adverse Incidents (SAIs), adverse reactions, or near misses as defined by the HFEA Code of Practice and RQIA incident reporting frameworks.

Quality Management System

Establish, maintain, and continuously improve a Quality Management System aligned with the principles of good tissue and cell practice, the HFEA Code of Practice, and RQIA Quality Standards.

Donor Eligibility and Risk Assessment

Implement and supervise donor selection and exclusion criteria as required by law and clinic policy. Approve any exceptional use or release of gametes/embryos outside standard criteria following a documented risk assessment.

Clinic Closure or Suspension

Notify the HFEA and RQIA immediately if the clinic intends to cease or suspend operations, ensuring arrangements for storage, record retention, and patient communication.

Clinical Governance and Leadership

Provide strategic and operational clinical leadership ensuring safe, ethical, and evidence-based care across all fertility services. Establish and maintain a Clinical Governance Framework integrating HFEA, RQIA, and GMC. Maintain accountability for all clinical decisions, ensuring appropriate supervision, delegation, and oversight across multidisciplinary teams. Ensure compliance with:

• HFEA Code of Practice and licence conditions.
• RQIA Standards for Independent Healthcare Clinics (2014).
• GMC Good Medical Practice (2024).

Policy, Procedures, and Quality

Oversee development and implementation of clinical policies and protocols aligned with HFEA, and.

Risk Management and Patient Safety

Maintain compliance with all HFEA and RQIA reporting and governance requirements. Oversee a framework for managing adverse incidents and near misses in line with UK Duty of Candour (NI) Regulations 2023. Promote a culture of openness, learning, and accountability.

Ethical and Patient-Centred Care

Ensure compliance with HFEA welfare of the child provisions and Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act ethical principles. Oversee patient counselling and consent processes to meet HFEA for transparency and autonomy. Chair or participate in an Ethics Committee for complex cases.

Education and Professional Development

Ensure all medical staff hold valid GMC registration and meet revalidation, appraisal, and CPD requirements. Promote continuous professional education aligned with GMC standards.

External Liaison and Regulatory Compliance

Act as the key liaison with HFEA and RQIA on clinical and regulatory matters. Ensure the clinic remains inspection-ready and compliant at all times.

Qualifications and Experience Medical Registration and Licensing

Fully registered and licensed with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the United Kingdom, listed on the Specialist Register, and compliant with GMC revalidation, appraisal, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) standards. Eligible for appointment as the Person Responsible (PR) under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (as amended).

Academic and Professional Qualifications

A diploma or degree in medicine, biological sciences, or related field awarded upon completion of a recognised university course.

Relevant Professional Experience

Minimum of two years' practical experience in a position relevant to PR duties within a licensed fertility or tissue establishment in the UK or EU. Demonstrable experience in clinical governance, quality management, and compliance under HFEA and RQIA regulation.

Leadership and Governance

Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and ensure high standards of ethical, safe, and compliant medical care.

Knowledge and Skills

Deep understanding of UK fertility legislation, including consent, traceability, and donor selection. Familiarity with HFEA and RQIA inspection frameworks. Strong communication, analytical, and leadership skills.