An exploration of the impact of the mass movement of people into Ireland on the health system: A mixed methods study

Migration into Europe is an increasingly common phenomenon. Ireland has experienced significantly higher rates of inward migration than is typical in recent years, for a variety of reasons, including political instability across the globe, the war in Ukraine, climate change etc. Based on the most recent reports, 4.7 million people migrated to one of the 28 European Union countries in 2015, compared with approximately 1.8 million people in 2005. Ireland has the ninth highest proportion of migrants in the World Health Organisation (WHO) European region. One of the challenges for Ireland is to adequately support the health of migrants while ensuring that the staff working in the health system have the resources, support structures and training that the need to provide care to this population who are diverse in needs, often vulnerable and traumatised. A recent study published in BMC Public Health explored the health status of migrants in the Republic of Ireland but there is very little research on the impact of the mass movement of people on the health system in terms of resource implications, support structures, staff training and other needs. The aim of this study is to explore the impact on the health system of the immigrant population to explore how staff can be better supported, resourced and trained to provide appropriate and adequate care. The study will employ a mixed methods approach with front line staff across the health system as well as managers and policy makers.

Tenure – 4 year PhD

Mandatory Specification

Candidates for this project will require a background in nursing, public health, health systems, or other cognate discipline. All candidates should have a minimum of 2:1 honours degree (level 8) in the disciplinary area outlined or in a cognate discipline. Candidate should be highly motivated, enthusiastic individuals

How do I apply?

To apply, please access the following link and complete the application form in full:

https://forms.office.com/e/KiLZF0BH3N

• Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.
• At this stage only successful candidates will be contacted to submit CV, transcripts and other relevant documentation.
• For successful candidates, referees will also be contacted at this stage for a reference.

Applications must include: 

(i) a completed application form 

(ii) English language requirements – see https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/postgraduate/policies-and-guidelines/english-language-requirements.

Deadline: All applications must be made online by 31 May 2024, (12am, midnight)

It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure the application form is completed in full and on time. Late and/or incomplete applications will not normally be assessed.

Further information on the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland can be found here: https://www.rcsi.com/

Expected shortlisting date – 10th June 2024

Expected interview dates – 21st, 24th and 25th June 2024

Projected start date of position – 16th September 2024

Supervisor Information

• Professor Mary Rose Sweeney
• https://www.rcsi.com/people/profile/valentelytegintare” rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank”>Dr Gintare Valentelyte
• Dr Chiara Pittalis
• Dr Eidin Ni She
• Dr Jakub Gajewski