We wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of the various continuing medical education and innovation supports that are available to Consultants. 

The quantum and type of such supports that are available will be determined in large part by the contract that is held. Consultants who hold contracts other than the POCC 2023 will be entitled to claim a vouched CME fund of up to €3,000 per annum, while Consultants who hold the POCC 2023 will have access to a vouched fund of up to €12,000 per annum.

You can read the Consultant CME Guidance form here. 

Some points are worth noting:

• Only activities that have CME or CPD credits or content will be eligible for funding
• The funding amount applies to each Consultant irrespective of whether they are employed on a permanent full time or less than full time basis; Consultants employed on a non- permanent basis are entitled to claim funding on a pro-rata basis.
• Claims must be submitted within six months of the financial liability being incurred
• Payment will be made within sixty days of the claim being lodged
• Normally, rollover and/or flexibility will only be allowed in the event of the Consultant being absent for a prolonged period of time, such as time on maternity leave or long term sick leave.

The CME fund may at present be used in order to purchase hardware up to a value of €1,000. It should be borne in mind that this may be subject to a tax liability in respect of Benefit in Kind (BIK); you should discuss this with payroll prior to making any purchase.

Innovation Fund

Consultants who hold the POCC 2023 may apply for funding of up to €8,000 per annum “for research and innovation projects.”  Some examples for which this funding may be used include:

• Innovation in terms of piloting a new development
• Research/payment/commissioning of an external researcher (non HSE employment)
• Hosting a specialty based conference
• Piloting care delivery in community settings
• Equipment/diagnostic appliances to support the initiatives above

The POCC 2023 provides that Consultants may choose to pool their individual Innovation Fund in cases where several Consultants are working on the same project.

You can read the Innovation Fund guidance document here. 

If you have any questions in respect of any of the matters contained in this e-mail, please forward those to consultants@imo.ie.

We would also like to remind you that the IMO continues to offer one-to-one sessions for Consultants considering signing up to the POCC 2023. A session can be organized via consultants@imo.ie