Dr Bourke is a Clinical Senior Lecturer in Paediatrics, Centre for Medical Education, Queen's University Belfast & Clinical Academic Consultant Paediatrician, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. He has held senior Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ roles in the NHS and academia including as a member of the Northern Ireland regional scrutiny committee; an expert advisor to NICE; and previously held roles within RCPCH including trainee, safeguarding and medicines committees.
New RCPCH Officer for Ireland Dr Thomas Bourke says:
As the newly appointed Officer for Ireland, a role I am honoured to take on, it will be a privilege to use my skills on behalf of paediatricians on the island of Ireland to advocate for the needs and rights of all children and young people.
In the role I would in particular wish to: highlight the impact that poverty and deprivation has on child health and wellbeing; work to ensure that our children and young people have timely access to the highest quality evidence based paediatric and mental health care; and advocate for families living with disability and chronic disease, particularly as they transition to adult services.
RCPCH President, Professor Steve Turner said:
I am delighted to welcome Dr Bourke as our new Officer for Ireland. Thomas’s experience in senior Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ roles in the NHS and academia will be indispensable to the College’s work in Northern Ireland/Ireland.
I know from having previously been the Officer for Scotland how crucial the role of the Officers in the nations are to our College, members and patients.
Thomas, the College and I are thrilled to have you on the health team.