The HSE’s chief executive Paul Reid has announced his decision to step down from his current role in December, having assumed the position in 2019.
In a message to HSE staff, Mr. Reid said he is making the decision with a heavy heart, and it was the hardest decision he has ever made in his career.
The Dubliner said a prime factor influencing his decision was a belief that the HSE was entering a new phase and that the appointment of a new leader was now timely.
It's with a heavy heart that I've advised the Chairman of @HSELive and the Minister for Health that I will step down as CEO later this year. Having led teams in the private,not for profit,central & local government and health sectors,I now want to spend some time with my family.
— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) June 27, 2022
In a statement on Monday morning, the HSE said Mr Reid had agreed with the chairman of the board that he will step down in December 2022, allowing a period to choose a successor.
“Having previously worked in the private, not for profit, central and local government sectors, working in the HSE has been by far the greatest period in my career. It has been truly rewarding leading an organisation whose staff come to work every day to make people’s lives better,” he said.
“No organisation will ever match the commitment, dedication and relentless willingness to go beyond the call of duty that I have witnessed as we battled multiple waves of Covid, a criminal cyberattack while driving a significant reform agenda. This has been truly inspirational for me to experience.”
Following the announcement, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly praised Mr Reid for his work in the role since his appointment in July 2019:
“He has led Ireland’s health service through some of its most difficult days and has done so with dedication and professionalism.
“Throughout the pandemic, Paul played a critical role in leading Ireland’s response to the greatest health emergency of our times.
“He leaves behind him an organisation much enhanced for his time as chief executive and one that is already making real progress in implementing reform and improvement across many aspects of healthcare provision.”
Also paying tribute to Mr Reid, the chairman of the HSE, Ciarán Devane, said: “It is with very great regret that I and the board have heard of Paul’s decision.
“He has led the health service through what has been the greatest challenge it has ever faced, and done so with relentless dedication and professionalism.
“We are very grateful that he will stay in his role for a further period to allow us to progress the extremely difficult task of replacing him.”
