Paul Reid to step down as CEO of the HSE later this year

Paul Reid said on Monday he had 'no immediate career plans'. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins 

Paul Reid has announced he will be stepping down from his position as CEO of the HSE later this year.

Mr Reid has advised the chairman, the board of the HSE and the minister for health that he will step down in December 2022, facilitating a period to advance the process of selecting a successor. He said on Monday he had "no immediate career plans".

In a message to staff on Monday, Mr Reid said he was making the decision with a heavy heart, and that it was the hardest decision he had ever made in relation to his own career.

“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," he said. 

It has been truly rewarding leading an organisation whose staff come to work every day to make people’s lives better.

“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 cyber attack while driving a significant reform agenda. This has been truly inspirational for me to experience.” 

He said his decision was influenced by two key factors — a desire to spend more time with his family who had made many sacrifices to support him, and a belief the HSE was entering a new phase and that the appointment of a new leader was now timely.

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 progress the extremely difficult task of replacing him.”

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly paid tribute to Mr Reid on the announcement of his resignation, saying since his appointment as chief executive in June 2019, he has "provided exemplary leadership to the HSE".

“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.

“I want to wish Paul all the best for the time ahead and to thank him and his family for the many sacrifices they have made over the last three years to allow him to dedicate himself to the role of CEO.”