Gloster expresses thanks to staff as he reveals he will step down as HSE chief

Bernard Gloster on Monday confirmed that he will step down from the role at the beginning of next March. Picture: Arthur Ellis.

Bernard Gloster, CEO of the HSE, is to step down in March next year in a shock announcement just two years into his term.

Mr Gloster on Tuesday confirmed that he will step down from the role at the beginning of next March.

The HSE said he “will retire from the public service at that time, having served almost 38 years in the public health service, including three of those as CEO of the HSE.” 

Mr Gloster said: “I continue to be privileged to serve in this very important role and, for the coming months, I will be working hard with the Board, the Minister, and the Department to advance many improvements and responses to challenges.” 

He added: “I wanted to bring certainty to the future leadership of the organisation as I am now in my third year as CEO.” 

He has submitted his resignation to the Chair of the HSE Board, Ciarán Devane, and Minister Carroll MacNeill.

“I particularly want to thank the Chair and the Minister for the kindness shown to me during this significant personal decision. I will retire from the public service on March 5th, 2026,” he said.

“I also want to express my deep appreciation to all of our staff for the work they continue to do every day to serve the public.”

Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said after his announcement: “I extend my enormous thanks to Bernard, an extraordinary public servant, who has dedicated himself, seven days a week, to improving the health service for everyone in Ireland.” 

She said he brought over 30 years of public sector experience to leadership of the HSE.

“I have greatly appreciated his work, his expertise and his friendship in my short time as Minister,” she said.

“I look forward to working with him in the coming months to continue our good work to advance a health system that works better for all.”

Aontu leader Peadar Toibin praised Mr Gloster and said it was a “big shock” that he was stepping down.

Mr Toibin said: “Bernard Gloster did good work in Tusla (the Child and Family Agency), in fairness to him. Tusla was in a very difficult situation.

“He was very open and very straight in terms of the work and the engagements he had in relation to Tusla. He’s not long really as the head of the HSE, and I think that is a shock.”

 - additional reporting from PA