Paul Reid announces decision to step down as HSE boss with a “heavy heart”

Reid said it is "the hardest decision he had ever made" during his career.

CEO of the Health Service Executive of Ireland Paul Reid will step down from his role later year this year, the HSE has confirmed. In a statement issued on Monday morning (27 June), Reid said that he made the call "with a heavy heart" and that it represents "the hardest decision he had ever made in relation to his career". Reid, who was a pivotal figure during Ireland's response to Covid-19, has agreed to relinquish his post in December, allowing for the advancement of a process to determine a successor. Reid has said he has "no immediate career plans" in terms of any follow-up role.

"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," said Reid. "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."

Reid noted that his decision to leave his job was motivated by a desire to spend more time with his family – "who had made many sacrifices to support him" – and a belief that the HSE is entering a new phase and thus fresh leadership is required.

"It is with very great regret that I and the Board have heard of Paul’s decision," said HSE Chairman Ciarán Devane.

"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."

Imagery via Leah Farrell / Photocall Ireland / RollingNews.ie