Huge challenges for next HSE chief
by Niall Shanahan
 
"The working relationship between HSE senior management, Fórsa and the other health unions is robustly challenging, never more so than during the Covid pandemic, which will define Mr Reid’s tenure" - Ashley Connolly, head of Fórsa's Health & Welfare division
"The working relationship between HSE senior management, Fórsa and the other health unions is robustly challenging, never more so than during the Covid pandemic, which will define Mr Reid’s tenure" - Ashley Connolly, head of Fórsa's Health & Welfare division

HSE boss Paul Reid announced last week that he will be stepping down from his position later this year. In a message to staff he said that he was making the decision with a heavy heart, and that it was the hardest call he had ever made in relation to his career.

 

The head of Fórsa’s Health and Welfare Division, Ashley Connolly, acknowledged Mr Reid had demonstrated leadership throughout the pandemic, one of the biggest public health challenges since the foundation of the State.

 

“The HSE is the largest employer in the State and our public health system has to work very hard to keep pace to serve a rapidly growing population.

 

“The working relationship between HSE senior management, Fórsa and the other health unions is robustly challenging, never more so than during the Covid pandemic, which will define Mr Reid’s tenure.

 

“That relationship did help to underpin the success of the HSE’s pandemic response, but the work of readying our public health system for future challenges continues.

 

“As Mr Reid steps down, we have a wide range of human resources and logistical issues that need to be addressed, including the recruitment of more staff into disability services around the country, and the establishment of regional health areas,” she said.

 

Ashley said Fórsa members in the HSE value recognition of their roles by the organisation’s senior management. "Nevertheless, the unions have had to push hard on issues regarding staff welfare, from leave arrangements to paid leave for healthcare workers recovering from long Covid.

 

“I expect these types of issues will continue to be challenges for the next chief executive, and we look forward to working with them to achieve better outcomes for our members and for service users,” she said.

 

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