Anne O’Connor has been appointed as the next chief executive of the HSE. She is she was “privileged” to be appointed to the role at a time of “challenge” for healthcare. Ms O’Connor replaces Bernard Gloster, former head of the Tusla child and family agency. He is to retire from the public service after working in the sector for almost 38 years.

Ms O’Connor is expected take up the role next spring.

Previous Roles

She had previously worked as the HSE’s chief operations officer, and was a key figure in managing the response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Following this, she left the HSE in June 2022 to become managing director of VHI Health and Wellbeing. She trained and worked as an occupational therapist in the UK, and had previously worked in the Irish health service from 1995. Ms O’Connor said of her appointment: “I am very privileged to be appointed to this role at a time of great opportunity and challenge ."

HSE Comment

The HSE said she was appointed “following an open, competitive” selection process. Ciaran Devane, chairman of the HSE board, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Anne back to the HSE. “As well as her invaluable experience with VHI, her extensive career with the HSE as an occupational therapist, national director for mental health services and as chief operations officer for the HSE through the Covid pandemic will stand her in good stead as she leads the HSE on its journey of reform.” By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.