Tributes paid to HSE leader who played key role to develop hospital services in Clonmel
Tipperary University Hospital
On December 1 last Gerry O’Dwyer, the CEO of the South/South West Hospital Group (S/SWHG) stepped down after completing over eight years in the role and some 50 years in the health service.
Mr O’Dwyer commended the hard work, dedication and professionalism of the management and staff at each of the ten hospitals in the S/SWHG, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic and the cyber-attack when staff at all levels across the group worked long hours in extremely challenging circumstance.
The S/SWHG comprises of Cork University Hospital, Cork University Maternity Hospital, University Hospital Waterford, University Hospital Kerry, Mercy University Hospital, Tipperary University Hospital (TippUH), South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Bantry General Hospital, Mallow General Hospital and Lourdes Orthopaedic Hospital Kilcreene.
Speaking at an event to mark his departure, Maria Barry Hospital Manager of Tipperary UH expressed her sincere gratitude to Mr O Dwyer CEO on behalf of the staff and patients.
"Under his tenure the hospital has developed further, with improved services and benefits to patient carethese included the CT Suite , 40 additional beds , Paediatric Assessment Unit , MRI development and multiple refurbishments all of which were completed in recent years," she said.
She also noted that the hospital has also seen a significant increase in staffing levels to ensure that services meet demands .
Mr O’Dwyer also thanked the local community services and voluntary agencies that support the group.
“They have been our greatest champions and have helped us overcome significant challenges.” He also highlighted the partnerships that Group has had with the wider HSE and with their academic partner, University College Cork (UCC), and thanked them for their support during his tenure," he said.
“Leading our hospital group has been the greatest privilege of my 50 years working in the health services. I am immensely proud of the work we do every day for the people of Munster and beyond who rely on our services for their healthcare needs.The Group simply would not exist without the hard work and dedication of the management and staff at each of our ten hospitals. I am constantly impressed and inspired by the dedication and professionalism of our clinical staff across all grades, whose work is consistently underpinned by all our invaluable administrative and support staff," he said.