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

Bernard Gloster has said he will step down as chief executive of the HSE (Health Service Executive) in March 2026.

He is to retire from the public service after working in the sector for almost 38 years, including three years spent as HSE chief.

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.

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

“I have today submitted my resignation to the Chair of the HSE, Ciaran Devane, and Minister Carroll MacNeill, allowing time to prepare for the next phase of leadership of our health and personal social services.

“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 5 2026. 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 expressed her “enormous thanks” to Mr Gloster, and called him “an extraordinary public servant” who had dedicated himself to improving the health service.

“Since he took over his position in 2023, Bernard has brought over 30 years of public sector experience to advance leadership across the HSE organisation and I have greatly appreciated his work, his expertise and his friendship in my short time as Minister.

“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.”