CEO of Cork University Hospital announces decision to step down

The CEO of Cork University Hospital (CUH) David Donegan has announced his decision to step down from his current role.

Mr Donegan joined CUH Group as CEO in August 2022 after a 27-year career working in the UK.

He previously held board-level positions in government, strategic health authorities, acute hospitals and ambulance services in England and was the director of secondary care for the largest health board in Wales.

A clinician by background, Mr Donegan was also a clinical director for acute and emergency medicine in a large teaching hospital in the UK.

The South/South West Hospital Group confirmed the news on Friday that Mr Donegan had decided to step down as CEO of CUH.

“It has been an immense privilege to lead Cork University Hospitals Group over the last few years and I am so proud of the significant achievements that have been made during that time,” Mr Donegan said.

These have included real improvements in cancer, elective and emergency care, the reconfiguration of paediatric and ophthalmology services in Cork, the launch of CUH as one of Ireland’s two major trauma centres, and significant capital developments at CUH, Mallow and Bantry.

Mr Donegan has also overseen a comprehensive transformation programme in quality improvement and governance across the organisation.

“While there is much more to do, the organisation has gone from strength to strength in recent years,” he said.

Mr Donegan thanked all the staff of CUH Group as well as the people of Cork and Munster for making him so welcome and for how hard they have worked together to make our hospitals places to be truly proud of.

“I look forward to seeing the services develop even further over the years to come,” he said.

Commenting on the announcement the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of HSE South West Dr Andy Philips personally thanked Mr Donegan for his major contribution to improving healthcare in the South West over the last few years.

“While he will very much be missed, we do understand his decision and wish him every success with his future,” he said.