The Saolta University Health Care Group CEO, Tony Canavan, has been appointed as the Regional Executive Officer (REO) for the new HSE West and North West region, according to reports from Donegal Daily. This move comes as part of the HSE’s efforts to reorganize service delivery across six health regions, effective March 1st, 2024.
The newly established HSE West and North West region will cater to the healthcare needs of the population in Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, West Cavan, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo. As the REO, Tony Canavan will assume the crucial role of being the accountable officer at the Health Region level. He will oversee the delivery of high-quality, safe, and accessible services for the region’s population. Furthermore, he will report directly to the HSE CEO on matters pertaining to the operation and management of the Health Regions. Tony will also be an integral part of the HSE Senior Leadership Team, providing regional insights for the development of national policies and standards.
Tony Canavan boasts an impressive career in the West’s health services, with over 30 years of experience. During his tenure, he has held several key positions with the Western Health Board in Mental Health Services, the Department of Public Health, Primary Care Services, and Acute Hospital Services. His expertise led to his appointment as the Chief Operating Officer of the first Hospital Group in the country in 2012, known then as the Galway Roscommon University Hospitals Group, which later expanded to become the Saolta Group, encompassing Letterkenny and Sligo. In 2015, he served as the Chief Officer of Community Healthcare West before returning as CEO of the Saolta Group in 2019.
Expressing confidence in the appointment of the new Regional Executive Officer, HSE CEO Bernard Gloster remarked on the significant organizational changes underway within the HSE. He highlighted the importance of assembling a strong team of the six most senior officials who would report directly to him. Gloster underlined their wealth of skills and experience as healthcare experts who will spearhead the next phase of health service delivery in Ireland. The announcement regarding the restructured HSE Centre, dedicated to supporting these regional leaders and ensuring service excellence, is expected to follow soon.
The appointment of Tony Canavan as the Regional Executive Officer for HSE West and North West marks a milestone in the HSE’s ongoing efforts to enhance service delivery and streamline healthcare operations across Ireland. With his extensive experience and notable contributions to the health services in the West, Tony is well-positioned to navigate the challenges facing the region and drive positive change in healthcare provision.
As March 1st, 2024 draws closer, the HSE is gearing up to implement its new health region structure, which aims to optimize healthcare services for the benefit of the population. With Tony Canavan at the helm, HSE West and North West can look forward to a future of improved healthcare accessibility, quality, and safety for the people of Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, West Cavan, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo.
