Former CHI Chief Lands Lucrative New Role After Leaving Children's Hospital Group
In a move that's raising eyebrows, the former boss of Children’s Health Ireland (CHI), Dr. Olive Braiden, has secured a new role with a significant salary, just months after stepping down from her position at the hospital group. The news comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of CHI's financial management, including revelations of substantial losses due to delayed insurance claims.
Dr. Braiden, who departed CHI in late 2023, is now working as a consultant for a private healthcare firm. Details of her new salary haven't been publicly disclosed, but sources suggest it’s approaching the €184,000 mark, a figure very close to what she was earning in her previous role. This has sparked debate about the appropriateness of such a swift and lucrative transition following public service employment.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recently heard evidence detailing a worrying trend of delayed insurance claims within CHI, resulting in a potential loss of over €250,000 for the organization. PAC members expressed serious concerns about the oversight and processes leading to these delays, emphasizing the impact on CHI’s ability to invest in essential services for sick children.
“It’s simply unacceptable that such a significant sum is being lost due to administrative failings,” stated Sinn Féin TD and PAC member, Deputy Imogen Doherty. “CHI has a responsibility to ensure that every possible resource is available to provide the best possible care for children, and these losses directly undermine that objective.”
CHI has acknowledged the issues with insurance claims processing and has stated that they are taking steps to improve efficiency and reduce delays. However, critics argue that more fundamental changes are needed to address the underlying systemic problems within the organization. The timing of Dr. Braiden’s new appointment, in light of these challenges, has intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability within the Irish healthcare system.
The controversy extends beyond the financial implications. Concerns have also been raised about the perception of fairness and equity, particularly given the pressures faced by frontline healthcare workers within CHI. Many believe that the focus should be on improving patient care and supporting staff, rather than on high-level executive appointments and transitions.
The Department of Health has confirmed it is aware of Dr. Braiden’s new role and is monitoring the situation. They have stated that they are committed to ensuring that all public servants adhere to the highest ethical standards and that any potential conflicts of interest are properly managed.
This situation highlights the need for a comprehensive review of governance and financial management practices within Children’s Health Ireland, as well as a greater emphasis on transparency and accountability across the entire healthcare sector. The public deserves to know that their healthcare system is being run efficiently and effectively, and that every effort is being made to safeguard the resources available to provide the best possible care for all patients, particularly children.
