University of Galway professor Breda Smyth will be appointed as Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, Minister Stephen Donnelly has announced.
Professor Smyth has been interim Chief Medical Officer in the department since July and has extensive clinical experience.
She has specialised in public health for the past 16 years and was Professor for Public Health Medicine at University of Galway and Consultant in Public Health in HSE West.
Professor Smyth said that this is a very proud day for her as well as her family.
She said that she is delighted to accept this role and is looking forward to working with her colleagues in the Department of Health, and across our health and social care service.
“The Chief Medical Officer has a primary role in implementing cross-government initiatives like Healthy Ireland and Sláintecare and I am excited by the challenge ahead,” said Professor Smyth.
“I am keen to use my term as Chief Medical Officer to support greater engagement with marginalised groups in society and address inequities in health by supporting the department’s work in improving the affordability and quality of our health service.”
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said he was pleased to announce the selection of Professor Breda Smyth for appointment as CMO.
He said that her experience, excellent leadership ability and extensive public health skill set will be a valuable asset to the department.
“The pandemic has placed a renewed spotlight on the importance of public health in our health and social care services and I very much look forward to working with Breda as we build on this important work and continue to facilitate increased access to the health service, as well as the quality of that service.”
