Board of new children’s hospital pleaded with Stephen Donnelly to keep CEO, warning of ‘risks’ if she left

Instead, health minister asked board to explore alternative roles for Eilish Hardiman

Stephen Donnelly rebuffed the hospital directors' request. Photo: Collins

Maeve Sheehan

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly was accused of putting the children’s hospital project at “significant risk” by refusing to re-appoint its long-standing chief executive.

Eilish Hardiman had completed two five-year terms at the helm of Children’s Health Ireland (CHI), but the minister declined to renew her contract for a third term.