Retirement of Secretary General, Martin Varley
Statement from the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) on the retirement of Secretary General, Martin Varley:
The Irish Hospital Consultant Association (IHCA) would like to announce the retirement of its Secretary General, Martin Varley.
Martin has dedicated 17 years of his career to the Association, over twelve years of this as our General Secretary. Throughout, he has led with dedication and determination.
During Martin’s tenure, IHCA membership has doubled, with 95% of hospital consultants working in Ireland now represented by the Association. Martin played a central role in negotiating crucial agreements with government and a large range of healthcare organisations, including the most recent Consultant contract. In doing so, he always sought to highlight and advance the interests of our members and the patients we care for.
Martin’s leadership has been invaluable in the very challenging austerity period, in the advocacy for increased acute hospital and mental health service capacity. This included the Association’s successful High Court action in 2018, rectifying the State’s breach of contract in 2009. This accomplishment alone was instrumental in addressing the break in trust by upholding the rights and interests of our members.
IHCA President, Prof Rob Landers has paid tribute to Martin Varley for his outstanding service and unwavering dedication:
“Through our #Carecantwait campaign, Martin was central in shining a light on the severe capacity deficits in public hospitals and mental health services. This campaign has played a pivotal role in advocating for increased investment in our healthcare services which are needed to ensure timely care for patients.
“The process to recruit a new Secretary General now commences and we will update members further on our progress on this front in the new year.
“On an interim basis, our Assistant Secretary General Alice McGarvey and Senior Executive Officer Aidan O’ Reilly will jointly act as Secretary General, ensuring continuity of our Association's operations and meeting the needs of our 3,700 members.”
Speaking following the announcement of his retirement Martin Varley said:
“It has been a privilege to contribute to the growth and success of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association. I am very proud of all we have achieved together throughout my 17 years.
“I am confident that under the interim and new leadership, along with the dedication of all our members, the Association will continue to thrive.
“I would like to thank all our members; it has been an honour to work alongside professionals who are so dedicated to delivering improved and better healthcare for all.”
ENDS
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