HSE briefing documents reveal scale of challenges for new CEO Anne O'Connor (imt.ie)

• ED overcrowding gains 'fragile' and sensitive to seasonal demand
• Over 4,200 children on CAMHS waiting list; staffing deficits continue
• BreastCheck missed 2025 target by 46,000, third year of underperformance
• NCCP lost ability to allocate posts strategically due to regional funding
• 60%+ of nursing graduates plan to emigrate within two years
• €20m initiative to cut therapy waiting lists, two-thirds from private providers
• Children's dental checks 70,000 short of target in 2024-25 school year
• HSE Drugs Group must double to meet 180-day drug reimbursement deadline

"Internal HSE briefing notes obtained by Irish Medical Times via FOI detail the systemic challenges facing newly appointed CEO Anne O'Connor. Key issues include fragile gains in ED overcrowding, mental health staffing deficits, missed BreastCheck targets for three consecutive years, loss of NCCP strategic post allocation due to regionalisation, infrastructure delays, high staff turnover (over 60% of nursing graduates plan to emigrate within two years), and the immediate pressure to meet a 180-day drug reimbursement deadline. A €20m intervention aims to reduce therapy waiting lists, while children's dental checks fell 70,000 short of the target."