Successful Birr native appointed HSE Chairman

A Birr man has been tasked with the tough job of becoming the Health Service Executive's new Chairman. Dr Frank Dolphin, who is a native of the Offaly town but lives in Waterford, was appointed Chairman of the HSE to succeed Mr Liam Downey who has completed two terms as Chairman. Health Minister Mary Harney made the announcement on Wednesday. "I am very pleased to announce that Dr Frank Dolphin has agreed to take up the position as Chairman of the HSE with effect from 15 August 2010," said Minister Harney. "Dr Dolphin has highly relevant, wide-ranging experience in his business career, academic accomplishments and work as a clinical psychologist. "He has already demonstrated a personal commitment to the governance of our health services through his chairmanship of the Children's University Hospital, Temple Street Hospital and his membership of the Board of Governors of the Mater Hospital." Dr Dophin's appointment takes effect on August 15. He is the chairman of Rigney Dolphin, a successful services business he founded in Waterford which employs 1,100. Dr Dolphin has had a varied career working in education, health and business. He attended Presentation College Birr and University College Dublin, where he completed a PhD in Psychology. In 1990 he established Rigney Dolphin initially providing strategic change and HR consultancy services to multinational companies. The company grew to provide a range of Business Process Outsourcing services for companies in the public and private sector. He is also a member of the board of Governors of Waterford Institute of Technology. He has decided to relinquish his Chairmanship of the Children's University Hospital, Temple Street, and his membership of the Board of Governors of the Mater Hospital.