ICGP in ‘period of transition’

Commenting on the changes, ICGP President Dr Gerry Cummins said: “ICGP is in a period of transition as a result of a number senior personnel changes. As in any period of transition, this creates uncertainty. I would like to reassure members that the operation of ICGP will be unaffected by these changes.

“The day-to-day activities of the College will be continuing, namely the provision of postgraduate specialist training for general practitioners in Ireland. ICGP will also continue to carry out its advocacy functions and engage and advocate with key audiences on behalf of members, with due cognisance of the diverse views of members on many issues.”

Chairperson Dr Mary Sheehan stepped down from her position at the Annual Conference last Saturday, 7 May, as her three year term had concluded. The Board of ICGP thanked Dr Sheehan at that event for her guidance and stewardship during a very turbulent time for general practice in Ireland.

In line with ICGP’s Governance rules a new Chair will be appointed following the next ICGP Board meeting on 18 June.

Dr Margaret O’Riordan, who had been Medical Director of the ICGP and a longstanding member of the senior team at ICGP for over 18 years decided last summer to retire from her position with ICGP in March 2016.

Recruitment is underway for her successor, with Associate Medical Director Dr Brian Osborne currently heading up this area.

Dr Gerry Mansfield, who has served as Director of Postgraduate Training with the ICGP for the past six years, has also indicated that he will be stepping down from this role within the next six months. This is to focus on his general practice commitments and the Board has thanked him for his service and dedication to the College.

Current CEO Mr Kieran Ryan announced his decision to return to the Royal College of Surgeons earlier this week. He has been a valued member of ICGP for a number of years and the Board thanked him for his contribution, particularly in relation to the development of the current ICGP strategic plan.

Dr Cummins concluded: “In the coming weeks ICGP will have replaced the Chairperson as was planned prior to any other Executive changes. The ICGP has an Associate Medical Director in situ for over a year now, following Dr O’Riordan’s well flagged departure. Recruitment is already underway for a new CEO and recruitment for a new National Director of Specialist Training will commence next week. In any interim period before appointments are made, current Executive officers with the full support of the ICGP Board, will continue to deliver across all of ICGP’s activities.”