The VHI Chief Executive has stepped aside while an investigation is carried out into why he received a coronavirus vaccination at the Beacon Hospital.
In a statement, the board of the private insurer said CEO John O’Dwyer is being treated for oesophageal cancer at the Beacon and St James’s Hospital.
“The Board of VHI learned this morning that John O'Dwyer, CEO, received a vaccination at the Beacon Hospital,” it said.
“The Board is aware, and with Mr O'Dwyer's consent, can now disclose that he has been a patient of the Beacon Hospital and St James's Hospital for oesophageal cancer.
“The Board is commencing an investigation to establish the facts. While the investigation is ongoing John O'Dwyer has offered to step aside as CEO and the Board has agreed to this.”
The insurer said Declan Moran has now been appointed Acting CEO.
Under the current vaccine rollout plan, there are four groups of people currently being vaccinated.
These are people aged over 65 in long-term care, people aged over 70, frontline healthcare workers and people over 16 who are considered vulnerable to the virus.
