DOC TONY’S HEARTACHE
Chief Medical Officer steps back to be with wife as she fights cancer
CHIEF Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan is stepping back from his role after revealing his wife is battling cancer.
He announced last night he would be taking time out from the fight against Covid-19.
His wife Emer was diagnosed with a blood cancer eight years ago and has been receiving palliative care since last Saturday.
Dr Holohan said: “Today I am taking time out from all of my work to be with my family.
“My wife Emer was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2012. She has had a number of
difficult years with that disease and was admitted to palliative care last Saturday.
“I am now going to devote my energy, attention and time to being with her and our two teenage children Clodagh and Ronan.
“I have spoken with the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health today and other colleagues and I want to thank you for your support and best wishes to both of us. A plan has been put in train for
others to take responsibility for different aspects of my role. The Department will issue a statement in due course.
“I can confirm that Dr Ronan Glynn, who has worked alongside me for the duration of this pandemic, has been appointed Acting Chief Medical Officer.
“As a husband, father and as a public health doctor I am conscious we have been through tough times over the last number of months and many families have been affected by the course of
Covid-19. I hope we all remain working together and continue to stay vigilant, keep our social distance and take personal responsibility for our own health as well as looking after those we care about most.”
The Taoiseach said: “I would like to thank Dr Holohan on behalf of myself and the people of Ireland for helping to guide this country through the Covid-19 emergency. As a country we owe him and his family a great debt of gratitude.”