NICHOLAS JERMYN, THE head of the St Vincent’s Hospital Group will step down from his role as chairman of the public hospital on Monday.

Jermyn was revealed to have earned an additional €136,591 on top of his HSE salary just before Christmas.

Speaking in front of the Public Accounts Committee in January, Jermyn said that the group was examining ways of separating the management of their private and public hospitals.

In an email sent to staff last night, he said that he would be stepping away from the public hospital. He will, however, remain the overall CEO of the health group.

“With effect from Monday, 31 March, I will no longer be Chief Executive Officer of St Vincent’s University Hospital.

“My decision was taken in the context of the developments in recent months, and to ensure that all the staff in the hospital can continue to focus on providing our patients with the care and attention they deserve.

I am in discussions with the Board about my future role. Although I am no longer responsible for the University Hospital, I remain as Group CEO of the St Vincent’s Healthcare Group.

“It has been privilege to be CEO of this wonderful public hospital for the past 20 years, and to work with such a committed and dedicated group of staff, providing the best possible care to our patients. I know you will continue to fulfil the mission of our hospital in the days, months and years ahead.”

Jermyn’s overall package at St Vincent’s was more than €292,000 a year, with €136,000 coming from public funds. That, however was ended in light of the top-ups controversy.

Read: Michael McDowell told St Vincent’s board that they were compliant with pay rules