Caroline Whelan is the CEO of Blackrock Health, one of Ireland’s largest private hospital Groups, including Blackrock Clinic, Galway Clinic and Hermitage Clinic and a diagnostic clinic in Limerick. She heads up a team of more than 3,000 staff and more than 600 consultants across 50 specialist areas. Together, the clinics have a total of 450 inpatient beds including 28 ICU beds and 24 operating theatres, with expansion planned for the near future.

In her capacity as Blackrock Health’s Chief Executive, she has successfully overseen the Group’s integration and launch and introduced a range of new services across all hospitals. She has most recently led the announcement of a major €500 million investment across its Group of hospitals , while also leading a digital transformation program for same.

Caroline has more than 25 years of experience in public and private healthcare. After serving in clinical roles at St Patrick’s and St James’s Hospitals in Dublin and in North America early in her career, she transitioned to management in healthcare, holding a regional manager post at the Midland Health Board and serving as Head of Human Resources for Cheshire Ireland and Head of Department in the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care in Ontario. Prior to joining Blackrock Health, Caroline served as the Group COO of the Mater Private Healthcare Group from 2017 to 2021.

Caroline graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, and a Masters of Science in Health Service Management, and graduated with a Doctorate in Business in 2007.

Caroline is passionate about healthcare and brings her drive, vision and innovation to Blackrock Health, with an ambition to maintain position as the leading private hospital group in Ireland, and develop strong collaborative relationships with public, private, academia, industry and international partners.