MPS is a protection organisation for doctors, dentists and healthcare professionals and supports more than 300,000 members around the world – with over 21,000 of those in Ireland.

In 2019, it supported members in Ireland with more than 1,800 medical and dental cases – ranging from complaints, through to more complex issues such as claims of clinical negligence, regulatory matters, inquests and criminal investigations.

Announced as head of service delivery in Ireland, Mr Hayes will join MPS on 2 March with a remit to manage the delivery of the new services and a plan to have the office – which is likely to be situated just outside central Dublin – fully operational in the next 12-18 months.

Since 2007, he has been based in Dublin working for Matheson where he established their healthcare services. During his tenure with Matheson, he headed up the 140-strong litigation department and was the senior partner for MPS’s work. Prior to this, he practised clinical malpractice law in London where he was a partner at Capsticks.

He said: “Having worked alongside MPS legal teams in Ireland for many years, the opportunity to move across and join them at a time of exciting progress and evolution was too good to turn down.

“The quality of service from the UK office has never been in doubt, but by providing cases and claims handling support in-country we will be able to improve the experience for members even further.”

Melanie Rowles, director of Delivery Services at MPS, added: “Getting closer to members wherever they are in the world is a key part of the MPS strategy, which is designed to ensure we are best placed to meet the increasingly diverse range of issues faced by doctors, dentists and other healthcare professionals.

“I was thrilled to appoint someone of the calibre of Tom, and members in Ireland are going to benefit enormously from the many years of experience he has gained in the healthcare legal field.”