Irish company RelateCare creating 280 new jobs in Tralee expansion

• Kerry jobs will bring total RelateCare employment to over 170
• Hybrid working to be model in Tralee

 Irish healthcare communications consultancy and outsourcing organisation RelateCare is creating 280 jobs in its new facility in Tralee, it has been announced. This expansion is supported by Enterprise Ireland.

The first 30 of the 280 new staff have just been hired and are working at the Tralee hub of RelateCare which is located on the campus of the Munster Technological University. Work to recruit 250 additional management executives, support-function staff and front-line access-to-care staff is continuing as part of RelateCare’s ongoing expansion plans.

RelateCare serves as a seamless extension to healthcare organisations by providing administrative support and clinical advice through a variety of technologically-advanced platforms. RelateCare’s service offerings have helped organisations transform their patient journey, leveraging best practices in patient access, care and navigation, enabling healthcare teams to spend their time focusing on the delivery of quality patient care. The Tralee site will support several blue-chip US healthcare clients, with administrative and clinical support services covering access to care activities and post discharge management. The hub is also in the process of building teams to support Irish clients, and RelateCare will leverage its proximity to the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht to expand its Irish-speaking employee base.

Part of the Akusus Group, which includes Rigneydolphin, the company also recently appointed healthcare and life-sciences expert Liz Shanahan as its Chairperson. Shanahan is a Castleisland native and was chosen as the 2017 Person of the Year by the Kerry Association London.

The Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D., said: “This is very welcome news for both Kerry and Ireland, and another important milestone in the journey of RelateCare. Today’s announcement and the jobs that will accompany it are also a clear demonstration of RelateCare’s commitment to Tralee, the strength of the regional economy, and to the breadth of talent that is on offer here.
Firms like RelateCare play a vital role in supporting patients through their health care journeys. It's a real global leader in its sector with strong roots in Ireland.”

RelateCare Group CEO, Conor O’Byrne said:“We’re delighted to expand our Irish operations during a very exciting time of growth and customer expansion for the company. The global pandemic has changed the way that organisations communicate with patients and increased the need for virtual engagement. In a time of unprecedented demand for healthcare services we are incredibly proud to create these new opportunities as part of our ongoing growth and increasingly pivotal role in supporting so many healthcare organisations, at home in Ireland and abroad. Throughout the pandemic, we have gained important experience in providing our employees with working models that span geographies and allow ‘flexible work from home’ solutions. To ensure we continue to be an employer of choice in Ireland, we plan to operate these models at our second Irish physical location at the Innovation Centre on the Munster Technological University campus in Tralee with a mixture of both onsite and remote working. Our footprint will continue to expand in the region over the coming years.”

Leo Clancy, Enterprise Ireland CEO said: “RelateCare is an excellent Irish company making a positive impact globally, delivering innovative healthcare solutions that improve patient journeys. Established only 8 years ago, the company has become a significant employer in Waterford and the opening of its new facility in Tralee is very positive news for the town and the South-West region. Enterprise Ireland has worked closely with the company since it was established, and we are proud to support RelateCare with its ambitious expansion plans announced today which will create 280 high value new jobs in Tralee.”

RelateCare began as a joint venture between Rigneydolphin and leading US healthcare institution Cleveland Clinic in 2014 following a highly successful collaboration. Partnership models help optimise patient engagement pre- and post- hospital visit, allowing the healthcare provider to focus on face-to-face and bedside care. The combination of a top-class technology infrastructure and a highly trained expert staff enables RelateCare to deliver an exceptional experience to patients across the globe. In addition to expansion in personnel and locations, RelateCare continues to invest in its technology infrastructure, furthering innovation and convenience for the patients and clients with whom it partners.

The Group has seen rapid growth over the past 18 months with its administrative and clinical solutions supporting health systems in both Ireland and the United States.

The Group currently employs over 1400 people with 1100 employees in Ireland and more than 300 across the United States. Its headquarters are in Waterford City, with US Hubs in Cleveland, Ohio and most recently Little Rock, Arkansas. The company’s continued growth in 2022 follows on from significant revenue and employee growth in 2021 with more than 500 employees added. Client Partners include Cleveland Clinic, Stanford Children’s Health, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Duke Health and the Health Service Executive amongst many others.ector of Healthcare Investment & PPP Projects, Dubai Health Authority that has the mission of transforming Dubai into a leading healthcare destination by fostering innovative and integrated care models and by enhancing community engagement.

Daniela Hommel, Chief Financial Officer and Innovation & Strategy Executive, Helios Global Health GmbH, Europe’s largest healthcare provider with acute care facilities in Germany, Spain and Latin America.

Dr. Prem Kumar Nair, CEO, IHH Healthcare Singapore, one of the world’s largest healthcare networks, with 80 hospitals in 10 countries including Malaysia, Turkey and Singapore.

Speaking in advance of the event, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, said: “This Forum is a great opportunity for global healthcare leaders to meet in Ireland and discuss the future of patient care and innovative new treatments. It will also be a good opportunity for global healthcare leaders to see our vibrant Irish Life Sciences sector at first hand. The Life Sciences ecosystem brings together medical institutions, third-level research and entrepreneurs, and is producing cutting-edge innovation to make a real difference to patients across the globe. It’s also a power-house for job creation and a vital part of the Irish economy.”

Leo Clancy, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, said: “Enterprise Ireland is proud to bring this important Global Healthcare Forum to Ireland. Our Life Sciences sector has a global reputation for innovation and quality and this three-day event will allow over 70 Irish companies to showcase their innovation and research plans to over 130 leading global healthcare executives. It is an important event, demonstrating international recognition of the strength of this sector in Ireland and its central role in tackling global healthcare challenges and working towards improving patient outcomes.”

Following today’s conference, attendees will spend the next two days meeting healthcare providers, innovators and entrepreneurs to discuss the future of healthcare in Ireland and globally, and to see the difference that Irish life science companies are making.

On Wednesday (15th June) the group will be in Galway and Offaly, and the itinerary includes a tour of Tullamore Hospital, led by the HSE’s Digital Transformation Unit, and meetings with key stakeholders in the Irish healthcare innovation ecosystem. This includes Atlantic Technological University's Innovation Hub (iHub), BioInnovate, Health Innovation Hub Ireland, and a site tour of Enterprise Ireland supported company Aerogen which specialises in aerosol drug delivery.

On Thursday, the group will visit St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, with the focus on its digital health innovation. They will also meet with senior leadership from innovation hubs based in Dublin, hosted by the Guinness Enterprise Centre, and tour Enterprise Ireland supported companies HealthBeacon and Trulife.

On both days Irish life sciences companies will have an opportunity to showcase and pitch their innovation offering to the visiting delegates.