Catholic Health CEO Dr. Patrick O'Shaughnessy steps down

 Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, the president and CEO of Catholic Health, is leaving the health system effective immediately, officials confirmed Tuesday.

Chief Operating Officer Gary Havican will serve as interim president and CEO while the hospital system’s board conducts a "comprehensive national search" for its next president and CEO, Catholic Health spokeswoman Lisa Greiner said in a statement.

"Catholic Health thanks Dr. O’Shaughnessy for his many years of service to the organization and wishes him well on his future endeavors," the statement said.

O’Shaughnessy could not be reached for comment. Catholic Health officials declined to comment beyond the statement about the resignation.

Catholic Health is the second largest health system on Long Island, with six hospitals and more than 17,000 employees. In May 2025, the Rockville Centre-based nonprofit laid off 1% of its employees. Audited financial statements showed $3.48 million in operating losses in 2024 on $3.39 billion in revenues. The health system is governed by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre.

O’Shaughnessy took over as president and CEO in April 2021 after serving as executive vice president and chief clinical officer. He joined Catholic Health in 2006 and was assistant director of emergency medicine at St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson and director of emergency medicine at St. Catherine of Siena in Smithtown before moving to chief medical officer of that hospital.

O'Shaughnessy received more than $4.75 million in compensation in 2024, tax forms show.

Wendy Darwell, president and CEO of the Suburban Hospital Alliance of New York State, which represents hospitals on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley, said O’Shaughnessy helped spearhead efforts to increase the number and geographic reach of outpatient centers on Long Island.

“I've heard him speak many times very passionately about the consequences of when patients end up in an emergency room because they didn't have access to routine or preventive care, or they're struggling to manage chronic conditions,” she said. “He's really passionate about elevating the quality of care and access to care for people who live on Long Island."

O'Shaugnessy oversaw numerous projects during his tenure, the largest being the $500 million expansion of Good Samaritan University Hospital. The health system’s flagship hospital is one of the busiest on the South Shore with about 91,000 emergency room visits and 30,000 discharges annually.

O'Shaugnessy in January became chairman of the board for the Healthcare Association of New York State, which represents the state’s hospitals.

Havican became executive vice president and chief operating office in February 2024.

"Under his leadership, Catholic Health has experienced a sustained increase in revenue, more streamlined operations and award-winning improvements in quality and safety," Greiner said in her statement.

Newsday's James T. Madore contributed to this story.