Beacon Medical Group has now assumed operational control of Beacon Hospital in south Dublin.

Beacon Hospital was previously managed by University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and the new arrangement follows its decision to divest its interest in the hospital.

The private hospital now owned by businessman Denis O'Brien, who recently took over the debt associated with Beacon Hospital.

Michael Cullen, Chief Executive and co-founder of Beacon Medical Group, was also named today as CEO of Beacon Hospital. Prof Mark Redmond will continue as Medical Director of the Hospital and Director of Beacon Medical Group.

Beacon Medical said the ownership change would have no impact on the day-to-day operations of the hospital nor would it affect patients or employees of the hospital in any way.