ANNUAL REVIEW master Final3a - St Vincent's University Hospital

St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group Limited - Annual Review 2007
Department - Surgery
Report from the Chairman Surgeons Subgroup
Chairman of Surgical Subgroup
Secretary to the Surgical Subgroup
Mr Sean Dudeney,
Mr Denis Evoy, Hon
2007 was an interesting year for the Department of Surgery. In addition to the usual workings of the group
a great deal of time and effort was spent looking to the future of surgery at St Vincent’s and the future needs
of our patient population, the latter increasing in both age and total number. The numbers of patients seen
as outpatients and treated surgically continues to increase across the subspecialties. Much of our vision of
the future revolves around increasing the available operating room space to fully accommodate current and
future consultant staff to allow them to do the best they can for patients. A great deal of enthusiasm was
generated by the completion of further new operating rooms in the New Hospital Building, and considerable
effort has been put into preparing for the move from all parties involved.
New Developments
The New Theatre project continues. We continue to move toward expansion in operating room numbers from
our present ten operating theates to an increased compliment of twelve. This has been an important project
over many years and continues to be so.
The move of outpatient services to The New Building was completed, resulting in significant improvements
for patients.
Future developments include the New Bed Block, the construction of a new private hospital and the
formation of the Dublin Academic Health Centre between St Vincent’s and The Mater Hospital.
Retirements
Professor Niall O’Higgins retired in January 2007 after many years of distinguished service. We wish him
well for the future.
Appointments
Prof Ronan O’Connell was welcomed to the surgical staff as Professor of Surgery in September 2007.
Research and Teaching
Research and undergraduate teaching continue to remain key areas in the group, with many departments
being highly productve with regard to their research interests. The undergraduate teaching programme was
updated under the guidance of Professor Ronan O’Connell.
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