Hermitage Medical Clinic

HERMITAGE

MEDICAL CLINIC 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY MAGAZINE

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CONTENTS

Contents 4

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

An ambitious project that began ten years ago has culminated in a facility that is at the epicentre of medical excellence in Ireland and beyond.

8

IN SAFE HANDS

After a decade at the helm of HMC, Eamonn Fitzgerald

looks back at the challenges and the triumphs as CEO of Ireland’s leading private hospital.

12

A LASTING LEGACY

Outgoing Chairman Niall O’Carroll leaves a proud legacy behind as he reflects on what has been achieved at Hermitage Medical Clinic over the years.

16

CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

Exclusive to HMC in Ireland, CyberKnife is the world’s first and only radiosurgery system designed to treat tu-

mours anywhere in the body with sub-millimetre accuracy.

20

PATIENT PERSPECTIVE

John Walsh tells the story of how CyberKnife quite

literally saved his life when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. He has even written a book about it, aptly titled Headcase.

22

CLINICAL GOVERNANCE

Clinical excellence is performing at a level well above

satisfactory both qualitatively and decisively. Director of Clinical Governance, Professor Oscar Traynor discusses the importance of checks and balances in maintaining optimum efficiency.

24

CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

Innovative, technology driven care delivered by experi-

enced, expert staff; HMC provides a full range of medical and surgical care across a broad spectrum of specialities.

Whilst every effort has been made to make the information contained herein as comprehensive and a ccurate as possible the publishers accept no responsibility for additions, omissions or errors. No part of this publication can be copied or produced without the editor’s consent in writing.

2 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & EDITOR

HMC EDITOR

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Trish Phelan

Karen Walsh

Joanne Punch

trish@devlinmedia.org

kwalsh@hermitageclinic.ie

joanne@devlinmedia.org

CONTENTS

50

EMERGENCY CARE

A rapid access service run by consultants, HMC’s ever ex-

panding Emergency Department is an invaluable resource.

Dr David Foley discusses how the ED Department has become an established geographical player for a wide community.

54

FORWARD THINKING

Hermitage Medical Clinic is led by some of the foremost

medical professionals in the country including Dr George Duffy whose career has been characterised by his endeavours to improve the quality of healthcare in Ireland.

NURSING & CLINICAL SERVICES

65

As Head of Nursing and Clinical Services, Mary Shore talks about her role and her aspirations as the hospital prepares for its fourth JCI assessment.

70

BE PATIENT

At HMC it’s all about the patient as young John Fuller

discovered when he had to undergo dental surgery at the tender age of six.

73

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Management at HMC take caring for the health and

wellbeing of others far beyond the walls of the Lucan

facility, supporting charities, GP’s and the community beyond.

87

PARTNERS IN CARE

HMC plays a pivotal role in several collaborative pro-

grammes supporting many charities including St Francis Hospice Blanchardstown, Pieta House, Irish Cancer

Society, Irish Heart Foundation and Heart Children in their excellent work.

102

OUT & ABOUT

If location is everything, then everything is here. Set in

the idyllic Liffey Valley, there is much to see in the imme-

diate vicinity of HMC as many patients and their families have been happy to discover.

EDITORIAL

PHOTOGRAPHY

ADVERTISING

PUBLISHER

Hermitage Medical Clinic

Fintan Clarke

Helen Fairbrother

Devlin Media

Kevin Carney

Brendan Lyon

Dermot Kelly

Steve Cummins

Paul Holmes

Paul Halley

DESIGN www.onelittlestudio.com

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 3

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

Excellence In

S

Care

ince first opening in 2006, HMC quickly

The Clinic’s reputation as a leading Irish private hospital

hospitals. Located in West Dublin on the

international recognition based on its modern, technologi-

evolved into one of Ireland’s leading private banks of the River Liffey, this 112-bed

hospital provides a full range of medical

and surgical care across a broad spectrum

of specialities. Offering top quality healthcare with access

to more than 200 consultants, HMC also has 37 day-beds and eight operating theatres.

HMC’s mission is to provide excellence in care to all pa-

tients. The philosophy of HMC over the past decade is one of service, and an acknowledgement of the holistic needs of patients not just from a clinical perspective for their

presenting illness but also from a psychological, emotional and spiritual standpoint.

The values that underpin the Clinic’s mission and philosophy include dignity, compassion, advocacy, quality and

respect. There is a strong ethos of teamwork and the patient is at the forefront of everything that staff at HMC do.

4 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

is not confined to the island of Ireland as it has achieved

cally advanced facilities and its team of specialists and staff committed to providing unsurpassed care to the community.

HMC has a broad spectrum of surgical and medical activity to reflect the fact that it defines ‘community’ not only

geographically, but also demographically and in what the

community needs, from paediatrics right up to caring for

the elderly. The relationship between GPs and primary care is viewed by HMC as fundamental to the successful provision of timely access for patients to its clinical facilities.

In keeping with its ethos of providing access for all, HMC has agreement secured for the broadest range of private

patient cover with all of the major healthcare providers.

Wide-ranging cover is also provided for members of An

Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and the Prison Officers’ Association Schemes.

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

Situated in the heart of the Liffey Valley, a special area of conservation second to none, the HMC boasts beautiful

views of the River Liffey and rolling parklands. There is a calm, relaxing and friendly atmosphere in the clinic. On entering the large airy foyer, patients and visiting family

members are instantly put at ease in an oasis of complete

tranquillity. In fact, most of the consultant suites at HMC have beautiful views out onto the River Liffey, its valley

and the parklands, which is all conducive to a relaxed and positive atmosphere.

PATIENT CENTRED SERVICES Since its inception in 2006, HMC has operated an exten-

including 3D and transoesophageal echocardiograms.

The advanced cardiac imaging programme includes cardiac

MRI, nuclear perfusion scans and cardiac/coronary CT. The state-of-the-art cardiac catheterisation laboratory (cath lab) at HMC performs a comprehensive list of diagnostic and interventional procedures including coronary angiograms using intracoronary pressure and intravascular ultrasound

studies; percutaneous coronary stenting for the treatment of coronary narrowing or blockages; device implantation, i.e.

pacemakers, defibrillators including heart failure therapies and electrophysiology studies and ablation therapy for cardiac rhythm disturbances.

sive, patient-centred cardiology service, providing both

For the last decade, HMC has been the forerunners in or-

team of consultants and staff. The Cardiology Department

there is a vibrant orthopaedic practice. Computer aided

ECG, stress ECG, ambulatory BP and heart monitoring,

carry out minimally invasive joint, knee, and hip replace-

diagnostic and interventional services, led by a dedicated

thopaedics: this is a major area of expertise at HMC where

is a GP-direct access, non-invasive service and includes

technologies are allowing HMC orthopaedic consultants to

pacemaker and defibrillator clinics and echocardiography

ment surgeries with much faster recovery times, and patient

match replacements offer much longer lifespans. HMC also Hermitage Medical Clinic | 5

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

Clinical Departments, Services & Specialities at (HMC): Audiology Allergy Breast Clinic Cardiology CyberKnife Daycare Diagnostic Imaging Dentistry Dermatology Dietetics & Nutrition Emergency Department Endocrinology and Diabetes Endoscopy Services (Direct Settlement) ENT Gastroenterology Gynaecology Haematology Nephrology Neurology Neurophysiology Neurosurgery Nuclear Medicine / PET Centre Nursing Oncology Ophthalmology Orthodontics Orthopaedic Surgery Paediatrics (General & Respiratory) Pain Medicine Pathology Patient Accounts Pharmacy Phlebotomy Services Plastic Surgery Physics department Physiotherapy Psychiatry Radiology Radiotherapy Respiratory Department Rheumatology Speech & Language Therapy Surgery (Breast, Colorectal, General, GI & Vascular) Urology Vascular Surgery

6 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

carries out ankle and shoulder procedures and foot surgery.

STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGY

The Clinic’s multidisciplinary approach to

Three years ago, HMC began using a Cy-

physiotherapy team and other allied health

chine which delivers a high dose of radiation

care includes clinical nurse specialists, a

professionals. A comprehensive diagnostic

imaging department where a service across a range of modalities including MRI, CT and digital X-ray is provided. HMC also

has an interventional radiology service for

patients who require such investigations and treatment.

Neurosurgery specialists at HMC perform spinal neurosurgery with a view to helping pain in relation to spinal disorders, allevi-

ating neurological problems and stabilising the spine. GPs refer patients to a spinal

neurosurgeon if they have ongoing pain in

the spine and pain radiating down the arms and legs.

Following consultation, usually an MRI scan of the spine is obtained. Patients may also

need plain X-rays/CT scans, all of which are provided for at HMC. Neurosurgeons at the Clinic may suggest conservative treatment,

spinal injection treatment or spinal surgery.

They can also treat spinal fractures, tumours, infections and some complex abnormalities of the cervical spine including rheumatoid arthritis.

berKnife, a state-of-the-art radiotherapy mato a very specific area of the brain. It is the

only one in Ireland and can treat conditions which are dangerous to operate on such as

brain tumours and other neurological conditions extremely effectively.

Other areas in which HMC has first-class

consultant expertise include medical, surgical and radiation oncology. The Radiotherapy

Department at the Clinic has two state-ofthe-art identically matched linear accelerators.

HMC has an Emergency Department

which is a rapid access service provided by

consultants in emergency medicine. Patients presenting with a broad range of condi-

tions including cardiology, general surgery, orthopaedic and urology are seen in the

first instance by a consultant in emergency medicine.

The Clinic is a partner with the Dundalk

Institute of Technology nursing degree, and, also provides training placements to the

Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI), UCD and TCD medical students.

HMC is now firmly established at the forefront of medical excellence in Ireland. With some of the country’s leading practitioners

and a willingness to invest in new technology, the future looks bright for Hermitage Medical Centre.

The philosophy of HMC over the past decade is one of service, and an acknowledgement of the holistic needs of patients not just from a clinical perspective for their presenting illness but also from a psychological, emotional and spiritual standpoint.

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

Hermitage Medical Clinic is celebrating a decade of oering advanced medical care, state-of-theart facilities, and the very latest in technological advances to a continually growing patient base.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 7

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

In Safe

Hands

Steve Cummins talks to Eamonn Fizgerald, CEO of Hermitage Medical Clinic about ten eventful years at the helm of a very steady ship.

P

rivilege, Respect, Fulfillment. These are

ing them and giving them the comfort that this is a place

ald, CEO of the Hermitage Medical

and dignity. That takes continuous commitment from

three words that come to Eamonn FitzgerClinic, when I ask him to reflect on his

first 10 years as the head of the impressive

Lucan hospital, located just off the M50.

where they’ll be looked after well and cared for with respect dedicated people. So it is a humbling experience to work

with these people who do this daily out of a strong sense of vocation and professionalism.”

“It’s been an immense privilege for me both personally and

More than 460 staff work at the Hermitage carrying,

the hospital,” he tells me from his office on the second floor

receiving and caring for its patients in a holistic, dignified

professionally to be a contributor to the development of of the aesthetically pleasing building that looks as fresh

and modern as the day it first began caring for patients in

December 2006. “This hospital was born out of a vision of the promoters” he continues, “who, back then, would have

comprised of Jimmy Sheehan, George Duffy, Sean Mulryan, Larry Goodman and John Flynn. They came together and decided that it would be appropriate to develop a

hospital in West Dublin to meet, not just the local needs of the community, but also the regional, national and eventu-

ally international needs, because we do get patients coming from abroad. So yes, one feeling would be one of privilege to be part of that.

That privilege, Fitzgerald says, extends to the patients and

staff he has come to serve over the past decade. Walking to and from his office it is abundantly clear the importance of the human element in both the success of the Hermitage and what Eamonn Fitzgerald values as its CEO. As we

stroll to and from his office, he stops to speak with patients; offers others a smile; and greets staff as they busy about their day. It brings us to that other word, Respect.

“I would be very respectful of the generosity of spirit of

the colleagues that I work with,” Mr Fitzgerald says. The Nurses, Doctors, Allied Health Professionals, people in

Finance, HR, Supply Chain, Medical Records, Theatre, Laboratory, Radiology, CSSD, Cardiology, Oncology,

Radiotherapy, Day-Care, ICU, Emergency Department, Engineering, Logistics, Catering, Household Services,

Reception – the whole spectrum that it takes to care for

patients and families , both in terms of meeting and greet8 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

daily, that dedication to uphold the Hermitage’s ethos of

manner that is of the highest standard. There are also 250 consultants doing likewise. In total, close to half a million

patients (Outpatients, Day-Care and Inpatients) have been cared for at the Hermitage since the day it opened, a fact

that gives the hospital’s CEO a genuine sense of fulfillment.

“It’s fulfilling and rewarding to make a contribution to

health and social gain,” he says. “The health gain is obvi-

ously for all the people who have been through the doors of the hospital and cared for over the years, but the social gain is also very much there in that the hospital has provided

an excellent community service. The access to quality-as-

sured health care is not just for the benefit of the individual patients and indeed their families, but also the community and society at large, because we are heavily invested in

health and wellness as well as treating people who have illnesses.”

When Eamonn Fitzgerald took the reins of the Hermitage

in September 2006 – four months before it opened its door – he faced an exciting challenge, but a challenge nonethe-

less. After more than 20 years in the public health sector, he had moved into the area of independent health provision

and had before him a brand new hospital in a stunning setting. The challenge was to develop an organization within

those walls that could carve out a set of values that reflected the hospital investors’ commitment to deliver high-tech, community-focused care to its patients.

“In terms of the journey we’ve taken over the past 10 years, it has been in the development of that organization, a

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

community of colleagues,” he says. “It’s one thing having a hospital with a wonderful location in this sylvan setting of

Liffey Valley and having innovative medical technology, but that is meaningless without the right caliber people; with-

out colleagues; without dedicated staff who come together and have a common purpose and have a value system that aligns with the ethos and values that we are continuing to build throughout the organization.

“That takes time and one needs to nurture and develop

that through people and with people. If there is anything in terms of a legacy of the last 10 years, it would be that

the philosophy of the staff who work in the hospital is, that Hermitage, needs to be a place that we would be happy for people that we care about, to be cared for here, in order for it to be acceptable. So that’s the basis from which we start.

I suppose it’s a servant leadership approach where if we are not willing to serve, we really don’t have a right to lead.”

The Hermitage has not only taken that lead through the

quality of the staff and consultants it has attracted and re-

tained, but also through the innovative medical technology it has invested in. This includes Ireland’s first Cyber-knife clinic, a non-invasive alternative to surgery for the treat-

ment of cancerous and non-cancerous tumors. This step to the forefront of advanced hospital care in this country was

the culmination of the journey began in 2006 to align itself with the best bodies worldwide in terms of technology, education, and standards of care.

Hermitage Clinic now has by far the largest collective of

any other hospital in the country “In terms of medical education, we are an affiliated teaching hospital of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

(RCSI) and we also have teaching arrangements with Trin-

ity College Dublin for undergraduate and postgraduate students,” Mr Fitzgerald says. “ We also have affiliations with

DCU and DDIT for the provision of Nursing placements

and HMC runs accredited post graduate Nursing programs for Theatre and ICU

“In innovation and research and development, we partner with a number of organizations, some based in Ireland

and some based in North America – one example being

Sanford Health in the USA, in South Dakota, where we

are collaborating with them in the emerging scientific areas of genetics and immunotherapy. We are also committed to developing, with their help, a paediatric care clinic here on the campus, which would be the first of its kind in Ireland in the independent sector. HMC also has an involvement with i360 Medical as a shareholder, which is a spin out

from RCSI, with a focus on developing medical technology solutions for the enhancement of care to patients who, at the moment, are dependent on what currently exists in medical technologies , but clearly will also benefit from

what will exist in future years. So we’re part of that research

and development environment to contribute and participate through the intellectual expertise of our consultants and nursing clinicians, to strive to provide better healthcare solutions.”

Neurosurgeons (10) practicing together in comparison to Hermitage Medical Clinic | 9

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

Fitzgerald adds that the hospital’s vision remains as it was a

provides an element of it, but it needs to be in a coordinated

medical technology and clinical expertise”. In providing that

as radiation-oncology, there are 14 linear accelerators that exist

decade ago – “to provide access for patients to the very best of technology, however, he notes that an ongoing challenge is in reaching commercially sustainable agreements with private health insurers for the provision of this service.

“We are very fortunate to have very talented clinicians,

consultants, nurses, allied health professionals; scientists, and other staff who support them, who have been trained to the

highest standards in centres of excellence around the world,” he says “and to match that, there’s a requirement to have an

way. For example, in terms of the development of services such in the independent sector, but they are not taken into account for the supply of radiation-oncology services to the popula-

tion. That’s an opportunity missed and its an opportunity cost because you have a situation where the State is gearing up to

have 30-plus linear accelerators within the public system, when a third of them already exist within the Independent Sector.

Clearly there needs to be appropriate service-level agreements and quality assurances and value-for-money initiatives, but

that’s been proven to be done

environment conducive to the

very successfully through, for

delivery of evidenced-based

example, the National Treatment

quality assured clinical care that provides the patients with the

expertise of the people and the

support that these expert clini-

cians need access to, in order to deliver world class care to the patients. The challenge with

that, of course, is whether or not

you are going to be remunerated adequately by the private health

insurers to provide the best possible care to their members.

The Hermitage’s CEO adds that his hope for the coming decade would be to see a move that

would allow people access to

this technology and state-of-art healthcare on the basis of clini-

cal need, and not on the basis of

whether they hold private health insurance, or not.

“We believe that all of the ca-

pacity of health care infrastruc-

ture that exists in Ireland, should be available to the citizens of

Ireland and that a more strategic joined-up thinking needs to

“I would be in awe of the generosity of spirit of the colleagues that I work and have worked with. The nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, people in finance, HR, supply and chain, engineering, logistics, catering, household services, reception – the whole spectrum that it takes to care for people and giving them the comfort that this is a place where they’ll be looked after well and cared for with respect and dignity.

That takes a commitment of dedicated people.”

take place, not just as a reaction to crises, which are predictably

happening year on year, in terms of emergency departments or

waiting lists and waiting times growing larger and larger with unacceptable waits for patients to access care,” he says.

“But, if we’re going to look at providing optimal care in this

country, it needs to bring all the supply together, design and develop it in a coherent way. We see it happening in other sectors where the State provides an element of it e.g. Transport, Education, Nursing Home Care and then the Independent Sector 10 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

Purchase Fund. The Controller

and Auditor General is on record as having said that, having done

an audit of the expenditure under the National Treatment Purchase Fund, the Independent Sector

absolutely offers value for money as well as very good outcomes.

So we do need to look at the

whole area of access and quality and affordability in terms of value.”

Fitzgerald points to the multi-

plicity of agreements with private health insurance companies and the dizzying array of insurance policies on the market. The

complexity of these products has, he believes, led to many people signing up to private health

insurance policies without being adequately aware of what it is

they are paying for and, in many instances, thinking that they are adequately covered for private

hospitals or treatments when they are not.

“There’s an argument as to

whether people understand what

they’re buying anymore,” he says.

“Ten years ago there were probably 20 to 30 private health

insurance products in the marketplace, now there’s close to 400.

That’s a lot of small print! More and more they have excesses on them and co-payments are required. The excesses and

the co-payments effectively mean that the insurer is exposing

themselves to less obligations to cover the care of the patients

and exposing the hospitals to more risk of not getting paid for

the care, because many of the people who buy the product don’t

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

understand the consequences of excesses and co-payments. It’s

“Hermitage Medical Clinic now has a heritage in care and

good faith, have bought a health insurance product and only

of trustworthiness,” says Mr Fitzgerald. “We also have the

very challenging to contemplate turning away patients who, in realise when they come to claim from it, because they have

a condition that requires care, that in fact it’s not what they thought it was.

“So, private health insurers want their members on the one hand to be able to get access to state-of-art hospitals and

services, but they are not necessarily on the same page of what it takes in order to have these hospitals make a return on investment.”

As CEO overseeing a challenging, but ultimately rewarding and successful first 10 years, Mr Fitzgerald now has his eyes

firmly on the next decade. It is a future in which he would like to see hospitals continue to work within a continuum of care model that he believes will serve patients better.

we have a vision and a value base which puts us in a position willingness, the intent, and the commitment to continue to

improve. We need to work with other stakeholders, be they the

State or health insurers or other key stakeholders to look ahead as to what’s coming down the tracks for the population and

play a meaningful role in providing care to those population(s).

We need to also to accept that there will be consolidation and integration and, I suppose, redesign of how care is provided

over the next 10 years. We want to be a leader in and a significant contributor to the process. The focus is very much on how do we serve the patient; How do we provide the best clinical

outcomes and how do we do so in a way that is sustainable? It

will only be sustainable if we continue to reinvest in our hospital and keep up with technology. If we are to get ahead of the

curve, meet the challenges ahead and continue to be leaders in

Our GP colleagues, as specialists in Primary Care, are critical

the provision of healthcare services it’s got to be on the basis of

Population health is a cornerstone of any sustainable contin-

Hermitage Clinic has been a Joint Commission International

to the future success of population-based healthcare strategy.

uation of care which involves integration and care pathway as which facilitates care being delivered in the most appropriate

settlings to patients and families. Population demographics are showing an explosive growth trajectory of people over the age of 75 years over the next 10 years. Hermitage Medical Clinic intends to broaden and deepen its affiliation and partnerships with GPs, Public Hospital Groups, Patient Advisory Organizations, Insurers & Health Policy makers along with Com-

missioners of Care in order to play a pivotal role as a high-tech community focused patient centric hospital.

a sustainable clinical and commercial service model.” ( JCI ) accredited hospital since 2007.

As of March 2017 and as a further expression of our ongoing

passion and commitment to our patients and families Her-

mitage Clinic has become the first and only Plantree affiliated

hospital in Ireland. The Planetree organization (www.planetree.org) is an international organization based in the USA focusing on putting patients first by designing and implementing Patient-Centered Care.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 11

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

A Lasting

Legacy

O

A modern medical facility is one of the most complex organizations on earth. utgoing Chairman of the Board, Niall

and a set of surgical scissors, the type used by our nurses,”

helm of the Hermitage Board of Directors

everything? He enjoyed the symbolism of the gift. After all,

O’Carroll, looks back on 10 years at the

– a time in which he has demonstrated an

unwavering commitment to quality that is

evident throughout the entire organisation.

On the 16 April 2007, the Hermitage Medical Clinic was th

officially opened by Bertie Ahern, the Taoiseach of the day.

It is a day that Niall O’Carroll remembers fondly.

“We presented the Taoiseach with some hand cleanser gel 12 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

Mr O’Carroll smiles. “What do you get the man who has he was officially cutting the ribbon on the hospital.”

That ceremonial day was particularly special for the staff

and patients present. Although Mr Ahern officially opened the Lucan facility, in truth it had been welcoming and treating patients since the previous Christmas.

“Having the Taoiseach present for any event is an honour,” Mr O’Carroll says, “but the day that the first patient came

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

through the door of the hospital in December 2006, that,

set up, so it wasn’t as intimidating as it sounds. And I love

many months of work. Seeing that first patient. That was it.

them the common issues. It’s fantastic when you see that

for me was much more symbolic. It was the culmination of

meeting with people, helping people and addressing with

We were open for business.”

work; when you see everyone’s needs addressed success-

Now a decade on, Mr O’Carroll can reflect on 10 years

of service at the helm of HMC’s Board of Directors. He is now the hospital’s former Chairman, having recently

stepped aside to allow a new person take over. A former

partner at KPMG, Mr O’Carroll was approached by the

Hermitage’s investors back in 2006 to join the then-new

hospital project in Lucan. He had strong form in the sector having served as chairman of Mount Carmel Hospital.

“I’m very proud to have been involved with the Hermitage, to have served the board, to have worked with all the fan-

tastic staff here and to have reported to the shareholders,”

he says. “You have to give great credit to the original inves-

tors for their vision in building this excellent facility. One of those investors, in particular, deserves special credit. Jimmy Sheehan is an extraordinary guy. I hope somewhere in his-

tory he will get the recognition he absolutely deserves. You show me anybody else who has driven the development of

three excellent hospitals – the Hermitage, Blackrock Clinic

and Galway Clinic. Two of those hospitals, Galway and the Hermitage, were built within a five-year period. That’s an

amazing contribution. Jimmy Sheehan founded, made and

fully. There’s no better buzz; no better rush then in seeing it all coming together and working.”

CHALLENGING TIMES The challenges over the past decade have been many, Mr O’Carroll says. From negotiations with private health insurers; to staffing; to the impact of changing policies of successive governments; the needs of shareholders to be remunerated and the blending together of all of the staffing groups working within the hospital. It is a process Mr O’Carroll likens to conducting an orchestra.

“It’s very difficult to put in place a 10-year policy or strategy in a hospital,” he says. “What I mean by that is, if I was in the bank, barring a once in a generation disaster like the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008, you could pretty well lay out a policy or strategy for the next 10 years and say with some certainty, that these will be your likely costs and then plan accordingly. In those industries, there is relative stability in the future. In a hospital, you can’t do that. We don’t know what might happen and there are so many moving pieces to make a hospital a success.

built these. He probably studied every corridor and hired

“A good way of understanding the challenges a hospital

then he ran them. That’s an extraordinary achievement.”

which is where they should be. Around them you have the

every electrician. He project-managed the hospitals and

As Chairman, Mr O’Carroll also played a key role in the

success of HMC as it stands today. Reporting to the shareholders, it was his job to make sure that the board held

proper discussion about the things that really matter, and

to liaise between the hospital’s management team and the shareholders, whom he ultimately represented.

“Every chairman has a different approach,” Mr O’Carroll

says. “I believe that there are two aspects to the role. There’s the formal aspect, which is one of looking after governance and compliance. Then there’s the active chairman role. It is important I think, that the input of the shareholders goes

beyond one of just writing cheques. So I would have actively represented the shareholders on Christmas Day, or on

other days of importance and I would come to the hospital to go around and talk to all of the patients – which is important and really informs you. I believe passionately that

the centre of everything here is the patient. The doctors and nurses will tell you the same thing: it’s all about the patient.

“The other aspect to the role, is that it is important that the chairman acts as the link between management and shareholders – that they explain the needs of each side to one another to help make the hospital a success. That takes a bit of time, to develop that relationship. Fortunately, I had a background in advising incoming industries in how to

faces is to look at it like this: the patient is at the centre, infrastructure of the hospital, which has to have rooms, facilities, equipment and technology. Then the patient has to be looked at by consultants, surgeons, physicians, and so on. They may decide that the patient needs a series of tests.

So now you have to have in place technicians, radiologists, pathologists, microbiologists and lab technicians. Then post-operation you might have the input of physios and follow up care. So in delivering best quality care, you need to blend together this whole orchestra of talents focused on one thing - the patient. If one piece of that orchestra is disrupted, it affects the whole score you are trying to deliver.

Every time something happens from outside the hospital that can affect the harmony of what’s going on within, that can disrupt the way in which you deliver care to a patient.

It could be anything from a shortage of nursing talent or a change in government policy – something outside of the hospital’s control. The other part of that orchestra is the private health insurers. They are key in remunerating the hospital once we care for their policyholders, but our negotiations with them are often long and difficult. Our agreements with them used to change year-on-year in the past – which obviously affected your ability to plan ahead. Now they are negotiated on a two-to-three-year basis, which brings its own difficulties. How can you be sure a cost you negotiate today won’t go up in price in three years-time?”

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 13

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

COMBINING RESOURCES For his successor, Mr O’Carroll sees these ongoing challenges

highly regarded and highly- respected hospital, serving its community.

as remaining in the future. He sees rising patient numbers as a

“I leave my role with the confidence in knowing that I have

challenge for the hospital in the sense that it retains the quality

been a part – a very small part – in the Hermitage now being an

of service it has become known for against increased demand.

excellent hospital,” he says. “You always look to the reaction

The combining of resources between private hospitals groups is

of families of patients who have been treated here. Increasingly

also something he envisages for the future.

they have thought more highly of us. Of course, nobody wants

“I think the biggest challenge over the next 10 years will be the consolidation that will happen in the healthcare sector,” Mr O’Carroll says. “Instead of competing in areas of scarce resource, such as expert staff in some areas, I think we will see many hospital groups consolidate and pool together the use of resources.”

to return to hospital if they can help it, but if patients do need future treatment, we’ve found that they want to come back here having been treated here initially. That’s a massive endorsement. We have also seen the families of previous patients return – their siblings, parents and children – in their time of need.

They come here because it is the hospital where their loved one got cared for and because they believe that’s where they will

Mr O’Carroll will be a very interested onlooker if and when

also get their needs met. To be part of a hospital that delivers

that happens. He joined the Hermitage Medical Clinic at its

on that time and again has been a privilege.”

birth, worked through its infancy and now leaves it as a mature, 14 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

I believe passionately that the centre of everything here is the patient.

The doctors and nurses will tell you the same thing: it’s all about the patient.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 15

CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

Cutting

Edge Technology Stereotactic radiosurgery has been available since the late ‘50’s when Lars Leksell invented the GammaKnife, initially to treat tremors in Parkinsonian patients with a non-invasive approach.

Dr Leksell subsequently used the GammaKnife to treat intracranial tumours, arteriovenous malformations and trigeminal neuralgia, but since localisation depended on a rigid head frame, the treatment could not be used elsewhere in the body.

16 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

I

n the past 20 years there have been great

advances in computer speed & radiologi-

cal imaging which has allowed stereotactic radiosurgery to be delivered throughout

the body. This capability was used by John

Adler to invent the CyberKnife, probably the most versatile way to deliver radiosurgery anywhere in the body.

In 1987, John Adler, MD, professor of neurosurgery and

radiation oncology at Stanford University Medical Centre, developed the CyberKnife System after completing a

fellowship in Sweden with Lars Leksell, the founder of

radiosurgery. With the CyberKnife System, Adler’s vision

radiosurgery to the treatment of intracranial tumours.

CyberKnife is the world’s first and only radiosurgery system designed to treat tumours anywhere in the body with

sub-millimetre accuracy. Using image guidance technology and computer controlled robotics, CyberKnife is designed to continually track, detect and correct for tumour and

patient movement throughout the treatment. Because of its extreme precision, the CyberKnife System does not require

invasive head or body frames to stabilise patient movement, vastly increasing its flexibility.

INTELLIGENT ROBOTICS

was to develop a non-invasive robotic radiosurgery process

According to Daniel Rawluk, Consultant Neurosurgeon

in the body. The revolutionary concept reached far beyond

HMC, CyberKnife represents the next generation of radio-

with superior accuracy for treatment of tumours anywhere the practice of radiosurgery at the time, which restricted

and Clinical Director of the CyberKnife Programme at

surgery, combining continual image-guidance technology

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 17

CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

Physics Dept

with a compact linear accelerator that has the ability to move

pituitary tumours, AVMs, trigeminal neuralgia, metastasis and

plan. This combination, called intelligent robotics, extends the

reported studies from other centres and audits of responses to

in three dimensions, according to the patient’s treatment

benefits of radiosurgery to the treatment of tumours anywhere in the body.

CyberKnife not only delivers on pinpoint accuracy, it requires

no anaesthesia, can be performed on an outpatient basis, and it allows for the treatment of patients who otherwise would not have been treated with radiation or who may not have been good candidates for surgery.

“In addition, the CyberKnife procedure avoids many of the potential risks and complications that are associated with

other treatment options and is more cost effective than traditional surgery”, explains Rawluck.

The CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System is a non-inva-

sive alternative to surgery for the treatment of both cancerous and non-cancerous tumours anywhere in the body, including in the prostate, lung, brain, spine, liver, pancreas, and kidney.

The treatment—which delivers beams of high dose radia-

tion to tumours with extreme accuracy—offers real hope to patients.

Following the setting up of CyberKnife in the Hermitage Medical Clinic, the initial programme concentrated on

neurological pathologies, e.g. acoustic neuroma, meningioma, 18 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

spinal tumours. The results are as expected in comparison with treatment are being carried out.

Prostate and lung cancer cases have been treated with equally

good results and patient feedback has been very supportive and complimentary after treatment delivery. The short duration of

treatment for prostate cancer was a significant factor in patient

appreciation of the advantages of CyberKnife treatment versus

alternative treatments. This aspect has been reflected in patient preference in Harvard where CyberKnife is the preferred

option over brachytherapy expressed by patients presenting with prostate cancer.

ADAPTABLE TREATMENT At a recent CyberKnife symposium at HMC Dr Osama Salib, ra-

diation oncologist presented initial experiences in the treatment of lung cancer cases, and following the introduction of the

latest software upgrade in the near future, very few cases will need fiducial implantation to track & treat their cancer.

During the same symposium, the results of treating liver &

pancreatic tumours was presented by Dr Anand Mahadevan

from Harvard. The main advantage again appeared to be reduc-

tion of treatment times compared to other standard treatment modalities with equal results.

CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

Official CyberKnife Dept Opening Attendees at the symposium

were also introduced to the use of CyberKnife to treat cardiac

rhythm disorders by Dr Patrick Maguire, cardiac surgeon & CEO of CyberHeart, from

Palo Alto in California. Such

conditions are usually treated by

CyberKnife is the world’s first and only radiosurgery system designed to treat tumours anywhere in the body with submillimetre accuracy

cardiac ablation, however this

is a promising alternative, especially in those patients unfit for

standard cardiac ablative procedures. The use of CyberHeart

software to plan & deliver cardiac ablation externally is much

less invasive than standard techniques although a cardiac catheter fiducial is required during treatment delivery. Dr Maguire also described the potential of using CyberHeart to perform renal nerve ablations to treat refractory hypertension.

Though its name may conjure images of scalpels and surgery, CyberKnife treatment involves no cutting.

“In fact, the CyberKnife System is the world’s first and

only robotic radiosurgery system designed to treat tumours

throughout the body non-invasively. It provides a pain-free, non-surgical option for patients who have inoperable or

surgically complex tumours, or who may be looking for an alternative to surgery”, explains Rawluk.

“Multiple beams of high-energy radiation are delivered from

multiple points outside of the body and converge precisely at

the tumour or lesion inside the body. Each individual beam is

not sufficient to cause harm, but

the convergence of all the beams at the tumour results in the

lesion receiving a very high dose

of radiation while sparing nearby normal tissue.”

Because CyberKnife radio-

surgery is so precise, radiation

beams can be sculpted to small,

complex-shaped tumours near critical structures, such as hearing and vision nerves. This ability to accurately irradiate only

the tumour and protect healthy tissue allows the CyberKnife

to treat lesions that may be considered inoperable or untreatable with other radiosurgery systems.

The introduction of CyberKnife into Ireland has increased

the therapeutic options in offering treatment to patients with cancer and other benign conditions and holds out a potential promise to extend the indications to treat other conditions.

This can be achieved in an outpatient setting in a short

time frame which is very appealing to most patients striving to maintain their quality of life for as long as possible. It is

important that decisions on suitability of cases for treatment

should be made through appropriate MDMs given the current options available to treat the spectrum of conditions with ra-

diosurgery. All cases treated in the Hermitage Medical Clinic are discussed at monthly meetings.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 19

PATIENT PERSPECTIVE

CyberKnife

Meets Headcase “The people at the Hermitage (Clinic) and the CyberKnife machine have given me a whole new lease of life. I’d even go as far as to say that they have probably saved my life. They have certainly extended my life and I will be eternally grateful to them for that.”

J

ohn Walsh has travelled a long and arduous

fully, the then Bremen (Germany)-based Galwegian recovered.

detected tumours on his brain caused him so

by an avalanche of razor sharp pain, uncontrollable hyper-

road since July 2000 when, in an instant, unmuch pain and left him with so little oxygen

to breathe that he gestured the word goodbye

with his hands to his shocked, unsuspecting flat mate. Thank-

However, it was the second such occasion he was bowled over ventilating, paralysis and a sensation of being suffocated. In his first attack, some weeks earlier while walking down the

street in Bremen, he suffered sudden and serious headaches

which persisted for two weeks. In the midst of his third attack, the then 23-year-old year professional translator penned a

heart-breaking note while travelling back to his apartment in Bremen, Germany.

It was July 23rd, 2000 and John was travelling on the train, just after being discharged from the city’s central hospital. Such

was the intensity and aggressive nature of the attack that he

firmly believed it was his cue to join his maker. After passing

the note, replete with his mother’s contact details, to a friend, he prepared for the worst.

Thankfully, the worst didn’t come. His friend bundled him into a car at the next train station and rushed him back to hospital where doctors finally confirmed, via an MRI brain scan, that

his brain was afflicted by a tumour called liponeurocytoma; a tumour common to only 41 people in the world since it was first discovered and named in 1978.

“It took the doctors in Bremen a long time to get a diagnosis because it is such a rare type of tumour. I think I’m the only one that has it and is still alive,” 40-year-old John explains.

“After being treated in Bremen for anxiety and stress, given psychiatric treatment, going through all different types of

investigations and taking part in all sorts of reflex tests which didn’t get to the root of the problem, I suppose I was proven

right when they eventually announced that I had a tumour.”

John has since written a book detailing his travails, tribulations and trials while living and dealing with life-threatening, rare

tumours over the past 17 years. His book, appropriately enti20 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

PATIENT PERSPECTIVE

tled ‘Headcase’ has become a best-seller. His website www. johnwalshheadcase.com dovetails to make the Walsh story

a potent cocktail of inspirational, arresting and memorable details which paint a picture of the hardest battle of all -

the battle for life. John has proven to be a gritty fighter and, mirroring his days on the playing field, a born winner. True to form, John completed his rehab in Bremen on Septem-

ber 8th, 2000 and for the next five years lived a normal life.

However, in April 2005, five months before he was due

to get married, a routine check-up in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, showed that the tumour had returned.

Operation after operation followed as nodules appeared on John’s spine to add to the existing ones on his skull.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were added to the panoply of treatments and, thankfully, between 2011 and 2014 John was relatively pain-free and able to enjoy decent health.

“Then one day (September 9th, 2014) I woke up in bed

and couldn’t walk with the pain in my back,” John recalls.

“When I got to the Hermitage Clinic, I needed high

doses of morphine just to go through with the MRI. The

surgeons advised me to go for CyberKnife. I had my first

treatment with Cyberknife that same day. One week later, on my 38th birthday, I felt that well, I could have run a marathon!”

A married father of three, John has since had a second ses-

sion of CyberKnife treatment at the Hermitage Clinic. That was in April 2016 when tumours on his brain and spine

were once again targeted by what was, and still is, the first and only radiosurgery system designed to treat tumours anywhere in the body with sub-millimetre accuracy.

So what does John make of the world’s first and only robotic radiosurgery system which treats tumours throughout the body in a non-invasive fashion?

“Fantastic. I was sick of having operations and CyberKnife is a brilliant alternative to surgery.

“There’s even no need for an anaesthetic. Every session is finished within a half an hour or so and there are no side-effects.

It has worked the oracle for me.”

Although John’s tumours on his spine and on his brain have been classified as inoperable, the CyberKnife machine has thus proven to be a Godsend for him, a veritable lifesaver.

For now, there are no more sessions of CyberKnife for John in the pipeline. Once he remains free from pain, standard MRI scans will be the name of the game for him rather

than the precise, multiple beams of high-energy, high-dosage radiation that CyberKnife delivered to his brain and

spine during his April 2016 and September 2016 sessions.

Employed by Tusla, the ‘erstwhile Child and Family

Agency, John is enjoying life at present. Pain-free and with full mobility, he is effusive in his praise of his family’s sup-

port down through the years as one battle followed another.

He doesn’t begin to claim that he has won the war but he

considers the fact that he is able to live life to the full right now a huge blessing and a major victory in itself.

“I judge my progress on the fact that I’ve been able to

celebrate the various milestones of my eldest’s (Firinne) life

so far. She is five now. At one stage I wasn’t sure whether or not I would live to see her being born. Then I didn’t think I’d be around for her first birthday.

“I don’t take anything for granted now. I’ve a terrific sup-

port network around me but I’ve also grown to become my own best counsellor and I suppose that has helped me deal with my illness and help others too who are suffering from cancer.”

John has since written a book detailing his travails,

tribulations and trials while living and dealing with

life-threatening, rare tumours over the past 17 years. His book, appropriately entitled ‘Headcase’ was launched on September 14th 2016 and has become a best-seller. His

website www.johnwalshheadcase.com dovetails to make

the Walsh story a potent cocktail of inspirational, arresting

and memorable details which paint a picture of the hardest battle of all - the battle for life. A truly inspirational story; When CyberKnife met Headcase!

“I was delighted when it was offered to me at the Hermitage Clinic. I have to thank Frank Sullivan, Clare Faul and

Jamsar Khalid for that. They are a brilliant team and they’ve a lot of good people around them.

“I was hoping that at some stage something other than

surgery would be on offer. I just didn’t want to go under

the knife again. So once I got all the information on Cy-

berKnife from Clare (Faul) I immediately felt I was onto a winner.

“And after a series of MRI scans, I was deemed to be a

suitable candidate for CyberKnife. I feel privileged to be

one of the first cancer patients in Ireland to benefit from

the CyberKnife system. It really is science fiction in action.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 21

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

A Culture

Like no Other The process by which a team of professionals work together to ensure quality care and patient safety is known as Clinical Governance. Professor Oscar Traynor is the Director of Clinical Governance at the HMC, the Hermitage’s first such office holder.

P

rofessor Traynor reports to the Hermit-

is the support and buy-in from senior management and I

closely with the Chief Executive Officer

absolutely 100% support for the process of clinical govern-

age’s Board of Directors and works very

and the Chief Operations Officer (who is also Director of Nursing Services).

In terms of heading up Clinical Gov-

ernance at the HMC, Professor Traynor is to the manor

born. Indeed, given his background as an eminent surgeon, it’s hardly surprising that he is an extremely good fit. After

all, he formerly worked for almost 30 years in St. Vincent’s

University Hospital as Director of its National Liver Transplant Programme and was actually one of the programme’s founders.

Although he is now retired from clinical practice, Professor Traynor still performs the role of Director of the National

Surgical Training Centre at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).

For the past 12 years, he has been running a programme of

think that is very obvious at the Hermitage where there is

ance from senior management,” Professor Traynor enthuses.

“We meet as a committee every two months and formally review the bank of indicators of patient safety and quality of care. For example, we have a formal process whereby

we review every death which occurs in the hospital. We

also look at any complications that may have occurred by

reviewing any unplanned returns to the hospital theatre and any surgical complications of whatever kind.

“In addition, all hospital infections are reviewed. We have a Clinical Nurse Specialist who is in charge of infection

control, which means that every infection in the hospital is

formally reviewed. Similarly, we also look at any medication incidents in relation to the prescribing or administration of drugs and they are logged and formally reviewed.

human factors training for surgical trainees in the RCSI,

“We also review all near-miss incidents, that is, things

formal programme in human factors for surgical trainees.

which didn’t actually happen. They are all formally reviewed

and leadership, crisis management, patient safety and med-

the future”.

the first surgical training body in the world to develop a

which could have happened and caused a problem but

The programme covers communication skills, team work

to reduce the likelihood of an adverse event happening in

ical error, all of which come under the umbrella of human factors.

Professor Traynor heads up the Clinical Governance Com-

mittee in the HMC which is composed of key stakeholders within the hospital including clinicians, senior nursing staff and allied healthcare professionals. Critically, the committee also includes senior management personnel and both the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operations Officer/ Director of Nursing Services.

“I think one of the keys to success of clinical governance 22 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

CHECKS & BALANCES Checks and balances are the hallmark of the Hermitage’s

modus operandi. For instance, upon checking out of HMC, patients are asked to complete a survey, the results of which are benchmarked against international norms. The Her-

mitage’s benchmark is Cleveland Clinic, one of the top five ranked private hospitals in the United States.

Since the HMC took the ambitious decision three years

ago to establish the post of Director of Clinical Govern-

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

ance, other private hospitals have followed suit. Suffice to

The JCI has a very large panel of standards that govern

ingly embraced by private hospitals.

three years to accredit the HMC. Crucially, if hospitals

say, clinical governance is something that is being increasThe Hermitage freely and voluntarily created Professor

Traynor’s role as part of their self-audit practice. But one

every aspect of care in the Clinic. They come once every like Hermitage Medical Clinic don’t meet the rigorous JCI standards, they will not be accredited.

wonders will the creation of a Director of Clinical Govern-

Since HMC was officially opened in 2007, there have been

hospitals?

These advances have impacted greatly on health and safety

ance become, in due course, a statutory requirement for all

“Yes, it probably will come under statutory control in time,” Professor Traynor opines.

“It’s probably going to be a couple of years before we get

to that stage but an increasing number of private hospitals have appointed directors of clinical governance over the past two years. I think that trend is going to continue.

“People are becoming more and more aware of the im-

portance of patient safety and quality of care and hence the increasing need for expert

huge advances in technology within the medical field.

practices at the Hermitage, as with all other progressive hospitals.

“A significant part of my role is to ensure the safe introduction of new technology at the Clinic,” Professor Traynor adds.

“The practice of surgery is becoming more and more

embedded in complex technology and it is really important that new technology is properly assessed to make sure that it is safe and that it offers advantages to patients.

clinical governance”.

“Equally as important, is the

matter of us ensuring that those

According to Professor Traynor, good lines of communication

within an organization are cru-

cial to generating good systems.

“You won’t be very successful in your role, for instance, of

Director of Clinical Governance if the only thing you do is run a

At HMC quality care and good safety practices are two sides of the same coin. You simply can’t have one without the other.

clinical governance committee

to get out there and visit the wards and talk to the ward manager and the nurses and doctors and find out what issues are causing concern in relation to safety.

“Only when you talk to people at ground level i.e. on the

wards, in the emergency department and in the operating theatres, will you discover the key to success”.

SETTING STANDARDS The Hermitage Medical Clinic seeks to achieve the highest

to use it before they start using it in practice.

“Part of my responsibility as Director of Clinical Governance is

to ensure that people are trained to use any new technological

deliver the training: the training

According to Professor Traynor, governance is visibility and a hands-on approach. “You need

quately trained and credentialed

equipment. I don’t actually

meeting every two months.” the key to success in clinical

using new technology are ade-

is delivered elsewhere”.

Professor Traynor is immensely proud of the Clinic’s safety

record but the importance of avoiding error is paramount in the Lucan behemoth and not only because of the prospect of litigation.

“I would say that the risk of litigation is a significant issue

in contemporary clinical practice but, for most doctors and nurses, the professional duty to ensure best quality care and patient safety is more important than the threat of

litigation,” Professor Traynor explains. And if something does go awry?

standards possible in every facet of its operation. To that

“If there is a significant incident in the Hermitage, a formal

tional) which is an American organisation which accredits

formal review of any significant issues present.

end, it is accredited by JCI ( Joint Commission Interna-

hospitals around the world in the area of safety and quality

standards. Significantly, the Hermitage has been successfully accredited by JCI since 2008.

root cause analysis kicks in whereby we would have a

“We would then come up with recommendations to change practices, if need be, to avoid such a thing happening again.” Bet the next JCI audit will be a breeze!

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 23

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

Neurosurgery Neurosurgery has been one of the major surgical specialties offered at the Hermitage Medical Clinic since it opened in 2007.

P

roviding minimally invasive spinal surgery

for degenerative spinal disease at first, there

are now more spinal neurosurgical operations carried out at HMC than at the National

Neurosurgical unit in Beaumont Hospital. A

state of the art neurosurgical operating theatre is in use almost every day and the breadth of procedures has increased to include major intracranial surgery.

There are now ten neurosurgeons working at the Hermitage all of whom are highly skilled and experienced and many of

whom hold a consultant appointment at the National Department of Neurosurgery, Beaumont Hospital. Neurosurgery is a

team-driven, complex specialty which by necessity depends on diverse expertise and ancillary services.

As can be seen from the Hermitage website, neurosurgery is

supported in all major areas encompassing neuro-anaesthetics,

neurosurgical nursing, medical neurology, neuroradiology, neurophysiology and neuropsychology. There is also an excellent oncology Department at HMC with particular expertise in 24 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

the management of brain and spinal tumours. This essentially means that comprehensive advice and care can be offered for virtually all neurosurgical cases on site. Over the past

decade, Neurosurgery at the Hermitage Clinic has quite simply evolved into a department of excellence unmatched in any other private hospital in Ireland.

SPINAL SPECIALISTS The mainstay of neurosurgical practice at the Hermitage is

minimally invasive spinal surgery, with a considerable amount of work being done to relieve pain and disability due to disc

prolapses and degenerative change in the cervical (neck) and lumbar spine. The advantage of this over more conventional spinal surgery is the better preservation of normal spinal motion and the sparing of normal anatomical structures

adjacent to problem areas. The length of surgical incisions is less and the pain associated with surgery much reduced. In

recent years, new innovations such as artificial cervical discs,

and minimally invasive spinal fixation/fusion has been adopted at HMC.

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

According to Mr Steven Young, Consultant Neurosurgeon

A summary of neurosurgery at the Clinic would not be

on the day of surgery and can usually be discharged within

first CyberKnife service in Ireland. This non-invasive alter-

in most minimally invasive surgeries the patient is walking 24 hours of his or her operation. From pre-assessment to

discharge, everything is done to ensure the safest experience and best possible outcome for patients.

A dedicated Neurosurgical theatre is in operation every

day that boasts state-of-the-art microscopic equipment, computed CT and MRI-guided

complete without including the introduction in 2014 of the native treatment for cancerous and noncancerous tumours

works by directing multiple rays of high-dose radiation via a robotic arm to highly focused sites, with minimal spread

of radiation to adjacent areas. When indicated, it can spare patients open surgery and provide effective treatment for cases that before would have required a lengthy hospital

stay. Although not used exclu-

navigational aids together with

the latest in audio-visual technology. An Intensive Care Unit with full anaesthetic back-up adjoins

the theatre complex should it be required.

Mr Young explains that with the emergence of full neurosurgical capabilities, other procedures

which hitherto would normally have been carried out only in a

sively for neurosurgery, and with

“Neurosurgery at the Hermitage Clinic has evolved into a department of excellence unmatched in any other private hospital in Ireland” – Mr Steven Young, neurosurgeon

major teaching hospital are now being offered at the Hermitage

clinic. These include surgery for

pituitary disorders, some types of brain tumour, hydrocephalus and surgery for trigeminal neuralgia.

Important factors in patient safety such as continuing

medical education, risk management protocols and regular academic meetings, together with the day-to-day training

of medical and nursing staff are all an essential part of the neurosurgical service and are strongly supported at the

applications in the treatment

of tumours in for example the prostate, lung and liver, it is

nonetheless very important in the armamentarium against

brain and spinal-cord tumours

and certain blood vessel abnormalities.

With a year on year increase

in the number of neurosurgical

cases being carried out at HMC, there has been an expansion

in the number of beds available to match, and a desire to continue recruiting specialised staff.

Concluding Mr Young says: “It has been exciting to be

part of the development of neurosurgery in the Hermitage

and encouraging to see how in a relatively short time, it has

developed into a vibrant state-of-the-art department where

patients can be assured of the safest and best available care.”

Hermitage.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 25

Achilles SpeedBridge™

Univers Revers™

CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

Peace Of Mind

For patients who choose to attend the Hermitage Medical Clinic, peace of mind comes as standard. Irrespective of the treatment being sought, patients under the care of the HMC can rest assured that they are in safe hands.

A

O

talented team of Orthopaedic professionals

“I also continue to carry out operations in the Midland

large joint, including hip and knee replace-

for orthopaedics. However, my preference is to do the more

includes Mr McGoldrick who specialises in ment/sports injuries with a sub-speciality interest in hand. Mr Joe Sparkes and Mr

Philip O’Connor have special interests in spine problems; Mr Paddy Kenny, Mr Peter Keogh, Mr. Paul Murphy, Mr Imran Sharif, Mr. Eoin Sheehan, Mr O’Connor and Mr Stefan

Byrne have additional interest in trauma management; Mr

John Lunn has special interest in shoulder surgery; Ms Olivia

Flannery in hand, wrist and shoulder while Mr David Borton has a special interest in foot and ankle surgery. A recent

Regional Hospital in Tullamore which is the regional centre complex orthopaedic work at the Hermitage on the basis that back up from other specialties such as ICU, cardiology and medical specialties are all on site.

“A lot of those specialties are not available in every hospital in the country. For instance, if someone needed access to a cath

lab rapidly, the Hermitage can respond immediately whereas

such a facility isn’t available in a lot of other hospitals around the country.

addition to the team is Mr Alonso Moreno who has joined

“Most of our patients are more elderly so often times we

and trauma.

an ICU specialist or cardiologist to see a patient should an

Of course things can go pear-shaped in every hospital,

there in the clinic doing their own job but they are available

excellence, the back-up and support afforded to patients-in-

we can deal with pretty much anything that comes our way

surgeon Dave Cogley who explains:

In common with a lot of the other consultant orthopaedic

HMC from Spain and specialises in knee surgery and sports

would have a need for the assistance of a medical specialist, issue arise and I’m very grateful for that. These people are

private and public, but at the Lucan-based place of medical

to us at all times which is very important, because it means

need is second to none. Kevin Karney talks to orthopaedic

should a problem arise after an operation.”

“Over the years, there have been times when things have

surgeons currently working at HMC, Dave boasts a long and

But, in that regard, I’ve had a very positive experience in a

UCD in 1984 being followed in 1997 by his graduation from

recovery just after surgery in the Hermitage but they have

surgery. Dave cut his teeth in Tullamore as an orthopaedic

mitage at the time.

tember 2007, just a few months after its official opening.

gone wrong, partly because of matters outside of our control.

distinguished professional career; his degree in medicine from

number of cases where patients have had a heart attack in

the Royal College of Surgeons as a specialist in orthopaedic

survived because of the very fact that they were in the Her-

consultant in 1988 before linking up with the HMC in SepHermitage Medical Clinic | 27

CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

Over the past 10 years, Dave and co. has witnessed the footfall

“Ultimately, once the patient co-operates with the health care

geons at the Hermitage carried out over 800 joint replacements

good outcome.”

at the HMC grow exponentially. In 2016, the orthopaedic surbetween them.

“I think it would be accurate to say that demand for our

services has grown organically from the very beginning,” Dave enthuses. “The fact it has grown in such a fashion is a good

thing because it makes it more sustainable. I would have to say that to my mind the increase in our volume of business is due mostly to word of mouth as opposed to big advertisements place around the city or in the media.”

Since its inception, the HMC has been on the tip of the tongue of a large number of GPs with whom the various medical

professionals and support staff in Lucan have enjoyed a tre-

mendous, mutually-beneficial relationship since 2007. Confi-

dence and trust have been staple ingredients in the relationship between HMC and GPs and the support network between

the parties is very much a two-way street. The upshot is that patients arrive with confidence to the Hermitage Medical

team and participates in their own recovery, they will have a

Patients are much more discerning now of course, and more

interested in finding out about the nature and method of cer-

tain medical practices and operations. Sometimes patients can be misinformed by way of the internet for instance, so that’s

where the usefulness of the HMC’s pre-op and pre-hab work is underpinned.

Patients referred by their GP to HMC for a hip joint replacement immediately enter into discussions with their chosen

consultant regarding the reasons why they need the operation and what quality of life they expect after the operation. Dave explains:

“It’s important that the patient and surgeon have an agreed understanding in terms of where the goalposts are positioned and what the aims of the surgery are. So if a patient’s expectations can be met, patients are, in general terms, much happier.”

Clinic via the fast lane, where a

Happy hip-replacement patients

awaits.

landscape for the past decade

have been littering the Lucan

professional and caring service

PATIENT PARTNERSHIPS It must be said that everything at the Hermitage Medical Clinic is about the collective rather than

the individual. Patients arriving

at the Orthopaedic Department are immediately invited to buy

“Ultimately, once the patient co-operates with the health care team and participates in their own recovery, they will have a good outcome.”

and increasingly so since 2009

when ground-breaking surgery initiated by Dave and a surgeon friend from Cork - was introduced to the HMC.

“I do an anterior approach to the hip which is a newer approach that allows us to do a hip

into a process which kicks off

replacement through a smaller

team game begins.

muscle.

incision but without cutting

with some pre-op education. The Briefings from the consultant, the consultant’s secretary, a

“It’s an approach that is much less invasive. It doesn’t damage

tive, instructive and re-assuring for the patient. The pre-habil-

aged as much, patients recover faster and they can return to

lot of their exercises pre-operatively so that they can improve

per year, including some re-do surgeries, using an anterior

pre-assessment nurse and a staff physiotherapist are informa-

tissues to the same extent and when the tissues aren’t dam-

itation work then follows whereby patients are invited to do a

normal health more rapidly. I carry out about 160 replacements

their outcomes post-operatively.

approach.”

Patients need to be a good team player then? “Absolutely,”

Such ground-breaking surgery allied to improved pain killer

things invariably go great. The patient takes responsibility for

as it used to be and recovery times are significantly shorter.

the physiotherapy and adhere to the schedule and plans that are

into a partnership with Salaso, conveyors of an integrated

Dave insists. “Once they act as an equal member of the team,

models has meant hip joint surgery isn’t as severe on the patient

their part of the bargain. They realise they have to do the rehab,

And the news keeps getting better! Just recently, HMC entered

laid out for them during their stay in hospital.

physio programme, which will enable consultant orthopaedic

“It’s much more of a partnership between the surgeon, the

otherapy care, more post-operative care and more pre-operative

hospital and the patient these days, compared to when I started

off almost 30 years ago. In the past it was a much more paternal relationship in terms of patients trusting you with their life.

There’s more discussion now about what we can do, how we can do it and the likely outcomes.

28 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

surgeons like Dave Cogley to deliver more personalised physi-

education to patients in their own homes via a telly/video link.

Just another reason then when you’re considering putting your life in a surgeon’s hands, think Hermitage!

Since its inception, the HMC has been on the tip of the tongue of a large number of GPs with whom the various medical professionals and support staff in Lucan have enjoyed a tremendous, mutually-beneficial relationship since 2007

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 29

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CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

Neurophysiology

T

Clinical Neurophysiology is a medical specialty that studies the central and peripheral nervous systems. In a hospital environment this involves tests to measure the electrical functions of the brain, spinal cord and nerves in the limbs and muscles. he Director of the Neurophysiology

Service at HMC is Dr Ronan Walsh,

Consultant Neurologist & Neurophysiologist. Dr Walsh has provided EMG services in the Hermitage since 2007

and the Neurophysiology Department was established in

when they’re at rest and when they’re being used.

“Nerve conduction studies and EMG are a very useful

diagnostic tool because they not only identify a nerve or muscle problem, but can then localise it and indicate its severity”, explains Dr Walsh.

January 2014. He is assisted by the Chief Physiologist,

“An EMG records and detects abnormalities in the brain

Martina Healion, a highly experienced Physiologist with

During the procedure, electrodes consisting of small

Margaret Sullivan, who has over 15 years’ experience, and

waves generated by the electrical activity of the brain.

over 25 years-experience.

metal discs with thin wires are pasted onto the scalp. The

Dr Walsh explains that his Department provides diagnostic testing for a wide range of neurological conditions includ-

electrodes detect tiny electrical charges that result from the activity of the brain cells.”

ing carpal tunnel syndrome, poly-neuropathy, compression

As the ethos of HMC is one of continuous development,

confusion, non-epileptic seizures, myopathy, neuromuscu-

even further to include autonomic system testing, visual

sclerosis (visual evoked potentials) and trigeminal disorders

sclerosis), somatasensory evoked responses (spinal cord dis-

neuropathies, radiculopathy, seizures, encephalopathy/

Dr Walsh says that there are plans to extend testing options

lar junction disorders such as myasthenia gravis, multiple

evoked responses (test for optic neuritis and multiple

(blink responses).

orders and multiple sclerosis), quantitative sensory testing

Nerve conduction studies measure nerve responses to elec-

and intraoperative monitoring.

trical stimulation - how fast and effectively the nerves can

The Neurophysiology Department has a full time secretary

body with electrical signals called impulses. An electromy-

Neurophysiology Department, Suite 4, Hermitage Medical

send electrical signals. Nerves control the muscles in the

Aine Tierney, who can be contacted by email, fax or post at

ogram (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles

Clinic.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 31

CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

Radiation

Oncology

T

Radiation Oncology is the branch of clinical medicine that uses ionizing radiation either alone or in combination with other treatment modalities for the treatment of patients with malignant or benign diseases. he Radiotherapy Department at HMC has

cancer treatment. Dr Osama Salib was the first oncologist

clinic 10 years ago. Dr Ian Fraser, Clinical

provider of cancer services in the state. This was an important

been in operation since the opening of the

Director says that over the years the range of facilities and activities at HMC has evolved

and continuously improved.

“We started as a community hospital delivering service to

the people of west Dublin, north Kildare and environs”, he

explains. “We had two state of the art linear accelerators with

all the support and relevant services. It was a serious effort on the part of the owners to fill a gap in the provision of services outside the city centre”.

The location of the Clinic meant that patients could get easy access to radiation therapy as part of their multimodality 32 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

on site, and he linked the Centre with St Lukes, the largest

collaboration to ensure that the Department kept up to date with all of the treatments on offer.

HMC today has a vastly expanded Radiotherapy Department

with the presence of Dr Clare Faul from Beaumont, Professor Frank Sullivan from Galway and the appointment of Dr Ian

Fraser as Clinical Director of Radiation Oncology. Cross cover and attendance at multidisciplinary meetings at HMC and in

outside University Hospitals keeps the Department up to date with new technology and with any developments in the field.

Dr Fraser says that each consultant brings their own unique

expertise to the table. “Dr Salib and Dr Faul have enormous

CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

Radiation Therapists

experience in dealing with brain tumuors over many years.

co-planar beams are used. According to Dr Fraser, this is

include radiotherapy of benign disease”.

cal, such as lung cancer. “This should be introduced into the

This has been expanded with the arrival of CyberKnife to Prior to the arrival of CyberKnife, Mr Danny Rawluk, an eminent neurosurgeon, had been sending patients abroad for radiation to treat conditions such as trigeminal neu-

ralgia, where intractable pain can be severe and persistent.

used abroad in areas where movement of the cancer is critiHermitage shortly”, he says. Other sites where this is due

to be introduced are liver and pancreas where Harvard have successful programmes – “they have been onsite to give us the benefit of their expertise”.

One exposure of radiation to a dose of 60 Gy can result in

Dr Fraser feels that he is supported by an excellent team.

0.5 mms enables a large dose to be delivered in one expo-

The entrance to the department is lined by research papers

complete pain relief. The dose delivered with an accuracy of sure. Mr Rawluk managed the installation of CyberKnife at HMC - the only centre in Ireland with such advanced technology.

“Cyberknife is more accurate than any other radiotherapy system and can treat extra cranial disease such as prostate

Dr Mohammed Galal has been appointed Head of Physics. published by himself and his colleagues. Martina Rosser has returned from a major centre in the UK to become

Head of Radiotherapy. Martina has a great interest in audit.

She has also been active in drawing up protocols for treatments and ensuring cohesiveness within the department.

cancer where the disease is within the capsule. It has to be

Concluding Dr Fraser says: “We are looking forward to

explains Dr Fraser.

in the near future. We have come a long way and are look-

defined by the capsule to ensure we do not miss cancers”, The treatment is delivered over 5 days rather than 7-8

weeks. This is the beginning of a change in radiotherapy to-

incorporating our patients into International clinical trials ing forward to the next 10 years with enthusiasm as our department develops”.

wards shorter fractionation. Instead of using up to 9 beams with conventional linears or an arc delivery, about 170 non

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 33

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CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

Cardiology Dept

Heart

of the Matter

D

HMC Cardiology offers a comprehensive range of services starting with risk assessment and progressing to the investigation and management of all forms of heart disease. r David Mulcahy, Consultant Cardiolo-

enthusiastic about the investment in people and technology

developments in terms of cardiovascular

art investigative and interventional facilities that are second

gist, says that HMC is at the forefront of advances with a quality of service to the individual patient that is first class:

at HMC. Cardiology services are backed up by state of the to none, all of which are delivered by consultant cardiologists.

“My colleagues here at HMC are excellent and the facilities

Dr Mulcahy looks forward to even further expansion in

getting things done quickly” explains Dr Mulcahy. “It is

coming years. “Having a full screening programme for

available are exceptional in terms of acute intervention and

very flexible here and there is a very good collegiate atmosphere in the place”.

A & E services he says are particularly efficient, providing a first-class service to the community:

“For what it does as a private hospital, HMC delivers an

outstanding, friendly and efficient A & E service, and this is one of the things which attracts me to working here”.

In addition, as an educational organisation, referring

doctors and doctors from further afield all help to expand

and upgrade the excellence of the hospital. Dr Mulcahy is

coronary CT scanning services at the hospital over the

coronary disease clinically takes any guessing out of all

examinations for all coronary at risk persons” he explains.

Dr Richard Sheahan, Consultant Cardiologist/Electro-

physiologist agrees, reiterating that HMC has been at the forefront of technological development from the outset,

and this trend has continued year on year. Developments he can point to include Electronic Anatomical Mapping

Systems for the management of cardiac arrhythmia; Cryo-

ablation for the management of atrial fibrillation and ICDs biventricular devices.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 35

CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

CARDIOLOGY SERVICES »»

• Specialist Cardiology Consulta-

»»

• Rapid Access Chest Pain Service

»»

• Diagnostic coronary angiography

»»

• Access to Cardiac Surgery if

»»

• Angioplasty & Stenting

»»

• Cardiac Diagnostic Services –

tions

needed

Holter, 24 hour BP, exercise stress testing

»»

• Cardiac Imaging – Echocardiog-

raphy including 3D, Trans-oesophageal echocardiography

»»

• Advanced Cardiac Imaging –

Calcium score, Cardiac computed

tomography angiography (CCTA) and Cardiac MRI (CMR) with/ without stress perfusion »»

• Advanced adjuncts to angioplasty & stenting: FFwR, IVUS and OCT

»»

• Cardiovascular risk assessment

»»

• Adult congenital heart disease

»»

• Cardiovascular risk in the young,

»»

• Risk of sudden death and inherit-

»»

• Hyperlipidaemia investigation

»» »»

and management

including assessment of athletes, ed disorders

and management

Dr Sheahan feels that HMC has assist-

personal care,” explains Dr Sheahan.

Radiofrequency (RF) Ablation

including the provision of a CAT Lab,

to speak to the person who is monitor-

• Pacemaker, Implantable Car-

nursing support:

• Electrophysiology (EP) Study &

dioverter Defibrillator (ICD) & Biventricular ICD

»»

• Cardioversion

ed him in his speciality in many ways together with excellent technical and

“There is very positive interaction with

radiologists, anaesthetists and vascular

surgeons and all the nursing and support teams”.

“There is also great continuity of 36 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

“When patients call the clinic they get

ing their cardiac device – they can ring a technician who will know who they are

– there is a relationship there – and they will get the advice and reassurance that

they need. Patients have a confidence in the care they are receiving and confidence that it is personal care”.

Physiotherapy Dept

The Nursing philosophy at the Hermitage Medical Clinic incorporates the holistic care of patients through the dedication, commitment and compassion of a devoted team.

Endoscopy Nurses

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 37

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WARD DELIVERY AND LUM Delivery of products inside the hospital at ward level.

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CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

Oncology Dept

Oncology

H

According to statistics released by the Irish Cancer Society, Ireland has an average of 30,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed each year with this number expected to rise to over 40,000 per year by 2020.

The need for oncology care has never been greater, and when it comes to setting standards, HMC stands at the forefront of medical care.

MC’S Medical Oncology Department

as myeloma and lymphoma and haemochromatosis and other

provides a comprehensive range of medi-

non-malignant blood diseases amongst others. The unit has

department forms part of a multidisciplinary

offering expert advice in patient assessment and evaluation;

cal treatments to patients with cancer. The

team providing medical, surgical and radio-

therapy treatments for cancer along with diagnostic services including radiology and pathology.

The Oncology Day Unit at the HMC, incorporating a hae-

matology clinic, has been in operation since January 2008 and has made a significant impact on the lives of people suffering

from cancer. Currently the medical oncology team consists of consultant oncologists, Doctors Kennedy and Gallagher; two consultant haematologists, Doctors Thornton and Murphy

and Dr O’Siorain who runs palliative medicine. The service on

offer in the department includes treatments for neo-adjuvant, adjuvant and metastatic oncology, palliative patients and for

haematology, leukaemia, lymphoproliferative disorders, such

some of the most advanced oncology facilities in the country,

education of planned treatment for the patient and their family; psychosocial support and liaison with many national cancer sup-

port groups as well as medication delivery including chemother-

apy administration and management.

COLLABORATIVE CARE Consultant Haematologist, Dr Patrick Thornton, deals with

many patients who require services such as chemotherapy.“We accept both GP and consultant referrals to the unit and have

a large catchment in and outside Dublin including counties

Meath, Louth and Cavan. There we see patients who are suffering

from both malignant and non- malignant haematology con-

ditions.We treat patients with chronic leukaemia, lymphoma, Hermitage Medical Clinic | 39

CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

myeloma, myelodysplasia, myeloproliferative disorders and

colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer represent

diagnose more intensive cases, such as acute leukaemia and

electively through the surgical services at HMC and others

haemochromatosis. However, because of our ED we also

aggressive lymphomas. On these occasions we work in partnership with Beaumont Hospital.

Consultant Medical Oncologist Dr John Kennedy, who bases his private practice at HMC,believes the key to the

success of the unit lies in its accessibility. “It’s a full service

unit with good adjacency to the Radiology Department.

This access to diagnostic tools means that the patient’s

response to the treatment can rapidly be re-evaluated and

if necessary changes can be made.” He adds: “The Unit also has excellent access to consultant radiologists and radio-

therapists on site, thus preventing delays for patients.”

For Dr Thornton, an excellent staff and management’s adap-

tation to change has added to the success of the unit.“Our unit

has recently being modernised and expanded to double its

previous size so we are able to accept more patients . Also, there are currently four full-time nurses in the Oncology Day Unit.”

Dr. David Gallagher, Medical Oncologist practices at

HMC. Dr. Gallagher trained as a medical oncologist and

medical geneticist and he worked at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre in New York.

As Dr Gallagher explains: “I think we’re starting from quite

the most common presentations. Some of these present present as emergencies to our Emergency Department.

Although the number of cancer cases is increasing year on year,and is predicted to do so for the foreseeable future, the

treatment of cancer is evolving and there have been significant improvements in both treatments and outcomes.

According to Dr Gallagher “Cancer care is becoming more

precise, by that I mean that treatment is more tailored both

towards the make-up of the tumour and towards the people who have the cancer. And that is the main progress that

is happening in the field. The molecular understanding of cancer has improved considerably in the relatively recent past.”

Research is yielding results in terms of the identifying

active agents that are coming on to the market sooner in

most cases. “There used to be a considerable lag but that

is reducing, it used to take seven to 10 years for a new drug to

come to market. Now there are innovative ways of bringing exciting drugs more quickly through the registration and

approval process. This progress when coupled with excellent

oncology staff and facilities can have a big impact on a

patient’s experience and ultimately on outcomes,” explains Dr Gallagher.

a small base, we don’t have large numbers of cancer patients

He concludes: “HMC is a state of the art facility with

but the facilities are there for that to happen. A recent

the cancer journey is the experience once the quality of care is

being treated with chemotherapy in the HMC currently

release of statistics show that cancer diagnoses will increase significantly between now and 2020. Cancer treatment re-

quirements are likely to increase nationally and HMC is well positioned geographically and also in terms of the service provided to meet this need.

“We treat a broad range of cancers at HMC. breast cancer, 40 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

strong staff. From a patient perspective, an important part of established and ensured.

“The HMC is well located and is an accessible place for

patients. It’s a nice facility, the waiting times on the day of

treatment are short – this efficient approach makes the dayunit in the Hermitage attractive for patients.”

CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

Skin Deep Dr Patrick Ormond looks back on ten years of dermatology at Hermitage Medical Clinic and he has seen lots of positive change.

“W

hen I started my practice in

patients attending HMC not only have access to general

after it opened, I thought

For example, Professor Alan Irvine is a world renowned

the Hermitage a few months for a time that I was single handily responsible for the

skin wellbeing of an unknown number of outpatients and

a known number of in-patients. Far too frequently I found

myself being the last person to leave the consultants car park.

On many nights even the neurosurgeons had left, and it was

just me and some fairly threatening rabbits circling my car in the car park. Back then it seemed that developing a service that stayed true to the hospital’s ethos was a long way off,” explains Dr Ormond.

Fast forward ten years and the dermatology service in the

Hermitage Medical Clinic is unrecognisable – though ap-

parently the rabbits still rule the car park! The Dermatology Department now includes four dermatologists, each with

their own areas of expertise. The size and variety of other

specialties within the hospital has enabled successful close

working relationships with the allied specialties of histopathology, plastic surgery, maxillofacial surgery, otolaryngol-

dermatology, but also to a wide range of super-specialities. expert in atopic eczema, adult and paediatric dermatology.

Dr Sandra Kirke is a medical dermatologist with interests

in paediatrics and genital dermatoses. Dr Patrick Ormond

is a surgical dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon

with an interest in high risk non-melanoma skin cancer and malignant melanoma.

“While no one centre can provide all aspects of 21 century dermatology care, close relationships with our consultants and other institutions ensure patients can be guided and

helped to get where they need to be, should the need arise”, explains Dr Ormond.

The last decade he says has enhanced the experience and

knowledge of nursing in the care of patients, particularly in the surgical day ward. Procedural and surgical dermatology now accounts for a sizable proportion of any dermatology

service, and the day ward facility provides safe and effective surgical care.

ogy, ophthalmology, rheumatology, dentistry, oncology and

“For me, one of the most important aspects of providing care

requires a more multi-disciplinary approach to ensure every

Dr Ormond explains. “I have greatly enjoyed the educational

right person.

community who deliver care.

radiology – to name but a few. The provision of care now also

has been getting to know the GPs who refer to the hospital”,

patient gets the right treatment, at the right time, by the

evenings and events that have made me feel part of the wide

SPECIALISATION OF CARE Dr Ormond says that dermatology as a specialty has seen huge changes in the spectrum of disease, diagnosis and

treatments of skin disorders over the last few decades. The

old mantra of ‘wet it or dry it, or put on a steroid’ has long

since vanished. Delivering the very best of care now requires super-specialisation, as in many fields of healthcare. Today

“I have grown to realise that I am not single handily

responsible for the skin of our patients, but I am one player –

usually sitting on the substitutes bench - in a very big team. I look forward to watching the dermatology service grow even more over the next decade and to continue to uphold the

hospital’s ethos of a local community service providing world class care”.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 41

A HEALTHIER HOSPITAL BEGINS WITH A HEALTHIER LAB

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CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

Laboratory Dept

Pathology Laboratory The Pathology Laboratory at HMC offers a world class multidisciplinary pathology service. Located on the first floor of the hospital, the laboratory offers an extensive repertoire of blood science tests together with an emergency laboratory service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

R

outine haematology service is provided

A Hospital Transfusion Committee exists that includes

include FBC, ESR, infectious mononu-

ing staff. This committee is chaired by the hospital CEO or

for in and out patients and for GPs. Tests cleosis, malaria screens and blood films

as well as coagulation tests including PT,

INR, APTT, D-Dimers and fibrinogen. Biochemistry tests include full profiles, amylase, glucose, cardiac screens, lipid profiles, LDH, CRP, BNP and Troponin I. The Pathology Laboratory also orchestrates Point of Care testing which includes hemocue haemoglobin, glucometer, blood gas analysers, bHCG urine tests etc.

The Blood Transfusion Laboratory offers group and hold, cross-matching, antibody screening and identification,

blood and blood product issue, storage and disposal, DAT and transfusion reaction investigations.

medical, surgical, management, scientific, quality and nursdeputy/nominee. It meets four times a year and discusses

and advises on transfusion policies, inventory management, quality issues, haemovigilance and traceability.

Consultant Pathology services are available in several

specialities including haematology, blood transfusion and biochemistry, microbiology and histopathology on a 24

hour, 365 days a year basis. The Laboratory maintains a rota of consultants and deputies ‘on call’.

The Phlebotomy Department operates on a routine basis

from 7.00am – 5.00pm, taking blood samples for diagnostic testing from in and out-patients. Outside of these hours

and according to clinical need, blood samples are taken by

BEST PRACTICE

Resident Medical Officers or nursing staff.

The haemovigilance service comprises of the Consultant

The current scope of accreditation is outlined on www.

Manager and Transfusion Laboratory scientific staff. The

Number 236MT. The Blood Transfusion Department has

haemovigilance including development of guidelines, train-

and 15 of the EU Directive 2002/98/EC (S.I. No 360 of

Haematologist(s), Haemovigilance Officer, Laboratory

INAB.ie under directory of accredited bodies Registration

service comprises implementation of best practices in

been assessed and is competent to comply with Articles 14

ing and incident investigation and reporting.

2005 and S.I. No 547 of 2006).

All haemovigilance incidents are documented and reported

Laboratory staff are also active members of various hos-

quirements of the Hospital Transfusion Booklet and EU

Transfusion Committee, Health and Safety Committee,

is committed, in conjunction with the Haemovigilance

of information and commitment to patient focused care

Quality Management Review Process.

ogy Laboratory, HMC.

to the National Haemovigilance Office as per the re-

pital committees such as Clinical Governance, Hospital

Directive 2002/98/EC. The Blood Transfusion Laboratory

QIRM Meetings etc. Membership of such enables sharing

Officer, to providing a reporting mechanism that assists the

and the best provision of services to the users of the Pathol-

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 43

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CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

Urology Services There are four Consultant Urologists practicing in the Hermitage Medical Clinic.

Mr Denis O’Sullivan and Mr Barry Jones have been practicing in the Hermitage Clinic since the opening of the hospital to be joined a short while after by Mr Kashif Siddiqui and Mr Ijaz Cheema.

M

r Jones explains: “in recent times we have

greenlight laser PVP at this stage” explains Mr Jones. “In

Cheema who also practices in the RCSI

logical practice performed in the Hermitage Medical Clinic

been fortunate to be joined by Dr Ijaz

Hospital Group (Beaumont/Blanchards-

town). The practice of all four Urologists

in the Hermitage Clinic is governed by a multi-disciplinary approach in close collaboration with colleagues in Radiolo-

gy/Medical Oncology/Radiation Oncology/Pathology, etc”.

LASER THERAPY The Hermitage Clinic remains the only centre in the

Dublin region providing greenlight laser photo selective

vaporisation of the prostate as an alternative to Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). This procedure,

which is now long established and has been approved by

addition, however, there is a broad spectrum of general uroincluding the acute and elective management of urinary

stones. We provide an out-patient Extra Corporeal Shock

Wave lithotripsy service (ESWL) and Holmium laser treatment of both ureteric and intra-renal stones”.

“We hope over the next 12 months that trans-perineal

prostate biopsies will supersede the current standard of

trans-rectal prostate biopsies. Trans-rectal biopsies carry with it a risk of septicaemia or blood stream infection,

which is becoming increasingly challenging due to the

fact that the coliform bacteria in the bowel are displaying increasing resistance to standard antibiotic prophylaxis”

the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in the UK, is

Currently template guided trans-perineal biopsies are

hospital stay and a faster return to normal activities. It is

Guys Hospital in London, is pioneering a new free-hand

is usually associated with very little bleeding and conse-

be considered for the patients first set of biopsies.

a safer alternative to a TURP. It usually involves a shorter

available and Mr. Jones, in conjunction with colleagues in

less disruptive on sexual function compared to a TURP. It

technique that would allow the trans-perineal approach to

quently patients who are high risk and high co-morbidities

To date template guided trans-perineal biopsies are only

and who would be considered high risk of a TURP, will

often be successfully and safely treated by a greenlight laser PVP.

Mr Jones has one of the largest personal experiences in

Ireland and the UK of treating patients with significant co-morbidities, especially patients on anti-coagulants,

anti-platelet agents etc. He has successfully treated pa-

tients on the lung transplant waiting list, patients waiting

for heart valve replacements and the challenging group of patients who have mechanical heart valves who require a high degree of anti-coagulation.

“All four urological colleagues are trained to perform 46 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

approved if a patient has required a third biopsy for a

progressively rising PSA. The new free-hand technique is feasible under LA unlike the template guided biopsies.

Concluding Mr Jones says: “Over the next year we hope to introduce a urodynamics service to improve our management of both male and female urinary dysfunction and

incontinence. We are working closely with our colleagues in Radiation Oncology and Radiology developing the

Cyber knife as a treatment option for focal treatment of

prostate cancer in a sub-group of patients. This is a highly innovative piece of technology that can treat focal cancer with great accuracy.”

CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

Expert Diagnostics The Hermitage Medical Clinic provides medical diagnostic imaging services which include a 64 Slice CT, MRI, PET/CT, SPECT/CT, Mammogram, Ultrasound, X-ray, Fluoroscopy and Angiography.

“T

tions per year.

he Department of Diagnostic &

Interventional Radiology in HMC

has grown from strength to strength since its inception in 2007 and now performs more than 50,000 diag-

nostic and interventional examina-

The department consists of an experienced team of 10

consultant radiologists and over 50 employees including

radiographers, assistants, nursing and administrative staff

committed to excellence in clinical standards and first class patient care.

Digital X-ray and ultrasound are the most frequently used

first line investigative tools to reveal the internal structures of the body. Ultrasound is capable of accessing almost

every area of the body and is also routinely used as a guide

when performing interventional procedures such as biopsies.

CT and MRI scanning are also available. At HMC, the

64 slice CT (Computed Technology) scanner produces a

volume of data that can be manipulated in order to demonstrate various bodily structures for diagnosis and follow

up. It can also be utilised for image guided interventional

procedures such as biopsies, for therapeutic image guided pain injections of joints and on spinal nerve roots.

The MRI (Magnetic resonance Imaging) equipment at

HMC has a 1.5 tesla magnet producing the highest quality

images of the brain, the heart, the spine and particularly the musculoskeletal system without the use of radiation.

The Radiology Department also has a dedicated suite offering a full range of fluoroscopy and interventional proce-

dures including barium studies, joint injections through to

angiography, angioplasty, stent placement and embolization procedures. This service is led by consultant interventional radiologists assisted by a dedicated nursing team.

Another dedicated team is that of the Breast Clinic which runs a triple assessment breast session every Tuesday

afternoon.This consists of a clinical examination with a

breast surgeon and a combination of ultrasound, mammography and interventional procedures such as Fine Needle

Aspiration(FNA) and core biopsy. A consultant radiologist

is on site to speak with and reassure patients of their results on the same day.

Nuclear Medicine, SPECT/CT and PET/CT Nuclear Hermitage Medical Clinic | 47

CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

Radiology Dept

Medicine investigates molecular changes in the body rather than just the physical changes in the tissues anatomy.

In nuclear medicine procedures, the patient is injected with a radiopharmaceutical which localises to specific organs or

cellular receptors. A gamma camera is used to detect the dis-

tribution of the radiopharmaceutical in the body and a true 3D scan of any regions of uptake may be performed using

SPECT/CT, in which the molecular changes are fused with

the CT anatomical images.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a 3D imaging

technique when combined with Computed Tomography

(CT) is an invaluable tool enabling the early detection of

disease as well as accurately assessing a patient’s response to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

48 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

Alongside state of the art diagnostic tools information technology is integral to the department and the replacement

of the Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS)

with a cutting edge system designed to improve workflow and efficiency improves communication and access to records.

The system provides referring physicians with immediate

access to diagnostic-quality images and reports both on-site and remotely, making access to expertise easier than ever.

The Radiology Department is fully committed to investing in advanced diagnostic technology and interventional imaging services that offer excellence in terms of clinical standards and patient experience. We will continue our focus on

quality and service developments that meet the needs of our patients in 2017 and beyond.

Philips are proud to be supplier of MR technology to Hermitage Clinic Philips Ingenia MR » World’s only truly Digital Solution » Superior IQ due to enhanced Signal to Noise Ratio » Ambient Experience for patient comfort » 20% more energy efficient (source: COCIR) » Patient perceived gradient acoustic noise reduced by more than 80%

For further information please contact Rebecca Duffy on: +353 1 7640174 rebecca.duffy@philips.com

CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

SUPERIOR

EMERGENCY CARE

T

It’s 2008, and in a freshly-minted private hospital emergency department in leafy Lucan, things seem fairly quiet. The riproaring sounds emanating from the clamorous cockpit of the M50 nearby contrast sharply with the sound of relative silence in the hospital’s embryonic Emergency Department. he picture of an empty room, one con-

working hand-in-glove with them. In addition, the then

today. Back in the initial days of the ED

others, together with five admin staff. It is quite a team to

sultant and two nurses is hard to imagine department a mere 10 patients per day

might visit the Hermitage Medical Clinic’s ED. Spool forward to 2017 however, and

an altogether different vista presents itself. The 10 patients per day figure has increased by almost 300%. And the two

nurses? They are still there however and there are two more 50 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

solitary consultant, Dr David Foley, has been joined by five be sure, and badly needed, considering that the Clinic’s ED now sees just under 6,000 patients per year drawn

from counties such as Meath, Kildare, Sligo, Cavan and Monaghan, as well, of course, as Dublin.

What has been built here over the last 10 years is noth-

ing short of remarkable. “Yes, it’s quite a story,” Dr Foley

CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

remarks. “Over time, we’ve had to increase the number of

in the Emergency Department at the Hermitage since

numbers to cope with increased demand.

house and his normal daily routine at the seven day a week

consultants in the ED, our admin staff and our nursing

CONSISTENCY OF SERVICE “The increased demand has been brought about by a

number of factors, not least of which is the fact that we

offer a consistency of service that sees our patients returning to us in big numbers.

“We have a lot of repeat business now. Patients come

back to us because their experience of being treated at the Hermitage ED has been a very rewarding one and, over

time, that kind of experience becomes embedded in their

thinking and is reflected in the patterns of their behaviour.

“Nearly 10 years on, we are beginning to see the children of

our original patients attending and, really, we have grown to become an established geographical player in local health.

“Last year, we opened our new ED on the lower ground floor, which is a purpose built facility with bigger space,

more bays and better patient floor arrangements than our pre-existing facility.”

Dr Foley is the Clinical Director in the Hermitage’s

Emergency Department and is the EDs full time con-

sultant in emergency medicine. He is what one might call the original of the species in the ED; working full time

2008. In hotel and catering parlance, Dr Foley is front of

clinic principally revolves around dealing with his patients’

clinical issues. His work sees him liaise closely with GPs in the community.

STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS “What we try and do is offer a facility whereby if GPs have

any queries or questions about their patients, they can make use of a dedicated phone line where they can talk to me,” he explains.

“It’s a two-way street really though. We like to give the GPs updates on their patients by sending a discharge letter the day after they are discharged.”

“We try to be as accessible as possible to enable GPs to engage in dialogue with us.

“It works well because we can share clinical questions and get some feedback.”

How is that feedback channelled? “We recognise the fact that our patients will judge their medical journey with us

and their clinical experience on several factors; the timeli-

ness of care; access to consultant opinion; good communication and appropriate referrals.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 51

CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

“The number one challenge for myself and the team each morning in the ED is to make sure the patient gets the best care we can deliver”

“We are conscious of all of these objectives and we try to

out-patient departments; relationships which are central to the

to provide feedback to us by rating our service: timeliness,

medicine.

deliver on all of them. We give our patients an opportunity friendliness etc by means of feedback cards which are available to them before they leave the ED.

“These cards are collected by our QA people and studied by them which complements the feedback we obtain from the GPs.

“Most of our patients would be GP referrals. Twenty percent of them would be ‘walk-ins’ and 80% referrals from local GPs. We have built good working relationships with them over the last nine years and that has formed one of the planks of our ED’s success.”

But what lies behind the growth in the ED’s popularity among the GPs and their patients?

“I think the passage of time has shown that there’s been a

willingness from the GPs in our immediate catchment area and beyond to support us, for starters, explains Foley.

“It has also proven very popular with patients and they have

sound operations of the ED by dint of the nature of emergency Certainly, the Hermitage has come a long way in 10 years and

is no longer a rookie in its field. Where once it sat alongside the Galway Clinic as the only private hospital in Ireland to boast

its own ED, there are now a half-a-dozen such facilities in private hospitals dotted around the country. But the Hermitage’s

recent development of a new ED is a statement of intent from

the management at the Clinic; one that reinforces the message of commitment to the highest possible level of care. And with

a triennial JCI ( Joint Commission International) audit coming

down the tracks shortly, it is very much sleeves-rolled-up mode at HMC.

Dr Foley has the utmost confidence in his ED team’s capacity to deliver today, tomorrow and every day thereafter:

“The number one challenge for myself and the team each

morning in the ED is to make sure the patient gets the best care we can deliver.

voted with their feet, principally because our ED offers them

“We have great facilities, wonderful consultant colleagues and

less busy than our public sector equivalent which would be

important aspect of any department is staff and, in that respect,

access to a consultant’s opinion and, again, we are traditionally another factor that would appeal to people who are ill.

“We are becoming busier and busier, year on year. We are seeing more patients and sicker patients.”

Ten years on and The Hermitage Medical Clinic is now a

stand-out feature of the national clinical landscape. A decade

down the road, everything is bedded in, which is manifested in

the quality relationships that exist between the ED and, for instance, the radiology, medical, cardiology, surgical, day care and 52 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

an unparalleled degree of access to diagnostics but the most

we are lucky to have excellent nurses who are ED trained and who have been with us a long time and who have grown with the department.

Concluding Dr Foley comments: “We have excellent consultants in the ED and their work combined with the support

of our departmental colleagues and that of the Clinic’s CEO

Eamonn Fitzgerald, makes our work so much easier, rewarding and, ultimately, all the more appreciated by the patients.”

“Patient safety is at all times a priority for HMC and developing a hospital-wide culture of safety and quality of care is an overriding, guiding principle.”

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 53

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

Forward

Thinking HMC is led by some of the foremost medical professionals in the country including Dr George Duffy whose trail blazing career has been characterised by his endeavours to improve the quality of healthcare in Ireland.

T

ogether with three other medical

The Clinic has also seen huge demand for its MRI scanning

setting up Blackrock Clinic over 25 years

ing weekends.

consultants, Dr Duffy was involved in

ago. He was subsequently approached by Sean Mulryan with the idea of setting up

service which is provided 16 hours per day for patients, includRAPID RESPONSE

a private hospital in west Dublin where there was a growing

When the Clinic was first established, the provision of an

principal concept was to alleviate the pressure on the public

hospital. An emergency service places a broad-based

population and an increasing need for hospital services. The hospital systems and to reduce the amount of time patients

Emergency Department (ED) was a bold move for a private

demand on many hospital services to meet both the needs

of patients referred by GPs and of

spent waiting for services.

those who present directly to the

Dr Duffy agreed to apply his

ED. Dr Duffy explains:

expertise in helping to bring this idea to fruition. He

particularly wanted to improve access to high-quality diagnostic imaging services including

PET-CT and to introduce

up-to-date radiotherapy such

as IMRT and CyberKnife. The

intention was to concentrate in

When the Clinic was first established, the provision of an Emergency Department (ED) was a bold move for a private hospital.

particular on services related to Oncology.

“We have a very comprehensive

“In addition to the specialised staff

in the ED, you must have the back-

up services available in the Imaging Department, the Pathology and

Laboratory Departments and the in-house services of a consultant general surgeon, a consultant

general physician, and a consultant cardiologist.”

Dr Duffy sees the ED service at HMC as a valuable medical re-

diagnostic imaging department with a very active inter-

source for the community – in particular, for the primary care

interventional radiologists who, under image guidance, do

care physicians who want answers quickly”, he says.“The

ventional radiology service provided by six diagnostic and

physicians.“Our biggest contribution is to the many primary

biopsies, injections and draining procedures”, explains Dr

Clinic strives to maintain this relationship by making prompt

Duffy.

exemplary medical services readily available.”

“Our interventional radiology service is highly regarded and

A BRIGHT FUTURE

consequently many patients are sent to HMC specifically for these services.”

54 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

Looking forward, Dr Duffy sees a greater degree of transparency developing around the standards of patient care in

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

Opening of HMC, 2007

hospitals – including HCL technology: “The patient will be able to log into the hospital website to see what the up-to-date measurable results and outcomes are

for that hospital, such as the time from presentation to ED,

procedures carried out at HMC. In addition, the clinic has installed the only CyberKnife in Ireland - north or south, which means that patients will no longer have to travel to England or Germany to receive this treatment.

to being seen by an ED consultant; incidence of MRSA

Dr Duffy would like to see the Department of Health and the

while there; frequency of post-op wound infections; falls in

tals, thereby reducing waiting times that are once more

infections on presentation at the hospital and acquired

hospital; patient satisfaction rates regarding medical services catering service, etc.”

This he says is just some of the information which will be

available online in the future to compare with other national and international hospitals.

Dr Duffy indicates that patient safety is at all times a priority for HMC and developing a hospital-wide culture of

safety and quality of care is an overriding, guiding principle.

He also points to the fact that HMC has increased its ser-

vices by building a new dedicated neurosurgical theatre, thus

adding intracranial procedures to the existing neurosurgical

HSE again purchasing more services from private hospi-

increasing for many elective procedures. He is convinced that many medical services can be provided by private hospitals at

a reduced cost to the taxpayer. This is the result of underutilisation or closure of many facilities within public hospitals due, for example, to staff shortages.

Dr Duffy is optimistic that the grouping of hospitals into Trusts within the country will lead to competition in the

provision of services between the Trust hospitals and that

the private hospitals will be given an opportunity to compete and bid to provide services from within these Trusts

– for all patients, not simply those with private health insurance. Time will tell whether this too will come to fruition.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 55

CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

Gastroenterology

G

Dr Barbara Ryan is one of six Consultant Gastroenterologists at HMC specialising in the management of diseases involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This includes diseases of the upper and lower digestive tracts such as coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS, as well as disease of the liver and pancreas. astroenterological diseases are very

Collaboration and good working relationships with

threatening, they can have a signficant

to this end Dr Ryan feels that the atmosphere at HMC is

common, and while many are not life

negative impact on one’s quality of life.

Other gastrointestinal diseases are seri-

ous, including cancers of the bowel, stomach or oesophagus.

colleagues are paramount in a fast paced environment and second to none.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

These can be readily diagnosed through endoscopic exami-

Dr Ryan says that treatments for a number of GI diseases

service, providing both upper (gastroscopy) and lower

the development of biologic therapies for inflammatory

nation. HMC provides a busy, patient-focussed, endoscopy (colonoscopy) GI investigations.

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT Dr Ryan is delighted with current plans to develop a new stand-alone endoscopy unit. She would like to see this

complimented by the development of a functional GI de-

partment offering gastroenterology breath testing, 24-hour pH testing amongst a number of other state-of-the-art techologies.

“There are new developments coming down the line in

gastroenterology and we are very keen to take a leading role in some of these in the near future,” explains Dr Ryan.

“Most patients coming to a hospital to see a specialist or undergo investigations are nervous, however the atmosphere at HMC is really conducive to patients having a positive experience and we can soon put them at ease.

has improved greatly over the past decade. She points to

bowel disease as a great step forward that has had a huge impact on patients’ quality of life.

“HMC offers an excellent infusion service to patients

requiring the full range of biologic therapies. The quality of endoscopy has also improved hugely in the past 10 years – scopes are thinner, more flexible and have high resolution images which has improved the practitioner’s ability to

detect small polyps, and other precancerous changes in the stomach and oesophagus.

“Our understanding of the impact of diet on many GI

conditions has also grown in the recent past. Many patients with digestive conditions require input from an interested

dietician and we can provide that here. For example, most patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can get ex-

cellent relief of symptoms with the correct dietary modifications,” explains Dr Ryan.

“There is a lovely working environment here, from the

Having the appropriate investigations and working with

times, is also very calming and welcoming. In addition,

Ryan is delighted that she can have a positive impact on

bright, open foyer, which while bustling with activity at

consulting suites have lovely views over the gardens and this is really conducive to having a relaxed and positive consultation with patients”.

56 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

a dietician have life-changing effects on symptoms. Dr

her patients every day at HMC and she is confident that

as new technologies and developments becomes available, HMC will continue to propel its health care offering to a leadership position in the industry.

CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

Breathe Easy

S

The Respiratory and Sleep Department in The Hermitage Medical Clinic strive to deliver the highest quality patient care with compassion and patient focus in an environment that maintains high standards and promotes professional development. ervices provided by the respiratory

studies per week. Our sleep services include full polysom-

function tests consisting of Spirometry

ies and overnight oximetry. All studies are conducted within

department include full pulmonary

(+/- Reversibility), Diffusion Capacity,

Static Lung Volumes and Body Plethys-

nography, limited sleep studies, CPAP titration review studthe hospital on an inpatient basis and are non-invasive�.

mography. Skin prick allergy testing,

muscle strength testing (MIPs/MEPs/SNIP) and indirect

bronchial provocation tests (Mannitol Challenge Tests) are also performed within the department. GP referrals are ac-

cepted for all Pulmonary Function Tests with the exception of Mannitol Challenge tests, which must be referred by a Respiratory Consultant.

In addition to pulmonary function testing, the Respira-

tory and Sleep Department also provides a sleep service.

Sleep studies measure oxygen levels, pulse rate, chest and abdomen effort, oral and nasal airflow, snoring, position,

limb movement and activity levels. With an estimated 4%

of the population suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea,

sleep studies are an integral part of the respiratory service.

Dr Liam Cormican, Consultant in respiratory medicine explains:

“Presently we perform between six to ten overnight sleep

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CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

Pain Management The development of better diagnostic tools and modern pain medicine assessment and interventional techniques means that many patients with chronic pain can be successfully treated leading to the restoration of independent and active lives again.

T

his was not the case in the past. Pain

its reputation has grown it’s now a well-recognised health-

the last decade and was recognized as a

patients”.

Medicine has made huge strides over speciality in its own right in 2014.

Dr Joe Fitzgerald is one of two pain medi-

cine consultants at HMC. He graduated from Galway and trained in Ireland, the US (Yale) and the UK (Edinburgh)

before moving back to Dublin in 2006 as a full-time pain physician at St James’s Hospital. Dr Connail McCrory

graduated from the RCSI and trained in Ireland, the UK

(Birmingham) and Sweden (Karolinska). He was appointed to

St James’s Hospital in 2002 and established the pain med-

icine service there, serving as the Medical Director of Pain

Medicine. Dr McCrory was elected as Dean of the Faculty of Pain Medicine in 2015 and is a Primary Investigator in Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience.

Of the service offered at HMC, Dr McCrory says: “We

provide assessment, diagnosis and treatment for patients with

both chronic pain and cancer pain. The practice includes clinical psychology assessment and treatment as appropriate.” Dr

Fitzgerald adds: “The most common complaints are patients with chronic, non-malignant pain conditions such as neck

care provider and provides a full spectrum of services to

The location also offers its advantages. “The infrastructure here is great,” says Dr Fitzgerald, and “the Clinic serves a large catchment area for west Dublin, into mid-Leinster

and extending further and further, which makes it very attractive for patients”.

Obviously, there are a variety of different causes for pain,

from cancer to degenerative spinal disease and neuralgia, and tracing the source can be difficult. The first step is clinical assessment. Then Fitzgerald and McCrory can draw in radiological investigation, blood tests and provocation

testing in theatre. In the case of progressive cancer, the aim is to enable the patient to be fully awake and interactive with their family and friends for as long as possible.

Dr McCrory says: “In relation to treatment, we offer a

comprehensive range of options including: rhizotomy, nerve root pulsing, vertebroplasty, neurolysis for cancer pain,

spinal cord stimulation and intra-thecal therapies for both multiple sclerosis and advanced cancers.”

and back pain. Our treatments range from medication opti-

What of the future? Both Fitzgerald and McCrory would

rehabilitation and general co-ordination of care.”

ventional techniques like neuromodulation. “We’re keen to

misation to a full range of interventional treatment in theatre, Dr Fitzgerald has been at HMC since it opened and

during that time has seen it change, develop and expand.

One trend that he has noticed is the steady increase of GP referrals to the department at HMC. “This is partly due

to the improved access to diagnostics like MRI scans and

X-rays,” he says. “Our practice is 50/50 GP referral and consultant-based”, adding that the “GP referral has certainly increased – it’s very much a feature of the last number of years. As the hospital has become more established and

like to expand the offering even further, using other inter-

develop it here,” Dr Fitzgerald says, “and it would be part of a pain management programme stretching into fields such as pain psychology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy”.

For now, though, the department is involved with the broad spectrum of patients arriving at the doors of HMC. “General medicine, cardiology, orthopaedics, neurology, urology, general surgery – we see a lot of different aspects.”

With chronic pain a daily reality for a significant percentage of the Irish population, it’s a field that can go a long way

towards improving people’s lives.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 59

CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

Positive

Vision

T

The Hermitage Medical Clinic has a faculty of Medical Council specialist registered consultant ophthalmologists offering a comprehensive eye service. o ensure that patients benefit directly

to 271,996 due to the ageing demographics of the popu-

patient care is supported by each consult-

Leading eye diseases are cataract, glaucoma, age related

from the most recent treatment advances, ant’s sub-specialty expertise and clinical research in vision sciences. Dr Weng

Lee is one of 7 consultant eye specialists at HMC with

the support of other primary eye care providers (general practitioners and optometrists).

As the clinic celebrates its 10th anniversary, Dr Lee says that

this important milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the last 10 years and to anticipate

future direction. Vision science he says, has entered one of

lation and the challenges of the public healthcare system. macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease. Eye services at the Hermitage Medical Clinic are equipped to meet all

of the challenges of an ageing population “as we continue to build on infrastructure, and refining our eye care path-

way in accordance with international best practice which

enhances patient accessibility and outcomes”. Dr Lee says that collaboration and health campaigns are important

factors in helping people recognize and address early onset symptoms:

the most remarkable phases in recent history. New tech-

“We collaborate with the HSE to reduce public patient

continue to dramatically improve diagnosis and treatment

participate in eye health campaigns to educate and inform

nologies and treatment modalities for major eye diseases

outcomes for the growing patient population at HMC. “We constantly improve our knowledge base, service efficiencies and update equipment to offer the best and latest evidence based treatments for patients,” explains Dr Lee.

The Economic Impact of Vision Impairment & Blindness in Republic of Ireland report by the National Council for the Blind Ireland published in 2011, estimates 234,832

people in the population with visual loss. This is set to rise 60 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

waiting lists via the NTPF initiative. In addition, we

the public of regular eye screening. The message: Early

diagnosis leads to expedient treatment and therefore better outcome.

“Hence while we proudly reflect on our achievements in

treating patients who have placed their trust in us over the past decade, we are ever mindful of the need to evolve so

that we can continue to meet the needs of the community we serve. The future is bright.”

CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS

ENT The Hermitage Medical Clinic offers one of the largest faculties of registered Consultant Otolaryngologists (ENT Surgeons) in Ireland with specialist ENT Consultants basing their private practice at the Clinic - a number of whom have affiliations with major teaching hospitals.

“H

MC has a team of seven

highly qualified and expe-

rienced ENT Consultants,” explains Mr John Kinsella,

ENT/Head & Neck Surgeon.

“We are able to provide

comprehensive evaluation and treatment of all adult and

paediatric ear, nose and throat problems, whether simple or complex.”

Sub-specialty interests at the ENT include head and neck

surgery, rhinology/rhinoplasty, otology and paediatric ENT. Each of the Department’s Consultants is co-appointed

to one or more public hospitals which provides excellent

cooperation with major teaching facilities such as St James’s Hospital, Tallaght and Beaumont.

Mr Kinsella was appointed at St James’ s/Tallaght Hospital in 2004 and he has always based his private practice at

He enthuses about the facilities and technology at HMC: “The medical facilities are first-class, making it much

easier to provide outstanding ENT work-up and treat-

ment. We have state of the art radiology on-site as well as

audiology (hearing tests) and speech and language therapy.

The theatre set up is really good with excellent up-to-

date technology and equipment. We also provide allergy

work-up (including skin testing) and treatment (including immunotherapy)”.

Mr Kinsella’s Department offers paediatric and adult

out-patient and in patient services. Describing some of the

procedures performed in the ENT Department he explains: “A large number of routine ENT operations are performed here including grommets, tonsils and adenoids, nasal sep-

toplasty, rhinoplasty, endoscopic sinus surgery, laryngoscopy and oesophagostomy.

HMC. This he says is because “the facilities at HMC are

“We have sub-specialist ear surgeons including Mr Conlon

theatres. The grounds are beautiful and there is plentiful

mastoid surgery. My colleague Mr Lacy has particular

fantastic; I love the design of the main foyer, the wards and

and Mr Hone who perform complex middle ear and

parking”.

expertise in complex anterior skull base and sinus surgery

When it comes to location, it is impossible to beat Hermitage Medical Clinic:

“HMC has by far the best location of any private hospital in Dublin with easy access from the city and from neighbouring counties as well as those further afield including

Athlone, Monaghan and Cavan. People coming here love

the fact that they don’t have to negotiate city traffic to get here and parking is plentiful in a top class location.

and Mr Gaffney and Mr Savage-Jones are also excellent surgeons.”

Mr Kinsella and Professor Timon also have very busy

thyroid, parathyroid and salivary gland surgical practices.

They further screen numerous patients for head and neck

cancers following which they can liaise with the head and

neck team at St James’ s to work out management strategies for their cancer patients.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 61

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EXCELLENCE IN CARE

Medical

Advisory Committee

W

Trevor Duffy, Head of the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) looks back over an exciting ten years of continuous development at Hermitage Medical Clinic.

riting this, and recalling the past 10 years, I am astonished at the

distance travelled by the Hermitage in a relatively short time. My first

encounter with the clinic was to gaze

into a gaping great hole in the ground

in 2005. Within a short 12 months we, the early cohort of

consultant staff, were meeting with the new CEO, Eamonn Fitzgerald to discuss the challenges and possibilities ahead.

Fast forward a further 12 months and the clinic was open

and active, just beginning to make its mark when it seemed the world fell apart. A collective intake of breadth and a

determined commitment by all to see things through has not only kept the clinic going through tough times, but

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 63

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

Looking back on the past 10 years I am astonished at the distance travelled by the Hermitage in a relatively short time

allowed it to grow organically and become the vital community service that it is today.

In the early days the list of consultant staff on privileges was

tightly knit so interaction within the clinic and with our primary care colleagues was fluid. With a firm eye on the future even then, structures were put in place at an early stage to ensure

that this interaction developed and survived natural growth - a hallmark of the level of service and commitment that can be expected throughout the entire patient experience.

The consultant staff are organised into a Medical society, now numbering some 240 members. The society is arranged into groupings along clinical service lines. Each grouping has a

representative sitting on the Medical Advisory Committee. The committee meets with management on a monthly basis, where

active discussion and consideration is given to service developments, quality initiatives, research and educational activities.

The MAC has seen a progressive increase in the number of

consultants seeking to join the community through requests

for practice privileges. The applicants range from newly minted young consultants seeking to return from overseas, to older

more established hands that recognise HMC as a strong platform to exercise their professional talents.

Through gradual growth in consultant staff and focused

development initiatives, we have seen dramatic advances in the breadth of clinical services. Opening its doors in December

2006, the clinic was well placed to provide the traditional core services of a private medical facility, however, one of the early

innovative developments was the provision of a consultant led

emergency department, developed in a considered and thoughtful manner through liaison with local general practitioners.

The result is an exemplary service that meets the needs of all concerned, in particular patients of the local community and their primary care providers.

More recently similar approaches have resulted in expansion of complex care and high dependency services alongside the

development of complex neuro-sciences service. This is aided 64 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

by the implementation of CyberKnife, which has allowed us

to provide new hope and care for patients with illness such as focal intracerebral tumours and prostate cancer.

SUPPORT STRUCTURES The clinic has taken a growing role in the development of

medical skills and shared knowledge since its opening. From

the early days there has been a regular flow of medical students attending for clinical experience and education. They come

from both the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)

and Trinity College. Students benefit from the wide range of clinical services on offer at HMC and from a controlled and

calm environment within which patients can engage with the eager young professionals of the future.

More recently there has been structured engagement with the RCSI to support doctors in training in the research stage of their careers. A number of the house staff are taking part in

competitive, sponsored programmes toward the attainment of an MD. This is seen as a positive initiative that will grow over time.

There have been a number of clinical trials approved by the

MAC over recent years. Members of the consultant staff who are involved in research through their university affiliations

generally bring trials to the clinic for participation. They can offer HMC patients access to state of the art care and an

opportunity to participate in the advancement of medical

knowledge. This is an activity we plan to nurture and grow in the near term future.

In all it has been an exciting decade, filled with challenge and

opportunity. It has been a privilege to work alongside committed healthcare professionals and a management structure that

understands its mission – development of a high tech hospital

for the community. We all look forward to the next decade with great anticipation.

NURSING & CLINICAL SERVICES

HMC’s Clinical Nurse Managers I with Mary Shore

Interview with

Mary Shore

The Hermitage Medical Clinic from its inception and throughout its first 10 years has shown a commitment to quality care and patient safety. It was first accredited in 2007, within one year of opening, and has been continuously accredited by Joint Commission International ( J.C.I) since demonstrating continuous quality improvement.

A

A

s head of nursing and Clinical Services,

Clinical Nurse Managers and supported by Clinical Nurse

for patient services and the identification

education and practice development delivered through the

Mary Shore has leadership responsibility and support for quality improvement

throughout the hospital. In patient and

day care patient care is provided by nursing staff lead by

Specialists. The nursing care provision is underpinned by nurse education and development team.

Clinical Services include both diagnostic and therapeutic

services namely Radiology, Radiotherapy, Medical Physics, Hermitage Medical Clinic | 65

NURSING & CLINICAL SERVICES

Cardiology, Respiratory, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Nutrition and Dietetics, Speech and Language and Neurophysiology.

Although the JCI surveyors visit the hospital only every three

years, Ms Shore says the focus on standards and the quality of

services throughout the hospital is monitored and improved on a

INTERVIEW WITH MARY SHORE Steve Cummins talks to Mary Shore, Head of Nursing and Clinical Services and Chief Operations Officer at HMC, as the hospital pre-

pares for its fourth JCI survey and also finds out what becoming Ireland’s first Planetree designated hospital means for the organisation.

As Head of Nursing and Clinical Services, two days are rarely

the same for Mary Shore. Responsible for the planning, direction, organisation and strategic planning of nursing services

at the Hermitage, Ms Shore is also involved in evaluating and

setting patient safety nursing care standards and objectives for the hospital.

She has similar responsibilities when it comes to the hospital’s

clinical services. Here, she provides leadership, as well as support, in developing and directing the allied health professionals who provide quality clinical care.

daily basis.

“We’re very focussed on opportunities for quality improvement.

That’s our focus continuously. ” she says. “There are a set of

organisational wide standards and specific standards for patient

care, governance, leadership, facilities and all aspects of care. Our policies are all based on those standards. We’re very focussed on

key performance indicators to identify and communicate how we are progressing against some key areas, related to clinical areas

and some operational areas. JCI is an international accreditation, so they’ve got a library of measures that form some of the key

indicators we map ourselves against. There are also others where we identify best practice nationally and internationally and map ourselves against those. We’d use those as our benchmark to improve.”

As well as being accredited by JCI, this year HMC will become the first Planetree designated hospital in Ireland. A US-based

“I’m also the Chief Operations Officer for the

organisation, Planetree provides

hospital,” she tells me. “So I look after the run-

hospitals with a framework for im-

ning of the hospital on a day-to-day basis, whether it relates to the management and development of the facility - or whether it’s in relation to the

theatre schedules, or nurse recruitment. Ultimately, I have to ensure that we have high standards of quality and safety for all patients and staff.”

SETTING STANDARDS Ms Shore has been with the Hermitage since

2011, joining from St Vincent’s University Hos-

Nurses and clinical staff, all they want really, professionally, is to be able to provide good care for their patients

patients receive.

“It’s different to JCI. It’s more a phi-

losophy of patient-centred care,” says Ms Shore. “There are standards and we see it as a quality improvement

initiative. It’s a journey in validating our current practice, to ensure that

that. Every hospital and healthcare

CEO, Eamonn Fitzgerald. The quality and safety

to the fore during her six years with the hospital, as it continues

also driving the quality of care those

it is patient centred and to measure

pital where she also worked with the Hermitage’s of patients that she speaks of has been very much

proving the patient experience while

professional in the world probably

says that they are patient-centred, but to provide evidence of

to be today.

that through our patients, their families and through standards

This year, those standards will again be measured as the hospi-

another thing entirely. The patient is always at the centre of care,

tal undergoes its fourth Joint Commission International ( JCI) survey in November. JCI accreditation is a three-year process, where a triennial survey is carried out, usually by up to five

surveyors, over a four-day period. It looks at all aspects of the

running of the hospital, from management and governance to

staff procedures. During this time, the hospital demonstrates its compliance with international standards.

“Personally, I look forward to the JCI survey,” Ms Shore says. “It

allows the entire team, across the entire hospital, to work together for each other and their patients, because everybody wants to get the stamp of approval from an external agency. People feel the pressure and, yes, it is pressure, but ultimately if we have

confidence that the care we are providing is high quality, safe,

and we provide the evidence of that, then we will be accredited, and should be accredited.”

66 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

that are developed to evaluate how patient centred we are, that’s

but we now seek to measure that and improve it. We constantly need to strive for improvement.”

HIGH CALIBRE STAFF Alongside preparing for the JCI, as Head of Nursing and Clinical Services Ms Shore has a daily task in ensuring that staffing

levels of nurses are adequate and that the environment in which staff work meets both their needs and their patients’ needs.

When it comes to recruiting staff, we’ve left no stone unturned and have been involved in everything from open evenings to

recruitment fairs and social media. But our best promoters have been our own staff. Through them we have managed to attract

people back from abroad – Irish nurses coming home from the UK and Australia.

NURSING & CLINICAL SERVICES

HMC’s Clinical Nurse Managers II with Mary Shore

“Nurses and clinical staff, all they want really, professionally, is to be able to provide good care for their patients,” she

continues. “They want to have the time and the environment in which to do that. They want to be able to go home after

their shift being confident that they provided the best care

that they could. That’s my job to make it possible for them to do that.”

EDUCATION IS KEY Ms Shore says she achieves this through ensuring that hos-

pital staff have the environment and technology they need in

order to help them deliver effective and efficient care. Educa-

tion is also important and at the Hermitage we are encouraging supportive and continuous professional development.

“We have got a very active nurse education and development department here, which has proven extremely beneficial in

relation to staff recruitment and retention,” she says. “That department was set up about four years ago and it has al-

lowed us to develop a foundation course in Peri – Operative

(Theatre) Care and a foundation course in Intensive Care for

neurosurgery and other specialties, where it is very important for nurses to maintain their continuous development.

As for the challenges ahead, Ms Shore believes the challenges are to develop new services, to maintain our high level of quality staff and to provide quality safe care to our patients.

Another challenge will be met in continuing our journey of continuous quality improvement through JCI. Ultimately patients want quality assured safe care.

As we celebrate our first 10 years providing care for patients, we look forward to developing our services and identifying more opportunities for improvement.

Recruitment and retention of high calibre staff and clinical leaders will continue to be our focus, as will be our focus

on engagement with patients to receive feedback on their

experience receiving care at the Hermitage Medical Clinic.

General Practitioners feedback is also invaluable to us in the

development and expansion of services but also in maintain-

ing an effective partnership for the provision of care for their patients.

nurses. These courses enable us to develop our staff skill levels

In conclusion, I would like to thank my colleagues in Nursing,

in each area. We’ve also got an on-going skills development

care and service.

and to have appropriately trained and qualified staff working and education programme through oncology, orthopaedics,

Clinical and support services for their commitment to patient

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 67

DENTISTRY

Something

To Smile About

H

Hermitage Dental and Burlington Dental are two multi-speciality dental practices operating out of the Hermitage Medical Clinic. ermitage Dental provides comprehen-

as necessary. To be part of the overall Hermitage Medical

The team includes paediatric dentists,

date.

sive dental care for children and adults. periodontists, prosthodontists, oral and

maxillofacial surgeons and special needs

dentists. Dental care is provided both in the suite or in theatre according to the individual patient’s needs.

The provision of dental care at Hermitage Dental is based on the principle of “Prevention is the best cure”. Establishing oral and dental health skills for patients in terms of

prevention is the bedrock of a lifelong journey of excellent

oral health and function. The care provided may range from

Clinic has been central to Hermitage Dental’s success to

BURLINGTON DENTAL Clinicians in Suite 26 (a satellite clinic of the well known

Burlington Dental Clinic in Ballsbridge) pride themselves in providing the highest standard of dental care and comprehensive treatment plans across a wide range of dental

disciplines, including Implant Dentistry, Prosthodontics,

Periodontics, Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry and Preventative Dentistry.

conventional dental care to multi-phase advanced dental rehabilitation.

PERIODONTICS AND IMPLANT DENTISTRY

The vision for Hermitage Dental is to provide a mul-

The goal of all periodontal therapy is the elimination of

ti-skilled team approach to dental care. By being part of

Hermitage Medical Clinic, close interaction with medical colleagues also allows optimal provision of care in the

context of managing general health issues and requirements 68 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

active infection and to promote healthy gums, which is then maintained using proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Patients can avail of a wide range of periodontal treatments together with all aspects involved in implantology includ-

DENTISTRY

ing bone graft, connective tissue graft and sinus lifts. Chil-

care for children with special medical and intellectual needs,

extractions are also very welcome to Suite 26.

to approach their treatment in a safe and pleasant environ-

dren who may require frenectomy treatments or orthodontic

PROSTHODONTICS AND IMPLANT DENTISTRY Prosthodontics is dedicated in the repair of badly damaged teeth as well as replacement teeth which have been lost or which cannot be repaired. Treatments such as dentures,

crowns, bridges, veneers can be carried out and major crown and bridge rehabilitation performed in speciality cases.

Prosthodontics works with implant dentistry as implants can be used to support crowns and bridges when teeth have been unavoidably lost.

‘ALL ON 4’ TREATMENT ‘All on 4’ is a revolutionary dental treatment for a patient who is missing all their natural teeth and who is tired of wearing an ill-fitting and often sore denture. One of the most pop-

ular procedures performed by Burlington Dental Clinic, the ‘All on 4’ replaces traditional dentures with a fixed implant

retained bridge option, helping to restore the patients’ smile and confidence.

PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Providing comprehensive quality dental treatment for chil-

dren in a child-friendly environment is important for young patients and their parents. For some children with severe

anxiety problems or where extensive treatment is required, nitrous oxide sedation and general anesthetic facilities are

provided. The pediatric dentist also specialises in providing

assessing the child’s coping abilities helps determine how best ment. Many children only need a caring and gentle approach when introducing them to their dental treatment, and the paediatric team make sure to provide just that.

ORTHODONTICS The Orthodontic team provides patients from the age of 7

years and upwards with the highest quality treatment using new techniques and appliances such as Clarity and other

highly aesthetic options in a comfortable, caring and friendly environment. Orthodontics not only achieves the best result for the child’s teeth but also influences the best outcome

for their face. Treatment, at any stage in an adult’s life can

dramatically improve a person’s appearance and self-esteem.

Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and

bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint pain.

DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAMMES Visiting the Dental Hygienist regularly is the most impor-

tant step a patient can take to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. The Hygienist can advise on a range of oral health

procedures tailored to the individual needs of the patient,

as well as demonstrating how to carry out these techniques effectively. They can also offer diet advice to help prevent

tooth decay and enamel erosion or to advise and help with

more general issues concerning oral health, such as advice to assist the patient with giving up smoking.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 69

PATIENT PERSPECTIVE

Be

Patient Like most lively 6 year olds, young John Fuller finds fun in everything and he loves new experiences, however, like many young children, a visit to the dentist can be pretty daunting.

J

ohn’s mum Lorna was always keen to avoid

moved and some work was required on his bitewing”, explains

took John for regular dental check-ups. At

on four adult molars.”

her son feel anxiety towards the dentist so she the most recent check-up Lorna was advised

that John needed to have some work done but

it would take some time before this could happen:

“We were told that John needed to have a supernumerary re-

Lorna. “We were further advised to have fissure sealants put

Lorna was worried that this was a lot of work for one little boy to cope with so she sought the advice of two public dentists,

both of whom said that since the work was not an emergency,

John would need to go on a long wait list with a wait time of at least 12 months. This was a real concern for Lorna in terms of time and in fear that the condition might worsen:

“I had gone public to two dentists who said they would not do

the procedure as it was not an emergency, so John was put on a waiting list. This was worrying for me and as John was experiencing discomfort and his condition was effecting his speech.

In the end I decided that the only way to address the problem head on was to go privately for treatment”.

Having checked out the many options, Lorna settled on the Hermitage Medical Clinic. The location was ideal for her

commute, the ultra-modern hospital had an excellent repu-

tation with top of the range facilities, and John could be seen

within weeks by a paediatric specialist. “It was a huge relief to

me to find a clinic that wanted to help instead of what seemed like placing hurdles in my way”, explains Lorna.

ANXIOUS MOMENTS An appointment was set and while John thought the hospital looked amazing, he was still very anxious.

“At the initial appointment John was really nervous, made

worse by the fact that he suffers with anxiety and has sensory issues. All of this was soon put to rest however, as paediatric specialist Dr Barbara Coyne was very patient with him; she

went at his pace and didn’t force him to do anything he wasn’t comfortable with.

“John would not sit on the chair or lie back, so Barbara allowed him to sit on my knee to be examined. He then had to have an x-ray and the girl who did the x-ray was fantastic with John.

70 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

PATIENT PERSPECTIVE

She could see he was distressed so she put on the lead

upset waking from the anaesthetic—which is to be expect-

going above and beyond to make John feel at ease.

is 100% down to the exceptional care and attention he

apron and patiently talked him through what he had to do, “On the day of the procedure again everyone was very

attentive towards John and very child friendly. He was

allowed to have his teddy bear with him going into theatre, and I was able to stay with him until he was asleep. The

anaesthetist explained everything to me about what they

were going to do before they did it. I was also brought into the recovery area so I would be there when John woke up.

The whole experience from start to finish was very professional and patient centred”.

Looking back on the experience now Lorna says that she was hugely impressed with focus on her child from the outset:

ed—but his experience overall was hugely positive which

received at Hermitage Medical. I really cannot say enough about Dr Coyne; she was just lovely”.

CREATING SMILES For some children, dental procedures at a young age can be such a terrifying experience that they will only put

themselves through the agony associated with the dentist if a problem becomes unbearable. Lorna Fuller was keen

to avoid falling into this category and she was mindful that if John had a positive experience out of something that

seemed so negative, he would be less likely to develop a fear of dentists in the long term. This coupled with her wish to address the problem while not creating new ones brought

“Everything was explained upfront in regards to cost,

her to Hermitage Medical Clinic and she is convinced that

all of the staff at Hermitage Dental were very friendly and

Concluding Lorna says, “as the mother of a child who was

process, procedure and follow up. Dr Barbara Coyne and

professional. The hospital itself was lovely – such a beautiful and peaceful environment. Most importantly, John was

treated so well and everyone made him feel totally at ease.

I was very happy”.

Rather than it being a traumatic, difficult experience, young John enjoyed all of the attention that he got, “he was a little

it was the best decision that she could have made.

a patient in the Hermitage Clinic I can say without reservation that the service and level of attention we received

was exemplary. I have every confidence in going back again if it is required. I am very happy with the whole experience because John was happy and he has no negative memories whatsoever of his experience”.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 71

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

Kings Hospital Choir

Leading by

Example

Leading by example is the trait of true leadership and success. Hermitage Medical Clinic takes its core values of caring about health and wellbeing outside the walls of its healthcare facility and into the community beyond.

T

he clinic has been privileged to support

In addition, for the past seven years, HMC has hosted an

including the Marie Keating Foundation,

facilitating a great social event at the excellent Hermitage

the community by assisting many charities St Francis Hospice Blanchardstown, Sick

Doctor Scheme, Pieta House, Irish Cancer

Society, Irish Heart Foundation and Heart Children Ireland in their excellent work.

annual GP Golf Day raising funds and morale while also Golf Club. This special day last year was in aid of Pieta House which first opened its doors in Lucan, County

Dublin in January 2006. Dr Ellen Stuart from Blessington Family Practice is one of the many GP’s who enjoys her

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 73

COMMUNITY FOCUS

relationship with HMC. Dr Stuart says that she has always found the staff and service at the Hermitage Clinic to be of

a very high quality and “participation in the annual GP golf outing is always a pleasure.”

There have also been many charity balls which have raised

much-needed funds to assist families throughout Ireland that are affected by cancer and heart disease. “It marks the clinic’s contribution to the message of cancer and cardiac disease

awareness, explains Marketing & Communications Manager, Karen Walsh. “Our Charity Ball in 2015 was in aid of the

Berkeley Tragedy as one of our colleagues’ relatives had being affected by the tragedy.”

GP DAYS On a practical level, HMC enjoys an excellent relationship with the many referring and local GP’s. It holds regular GP educational evenings on different specialities which are all CPD

accredited. These meetings are normally bi-monthly and cover

clinical areas which are beneficial to primary care. For example, an annual GP Study Day is held in November and includes

a broad range of presentations while the second CyberKnife

Symposium took place in September 2016 featuring international clinicians such as Dr Anand Mahadevan, Consultant

Radiation Oncologist Boston. Dr Oliver Quinn from Crumlin

is one of many who attend these events and he is glowing in his Charity Ball in aid of Berkeley tragedy 74 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

praise of GP events at the Hermitage:

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Charity balls raise much-needed funds to assist families throughout Ireland that are affected by cancer and heart disease.

It marks the clinic’s contribution to the message of cancer and cardiac disease awareness, explains Marketing & Communications Manager, Karen Walsh

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 75

COMMUNITY FOCUS

“I am delighted to say a few words both in praise and grati-

expanding ever more rapidly, doctors like their patients

eral Hospital, on this its tenth anniversary. While for the

the opportunity to meet each other and to meet with con-

tude to the Hermitage Medical Clinic, that is really a Gen-

Hermitage nothing is more important than the provision of excellence in medical care, it also pays increasing attention

to the provision of medical education. On first opening its doors there was never a barrier separating it from primary care. The ways of the hospital and GP’s merged into a common pathway in the journey of total patient care.

“Establishing the large lecture hall on the highest floor

confirmed the value that HMC attached to the provision

of medical education. Looking out from the window gives a panoramic view of nature of rolling hills covered with

trees. Monthly medical education evenings were quickly

established and GP’s were made more than welcome with

hot food and refreshments served on arrival - very welcome after a long day!

“At first there was just a trickle of local GP’s in attendance but soon the high standard of the medical presentations,

the varied multiplicity of the topics covered and not least

meeting colleagues socially in a convivial atmosphere, drew more and more GP’s along.

“In this contemporary, wired world of impersonal technology, with medical science and knowledge advancing and 76 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

need personal human interaction. These meetings give GP’s sultants in person to share medical knowledge to everyone’s mutual benefit.

“This high level of commitment to medical education also reflects the medical care that patients receive. State of the art diagnostic and laboratory facilities combined with the

expertise of the consultants ensures the speedy healing and recovery of the patients that the hermitage is renowned for.”

According to Dr Patricia Black, general practice is an

evolving speciality that must constantly adapt to the social changes taking place in our society. It is continually striv-

ing to meet the needs of the community while at the same time linking with allied health professionals and tertiary centres. A centre of particular excellence is Hermitage

Medical Clinic, where the availability of specialist consultants and access to radiological services are of huge benefit to Dr Black and her fellow GP’s:

“The rapid availability of radiological services at HMC are greatly beneficial, as is the ability for GP’s to access

information provided on-line, allowing us to effect rapid referrals for patients to the relevant specialist”. Dr Black

COMMUNITY FOCUS

also feels that the presence of an excellent emergency department is hugely significant.

“General Practice is continuing to evolve and I am sure

the tertiary centres such as the Hermitage Medical Clinic

will also adapt to the needs of GP’s and continue to have a closer working relationship with primary care givers.

There is a new module coming into general practice with more of a focus on the holistic side to medicine”. This holistic approach is embraced by Hermitage Medical

Clinic and Dr Black feels that the regular GP evenings at

HMC are in-keeping with this ethos. Commenting on the importance of partnerships Dr Black says: “I am sure the

close partnership between GP’s and the tertiary centres will continue to be the mainstay and that primary care givers

will continue to provide and access the best care for their patients.”

radiology department and subsequently as a patient for day surgery. The staff were extremely kind, efficient and caring including the health professionals and also the catering

staff. The building itself is magnificent and extremely well maintained. Thank you to all the staff and to the Senior Management of the Hermitage Medical Clinic.”

CARE IN THE COMMUNITY Headmaster John Rafter says that the King’s Hospital is delighted to have such a world class medical facility on its doorstep. “It is a comfort to know that our staff and

students have access to an A & E if there is ever a sports injury that needs further care,” he said. “We are thrilled

to be invited every Christmas to sing for the patients and staff of the Hermitage Clinic. The Chapel and Chamber

choirs are a big part of The King’s Hospital School and they very much enjoy showcasing their talents to an apprecia-

From a different though equally important perspective

tive audience. We congratulate the Hermitage Clinic on

to say about HMC. Professor Hilary Hoey was recently

continued advancement in medicine and patient care.”

another medical professional has some encouraging words

its success in the past ten years and we look forward to its

a patient at HMC and she was delighted with the service

The staff and volunteers of St. Francis Hospice are equally

and attention she received:“I was recently a patient in the

Hermitage for foot surgery. I received outstanding efficient, expert and compassionate care from the staff as an outpa-

tient including consultation with Mr David Borton and the

thankful for the excellent support that they receive from

HMC. The commitment of St. Francis Hospice to patients and their families is long standing and absolute. It is the

mission and goal of the hospice to provide care to all those Hermitage Medical Clinic | 77

COMMUNITY FOCUS

in need of their services and to provide for this the hospice

generous contribution received from the Hermitage Clinic

port. “In 2012 the staff of the Hermitage Medical Clinic

and has given us courage to move forward with progressing

is hugely dependent on the community for their sup-

organised a Charity Ball in aid of St. Francis Hospice

Blanchardstown, explains CEO Fintan Fagan. “This very

78 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

and their staff has helped us to uphold our commitment

and improving our services for the patients and families in our care.”

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 79

COMMUNITY FOCUS

MEDICAL CLINIC STAFF EVENTS HMC staff have contributed to many sports and social

events including Colour Dash in aid of the Irish Cancer

Society, the Liffey Descent Race and the annual Staff Relay Race in the Phoenix Park.

Nursing staff have also organised teams for ‘Hell & Back’,

ICS Colour Dash

Liffey Descent Race 80 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

which has been an eventful experience. In December 2016 three staff members travelled to Kenya and volunteered in

Mutomo Mission Hospital. They also organised a generous contribution for the hospital which was used to repair one of their water tanks. In Mutomo water is so scarce that

when it rains they try to harvest as much water as possible, so the repair of the water tank was hugely beneficial.

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Staff Engagement Events

In Mutomo water is so scarce that when it rains they need to harvest as much water as possible. HMC staff raised funds which helped to fund the fixing of a precious water tank bringing huge benefit to the hospital.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 81

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Since 2014 teams from HMC have being involved in the staff relay race in the Phoenix Park. The teams are well supported on the day by Hermitage staff.

The event provides a great opportunity for Hermitage staff to meet and mingle with a host of companies but most importantly, a good evening is had by all.

82 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

COMMUNITY FOCUS

A Shining Light

T

The Irish Cancer Society is the national cancer charity in Ireland with the mission to improve the lives of those affected by cancer. hey do this by funding life-saving, collab-

about cancer, gain information about treatment and side

date information about cancer, delivering

advice and reassurance.

orative cancer research, providing up to a range of services to improve the lives of people living with cancer and their

families, and by influencing change and raising awareness of cancer issues at the government level.

The Irish Cancer Society has enjoyed a very special

relationship with the Hermitage Medical Clinic for many years and was delighted to work with HMC in opening a Daffodil Centre at the Clinic in 2012.

“HMC share in our vision to transform the patient experi-

ence in relation to cancer information and support” explains CEO John McCormack.

effects, discuss symptoms and warning signs and for general Most enquirers have lots of questions when they visit. In

addition to the information given, the cancer nurse and volunteers provide emotional support by listening to concerns and signposting visitors to services within the hospital as well as to other relevant organisations.

“The nurse and volunteers provide information that is tai-

lored to the enquirers needs whether that entails, whether it be talking through a question, giving an information leaflet, finding information for the enquirer online and directing them to reliable cancer information websites” explains MrMCormack.

Daffodil Centres are an extension of the Irish Cancer Soci-

“They can also refer people to cancer support centres, GP’s,

based and offer information, advice, help and support to

of local and national cancer support services and even

ety’s Cancer Information Service. The Centres are hospital anyone concerned about or affected by cancer in complete

confidence and in a welcoming and safe environment. The

Centres are open to all, no referral or appointment is necessary. Information, advice and support is provided to cancer

patients and their family members or carers. Anybody who has worries about possible cancer symptoms or who want

to learn more about reducing the risks of developing cancer are all welcome.

Since its opening in April 2012, the Daffodil Centre at

HMC has had contact with over 9,147 people. Key reasons for vising the Centre includes being able to talk openly

provide information on treatments and side-effects, details information on social welfare entitlements”.

For many cancer patients and their families, the experience of cancer is an intensely stressful one. Emotional support

is hugely important as is access to information on treatment options, oncology services and technology.

Concluding Mr McCormack says, “while The Daffodil

Centre is currently closed due to relocation and refurbishment, we look forward to having the Centre open again

soon and to working with the Hermitage Medical Clinic for many years to come.”

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 83

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Congratulations to the Hermitage Medical Centre from Sean Mulryan. ― The Hermitage is a very welldesigned building but it is only as good as the people that work in it.

Congratulations on your first ten year’s. There’s lot more to be done and lots more to achieve. Exciting times ahead! Many thanks.

PROUD FOUNDING SHAREHOLDERS SINCE INCEPTION

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Take Heart

D

Every hour someone in Ireland suffers from a stroke. Every day, hundreds of Irish people are diagnosed with heart disease. r Angie Brown, Medical Director at

Prevention programmes in communities, schools and work-

says that her mission is to affect positive

However, cardiovascular disease remains the number one

Irish Heart and Consultant Cardiologist, change in the lifestyles of Irish people, to

achieve better outcomes for those affected

by heart disease and stroke and to challenge when the health of our nation is put at risk.

“Last year (2016) we celebrated 50 years preventing heart

places benefit 1.2 million children and adults nationwide.

killer in Ireland and so at Irish Heart. “We have more work to do to reduce premature deaths from heart disease and

stroke by 25% by 2025”, explains Dr Brown. “Our vision

is that every person living in Ireland will live a long, active and healthy life free from heart disease and stroke.”

disease and stroke. Established in 1966 by a group of

“We will empower more adults and children to live life

the way in reducing deaths from heart disease and stroke

will help more stroke and heart patients feel less isolated

medical professionals, for more than 50 years we have led through our research, education and community service to help Irish people live longer, healthier lives”, she explains.

“Prevention is enshrined as a cornerstone principle of our work and our aim is to empower people to live longer,

healthier lives. To this end, we have significantly helped to transform the landscape of heart disease and stroke in Ire-

land over the years with many achievements along the way: “We are the largest voluntary funder of heart and stroke

research in Ireland. We are united for stroke and lead the way in stroke patient support, Act FAST awareness and

advocacy backed by our voluntary medical stroke council of 20 years”.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES The dedicated advocacy work by Irish Heart over more

than five decades has led to roll-out of coronary care units, stroke units, a workplace smoking ban and stopped the

destruction of vital blood samples for families affected by SADS. Irish Heart run the largest national resuscitation

better and recognize, avoid and manage risk factors. We

through dedicated local support groups. We will help save more lives from cardiac arrest through our CPR train-

ing. We will help prevent more strokes and heart attacks

through our national mobile health checks. We will ensure more people get access to the best possible care, support and information. We will fund more breakthrough re-

search. We will protect more children from unhealthy food marketing and tobacco”.

To achieve these goals, the organisation needs supporters now more than ever. Dr Brown consults at Hermitage

Medical Clinic and she says that Irish Heart hugely appreciate all the support from HMC in raising much needed funds and awareness for this worth cause:

“As a voluntary organisation we rely almost completely

on public donations so these fundraising events by HMC and our other supporters are crucial to maintain our

support services, health checks, advocacy, education and research. Together we make life better for everyone.”

training network in the country dedicated to saving lives from cardiac arrest.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 85

FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP

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PARTNERS IN CARE

Mental Health

P

Pieta House was founded in Lucan, Co Dublin, in 2006 and now has services right across Ireland. ieta House offers free counselling to those

Brian set off from the original Pieta House in Lucan,

who have been bereaved by suicide and

epic trip on September 9th, the day before World Suicide

suffering from suicidal ideation, those

people who are engaging in self-harm.

Since last year, Pieta House has also been

providing counselling, therapy and support to individuals, couples, families and children who have been bereaved by suicide.

“At Pieta House, we value the importance of looking after your mental health, of having a healthy work/life balance

and we are keen to let people know about the free services we offer to those in need.

“Our vision is of a world where suicide, self-harm and

stigma have been replaced by hope, self-care and acceptance”, says Pieta House CEO Brian Higgins.

“In the last 11 years we have been brilliant at replacing

suicide with hope and bringing people to self-care, but the

biggest struggle for us is to replace stigma with acceptance.

“We all need to tackle the stigma that leads people to

the doors of Pieta House. We have helped almost 28,000

people since 2006. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if we didn’t have to do it for another 11 years – to think of a time when suicide and self-harm aren’t options for people?”

Brian Higgins takes a very proactive approach to what he does and in an attempt to highlight the cause and bring

attention to the work of Pieta House, in August 2016 he

embarked on a rickshaw road-trip across Ireland to mark

Co Dublin, on Wednesday 31st August and finished his

Prevention Day. TV and radio presenter (and Pieta House ambassador) Eoghan McDermott (pictured above) was among those to cheer Brian off on his journey.

The aim of the road-trip was to raise awareness of – and

to try and combat – the stigma that still surrounds suicide and self-harm. On his trip, Brian was interviewed by a

host of newspapers and radio stations and he visited Pieta

House centres across Ireland as his journey took him to the southeast coast, from Cork to Kerry, Limerick and Galway and finally back to Dublin.

Pieta House are delighted with the support that they

receive from HMC and the annual golf day is an important means of fundraising. Speaking of the relationship with HMC Higgins says:

“We are so grateful to Hermitage Medical Clinic for their support. Fundraisers such as the golf day are crucial in

highlighting the work that we’re doing at Pieta House, to

get the message out to anyone in need that our services are here. Thanks to everyone who supports us, we are able to

keep our services free and are so happy to say that 28,000

people have accessed them for free since the day we opened in 2006”.

Pieta House also operates the free 24-hour suicide helpline 1800 247 247. www.pieta.ie

Pieta House’s 10th anniversary.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 87

THE RIGHT FINANCIAL PRESCRIPTION Irish Life designs and develops solutions specifically tailored to meet the particular financial planning challenges facing medical professionals.

The financial planning process is all about preparation according to Colm Roantree, Executive Consultant with the Wealth Management team in Irish Life. “Financial planning boils down to saving for what you know will happen and insuring for what might happen. In other words, you plan for the known while making provision for the unknowns.”

The overall process bears a strong resemblance to a medical consultation. As part of our initial analysis we leverage our internal expertise to look at income, marital status, outgoings including mortgages, debts, other assets, investments, attitude to risk, and so on. It’s pretty much a full financial physical.”

Medical professionals have to contend with a quite unique set of circumstances.

“In our experience medical professionals are almost constantly playing catch-up throughout their working lives. Their earnings don’t really start to ramp up until they are in their 40s and they start pension and other financial planning quite late.

Also, they tend to be extremely busy individuals with little or no time to devote to financial planning and tend to focus only on the present.”

Straightforward but not necessarily simple to implement. “If the plan is not implemented immediately it is soon forgotten”, Colm concludes. “We work hard with clients to ensure that they are in as good a position as possible to meet their short and medium term financial needs and that they can afford to meet their retirement goals, whatever they may be.”

For more information contact Colm Roantree Executive Consultant

Irish Life look at it as lifetime advice, not a single point in time. “We look at earnings over a person’s lifetime. We look at when they want to retire, what lifestyle they hope to have, and the income required. This allows us to calculate the assets needed in terms of pension and other savings and investments.”

Irish Life Assurance plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

The resulting plan is based on when the client is going to retire, how much income is needed to retire on, and what assets they currently have. The final plan takes into account short, medium and long term goals. “Self-employed medical professionals have to make provision for the possibility of illness preventing them from working”, says Colm. “Instead of allowing this to eat into their savings and investments they should put plans in place to protect their income.”

Email: colm.roantree@irishlife.ie Phone: 087 221 4435

PENSIONS • INVESTMENTS • LIFE INSURANCE

ILA 12900 (NPI 01-17).indd 1

23/01/2017 09:07

RelateCare is a global leader in healthcare communications solutions.

Our clinical and technical expertise support the patient on their healthcare journey from first point of access all the way to post-discharge. ✔ Increase Patient Access ✔ Maximise Patient Experience ✔ Improve Patient Outcomes ✔ Drive Contact Centre Efficiencies Find out more at relatecare.com

PARTNERS IN CARE

Relate

Care

F

RelateCare is a global leader in the delivery of patient access and patient engagement solutions for healthcare contact centres. ounded in 2013 as a joint-venture with

through the Applied Research for Connected Technology

redesign of Cleveland Clinic’s Access to

the steering committee. Discussion began around ways that

Cleveland Clinic after leading the

Care Centre, RelateCare continues to

work with some of the best hospitals in

the United States to ensure patients can access care through innovative multi-channel solutions.

RelateCare provides technical expertise in healthcare

contact centre operations together with clinical expertise in

Centre where both CEO’s work together as members of

RelateCare could help HMC to improve their patient flow and patient engagement initiatives, bringing best practice processes from several leading international healthcare

brands. “We hope to work together to create a culture of accountability, while improving verification and billing processes”, explains O’Byrne.

the design and implementation of tele-health and clinical

RelateCare stand to benefit from the relationship with

strategy, guided scheduling questionnaires, post-discharge

access and patient experience processes to an Irish-based

calling programmes. Services include contact centre design calling programmes, workforce optimisation, nurse on call programmes and technology optimisation.

“Our clinical and technical expertise provides the knowledge and support necessary to increase patient access,

optimise appointment scheduling protocols, reduce read-

missions and create a patient centric healthcare experience”, explains CEO Conor O’Byrne.

RelateCare and the Hermitage Clinic first connected

HMC by applying their vast healthcare expertise in patient health clinic. While most of their clients are currently

based in the USA, the relationship with HMC presents an

opportunity to bring what has been learned about optimising patient flow and overall patient experience back to the Irish healthcare system. According to Mr O’Byrne, “the

Hermitage Medical Clinic is one of the most highly-re-

garded private hospitals in Ireland and therefore is the ideal place to begin this journey”.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 89

PARTNERS IN CARE

Get

Connected

B

Applied Research for Connected Health (ARCH) is a government funded (Enterprise Ireland/IDA) research centre. ased in University College Dublin,

research expertise available within the centre. This provides

of Limerick to carry out state-funded

or to explore and conduct targeted research projects on

ARCH partner with the University research that has an industry focus.

The company works with ARCH in-

dustry members, other commercial partners, academia and healthcare professionals to explore and evaluate connected

the resources to answer specific questions for the clinic

its behalf. HMC also has the opportunity to govern, steer

and influence the direction of core programmes of ARCH research, which is 100% funded by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland.

health solutions and opportunities. ARCH is at the centre

In addition, ARCH provides a platform for HMC to net-

infrastructure that spans a range of activities from gathering

operating in the connected health space. This is an energet-

of an unparalleled connected health education and research analysing and interpreting data, through the development of new knowledge and care models to implementing and evaluating change. “We champion connected health as a means of delivering more efficient patient centred care”, explains ARCH Centre Director, Michael O’Shea.

ARCH provides a medium for industry to work with clini-

cal, policy, technology and business experts on a programme of interrelated research activities. Their broad portfolio of

work with and gain insight from other industry members

ic, dynamic and fast-paced environment that cultivates collaborations and develops research ideas on a broader scale.

COLLABORATION ARCH collaborates with the Hermitage Clinic on a

range of innovative connected health projects that strive

to improve healthcare delivery processes and systems and enhance wellness programmes for patients.

member companies operates across the spectrum of the

“Our experience from working with Hermitage Medical

pharmaceutical, ICT and healthcare providers.

challenges of the Irish healthcare system and are commit-

connected health ecosystem including medical technology, The Hermitage Clinic is part of the ARCH Industry

Member Network, which now hosts in excess of 30 companies ranging in size from start-ups to SMEs and multina-

tionals. As a member of ARCH, HMC gains access to the 90 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

Centre is that they are enthusiastic about addressing the

ted to engaging in research to help identify opportunities to resolve these problems”, explains O’Shea. “Together,

we recognise the importance of connected health solutions in building a more sustainable healthcare system for the future.”

PARTNERS IN CARE

i360

medical

i

universities.

‘Generating and commercialising new world-class medical technology solutions, in pursuit of enhanced patient care’ 360medical is an Irish headquartered

health technology innovation company with offices in New York, USA that

drives collaboration across clinicians, multinational companies, SMEs and

With an experienced international team and a Board who have strong design, development, IP, market and com-

mercialisation focus, i360medical is a dynamic conduit for

new concept ideas and verified unmet surgical and clinical needs.

i360medical has established itself as a preferred ‘one stop’

supplier of outsourced Ideation and R&D for a number of global and national healthcare systems and medical technology companies.

“As part of our Innovation Agreements, i360medical offer a full range of activities to partners associated with health-

care technology commercialisation including ideation, IP

creation and management, design and prototype develop-

ment, through to clinical studies and market introduction”, explains Founder and CEO Derek Young.

“Clients engage with i360medical because of our practical

experience, independence, access to the European, US and emerging markets through our exceptional international

clinical and commercial network and our ability to acceler-

ate healthcare technology commercialisation.” i360medical works directly with and enables health system inventive staff to identify, qualify and develop medical

device solutions to critical clinical needs of patients both in their system and worldwide across key clinical specialities.

The Hermitage Medical Clinic is an i360medical supporter and shareholder with Eamon Fitzgerald, Hermitage’s CEO, representing HMC on i360medical’s Board of

Directors. According to Mr Young, HMC CEO Eamon

Fitzgerald was instrumental in working with Ballymore to

locate i360medical’s offices and future incubator/accelerator facilities in neighbouring Fonthill House:

“Within these facilities we plan to develop progress qualified project and Start-ups from our Irish, USA, German

and Singapore Innovation partnerships to market”, he said.

“Eamon and his team are introducing inventive Hermitage Clinicians to i360medical to assist with the progression of

their medical device ideas, projects and potential startups.”

Members of the i360medical team play an active role in

creating an innovation eco system within HMC and this

results in members of team i360medical frequently catching a few precious moments with Hermitage clinicians and

healthcare staff both formally and informally in the clinics’ restaurant.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 91

PARTNERS IN CARE

Giving

HOPE

HOPE, the European Hospital and Healthcare Federation, is a European non-profit organisation, created in 1966 representing national public and private hospital associations and hospital owners.

W

ith 37 organisations from the 28

Member States of the European

Union, Switzerland and the Republic of Serbia, HOPE covers almost the

80% of hospital activity as well as im-

portant segments of other health and social care activities.

The central mission of the organisation is to promote im-

provements in the health of citizens and a uniformly high

standard of hospital care, fostering efficiency, effectiveness

and humanity in the organisation and operations of hospital and health services.

HOPE actively monitors EU policies and legislations likely to have an impact on the organisation and operation of

hospitals and healthcare services and provides input and the perspective of healthcare providers in arenas where these issues are debated.

Then, HOPE contributes to the legislative agenda but also

to the non-legislative activities in particular through participation in European projects and joint actions.

92 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

COMPARITIVE ACTIVITY Since its creation HOPE has produced comparative

information on the ways healthcare systems are organised

and financed. It includes as well a unique annual exchange programme for health professionals, together with study tours, workshops and conferences.

Knowledge on hospitals in Europe is sparse and spread in different sources. To make easily available the core infor-

mation and to give a vertical and a cross-quantitative and

qualitative overview on the main figures related to hospital activity, HOPE gather data and produces comparative

tools. It also produces papers and reports on selected topics of relevance for its members.

HOPE is involved in several EU funded projects as

associate and collaborative partner. In the last years, the

most recurrent topics have been Cross Border Cooperation, eHealth, Health Threats, Health Workforce, Patient Safety and Quality of Care, and Promotion and Prevention.

PARTNERS IN CARE

EXCHANGE PROGRAMME HOPE promotes the exchange of knowledge and expertise

within hospital and healthcare professionals at the EU level through a unique Exchange Programme. Its aim consists

The emphasis of the programme is practical rather than

academic and should also take into account the profession-

al’s specific motivation for joining the programme as well as the agreed theme for the year.

in leading to a better understanding of the functioning of

The length of the exchange period is 4 weeks, starting

countries, by facilitating cooperation and exchange of best

1988, by an evaluation meeting and since 1992 also by a

healthcare and hospital systems within EU and neighbour practices.

The HOPE Exchange Programme proposes a 4-week training period intended for managers and other pro-

fessionals with managerial responsibilities. They must be

working in hospitals and healthcare facilities, adequately

experienced in their profession with a minimum of three

in May for all the candidates. It has been followed, since seminar in June, to which all professionals of the HOPE

Exchange Programme are invited. Each year these meetings called “Agora” are organized in a different country. During the evaluation meeting each professional is requested to

contribute to a national presentation of his/her experiences abroad.

years of experience and having proficiency in the language

In 2017, HOPE will organise its 36th Exchange Pro-

Programme is not a medical or technical programme. It is

will be around organisational innovation in hospitals and

that is accepted by the host country. The HOPE Exchange a multi-professional programme. It is aimed at professions and professionals who are directly or indirectly involved

in the management of European health care services and hospitals.

Participation of candidates and host organisations is organized through the distribution of information (application

gramme starting on 15 May. The main topic for 2017

healthcare. Organisational innovation is a broad topic that

in the context of the Exchange Programme shall be intended as the implementation of a new method or process in

relation to the use of new technologies, to health services provision, to human resources management and patients’ empowerment or involvement.

forms, timetable, information sheets…) by national co-or-

The HOPE Agora 2017 will take place in Dublin from 11

authority to grant special leave with pay to the candidates

ment Institute of Ireland with the support of the Private

dinators and depends on the willingness of the employing going abroad. Host organisations are requested to provide

free accommodation as well as meals at a reasonable price.

June 13 June. It will be organised by the Health ManageHospitals Association and the Department of Health.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 93

PARTNERS IN CARE

Sanford Health

S

Sanford Health, an International Health Care System Proud to Partner with Hermitage Medical Clinic

anford Health is a leading interna-

all adults. Genetic counselors, medical geneticists and scien-

to high-quality patient care, innovative

used by physicians on patient-specific treatments.

tional health care system committed

research and partnership. Having pro-

vided health care services for more than

120 years in the American Midwest, Sanford has made a

series of international commitments and has grown into a global health care system, dedicated to the work of health and healing. The organization takes pride in a pioneering

spirit that has driven growth in sustainable health services, innovation and education.

As one of America’s largest integrated not-for-profit health care systems, the organization includes commitments to hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, long-term care facilities,

medical education programs, health research and health

insurance among other facets. Collectively, Sanford includes more than 28,000 employees — including more than 1,500 physicians and 6,100 registered nurses, providing care in 80 specialties at nearly 350 hospitals and clinics in nine U.S. states and four countries.

RESEARCH

Beyond its development of sustainable health care services,

Sanford has made commitments in health research in areas like genetics, oncology, regenerative medicine and type 1 diabetes among others.

tists work together to implement advanced genetic analysis Dedicated to the next generation of treatments and cures, Sanford Research is breaking ground internationally with

its work studying rare diseases, genetics and pursuing cures

for diabetes through the Sanford Project. Over 300 clinical trials are currently available at Sanford Research, including

a stem cell therapy trial for shoulder injuries that is the first of its kind in the United States. Sanford Health is one of

only three sites across the nation offering the first Cancer

MoonShot 2020 clinical trial for those with advanced breast cancers. Related developments of BioBank infrastructure, molecular lab facilities and genetic sequencing technolo-

gies position the organization and its partners to provide enhanced treatment options for patients.

These advancements and others were recognized in 2016

with receipt of the Pontifical Key Innovation Award at The

Third International Conference on the Progress of Regenerative Medicine and Its Cultural Impact in Vatican City.

SANFORD WORLD CLINIC

Launched in 2007, the Sanford World Clinic initiative

was designed to provide permanent health care services

for children. It has quickly expanded into broader primary care services and includes clinical, education and research

The Edith Sanford Breast Cancer Center serves compre-

capabilities among partnerships in China, Germany and

advanced technology. Sanford’s goal is to decode the genetic

Additional relationships are being forged to advance

hensive breast health needs with specialized services and

make-up of every woman and work to evaluate each woman’s risk, identify best treatments and ultimately eradicate breast cancer.

Sanford Imagenetics is a revolutionary program that inte-

grates genetics and genomic medicine into primary care for 94 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

Ghana.

Sanford’s global presence through Sanford World Clinic,

establishing sustainable health care services and using technology and science to enhance the work of local physicians and scientists.

For more information, visit www.sanfordhealth.org.

PARTNERS IN CARE

Leaders

in Education RCSI has been at the forefront of educating healthcare professionals since 1784 when it was founded as the national training and professional body for surgery.

Today it is Ireland’s only focused health sciences institution, Ireland’s largest medical school and one of the leading health sciences institutions in the world.

R

RCSI and The Hermitage Medical

was co designed with the RCSI Institute of Leadership.

of agreement in May 2009 to facilitate

team performance took place over a six-month period. The

Clinic jointly signed a memorandum

clinical placements for RCSI medical

students. Since the commencement date,

approximately 300 RCSI medical students have enjoyed the excellent teaching and learning environment at the Hermitage Medical Clinic.

Professor Trevor Duffy, Consultant Rheumatologist at

HMC and Connolly Hospital has provided leadership of

the education programme at the Hermitage Medical Clinic with participation from all departments and particular

support from HR and the Director of Nursing, Ms Mary Shore. Experience of the private sector in medicine

complements and enhances the students overall clinical experience in the medical curriculum at RCSI.

The Hermitage Medical Clinic Leadership Development

Programme for Clinical Support Staff and Clinical Nursing Staff was completed on 5th May 2016. This programme

Eight workshops on leadership, finance, governance and programme was accredited by NMBI.

In July 2016 the Hermitage Medical Clinic in collaboration with RCSI created MD opportunities for clinicians to undertake a Research Degree while working at the

Clinic. The programme is designed to attract high calibre clinicians to conduct research to a higher degree level.

This programme is in line with both institutions ambitions regarding excellence in care for all patients.

Significant numbers of RCSI Associated Consultants are

members of the Hermitage Medical Clinic consultant staff working to provide excellence in patient centred care and excellence in clinical education programmes.

RCSI has an excellent working relationship with the

Hermitage Clinic, a relationship which has grown and

strengthened over the years and will continue to grow into the future.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 95

:15

/2016

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PARTNERS IN CARE

Patient Centred Care

Planetree International is delighted to partner with the Hermitage Medical Clinic to further enhance the structures and practices that support patient and staff engagement across the organisation.

T

he Hermitage is the first organization to join forces with Planetree in Ireland and marks the twenty-second country that

Planetree has partnered with around the

world. In fact, Planetree has worked with

over 700 healthcare organizations on 6 continents, pioneering approaches that simultaneously improve the staff and the patient experience.

While patient-centred care is talked about in a variety of

ways, the essential theme is this: the importance of delivering care in a way that works best for you. Patient-centred care is the core of a high quality health care system and a necessary foundation for safe, effective, efficient,

timely and equitable care. The Planetree model of care is a

nise as a leader in healthcare in Ireland”.

“Through our affiliation, we are eager to build upon your

incredible foundation in patient safety by connecting you with our global network of likeminded organizations.

This learning community has driven innovation in patient centred care for decades, and we know that the addition

of the Hermitage will certainly add to our work”, explains Manning.

“Together, we will embark on a journey to make the Her-

mitage Medical Clinic the first healthcare organization in

Ireland to achieve Planetree Person-Centred Care Designation, which represents the highest level of achievement in patient-centred care based on evidence and standards.”

patient-centred holistic approach to providing patient care,

The Planetree programme provides a structured, operation-

healing. It empowers patients and families through the ex-

processes necessary to sustain organizational culture change.

with caregivers. It seeks to maximise positive healthcare

criteria, the programme converts the aspirational aim of

incorporating art and nature into the healing environment.

defined, attainable and measurable. In full alignment with

promoting mental, emotional, spiritual, social and physical

al framework for evaluating the organizational systems and

change of information and encourages healing partnerships

Through a set of experience-based and evidence-based

outcomes by integrating optimal medical therapies and

becoming more “patient-centred” into something that is

Founded by a patient in 1978, Planetree International is a mission based, not-for-profit organization with offices in the North America, South America and Europe that

HMC’s endeavours with Joint Commission International,

Planetree Person-Centred Designation will allow the Hermitage Medical Clinic to ascend to even higher heights.

partners with healthcare organizations to transform how

Beyond all of the functional and technical components of

patients, families and staff, Planetree deepens organization-

a thought leader in Ireland, Manning says that he is most

how professional caregivers engage with patients and fam-

“Everyone in our organization gets motivated by the addi-

care is delivered. Powered by over 50,000 focus groups with

this partnership that will allow the HMC to continue as

al appreciation and usage of the patient voice and advances

excited to bring Planetree home.

ilies. Guided by a foundation in 10 components of patient centred care, Planetree informs policy at an international

level, aligns strategies at a system level, guides implementation of care delivery practices at an organizational level and facilitates compassionate human interactions at a deeply personal level.

According to Alan Manning, Executive Vice President of Planetree International, everyone at Planetree is excited

about the opportunity to work with the Hermitage Medical Clinic, “because we realise that your organization is recog-

tion of another country but nobody gets more excited than me and my colleague, Bernie. Currently living in the US,

I was born and raised in the rebel county, Cork. Similarly, my colleague Bernie has recently moved to America from Limerick”.

Manning concludes: “We are thrilled that the Hermit-

age Medical Clinic can set a new standard of care for all

healthcare organizations in Ireland and we are delighted to have our accents understood.”

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 97

Kings Laundry is the most comprehensive linen and laundry service provider in Ireland.

The company operates two facilities in Ireland. One in Dublin and second, the recently opened Cork facility, the most modern in Europe.

We are the largest supplier to the Irish private healthcare and hospitality sector, servicing over two million pieces of laundry each week.

We are also proud to have the Hermitage Medical Clinic as one of our clients.

www.kingslaundry.com

PARTNERS IN CARE

Fit for a King

T

Kings Laundry is Ireland’s leading supplier of linen and laundry services to the private healthcare and hospitality sector. he company has worked with Hermitage

during their hospital stay. Laundry and linen therefore pays

delivering on its commitment to quality

contributing to the best patient care available”, continued

Medical Clinic for the past six years, improvement and infection control.

Cleanliness and comfort are paramount

requirements of any hospital stay and Kings Laundry

an important role and we are delighted to play our part in McGovern.

ONGOING INVESTMENT

continues to provide an industry-leading service to ensure

Now firmly established as Ireland’s leading linen service

try’s leading and innovative private hospitals and healthcare

linen. The company sources all of its own raw materials in

optimal hygiene and health provisions to one of the counproviders.

Kings Laundry, based in Dublin and Cork, has grown

provider, Kings Laundry also invests €5m each year in new Egypt, Pakistan and Turkey, sourcing from the best linen producers in the world.

steadily over recent years. The company saw turnover

Kings Laundry immensely values the use of technological

petitive market. With a client base of over 350 customers,

help clients streamline their business. “Our apps are good

increase in 2016 by 20%, a fantastic achievement in a comKings Laundry is a market leader in Ireland and indeed

Europe for linen and laundry services. According to Rob McGovern, Managing Director at Kings Laundry, “We

are very fortunate to have solid steady growth in corporate, healthcare and hospitality sectors. This ensures stability

year-round and also peak productivity during summer and winter month”.

McGovern believes that although an improving economy

and seasonal trends can sway and alter demand, quality can

never be compromised. “Working with Hermitage Medical Clinic demands the highest possible quality and efficiency.

It is crucial that the laundry we provide and process is not

only cleaned to the highest hygienic standard, it also has to be fresh, crisp and new.

“Our contribution to patient healthcare takes a holistic approach – that is to say we believe that while hygiene

is a non-negotiable, patients also need to be comfortable

innovation. To this end, the company launched two apps to tools for clients, one is an instant order app, with a 24-hour delivery turnaround. This cuts out the need for telephone calls and allows customers easy access to previous orders.

We also launched an app that allows immediate feedback

to our customer service team. It helps address any issues our customers might have”, McGovern said.

McGovern believes that although output is crucial, hygiene and cleanliness is fundamental. Therefore, to ensure that

the best quality laundry and linen is provided to Hermit-

age Medical Clinic, technology is merged with the human touch.

As the company continues to grow and develop, Kings

Laundry look forward to continuing their important relationship with the Hermitage Medical Clinic in providing

optimal patient care and recovery in a caring, hygienic and efficient way.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 99

CCH Architects wish the Hermitage Clinic continued success !

Architects, Interior Designers, Master Planners Regus Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Road, Dublin D02 T66.

Lacken House, Dublin Road, Kilkenny K95 RF34 Tel 01 477 3385/056 776 1591- E-mail: Info@:cch-architects.com Web: www.cch-architects.com

PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT

Architectural Elegance As Managing Director of CCH Architects, Arthur Hickey has worked on many high end commercial projects, however he has a particular fondness for a certain development in the leafy suburbs of Lucan.

H

ermitage Medical Clinic was completed and opened in 2006 and CCH are proud to have been chosen to create

one of Ireland’s finest hospital build-

ings. According to Hickey, if location is

everything, then everything was here from the start:

“The site chosen was ideal. Set below the level of the M4 motorway, it provides excellent access to the M50, while also having the benefit of sweeping views down to the

banks of the Liffey on one side and Hermitage Golf Club on the other, with fine mature trees and the grounds to Fonthill House to the east”.

In creating a concept for the perfect space, CCH Architects faced the entrance to the clinic towards the vehicular access point for maximum visibility. Inside a dramatic four-storey entrance hall was created to give a real sense of ‘arrival’ for the visitor, with an ordering space that allows visitors to

orient themselves to the various wings of the building. This is set around the striking central reception with its seating

area and cafe at first upper level, left open and overlooking

the reception space for a sense of light and vitality as people enter and use the space.

For further dramatic effect a large glazed window facing

east over the water feature looking towards the open space and Fonthill House provides a connection back to nature and highlights the wonderful setting of the building.

“At all times we tried to design the building and the interior, particularly the reception area, as a welcoming place,

giving the feeling of a 5-star hotel rather than the traditional hospital atmosphere”, explains Hickey.

On a practical level, off the reception area to one side is the

day patient consultant’s suites wing, while on the other side is the in-patient accommodation, again in a four-storey

wing with views over the Hermitage golf course. The ma-

jority of the rooms are single occupancy with en-suite bathrooms but there are a number of multi-occupancy rooms and high dependency rooms close to the nurses’ station.

Through the entrance hall are the diagnostics, radiology,

general and specialist, laboratory, day care facilities, 5 ‘state of the art’ theatres, recovery, intensive care unit and back

of house accommodation. The services and IT design are to the most modern standards, including hospital records

being accessed through the computer network including at each patient’s bed.

Good design creates the best atmosphere for the patients,

staff and visitors explains Hickey. The aesthetics set the mood for the way people experience a building: “If an

aesthetic makes people feel good; the patients, the staff and the visitors; the better the healing and work process”.

This is the third major private healthcare facility designed

by CCH Architect in Ireland, which includes the Black-

rock Hospital and Clinic, the Galway Clinic, theatre block in the Cappagh Hospital and many nursing homes and

clinics throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom plus a number of healthcare facilities in the Middle East.

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 101

OUT & ABOUT

In the heart of the

Liffey Valley

Hermitage Medical Clinic’s (HMC) location in the heart of the Liffey Valley in west Dublin means that it is surrounded by a wealth of amenities, services and facilities, all of which can be easily accessed on foot or by road, in a car, by taxi or by public bus.

102 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

OUT & ABOUT

T

his means that time waiting for a scheduled appointment, while a loved one is in the

clinic, or even, staying overnight in the area, can be spent in a multitude of entertaining, relaxing and enjoyable ways.

The shopping centre bearing the name of the valley lands

through which the famous Liffey River flows is just across

the road from the HMC with a bridge over the N4 allowing pedestrians safe and easy access to the centre.

Liffey Valley Shopping Centre has everything you would expect from a top-class mall, a vast selection of quality

stores and an abundance of great restaurants. There is ample and free car parking and the centre is fully accessible.

Most of the major high street stores are in Liffey Valley including M&S, Dunnes Stores, River Island, H & M,

New Look, Next and newly opened Penneys. And there

is choice for all tastes in the many restaurants and coffee

shops located on the ground floor, both within the mall and from outside the centre, and on the first-floor food court.

Appetites can also be satisfied through the pub food offerings in the Deadman’s Inn, just a short walking distance

from the entrance to the Clinic and in the Arc Bar, located at the periphery of the Liffey Valley Centre.

For anyone with children to entertain, state-of-the-art Vue Cinema at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, offers family

deals, a kids’ club on Saturday and Sunday mornings and

it shows all the mainstream movies, both for children and adults.

If you are feeling adventurous or are just interested in aviation, a few miles west of the Clinic, will bring you to the

National Aviation Centre at Weston Airport where you can book a scenic flight on a Cessna 172 aircraft to see great aerial views of the locality.

If you want to the experience of flying without leaving the Hermitage Medical Clinic | 103

80 fantastic stores, 20 restaurants and a 14 screen state-of-the-art cinema, all housed in a bright, friendly environment.

Visit us and see for yourself.

Liffey Valley.

It’s the little things that make the difference. www.liffeyvalley.ie

Hermitage Mag.indd 1

19/01/2017 15:02

17 15:02

OUT & ABOUT

ground, you could climb into the captain’s seat of a Boeing 737 NG Simulator at Weston Airport and take control of this high tech modern passenger jet.

Or you could just relax in Weston Airport’s restaurant,

enjoying panoramic views of the airport, its planes taking off and landing, and of the Dublin Mountains.

If you make it as far as Weston, you are almost in Co.

throughout the year and there is no admission fee to walk and explore the parklands.

However, you do not have to go as far as Celbridge to

access the Liffey Valley parklands as there is also public

access to this wonderful public amenity from Lucan (which is only a short car journey or bus ride from the Hermitage Clinic).

Kildare, yet still only five minutes’ drive from the Clinic.

St Catherine’s Park /Lucan Demesne is in counties Fingal,

Celbridge where the Orchard Garden Centre is another

woodland and grass land, with the River Liffey dividing the

Venturing into Lilywhite territory, you will first come to

restful spot in which to enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee and

homemade cake while doing some shopping for garden and homewares.

Continuing into the town of Celbridge will give you the

option of sinking a pint of ‘the plain’ in the birth place of

Arthur Guinness which is now home to The Duck Pub. At

the top of the town’s Main Street is a lovely sculpture of the legendary brewery founder Arthur Guinness.

While you have crossed county boundaries from Dublin to

Kildare, you are still in the Liffey Valley in Celbridge where you can get up close and personal with this majestic river and its surrounding parklands.

Castletown House rescued from the threat of demolition by the Hon Desmond Guinness and the Irish Georgian

society and returned to its original Palladian splendour by the OPW is open to the public with guided tours available from March through to October. The 18th century designed parklands and river walks are open every day

Kildare, and South Dublin. It consists of 200 acres of

southern lands of South Dublin County Council from the remainder of the park.

Vehicular access and car parking is located off the Black

Avenue in Leixlip, Co. Kildare, from the Lucan to Clonee Road, near Laraghcon, Lucan and from the Leixlip Road (R835) in Lucan. The park contains a pedestrian bridge

over the river which facilitates pedestrian access between Leixlip and Lucan. The key recreational and amenity

uses of the park include: walking, including dog walking, jogging, cycling, formal sport, mainly soccer and Gaelic football, and canoeing.

St Catherine’s Park/Lucan Demesne provides a very tran-

quil setting for walking through a combination of historical association, scenic views and woodland and river. Jogging is also popular in the park. Loops of varying distances

2km – 5km through woods, along rivers and around fields offer sporty visitors a variety of scenes. The famous Liffey

Descent, a 25-mile canoe race passes through this section of the river. Canoeing is popular near the weir due to the

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 105

OUT & ABOUT

presence of a sluice gate. In addition, Fingal County Council recently developed a cricket pitch in the park.

There is a wonderful children’s playground in St Catherine’s Park/Lucan Demense and it can be conveniently accessed

from the Lucan to Clonee Road entrance as it is adjacent to the car park.

South Dublin County Council joined forces with The Irish Fairy Door Company to create a magical woodland fairy

STAY AND PLAY A mix of modern contemporary surroundings and a relax-

ing, laid back environment, the 4-Star Clarion Hotel Liffey Valley provides visitors to the Hermitage Medical Clinic

with dining options throughout the day and it is the most convenient and comfortable option for overnight accommodation while your family member is a patient in the Hermitage Clinic.

trail in Lucan Demesne which is now home to 17 woodland

The Clarion Hotel Dublin Liffey Valley has 292 spacious

handmade wooden Irish Fairy Doors. Smartphone technol-

ideal for long or short term stays offering amenities for

fairies! Young visitors can discover a delightful series of

ogy also lets guests find out all about the individual fairies who live behind each door as they explore the trail.

FORE! The beautiful parklands which slope gently towards the

Liffey river valley are also home to one of the best golf clubs in Leinster. Family visitors and Clinic patients – when fully recuperated! – who enjoy a game of golf will be pleasantly surprised to learn that HMC

bedrooms & 60 serviced Apartments (1 & 2 bedrooms), both the leisure guest and corporate traveller. The Hotel

also includes a variety of standard bedrooms, family rooms

to suit families of all sizes, including interconnecting rooms

& executive suites which have separate living room & small kitchen.

Serviced Apartments are ideal for the business or leisure traveller, offering spacious bedrooms with king size and

twin beds, bathroom with bath and power shower, utility room including washer dryer

is located right alongside the Hermitage Golf Club.

In existence since 1905, Her-

mitage Golf Club was voted the

Best Parkland Course in Leinster 2016 (it previously held this title in 2013) at the Golfers Guide to Ireland awards. This popu-

lar and influential annual golf

publication, now in its 24th year, presents a series of awards each

and living area with open plan

The beautiful parklands which slope gently towards the Liffey river valley are also home to one of the best golf clubs in Leinster.

Restaurant and a Bar area. Facilities include three meeting rooms all with highspeed broadband, and the popular Oc-

tagonal room that overlooks the Liffey valley. Adjoining the

main bar area are two championship size snooker tables that have welcomed former world snooker greats Ray Reardon and Eddie Charlton.

Visitors are welcomed at the Hermitage: the golf club operates a Visitor Internet Tee Time Reservation Service which allows you to book a tee time at the golf course over the

Internet and get instant on-screen and email confirmation

of your booking. Visit Hermitage Golf Cub to follow in the

the hotel & all bedrooms are non-smoking.

Gusto Italian Restaurant offers exciting Italian flavours served

with the freshest seasonal ingredients, prepared with a creative

flair and passion. Kudos Bar has authentic Asian cuisine, and a

‘best in class’, as determined by a Within the main club house Hermitage boasts a 100 seater

There is free Wi-Fi throughout

a relaxed atmosphere and serves

year to courses that are voted panel of independent judges.

kitchen, dining area and balcony.

selection of European dishes.

Guests can choose from a range of delicious and healthy snacks and dinners.

Younger guests are well catered for with a variety of options

available to keep the little ones busy during their stay and all guests will love the SanoVitae Health & Fitness centre with its fantastic facilities including a gym, 20-metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.

For those that need to get down to business there is an ex-

tensive self-contained conference and events centre with 12

conference rooms, accommodating from 2 to 390 delegates, all of which are situated on the first floor, offering natural daylight with blackout facilities.

footsteps of some of the greats; people who have played here

The Clarion Hotel Liffey Valley is easily accessible by road,

President Hillery, Padraig Harringhton, Rory McIlroy and

for all guests. The hotel is ideally situated on the M50/

Ian Woosnam, and Paul McGinley – to name but a few!

Ireland. A perfect location for exploring Dublin.

include crooner Bing Crosby, Prince Rainier of Monaco,

rail and Dublin Airport. There is ample secure, paid parking

Ryder Cup Captains Seve Ballesteros, Colin Montgomerie,

N4 intersection at Liffey Valley, the gateway to the West of

106 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

clarion hotel liffey valley • 11 meeting rooms • 390 capacity

• 15 Minutes from Dublin Airport, connected by Airport Hooper

• 250 banqueting capactiy

• 20 Minutes from Dublin City Centre

• 352 bedrooms

• 20 meter swimming pool

• 2 restaurants

• Sauna, Steam room & jacuzzi

• Located on the M50/N4 Intersection

• Fully air-conditioned Gym

Book now +353 (0)1 625 8000 | clarionhotelliffeyvalley.com

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Tablet Counters

1

CONSULTANTS’ DIRECTORY

CSSD

Consultants’ Directory CARDIOLOGISTS DR. ANGELA BROWN Secretary: Angela Tel: 087 9004766 Fax: (01) 8901945 Email: angeladelany09@eircom.net DR. JOHN CLARKE Secretary: Una Tel: (056) 7775133 Fax: (061) 415726 Email: dawn.osullivan@eaglelodge.ie DR. PETER CREAN Secretary: Yvette Tel: (01) 2834159 Fax: (01) 2064220 Email: pacrean@iol.ie DR. IFTIKHAR KHAN Secretary: Emma/Christine Tel: (01) 6459084 Fax: (01) 6459564 Email: ikhan@hermitageclinic.ie DR. TORA LEONG Secretary: Daran Tel: (01) 6459742 Fax: (01) 6459569 Email: drahill@hermitageclinic.ie DR. JONATHAN LYNE Secretary: Grace / Susan Tel: 087 6221793 Fax: (01) 9023932 Email: jonathan@heartrhythmcardiologist.com

DR. VINCENT MAHER Secretary: Denise Tel: (01) 6459383 Fax: (01) 6459686 Email: vmaherclinic@gmail.com DR. ANDREW MAREE Secretary: Lyndsey Tel: 087 3817894 Fax: (01) 4103745 Email: mareesec@stjames.ie DR. DAVID MULCAHY Secretary: Samantha Tel: (01) 6459716 Fax: (01) 6459714 Email: dmulcahyprivate@gmail.com PROF. BRENDAN MCADAM Secretary: Mary Tel: (01) 8573721 Fax: (01) 8571130 DR. DAVID P. MOORE Secretary: Geraldine Tel: (045) 989702 Fax: (045) 989726 Email: admin@dmoorecardiology.ie DR. RICHARD SHEAHAN Secretary: Sarah Tel: (01) 8574744 Fax: (01) 8372503 Email: sarah.geraghty@beaumont.ie

DR. DEIRDRE WARD Secretary: Debbie Tel: 087 2793046 Fax: (01) 6459451 Email: ecg2drward@gmail.com

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGEON MR. MICHAEL J. TOLAN Secretary: Anna Tel: (01) 6459687 Fax: (01) 6459686 Email: apupin@hermitageclinic.ie

DERMATOLOGISTS PROF: ALAN IRVINE Secretary: Deirdre Tel: (01) 8459908 Fax: (01) 6459568 Email: practicemanager@ alanirvinedermatology.com DR. SANDRA KIRKE Secretary: Trish Tel: (01) 6459444 Fax: (01) 6459568 Email: skirke@hermitageclinic.ie DR. PATRICK ORMOND Secretary: Mary Tel: (01) 6459566 Fax: (01) 6459808 Email: pormond@hermitageclinic.ie Hermitage Medical Clinic | 109

CONSULTANTS’ DIRECTORY

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

ENT SURGEONS CONT’D

DR. DAVID FOLEY Tel: (01) 6459016 Fax: (01) 6459460 Email: ed@hermitageclinic.ie

MR. STEPHEN HONE Secretary: Nuala Tel: (01) 6459545 Fax: (01) 6459547

MR. SAMUEL KUAN Tel: (01) 6459016 Fax: (01) 6459460 Email: ed@hermitageclinic.ie

MR. RORY MCCONN WALSH Secretary: Fredrica/Lorraine Tel: (01) 2064561 Fax: (01) 2064229 Email: rorymcconnwalsh@beaumont.ie

MR. DAVID VICKERY Tel: (01) 6459016 Fax: (01) 6459460 Email: ed@hermitageclinic.ie MR. ABEL WAKAI Tel: (01) 6459016 Fax: (01) 6459460 Email: ed@hermitageclinic.ie DR. SREENATH REDDY Tel: (01) 6459016 Fax: (01) 6459460 Email: ed@hermitageclinic.ie

ENDOCRINOLOGIST DR. JOHN MCDERMOTT Secretary: Marie Tel: (01) 6459632 Fax: (01) 6459631 Email: jmcdermott@hermitageclinic.ie

ENDOSCOPIST MR. EADHBHARD MULLIGAN Secretary: Anne / Mary Tel: (01) 6459650 Fax: (01) 6459654 Email: reception@hermitagesurgery.ie

ENT SURGEONS MR. BRENDAN CONLON Secretary: Jeane Tel: (01) 6459601 Fax: (01) 6459604 Email: jcarey@ent.ie MR. ROBERT GAFFNEY Secretary: Jackie Tel: (045) 982340 Fax: (045) 989796 Email: entgaffney@gmail.com

MR. HOWARD SAVAGE JONES Secretary: Paula Tel: (045) 989710 Fax: (045) 989717 Email: hsjsec0@gmail.com MR. JOHN KINSELLA Secretary: Maeve Tel: (01) 6459640 Fax: (01) 6459641 Email: jkinsella@hermitageclinic.ie MR. PETER LACY Secretary: Audrey Tel: (01) 6459600 Fax: (01) 6459604 Email: amurphy@ent.ie PROF. CONRAD TIMON Secretary: Siobhan Tel: (01) 6459635 Fax: (01) 6459636 Email: ctimon@hermitageclinic.ie

GASTROENTEROLOGISTS PROF. GERARD CLARKE Secretary: Pauline Tel: (0906) 400104 Fax: (0906) 400100 Email: gerard.clarke@gerardclarke.com DR. JACK HOLLINGSWORTH Secretary: Gail / Jill Tel: (01) 6459608 Fax: (01) 2831471 Email: jhollingsworth@oceanfree.net PROF. SUSAN MCKIERNAN Secretary: Mary Tel: (01) 6459651 Fax: (01) 6459654 Email: mckiernanprivate@stjames.ie

GASTROENTEROLOGISTS CONT’D DR. ASGHAR QASIM Secretary: Lisa Tel: 086 2257691 Fax: (045) 989796 Email: llynch747@gmail.com DR. BARBARA RYAN Secretary: Marese Tel: (01) 6459605 Fax: (01) 6459606 Email: bryan@hermitageclinic.ie DR. CLAIRE SMYTH Secretary: Maeve Tel: 086 7848442 Fax: (01) 5441414 Email: drcsmythprivate@gmail.com

GENERAL, BREAST & VASCULAR SURGEON MR. MICHAEL ALLEN Secretary: Hazel Tel: (01) 6459620 Fax: (01) 6459624 Email: htimmins@hermitageclinic.ie DR. GAVIN BRIGGS Consultant Radiologist, Breast Imaging Tel: (01) 6459042

GENERAL, BREAST & ENDOCRINE SURGEON PROF. ARNOLD HILL Secretary: Teresa Tel: (01) 8093760 Fax: (01) 8093758 Email: patoprofhill@rcsi.ie

GENERAL & BREAST SURGEON MR. DHAFIR ALAZAWI Secretary: Nariman Tel: (086) 1013945 Fax: (01) 5044296 Email: dalazawi@stjames.ie

GENERAL & GI SURGEON PROF. TOM WALSH Secretary: Deirdre Tel: (01) 8228954 Fax: (01) 8202284 Email: twalsh@rcsi.ie

Hermitage Medical Clinic | 111

CONSULTANTS’ DIRECTORY

Catering Dept

Admissions Dept 112 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

CONSULTANTS’ DIRECTORY

GENERAL/ COLORECTAL SURGEONS PROF. PAUL NEARY Secretary: Mairead Tel: (01) 6459516 Fax: (01) 6459529 Email: mbyrne@hermitageclinic.ie MR. DAVID BEDDY Tel: 01 6459000 Fax: 01 6459235

GENERAL & VASCULAR SURGEON MR. SAYED ALY Secretary: Fatima Tel: 086 6699748 Fax: (01) 6459597 Email: saly.appointment@gmail.com

GENERAL SURGEON MR. EOIN MOONEY Secretary: Jennifer Tel: (044) 9329935 Fax: (044) 9329937 Email: ballinderryclinic6@hotmail.com

GYNAECOLOGISTS DR. KELVIN BOOS Secretary: Maeve Tel: (01) 6459656 Fax: (01) 6459657 DR. YAHYA KAMAL Secretary: Yousha Tel: 087 3625010 Fax: (01) 6848913 Email: yahkamal6@gmail.com

INTERNAL MEDICINE

NEUROLOGISTS

DR. PAUL KELLY Tel: (01) 6459745 Fax: (01) 6459631 Email: pkelly@hermitageclinic.ie

DR. MARK EDWARDS Secretary: Rona Tel: (01) 6459580 Fax: (01) 6459581 Email: neurologysuite@hermitageclinic.ie

DR. MUHUMMAD RIZWAN UDDIN Secretary: Adrienne Tel: (01) 6459560 Fax: (01) 6459564 Email: amaguire@hermitageclinic.ie

INTENSIVE CARE MEDICINE DR. STEPHEN FROHLICH Tel: 087 2323173 Email: info@criticalcarepartners.ie DR. NOELLE MURPHY Tel: 086 3619368 Email: info@criticalcarepartners.ie DR. MICHAEL EGAN Tel: 087 333 8078 Email: info@criticalcarepartners.ie

MEDICAL ONCOLOGISTS PROF. JOHN KENNEDY Secretary: Annette Tel: 086 6690416 Fax: (01) 4103428 Email: jkennedy@stjames.ie PROF. RAY MCDERMOTT Secretary: Judy Tel: (01) 4142012 Fax: (01) 4142092 PROF. DAVID GALLAGHER Secretary: Tracy Tel: (01) 6459003 Fax: (01) 6459494

HAEMATOLOGISTS DR. PHILIP MURPHY Tel: (01) 8576717 Fax: (01) 8369561 DR. PATRICK THORNTON Secretary: nne Tel: 087 6102636 Fax: (01) 6459679 Email: tornsec@eircom.net

NEPHROLOGIST DR. MUHAMMAD AKRAM Secretary: Mary Tel: (051) 359913 Fax: (051) 359915 PROF. PETER J. CONLON Secretary: Mary/Edel Tel: (01) 8379311 Fax: (01) 8379411 Email: conlanclinic@gmail.com

DR. BRIAN MURRAY Secretary: Catherine Tel: (01) 6459520 Fax: (01) 6459522 DR. MARTIN RUTTLEDGE Secretary: Rona Tel: (01) 6459580 Fax: (01) 6459581 Email: neurologysuite@hermitageclinic.ie DR. RONAN WALSH Secretary: Lisa Tel: (01) 6459517 Fax: (01) 6459515 Email: drronanwalsh@hermitageclinic.ie

NEUROSURGEONS MR. ZULFIQAR ALI Secretary: Orlagh Tel: (01) 6459077 Fax: (01) 6459551 Email: alisurg0@gmail.com PROF. CIARAN BOLGER Secretary: Angela/Michelle Tel: (01) 8368847 Fax: (01) 8368859 Email: cbolger@rcsi.ie MR. MOHSEN JAVADPOUR Secretary: Catherine Tel: (01) 8376727 Fax: (01) 8375925 Email: javadpourrooms@beaumont.ie MR. MICHAEL KELLEHER Secretary: Stephanie Tel: (01) 8425010 Fax: (01) 8283083 Email: mkneurosurgeon@gmail.com MR. JABIR NAGARIA Secretary: Debra Tel: (01) 6459005 Fax: (01) 6459672 Email: jnagariaclinic@gmail.com

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IT Dept

HR Dept

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NEUROSURGEONS CONT’D MR. DAVID O’BRIEN Secretary: Chris Tel: (01) 8529318 Fax: (01) 8529319 Email: davidobrienrooms@beaumont.ie

MR. PAUL O’BRIEN Secretary: Veronica Tel: (01) 2064596 Fax: (01) 2831033 Email: info@eyesurgeon.ie

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS MR. DAVID BORTON Secretary: Jenny/Lorraine Tel: (01) 6459670 Fax: (01) 6459672

MR. PRINCETON LEE Secretary: Noeleen Tel: (01) 6459458 Fax: (01) 6459641 Email: princetoneyecare@hermitageclinic.ie

MR. STEFAN BYRNE Secretary: Maureen Tel: (01) 6459637 Fax: (01) 6459631 Email: mkearney@hermitageclinic.ie

MR. DANIEL RAWLUK Secretary: Suzanne Tel: (01) 8375648 Fax: (01) 8375648

MR. K. RAVIKUMAR Secretary: Jenny Tel: (01) 6459593 Fax: (01) 6516510 Email: ravieyeclinic@outlook.ie

MR. DAVID COGLEY Secretary: Ann Tel: (057) 9324866 Fax: (057) 9324877 Email: dcogleyrooms@eircom.net

MR. MUHAMMAD TAUFIG SATTAR Secretary: Linda Tel: 085 1470179 Fax: (01) 8375071 Email: gemmaljones35@yahoo.ie

MR. AYMAN SAEED Secretary: Sinead / Sarah Tel: (044) 9329940 Fax: (044) 9329942 Email: secretary@eyepractice.ie

MS. OLIVIA FLANNERY Secretary: Ann Tel: (01) 6459526 Fax: (01) 6459589 Email: upperlimb@oflannery.com

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS

MR. PADDY KENNY Secretary: Eileen Tel: (01) 6459585 Fax: (01) 6459589 Email: pkenny@hermitageclinic.ie

MR. DONNCHA O’BRIEN Secretary: Julia/Imelda Tel: (01) 6459623 Fax: (01) 6459629 Email: dfobstl@eircom.net

MR. STEVEN YOUNG Secretary: Caoimhe Tel: (01) 6459550 Fax: (01) 6459551 Email: syoung.ns@gmail.com

OPHTHALMIC SURGEONS MS. ANDRA BOBART Secretary: Nuala Tel: (01) 6459545 Fax: (01) 6459547 MS. ELIZABETH CHACKO Tel: 086 1586076 Fax: (01) 4908666 Email: lizabrahams@hotmail.com DR. AIDEEN HOGAN Secretary: Phil Tel: (01) 6459541 Fax: (01) 6459543 Email: phil.suite7@gmail.com MS. RIZWANA KHAN Secretary: Shauna Tel: (01) 6459542 Fax: (01) 6459543 Email: shaunafoley1@gmail.com MR. WENG LEE Secretary: Fiona Tel: (01) 6459590 Fax: (01) 6459591 Email: ask@eyeclinic.ie

MR. J. CLIFF BEIRNE Secretary: Jacinta Tel: (01) 6459530 Fax: (01) 6459532 Email: cliffbeirne@hermitageclinic.ie PROF. GERRY KEARNS Tel: (01) 6459555 Fax: (01) 6459556 Email: info@hermitagedental.ie

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL & COSMETIC SURGEON MR. PADRAIG O’CEALLAIGH Secretary: Jacinta Tel: (01) 6459533 Fax: (01) 6459532 Email: jcoyne@hermitageclinic.ie

ORTHODONTIST DR. TOM HOULIHAN Tel: (01) 6459625 Fax: (01) 6603919 Email: houlihant@burlingtondentalclinic.com

MR. PETER KEOGH Secretary: Emma Tel: (01) 6459586 Fax: (01) 6459589 Email: pkeogh@hermitageclinic.ie MR. JOHN LUNN Secretary: Geraldine/Jean Tel: (01) 6459562 Fax: (01) 6459563 Email: ortholunn@gmail.com MR. FERGAL MCGOLDRICK Secretary: Ann Tel: (01) 6459575 Fax: (01) 6459577 Email: alennon@hermitageclinic.ie MR. ALONSO MORENO Secretary: Nichola Tel: (01) 6459258 Fax: (01) 6459428 Email: nlumley@hermitageclinic.ie MR. PAUL MURPHY Secretary: Kathy Tel: (01) 2135638 Fax: (01) 2135685 Email: suite25beacon@gmail.com

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Materials Management Dept

Medical Records Dept

Daycare Nurses 116 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

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MR. PHILIP O’CONNOR Secretary: Patricia Tel: (01) 6459393 Fax: (01) 6459394 Email: pfarrell@hermitageclinic.ie MR. IMRAN SHARIF Secretary: Eilish Tel: (01) 6459570 Fax: (01) 6459571 Email: ejordan@hermitageclinic.ie MR. JOE SPARKES Secretary: Fiona Tel: (045) 889245 Fax: (045) 889141 Email: mrjoesparkes@eircom.net MR. EOIN SHEEHAN Secretary: Frances Tel: (057) 9322206 Fax: (057) 9358259 Email: orthopod@eircom.net

PAIN MEDICINE

PROSTHODONTISTS

DR. JOE FITZGERALD Secretary: Mary Tel: 086 1947622 Fax: (01) 2122653 Email: joemaryfitz@gmail.com

DR. EDWARD COTTER Secretary: Christine Tel: (01) 6459555 Fax: (01) 6459556 Email: info@hermitagedental.ie

DR. CONNAIL MCCRORY Secretary: Alison Tel: (01) 2064585 Fax: (01) 2831471 Email: secretary@painclinic.ie

DR. KEVIN O’BOYLE Tel: (01) 6459625 Fax: (01) 6603919 Email: reception@burlingtondentalclinic.ie

DR. VALERIE POLLARD Secretary: Carol Tel: (01) 8576939 Fax: (01) 8574637 Email: valerie.pollard@imeddoc.net

PSYCHIATRISTS

PERIODONTISTS

PAEDIATRIC DENTISTS

DR. RORY MAGUIRE Tel: (01) 6459555 Fax: (01) 6459556 Email: info@hermitagedental.ie

DR. BARBARA COYNE Tel: (01) 6459555 Fax: (01) 6459556 Email: info@hermitagedental.ie

DR. JASON OWENS Tel: (01) 6459555 Fax: (01) 6459556 Email: info@hermitagedental.ie

DR. DAVID FINUCANE Tel: (01) 6459555 Fax: (01) 6459556 Email: info@hermitagedental.ie

DR. PAUL O’REILLY Tel: (01) 6459555 Fax: (01) 6459556 Email: reception@burlingtondentalclinic.com

DR. ABIGAIL MOORE Tel: (01) 6459625 Fax: (01) 6603919 Email: reception@burlingtondentalclinic.com

PAEDIATRICIANS (GENERAL & RESPIRATORY ) DR. PETER GREALLY Secretary: Naoimh Tel: (01) 4142188 Fax: (01) 6459581 Email: drgreallyappointments@gmail.com

PALLIATIVE MEDICINE DR. LIAM O’SIORAIN Tel: 085 2347358

PLASTIC/RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON MR. NADEEM AJMAL Secretary: Jackie Tel: (01) 6459621 Fax: (01) 8376130 Email: najmal.beaumontprivateclinic@gmail.com

PLASTIC SURGEONS MR. EAMON BEAUSANG Secretary: Catriona Tel: (01) 6459655 Fax: (01) 6459657 Email: ebeausang-sec@hermitageclinic.ie MR. DAVID O’DONOVAN Secretary: Ciara Tel: (01) 6459565 Fax: (01) 6459568 Email: csheils@hermitageclinic.ie

DR. ELIZABETH CRYAN Tel: 087 7459766 DR. MIKE SCULLY Secretary: Mary Tel: (01) 6459566 Fax: (01) 6459808 Email: mcorrigan@hermitageclinic.ie

RADIATION ONCOLOGISTS DR. CLARE FAUL Secretary: Patricia Tel: (01) 4065043 Fax: (01) 6459128 Email: radiotherapy@hermitageclinic.ie DR. IAN FRASER (CLINICAL DIRECTOR) Tel: (01) 6459045 Fax: (01) 6459128 Email: radiotherapy@hermitageclinic.ie DR. OSAMA SALIB Secretary: Hilary Tel: (01) 4065166 Fax: (01) 6459128 Email: radiotherapy@hermitageclinic.ie PROF. FRANK SULLIVAN Tel: (01) 6459045 Fax: (01) 6459128 Email: radiotherapy@hermitageclinic.ie

RADIOLOGISTS DR. GAVIN BRIGGS Tel: (01) 6459042 Fax: (01) 6459128 Email: radiology@hermitageclinic.ie DR. RONAN BROWNE Tel: (01) 6459042 Fax: (01) 6459128 Email: radiology@hermitageclinic.ie Hermitage Medical Clinic | 117

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Finance & Patient Accounts Dept

Pharmacy Dept

Endoscopy Nurses 118 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

CONSULTANTS’ DIRECTORY

DR. DAVID O’DONNELL (CLINICAL DIRECTOR) Tel: (01) 6459081 Fax: (01) 6459128 Email: radiology@hermitageclinic.ie

DR. DONOUGH HOWARD Secretary: Rachel Tel: (01) 6459595 Fax: (01) 6459597 Email: rbyrne@hermitageclinic.ie

DR. DERMOT MOORE Secretary: Catherine Tel: (01) 6459646 Fax: (01) 6459649 Email: catherinebreen1@gmail.com

DR. JOHNNY SHEEHAN Tel: (01) 6459082 Fax: (01) 6459128 Email: radiology@hermitageclinic.ie

DR. RUTH ZUTINE LEE Secretary: Breda Tel: 087 9005451 Fax: (01) 6961071 Email: ruthzutinelee@yahoo.co.uk

MR. SEAN O’NEILL Secretary: Rachel Tel: (01) 6459683 Fax: (01) 6459649 Email: rwade09@gmail.com

SPECIAL NEEDS DENTISTRY

MEDICAL DOCTOR WITH SPECIALISTS INTEREST

DR. JOHNNY WALKER Tel: (01) 6459313 Fax: (01) 6459128 Email: radiology@hermitageclinic.ie

RESPIRATORY PHYSICIANS/ SLEEP MEDICINE DR. LIAM CORMICAN Secretary: Annemarie Tel: (01) 6459540 Fax: (01) 6459543 Email: hermitagechestclinic@hermitageclinic.ie DR. JOHN L FAUL Secretary: Miriam Tel: (056) 7775280 Fax: (056) 7775285 Email: mmalone@auteven.ie PROF. STEPHEN LANE Secretary: Dorothy Tel: (01) 4142703 Fax: (041) 4142989 Email: dorothy.oconnor@amnch.ie DR. MUHAMMAD RIZWAN UDDIN Tel: (01) 6459560 Fax: (01) 6459564 Email: amaguire@hermitageclinic.ie DR. PAUL KELLY Tel: (01) 6459745 Fax: (01) 6459631 Email: pkelly@hermitageclinic.ie

RHEUMATOLOGIST DR. CHIFAN CHEUK Secretary: Lisa Tel: 086 7203388 Fax: (044) 9231001 Email: chifancheuk@gmail.com PROF. TREVOR DUFFY Secretary: Aisling Tel: (01) 6459630 Fax: (01) 6459631 Email: rheumatology@hermitageclinic.ie

DR. CAOIMH MACGIOLLA PHADRAIG Tel: (01) 6459555 Fax: (01) 6459556 Email: info@hermitagedental.ie

UROLOGISTS MR. BARRY JONES Secretary: Anne Tel: (01) 6459694 Fax: (041) 9803132 Email: jonesbarry@eircom.net MR. IJAZ CHEEMA Secretary: Leonie Tel: (01) 6459459 Fax: (01) 6459529 Email: cheemaurology@gmail.com MR. DENIS O’SULLIVAN Secretary: Anne Tel: (01) 6459690 Fax: (01) 6459692 Email: dosullivan@hermitageclinic.ie MR. KASHIF SIDDIQUI Secretary: Catherine Tel: (01) 6459618 Fax: (01) 6459616 Email: ksiddiqui@hermitageclinic.ie

VASCULAR MEDICINE DR. MARY-PAULA COLGAN Secretary: Cathy Tel: (01) 6459648 Fax: (01) 6459649 Email: cathymcguigan@gmail.com

VASCULAR SURGEONS MR. PRAKASH MADHAVAN Secretary: Clare Tel: (01) 6459645 Fax: (01) 6459649 Email: cmalone@hermitageclinic.ie

ALLERGIST DR. JOE FITZGIBBON Secretary: Caroline Tel: (01) 6459615 Email: info@joefitzgibbon.ie

SPECIALIST CLINICAL SERVICES AUDIOLOGISTS CHRISTY REYNOLDS & ENGELA LOUW, Secretary: Lauren Tel: (01) 6459603 Fax: (01) 6459604 Email: info@audico.ie

SCOUNSELLOR/ PSYCHOTHERAPIST MARJORIE MCNEILL Tel: 086 8495296 Email: marjy1234@hotmail.com

DIETICIAN ELAINE MCGOWAN Secretary: Cathy Tel: (01) 6459617 Email: info@emgdc.ie

NEUROPSYCHOLOGISTS DR. NIALL PENDER Secretary: Suzanne Tel: 086 6005074 Fax: (01) 6459551 Email: drniallpender@gmail.com

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DR. MARIE MCCARTHY Secretary: Suzanne Tel: 086 6005074 Fax: (01) 6459551 Email: drniallpender@gmail.com

OPTOMETRIST SHEILA LEE Secretary: Fiona Tel: (01) 6267212 Fax: (01) 6459591 Email: ask@eyeclinic.ie

Operations

120 | Hermitage Medical Clinic

ORTHOPTIST CLARE SHEEHAN Tel: 087 9955399 Email: claresheehan100@gmail.com

ORTHOTIST COLM O’LAOIRE Tel: (01) 8348970 Fax: (01) 8348113 Email: ireland@ottobock.com

SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPISTS MARIE-THERESE O’CALLAGHAN/ GILLIAN O’NEILL Tel: (01) 6459612 PATRICIA GALVIN Tel: (01) 6459582

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HERMITAGE

MEDICAL CLINIC 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY MAGAZINE

HEALTHCARE Ask about some of the ways we’re backing the healthcare industry.

HERMITAGE MEDICAL CLINIC 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY MAGAZINE

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