“As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Tallaght University Hospital, (TUH), we look forward to the next 25 years, developing innovative ways of delivering healthcare to those within our physical hospital walls and those beyond,” according to Lucy Nugent, CEO, TUH, speaking in recent weeks.

Reflecting on the first operational day, 21 June 1998, Lucy noted how 115 patients were transferred from the base hospitals of the Meath, Adelaide and National Children’s Hospitals. At the time 1,500 staff were transferred over: “The hospital now employs over 3,000 staff with over 60 nationalities represented in its workforce and is one of the largest employers in the Tallaght area. The last 25 years have presented us with some incredible challenges which have at times truly tested us, but it is testament to the spirit and determination of our staff that we have risen to those challenges.

“In the intervening time, the hospital has continued to grow and develop, both in terms of the services it provides, and in its physical infrastructure. Over €75M has been invested in physical expansions that have enabled the hospital to provide more services to patients. The developments have included an expansion of its emergency department, the opening of clinics offsite in the Simms building, along with the extension of the ICU department, the development of the Varty Renal Unit, rehabilitation beds in Tymon North and the Reeves Day Surgery Centre. And this occurred with significant redevelopments of the oncology and haematology wards, along with the Rynd building for phlebotomy and infusions.

“Overall, I am confident that we will continue to deliver for our patients and continue to build our presence in the Tallaght community.”

Lucy further noted how they were delighted in recent weeks to welcome back their first patient Steve Sinclair. Steve was transferred to Tallaght from the Meath Hospital on 21 June 1998. He recently joined Lucy Nugent and members of the TUH ‘Celebrating 25’ committee in raising the official ‘Celebrating 25’ years flag at the hospital.