St Vincent's University Hospital (SVUH) is renowned in Ireland for the excellence of clinical care given to its patients. For decades, this excellence has been supported by a commitment to clinical research. In more recent years, SVUH has extended this reputation with the development of the Education and Research Centre (ERC) as one of its key initiatives for increasing the knowledge base in the hospital and improving patient care. With dedicated laboratory and clinical research facilities at the ERC, research programmes have developed which complement the primary clinical, diagnostic and treatment challenges faced by healthcare workers at SVUH. In particular, clinical and basic research into arthritis, liver disease and breast cancer are now integral components of Ireland's premier Early Arthritis Clinic, the National Liver Transplant Programme, and the National Breast Cancer Unit, which are all based at SVUH. A major clinical and basic research initiative in Respiratory Medicine over the years has also resulted in the development of expertise in integrative biology, respiratory physiology and sleep disorders, as well as a nationally recognised expertise in the management and research of Cystic fibrosis. Continuous clinical research over two decades in Endocrinology has made significant contributions to clinical management of Diabetes and Infertility at SVUH. More recently, an ambitious combined clinical and basic research programme on Colorectal Disease is contributing to the emerging profile of SVUH.
Post Graduate student Neil O'Brien preparing breast tissue tumour samples for molecular analysis.
Research Achievements to Date
The research reputation of SVUH rests on secure foundations. Many million Euro in research funds have been raised by SVUH researchers over the years from government and charitable sources to support well defined research programmes. Currently grants worth over �4 million from sources as diverse as the Health Research Board, Enterprise Ireland, the EU, the Department of Agriculture, the Irish Cancer Society, the Arthritis Foundation, the SVUH Liver Trust, and Wellcome are active. Over 400 publications have appeared in international peer-reviewed journals and more than 40 medical, surgical and science graduates have received higher degrees - including PhD, MD MSc and MCh degrees. Significant national and international awards have been made to SVUH clinical and scientific investigators who are also regularly invited to speak at high profile international meetings. Many collaborations with research groups in leading national and international clinical and basic research institutions have been developed. Symposia organised at SVUH have a high reputation and are well attended.
Post Graduate student Lydia Lynch analysing reproductive cells under a UV microscope
Recently, partnership with the Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research and the Dublin Molecular Medicine Centre has provided a unique opportunity for SVUH researchers to access and share the most advanced technologies, expertise and equipment required for cutting edge basic biomedical research.
This picture shows expression of VEGF receptor (Flt-1) on neutrophils entering synovial tissue, which was obtained from a patient with psoriatic arthritis (Martina Gogarty, Rheumatology Research Group)
Contact: Team Leader: Professor Cliona O'Farrelly, Education and Research Centre,
St Vincent's University Hospital;
Tel: 01 2774000; Fax: 01-283-8123;
E-mail:
[email protected]
;
Team Members: Dr Andrew Lloyd, Dr Tharappel James,
David Lynn MSc, Susan Gaines MSc & Rowan Higgs BSc.
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