Five wards at St James’s Hospital in Dublin have been renamed to recognise staff members whose dedication, leadership and compassion helped shape patient care at the hospital and across Irish healthcare.
The newly named wards honour Professor John Prichard, Sheila Clarke, Professor Eilis McGovern, Professor Fiona Mulcahy and Carole Keena.
Families, friends and colleagues attended a ward-naming ceremony organised as part of the hospital’s St James’s Day celebrations. The hospital said the five names were selected following a comprehensive nomination and assessment process.
The initiative recognises contributions across nursing, medicine, surgery and support services, demonstrating that the delivery of compassionate healthcare depends on people working in both clinical and non-clinical roles.
Carole Keena remembered for kindness and dignity
Carole Keena worked in the catering department at St James’s Hospital for 17 years.
Although she did not work in a traditional clinical role, the hospital said her kindness, compassion and person-centred approach made a lasting impression on patients. She was particularly remembered for small but meaningful acts that helped patients feel cared for and treated with dignity.
The Irish Independent reported that Carole died from lung cancer two years ago. Her husband, Declan Keena, attended the unveiling of the ward on what would have been their 22nd wedding anniversary.
“Her name being there brings me some comfort,” he said.
Mr Keena, who works at St James’s Hospital as a healthcare assistant, said the recognition had been made possible by Carole’s colleagues, who nominated her because of the respect and affection she inspired among staff and patients.
Carole had also received a posthumous Service Excellence Award at the hospital’s 2024 Staff Recognition Awards, where she was recognised alongside other staff members for her contribution to the hospital community.
Sheila Clarke’s nursing legacy honoured
Sheila Clarke spent 34 years working at St James’s Hospital and was a pioneer in the development of haematology and oncology nursing in Ireland.
The hospital described her as an influential nursing leader who combined compassionate patient care with a strong commitment to developing and mentoring future generations of nurses.
Her contribution extended beyond St James’s Hospital and influenced the development of cancer nursing services nationally.
The naming of a ward after Sheila Clarke provides permanent recognition of her contribution to nursing practice, leadership, education and cancer care.
Professor John Prichard recognised for respiratory medicine
Professor John Prichard was among the first consultants appointed to St James’s Hospital during the 1970s.
A pioneering respiratory physician, he helped develop the hospital’s respiratory and bronchoscopy services. He also contributed to establishing St James’s as a major Trinity College Dublin teaching hospital and led research that was published internationally.
Professor Prichard, Sheila Clarke and Carole Keena were honoured posthumously.
Professor Eilis McGovern recognised for surgical leadership
Professor Eilis McGovern was appointed as a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon in 1987.
She established the Keith Shaw Unit in 2000, creating Ireland’s third public cardiac surgery unit. She subsequently became the first woman to serve as president of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
Her career represents a significant contribution to cardiothoracic surgery and to the advancement of women in senior medical and surgical leadership.
Professor Fiona Mulcahy honoured for pioneering HIV care
Professor Fiona Mulcahy was Ireland’s first consultant specialising in HIV and AIDS.
She established the Department of Genitourinary Medicine at St James’s Hospital in 1987 and developed an internationally recognised reputation in HIV medicine and sexual healthcare.
Her work contributed to the development of specialist care for people living with HIV during a period when understanding, treatment options and public attitudes towards the condition were rapidly evolving.
A lasting reminder of service
Minister of State Catherine Ardagh TD attended the ceremony and highlighted the close relationship between St James’s Hospital and the surrounding Dublin 8 community.
She said the occasion provided an opportunity to recognise people who had dedicated decades of service to patients, the hospital and the wider community.
The five ward names will ensure that the contributions of John Prichard, Sheila Clarke, Eilis McGovern, Fiona Mulcahy and Carole Keena remain visible to future generations of patients, staff and visitors.
The initiative also sends a broader message about healthcare recognition: lasting contributions to patient care can come from every part of a hospital, from nursing, medicine and surgery to catering and other essential support services.
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