St John of God Hospital Becomes University Hospital Through New Partnership with UCD
St John of God Hospital in Dublin has officially been renamed St John of God University Hospital after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the UCD School of Medicine. This new agreement marks an important step in strengthening ties between clinical practice and academic education.
Under the MOU, the hospital will now serve as a university teaching site, providing vital clinical placements for UCD’s undergraduate and graduate-entry medical students. Beginning in April and running through November, students will take part in eight structured rotational placements at the hospital, where they will build their practical experience in psychiatry.
During their time at St John of God University Hospital, students will enhance their clinical skills by taking psychiatric histories, attending ward rounds and outpatient clinics, and gaining a deeper understanding of both acute and chronic mental health conditions. Their training will take place in both inpatient units and community-based settings, giving them a broad view of psychiatric care.
Professionalism will be a key focus throughout the placements, with students expected to meet high standards of conduct and participate in detailed feedback sessions designed to support their growth. In addition, they will have the opportunity to learn directly from experienced consultant psychiatrists, many of whom also hold teaching roles as adjunct academic staff at UCD.
The signing of this MOU formalizes the hospital’s long-standing tradition as a center for medical education. For many decades, St John of God Hospital has contributed to the training of future healthcare professionals, and this new partnership with UCD aims to deepen that commitment.
Professor Brian O’Donoghue, Professor of Adult Psychiatry at UCD, welcomed the development, describing it as an important way to bridge the gap between academic study and real-world clinical practice. "Through this partnership, our students can immerse themselves in a clinical environment, where they will develop their skills under the guidance of experienced psychiatrists. St John of God University Hospital has several innovative clinical programmes, which will provide a unique experience for UCD medical students," he said.
Professor Jennifer Hoblyn, Clinical Director at St John of God University Hospital, also emphasized the importance of the collaboration. She noted that by working closely with UCD, the hospital hopes not only to offer valuable learning opportunities for students but also to enrich its own model of care through fresh academic perspectives and enhanced collaboration.
This new chapter in the hospital’s history aims to benefit both students and patients, ensuring that medical education and mental health care continue to advance hand-in-hand.
UCD Health Affairs, email: (opens in a new window)healthaffairs@ucd.ie