University College Cork boasts a robust network of affiliated teaching hospitals, each playing a pivotal role in providing medical students with diverse and comprehensive clinical training. With dedicated teaching staff and coordinators, these hospitals offer an array of specialties, ensuring students gain exposure to a wide range of medical disciplines. Many hospital consultants lead substantial international clinical research projects, presenting students with unique opportunities to engage in cutting-edge medical advancements.
Some of the key affiliated teaching hospitals include:
Cork University Hospital (CUH): As the largest teaching hospital in Ireland with 820 beds, Cork University Hospital houses all major specialties and serves as the primary location for student core clinical placements. It is the only Level I Trauma Centre in Ireland.
Mercy University Hospital: Established in 1857, Mercy University Hospital is located in Cork city center and offers a wide range of specialty services, with 340 beds.
South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital: One of Cork’s oldest medical establishments, South Infirmary hospital was established in 1811. It serves as the Regional Centre for Gynaecological Oncology services, ENT, and Dermatology, with 192 beds.
Bon Secours Hospital: The Bon Secours Hospital features specialized clinics such as the Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic, Rapid Access Prostate Clinic, Breast Care Clinic, and Bariatric Surgery Unit, offering 343 beds.
University Hospital Kerry: Located in Tralee, Co. Kerry, University Hospital Kerry provides a wide range of acute healthcare services, including Surgery, Medicine, Paediatrics, Obstetrics, Cancer Care, Palliative Care, and Renal Medicine, with 300 beds.
St. Finbarr’s Hospital: St. Finbarr’s Hospital is a center for Gerontology, providing high-dependency residential facilities, respite care, Day hospital, dementia care, and palliative care, featuring 237 beds.
Bantry General Hospital: Bantry General Hospital houses specialized units such as the Stroke Unit, Accident and Emergency Medicine Department, Local Injury Unit, Medical Assessment Unit, Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Parkinson’s Disease Clinic, and Endoscopy Clinics, accommodating 104 beds.
Mallow General Hospital: Mallow General Hospital offers General Surgery (including ENT), General Medicine, Radiology, Intensive Care/Coronary Care, and an Urgent Care Centre, providing 76 beds.
Marymount University Hospital and Hospice: Marymount University Hospice is the designated specialist palliative care center for Cork city and county, offering an inpatient unit, a Day Hospice, Out-patient Department, and a community-based palliative care program, with 44 beds.
University Hospital Waterford: With 505 beds, University Hospital Waterford provides comprehensive medical services, including Emergency Department, Neo-Natal Unit, Cardiology procedures, Nephrology, Dialysis, Oncology, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Orthopaedics, ENT, and Psychiatry. It is a designated National Cancer Control Centre, Renal Service, and a Regional Trauma Centre.
These affiliated teaching hospitals, renowned for their specialized services and expertise, form a crucial part of UCC’s medical training, offering students invaluable clinical experiences and opportunities for professional growth.