The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology's aim is to lead the development of teaching and research in obstetrics and gynaecology in Ireland and to become a centre of excellence internationally. This academic agenda is fully integrated with the delivery of clinical care in the Ireland South Women & Infants Directorate - a network of four maternity hospitals and units in the south of Ireland – Cork University Maternity Hospital, University Hospital Kerry, Tipperary University Hospital and University Hospital Waterford.
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in UCC provides a framework for education, training, research and innovation across this Directorate.
The Department is also one of the oldest Departments in University College Cork. There has been a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at UCC since 1849.
| Professors of Obstetrics and Gyneacology at UCC |
Dates |
| J.R. Harvey |
1849 – 1878 |
| Henry Macnaughton-Jones |
1878 – 1883 |
| Henry Corby |
1883 – 1924 |
| J.J. Kearney |
1926 – 1948 |
| William Kearney |
1949 – 1977 |
| David M. Jenkins |
1977 – 1999 |
| John R. Higgins |
2001 – present |
Directors: Dr Matt Hewitt and Professor Barry O’Reilly
The Centre for Research and Innovation in Gynaecological Surgery is dedicated to all aspects of research and innovation in gynaecological surgery. Its facilities include two dedicated integrated operating theatres fully linked to the educational facility of UCC within the hospital. The theatres are connected to a Da Vinci surgical platform: this is a precision surgical tool used for the treatment of benign and malignant disease by enabling performance of complex and delicate procedures through small incisions. It leads to significantly less pain, less blood loss, fewer complications, less scarring, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal daily activities. It is utilised in both undergraduate and postgraduate education to demonstrate “live surgery”
The Centre has also established a successful link with the UCC Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience to demonstrate cadaveric pelvic floor dissection and surgery on cadavers. This link has enabled the Centre to host National Pelvic Floor Surgery meetings, attracting internationally renowned clinicians in the field of gynaecological surgery. The Centre has a strong research agenda, including three postgraduate students currently undertaking PhDs and it also facilitates research projects for UCC Final Year Medical Students and M.Sc. students.
The CUMH Department of Urogynaecology and Pelvic Floor Reconstructive Surgery has been accredited by EBCOG/EUGA as a subspecialty training centre in Urogynaecology and is a recommended centre to visit and train by the International Urogynaecological Association (IUGA).
