Local Business Leaders visit UPMC Beacon Waterford

Wednesday, 25th January 2012

Pictured is John Halligan TD cutting a ribbon to officially open The Blackfriar Barber. John is pictured with Neil White, prop., Nicole Myler, staff and Christine Drohan, staff. Photo: John Power

Leaders of the Waterford business community attended an event at UPMC Beacon Waterford on Thursday, 19th January, in Ardkeen to celebrate the recent opening of the Waterford clinic.

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre (UPMC) operates the Beacon Hospital in Dublin, the UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre, Waterford and three satellite centres in Ardkeen, Wexford and Naas, Co. Kildare.

Speaking at the event CEO of UPMC Beacon Hospital and Managing Director of UPMC Ireland, Joel Yuhas said, "It was a great pleasure and opportunity to meet with some of Waterford's most successful business people this evening. The UPMC Beacon Waterford Clinic is another example of UPMC's long-term commitment to the South East region. UPMC began services in Waterford at the UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre in October 2006, providing vital access to radiotherapy services in the region. In a partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and all major private insurers, the cancer centre now cares for over 800 new patients each year, both public and privately insured.

"As one of more than 45 cancer centres operated by UPMC, patients have easy access to advanced treatment options and world-class cancer care provided by the UPMC Cancer Centres Network. Through our relationships with Waterford Regional Hospital and the Waterford Institute of technology, we also look forward to expanding our mission which is centred around education and research."

"At the end of 2011, our cancer centre earned Joint Commission International re-accreditation. And working with the HSE, we are pleased to announce a renewed three year agreement to continue providing high quality radiotherapy services to the region. We are delighted to employ nearly 40 people between our cancer centre and clinic, and look forward to supporting the future expansion of services in the South East."

UPMC Beacon Waterford provides patients in Waterford with easy access by GP referral, to Consultants in Cardiology, Orthopaedics, Urology and Vascular and General surgery. Located in the Williamstown Centre, Ardkeen, the centre provides GPs and patients with local consultation in each of these disciplines. Any resulting procedures take place at UPMC Beacon Hospital, Sandyford, Dublin which is easily accessed from Waterford via the M9 in approximately two hours.

Resident Consultants at UPMC Beacon Waterford include Mr. Turlough O'Donnell, Mr Joe Sparkes, Mr. Michael A. Murphy, Dr. Aaron Peace and Mr. Robert Flynn. They provide specialist diagnosis and treatment in their respective areas including sports injuries, spinal surgery, joint replacement, cardiology, vascular and general surgery, kidney and bladder conditions and more. Chartered Physiotherapist Neville Coen is the Clinic Manager and also provides onsite physiotherapy and rehabilitation to patients.

UPMC Beacon Waterford is based in the Williamstown Centre, Ardkeen and can be contacted via 051 844 704.