St. Patrick's Hospital owes its origins to the inspiration of Dr. Patrick Murphy, who from his own experiences living and working in Cork, was well aware of the medical needs of the sick and poor of the city. He had been impressed with the work of the Sisters of Charity in Cork, especially during the Famine, and he bequeathed to them whatever remained of his estate on condition that they provide a hospital or room for incurable cancer patients.

St. Patrick’s Hospital opened its doors on the 14th September 1870, and admitted the first patients on the 29th of that month. Over the years, St. Patrick’s established itself as a centre of excellence and a key element of the health services in Cork, caring mainly for cancer and T.B. patients. Today it provides extended and respite services for older people, and a full palliative care programme in Marymount Hospice, a specialist unit established in 1980.

The Mission of St. Patrick’s Hospital is that of the Religious Sisters of Charity in all of their healthcare services, viz. to bring the healing love of Christ to the sick and poor in the spirit of their Foundress, Mary Aikenhead, and in keeping with the Mission of the Catholic Church. The Management and Staff at St. Patrick’s Hospital strive to provide healthcare services that foster their core values of Dignity, Compassion, Justice, Quality and Advocacy.

Kieran McCarthy (2004) A Dream Unfolding: Portrait of St Patrick’s Hospital & Marymount Hospice