Surgeons celebrates Bicentenary

Councillor Emer Costello visited the Royal College of Surgeons last week as part of an event celebrating the institution’s 200th year in its premises on St. Stephen’s Green. The commemorative reception invited student representatives, RCSI staff and nearby businesses to mark the anniversary of the historic college, which was given a royal charter in 1784. The charter granted by King George III made the college the sole legally recognised body representing the science and art of surgery.
It moved to its current site in 1810, which was formerly a Quaker burial ground. The college has been the scene for many dramatic moments in Irish history- it was occupied during the 1916 Easter Rising by Countess Markievicz and 150 soldiers.
Professor Frank Keane, the President of RCSI, said: “For over 200 years, RCSI has been central to the advancement of surgery and medical education in Ireland. From our earliest days we have trained doctors and surgeons who have given exemplary service throughout the world and the advances in surgical procedures that we use today, represent the culmination of centuries of learning and enquiry.  Surgery, as well as being our heritage, is fundamental to the delivery of healthcare in Ireland and our responsibilities reach into the training, standards and practice delivery of surgery in Ireland to ensure that safe surgery saves lives.”
A book on the history of RCSI will be published in February, and tours will be hosted throughout the year to introduce the public to the institution’s history.