Professor Patrick Plunkett awarded William Stokes Award

The Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD was on hand to make the presentation.

Professor Plunkett, who was nominated for the award by his colleagues for his contribution to the field of Emergency Medicine, recently retired from his role as the Medical Director of St James’s Hospital after a 28 year-long career with the hospital.

“This award recognises innovative clinical contributions and important research discoveries, with a particular emphasis on the benefits to patient care and well-being,” said Minister Harris.

“I am delighted that this year’s winner is Professor Patrick Plunkett, who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of Emergency Medicine in Ireland, not only at St James’s Hospital, but also in his other work with the Faculty of Accident and Emergency Medicine, the Eastern Regional Ambulance Service, the St John’s Ambulance Brigade and Trinity College, and the important research projects he has led that have had positive results for patients attending the Emergency Department in St James’s.”

The Director of Post-Graduate Education at St James’s Hospital, Professor Gaye Cunnane, said “this celebratory event has marked the beginning of the academic year for the past six years and is designed to highlight the collegiality amongst consultant staff members and identify the hard work that often goes unrecognised.

“The William Stokes Award was conceived to inspire young doctors to learn what can be achieved, even in the absence of significant resources, through a passionate pursuit of knowledge and love of science and medicine.”

A graduate of UCD, Professor Plunkett was appointed Consultant in Emergency Medicine in St James’s Hospital in 1988. He is the Founding Fellow of the Faculty of Accident and Emergency Medicine in Ireland and was on the Education and Examination Committee of this faculty for over 20 years.

Professor Plunkett was appointed Medical Director of the Hospital in 2015 until his recent retirement.