The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and the Oireachtas Women’s Caucus have endorsed the campaign to name the new National Children’s Hospital after Dr Kathleen Lynn.
The announcement follows correspondence from Senator Mary Fitzpatrick, Fianna Fáil Senator from Dublin Central, who sought the support of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and the Oireachtas Women’s Caucus for the campaign to have the new Children’s hospital named after the pioneering doctor and champion of social justice, Dr Kathleen Lynn which is led by the 1916 Relatives Association.
Born in Mayo in 1874, Dr Kathleen Lynn was one of Ireland’s first female doctors and served as the Irish Citizens Army’s Chief Medical Officer in the 1916 Rising.
A pioneer of children’s healthcare, she founded Ireland’s first children’s hospital, Saint Ultan’s Hospital for Infants in Dublin in 1919, where she championed children’s, women’s and public healthcare.
Senator Mary Fitzpatrick, who is leading calls to name the new National Children’s Hospital, said, “I am delighted that the Joint Committee on Health and the Women’s Caucus have joined us in calling for the new Children’s Hospital to be named after Dr Kathleen Lynn.
“Dr Lynn was an extraordinary woman who dedicated her life to improving the health and well-being of children and women, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Naming the hospital after her would be a fitting tribute to her legacy and a source of inspiration to future generations”.
Senator Fitzpatrick added, “Dr Kathleen Lynn’s name would also serve as a constant reminder of the importance of treating every patient with respect, dignity, and compassion – values which Dr Lynn held dearly.”
The 1916 Relatives Association’s campaign to have the new National Children’s Hospital named after Dr Kathleen Lynn is also supported by Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, Labour, the Green Party, Forsa, SIPTU and the National Women’s Council of Ireland.