Popular Tallaght Hospital cycle gets into gear

THE hugely popular Tallaght Hospital Charity Cycle has been launched for 2017, with all interested cyclists encouraged to register now.

The Summer 99 – 2017 Charity Cycle takes place on Saturday, June 17 with the aim of raising vital funds for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the hospital.

There are 200 places available on the cycle, and participants are encouraged to register soon, before these places are filled.

The closing date for registration is June 2.

The entry fee includes refreshments which will be provided on the day, as well as a cycling jersey.

Cyclists have a choice between a 40km and a 99km route.The routes begin and end at Tallaght Hospital and takes in scenic areas of the Wicklow Mountains including Brittas and Blessington.

Funds raised by the charity cycle will be used to purchase Advanced Haemodynamic Monitoring equipment for the ICU.

This equipment will enable doctors and nurses to accurately assess and manage a patient’s heart and cardiovascular functions during a critical illness.

This will give a better and quicker indication of whether an illness is critical or life-threatening.

After the success of last year’s cycle in support of renal services, it is hoped that this year’s event will help to support a vital part of the hospital’s work.

Professor Gerry Fitzpatrick, an anaesthesia and intensive care consultant at the busy Southside hospital, said: “The Tallaght Hospital Charity Cycle has become a key part of our calendar in the hospital and has over the last few years, raised much-needed funds.

“This year we are hoping to emulate the previous successes in order to support the ICU, which does such vital work for our most vulnerable patients.

“The event promises to be a great day out and a very enjoyable occasion for all involved.

“So I encourage everyone who has an interest to register and support our work. Your support and generosity is much appreciated.”

David Slevin, CEO of Tallaght Hospital, added: “This charity cycle is always a very enjoyable event and I wish to commend all the organisers for their work on this year’s event.

“The funds raised will help to support the work done in our ICU and improve patient outcomes. I am looking forward to taking part once again.”

Corporate sponsors that have committed funds so far include Lynk, Renault Belgard Road, the Maldron Hotel, Health Services Staff Credit Union, Noonan Group, Bank of Ireland, The National Children’s Foundation, Adelaide Health Foundation and the Meath Foundation.

If you are interested in providing sponsorship email [email protected]

Tallaght Hospital is one of Ireland’s largest acute teaching hospitals, providing child-health, adult, psychiatric and age-related healthcare on one site.

The hospital has 495 adult beds and 67 paediatric beds with 2,600 people on staff.

The hospital is also a major provider of local, regional and national specialities and is the second largest provider of dialysis services in the country.