23 May 2025
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Mercy University Hospital (MUH) Cork today launched its strategic plan for 2025-2030, “Maintaining and Improving the Health and Wellbeing of those we Serve,” outlining a comprehensive vision for the future of healthcare delivery within the hospital and the community it serves. The strategy was officially launched today, May 23rd, by Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Rooted in the core values of Compassion, Excellence, Justice, Respect, and Team Spirit, the plan details MUH’s commitment to enhancing patient care, modernising facilities, reinforcing community engagement, and embracing digital transformation. Key initiatives will be implemented across four strategic areas: People, Continuous Operational Improvement, Sustainability, and Technology & Partnership.
“Our new strategic plan reflects Mercy University Hospital’s unwavering commitment to putting patients first and striving for excellence in everything we do,” said Margaret McKiernan, Chief Executive Officer of Mercy University Hospital. “We have carefully considered our role in healthcare provision to the city and wider region, collaborating with our regional partners to continue to advocate for our patients through the delivery of exceptional evidence-based patient care, and also supporting the development of the next generation of healthcare professionals in Ireland.”
The 2025-2030 strategy is grounded in six strategic pillars: Mission, Quality, Stewardship, Digital, Sustainability, and Research. These pillars have enabled the identification of four “Big Moves” that will drive progress over the next five years:
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People: Developing a partnership approach to foster team spirit and enhance job satisfaction for staff, recognising them as the hospital‘s most important asset.
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Continuous Operational Improvement: Maintaining high standards of quality, excellence, and performance in all aspects of the organisation’s services.
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Sustainability: Assuming ecological responsibility through practices that promote respect and care for the environment, working towards the 2050 Net Zero targets.
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Technology & Partnership: Implementing necessary improvement plans based on best practice, innovative technology, knowledge, and skill, including a “Hospital without Walls” approach.
The plan also addresses key capital developments, including a new extension comprising 72 beds, an increase in the number of ICU/HDU beds, co-location of urgent and emergency care, and centralisation of an expanded theatre complex. MUH is also committed to delivering better digital services, including the introduction of Electronic Prescribing and the adoption of the Electronic Healthcare Record, in line with national policy.
Mercy University Hospital serves a diverse and growing population and is committed to providing a sustainable, socially relevant service in line with national and international evidence-based practice. The hospital‘s mission is to provide excellent patient services to maintain and improve the health and wellbeing of those they serve, especially those who are most vulnerable and marginalised.