The long tradition of nurse training at University Hospital Waterford is being celebrated with a new permanent display of historic photographs now installed in the hospital.
The collection, launched to mark International Nurses Day, features seven decades of University Hospital Waterford’s annual nurse graduation photographs. The images are now on display along the link corridor connecting the main hospital building to the Dunmore Wing.
The project was supported by Réalta/Waterford Healing Arts, which carried out the restoration, reframing and installation work to create a permanent historical archive within the hospital.
The display traces the evolution of nurse training at the hospital, from its opening as Ardkeen Chest Hospital in 1952, through its years as the regional hospital for the South Eastern Board, and on to its role today as University Hospital Waterford serving the South East.
It also reflects the development of modern nursing education in the region, with students from South East Technological University completing extensive clinical placements at the hospital and across HSE facilities in Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and South Tipperary.
Marley Irish (Nurse at University Hospital Waterford) pointing to herself in her year’s nurse graduation photo on the link corridor connecting the main hospital building at UHW to its Dunmore Wing. At the end of this month, Marley will be retiring after 43 years of service as a nurse.
Niamh Sheehan (Director of Nursing, UHW) indicating where she appears on her year’s nurse graduation photo, at the launch on International Nurse’s Day of annual University Hospital Waterford nurse graduation photographs.
Speaking at the launch, Director of Nursing at University Hospital Waterford, Niamh Sheehan, said the display highlights the importance of recognising staff contribution.
She said, “We are delighted the contribution of nurses is being recognised through this display, which will now be accessible to patients and visitors in a public space.”
She added, “It reflects the growth of the hospital over the decades, from just a handful of graduates in the 1960s to large groups in more recent years.”
She also said the installation marks International Nurses Day, adding, “Nurses play a vital role in supporting patients and improving health outcomes, now and into the future.”
Curator Aisling Kennedy said the collection captures both history and continuity in nursing in Waterford.
She said, “The photographs show the changing faces and styles of nursing graduates over the decades, while highlighting the ongoing contribution of nurses in the region.”
The restoration and installation work was carried out by photographer and framer Tom Quilty, alongside the Réalta team, working with hospital management and nursing leadership.
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