Distinction for mayo medical consultant

THE Dean of the new Mayo Medical Academy in Castlebar, Dr. Kevin Barry, has been appointed a professor by NUI, Galway.

The Castlebar-based consultant is the first doctor in the Saolta University Healthcare Group outside of Galway University Hospital to achieve the distinction.

NUIG has partnered with Mayo General Hospital in investing €2.2 million in convert the former St. Mary’s Church in Castlebar into a permanent and modern, academic centre.

The project, which is expected to be completed in October, will further consolidate the Mayo Medical Academy which commenced operation in January 2012.

The first intake of students graduated in June 2014 and, of this group, four are now employed as doctors at Mayo General Hospital.

It is expected that the academy will be responsible for training increasing numbers of doctors who will preferentially work at Mayo General Hospital and in general practice throughout the county.

In welcoming the news, Taoiseach Enda Kenny stated: 'Together these developments add considerably to establishing Mayo General Hospital as an academic teaching hospital which is a very positive development.'