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History of the Society

Since 1839, the Adelaide Hospital Society has responded to the needs of the sick. The Adelaide has a proud history of innovation and care made possible through voluntary service. We have always recognised that it is through people that care for the whole person - mind, body and spirit, is provided, and not by medicine alone.

Healthcare is our heritage

The original Adelaide, Meath and National Children's Hospitals were all Voluntary Hospitals, supported by charitable donations and the dedication of generations of staff. The Adelaide Hospital was founded in 1839, and has a proud history of innovation and care made possible through voluntary service.

The Meath was founded as far back as 1753, in the 'liberty' of the Earl of Meath. The Dublin Liberties were crowded with the urban poor in desperate need of care and attention. In 1821 a group of eminent Dublin doctors founded the National Children's Hospital. it was the first hospital in Ireland or Britain devoted to the care of children. It was also the inspiration for the foundation of Great Ormand Street Hospital in London in 1852.

In 1996 The Adelaide Hospital became part of The Adelaide & Meath Hospital, Dublin, Incorporating the National Children's Hospital. The Hospital is a focus for Protestant participation in the health services and guarantees freedom of conscience and the free profession and practice of religion by all. It is the only teaching Hospital in the Republic which provides for this in it's governing Charter.

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