Opening Address

Welcome to this Scientific Meeting, celebrating the Bicentenary of the Royal Victoria Hospital. The Royal Victoria Hospital may have had humble beginnings, but it now stands as one of the important landmarks of our city, held in the highest regard by the whole community as an oasis of care, compassion and feeling. All through the years of economic recession and indeed more recently, during the worst of the troubles the Royal has remained as a strong and secure presence in our physical and emotional landscape. The health service in Northern Ireland is indebted to the Royal for its leadership and skills and many of the professionals here today, including myself, owe it much. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen I am absolutely delighted to be with you to formally open this prestigious meeting which is such an integral part of the Royal's Bicentenary celebrations. The Royal Hospitals have a well earned international reputation for innovation, for research and for teaching and it owes much of its distinguished record to the work of the Royal Victoria Hospital, the senior of its four hospitals, which together form the Royal Group of Hospitals Trust. Advances in coronary care, anesthesia, intensive care and neurosurgery and for the treatment of patients suffering major trauma has kept the hospital at the forefront of treating the casualties of over 25 years of political and civil unrest. It is no exaggeration to say that the story of the Royal Victoria Hospital is known worldwide. So this year marking the Bicentenary of the Royal Victoria has featured a fascinating range of celebratory events starting with a gala ball and Ophthalmology conference in January. But since then people from all backgrounds and disciplines have come together at different events to mark the unique contribution which the Royal Victoria has made to the health service, to the people of Northern Ireland for the past 200 years and Dr. Campbell referred to the fact that I have only been in this job for a few months but it takes about one day to be told about the contribution the Royal Victoria has made and the huge affection and support which it has. The events have included functions as diverse as an interdenominational service of thanksgiving in St. Anne's Cathedral, a race meeting at Down Royal Race Course, fun day for children and international fashion show here at the Waterfront Hall. There is the …