The Football Association of Ireland have announced a partnership with the Beacon Hospital and Cappagh Hospital with regard to establishing a medical care pathway for all Republic of Ireland international players.
This ensures that all Republic of Ireland players, at all levels, will have access to sports medicine, orthopaedic surgery and radiology expertise of the highest levels.
The medical care protocol ensures speedy access to these specialities, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment, including surgical intervention if deemed necessary.
In addition, there will be access to the full range of services available at Beacon Hospital, including cardiology, respiratory, ENT and many other medical/surgical sub-specialities.
The announcement comes at a time when the battle among hospitals for pre eminence in the care of sports injuries hits new heights.
A November 2016 report by Mordor Intelligence puts the current value of the global sports medicine market at $16.8 Billion and states it is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR of 6.91% to 2021 reach a market value of $23.4 Billion.
The Santry Sports Clinic is a prominent player in the space while the Mater Hospital provides medical facilities at the Aviva Stadium for both Rugby and Soccer internationals.
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The new deal with the Beacon Hospital will be a surprise given that Former Republic Ireland Soccer international Kevin Moran’s brother Ray is the principal behind the Santry Sports Clinic.
“For many sports people, injury is a huge concern and can seriously impact on their career,” said Head of Orthopaedic Surgery at Beacon Hospital, Maurice Neligan (pictured above second from right).
“At Beacon Hospital we will provide a comprehensive range of sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery, as well as physiotherapy and pain relief services with particular focus on hip, knee, wrist, foot and ankle.”
“Our aim is to work closely with the FAI and their Medical Director to ensure access to expertise in all the relevant specialities, in as timely a manner as possible.”
“I am delighted to welcome the FAI’s partnership with Beacon Hospital and Cappagh Hospital, which is an integral part of the player welfare pathway,” added FAI CEO John Delaney.
“As a result of this partnership our international players will have access to the best medical expertise available.”
