The National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh, originally established in 1908 as St Mary’s Convalescent Home for Sick Children, has evolved significantly over more than a century. Initially founded by the Sisters of Charity, the hospital began in the scenic Cappagh estate, initially intended as a convalescent home for sick children from Temple Street Children's Hospital. Many of these children suffered from diseases related to poverty, such as rickets and tuberculosis, and the hospital provided crucial convalescence and care.

Throughout the decades, Cappagh has greatly expanded both in size and scope. By the 1920s, it adopted innovative medical approaches like heliotherapy, emphasizing the benefits of sunlight and fresh air. The hospital has also been a pioneer in orthopaedic medicine, performing the first joint replacement surgery in Ireland in 1969 and continually expanding its services to include more complex procedures and treatments. Today, Cappagh is recognized as the largest dedicated orthopaedic hospital in Ireland, featuring a comprehensive range of orthopaedic services and specializing in areas like joint replacement and rehabilitation.

Education and innovation remain central to the hospital's mission, with ongoing programs to train the next generation of medical professionals in orthopaedic care. The hospital's commitment to providing high-quality care is supported by its modern facilities and a rich history of medical achievements and community support​​.

The National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh offers a range of specialized services and is particularly noted for its comprehensive orthopaedic care. The hospital is renowned for its expertise in joint replacement, including hip and knee surgeries, and has an Enhanced Recovery Programme that enables some patients to be discharged on the same day as their hip replacement surgery.

Key specialized areas include:

1. Radiology Services: Equipped with advanced imaging technologies such as CT scans, MRI, and interventional radiology, the Radiology Department plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating complex injuries and conditions.

2. Bone Tumour Centre: This center provides specialized care for patients with primary bone tumors, integrating clinical treatment with research and education.

3. Paediatric Orthopaedics: Offering specialized care for children with orthopaedic conditions.

4. Spinal Surgery: The hospital provides surgical and non-surgical treatments for various spinal conditions, including scoliosis and spinal deformities.

5. Sports and Exercise Medicine: This department focuses on the treatment and management of sports injuries and other exercise-related health issues.

6. Rehabilitation Services: The Rehabilitation Unit aids in the recovery and independent living of patients after acute medical episodes, particularly for older adults.

Each of these services integrates patient care with ongoing research and education to ensure that the hospital remains at the forefront of orthopaedic treatment and technology.

The National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh is recognized for its high-quality care, particularly in orthopaedic treatments. It's Ireland’s largest elective orthopaedic centre, highly regarded for its patient care, research, and education. The hospital has consistently ranked first for overall patient experience in the HIQA National Inpatient Experience Survey for two consecutive years. This reflects a strong commitment to patient satisfaction and medical excellence.

The hospital specializes in various orthopaedic conditions, providing state-of-the-art treatments for knee and hip replacements, spine conditions, and hand & upper limb issues. They have a notable Enhanced Recovery Programme that allows eligible hip replacement patients to be discharged on the same day, demonstrating their efficiency and advanced care protocols.

For those seeking treatment or employment, the hospital is considered one of Ireland’s Top 150 Best Employers, indicative of a positive work environment and a commitment to professional development and sustainability.

These attributes highlight the hospital's dedication not only to leading-edge medical care but also to ensuring a positive patient and staff experience.

The National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh has articulated a clear strategic direction and purpose for the period 2022-2025. The hospital aims to maintain and enhance its position as a leader in orthopaedic medicine, focusing on providing premium healthcare supported by research and academic excellence. Their strategy emphasizes several key areas:

1. Hospital Infrastructure, Development, and Expansion: This includes upgrading and modernizing facilities to meet current and future demands, which will enhance the environment for patients, staff, and students.

2. Develop and Increase Access to Services: The hospital plans to expand services, including spine services, sports and exercise medicine, and paediatric orthopaedic services, ensuring best practice models of care and improved patient outcomes.

3. Organisation Development, IT Capability, and Sustainability: Efforts will be made to enhance organizational and staff capabilities, address recruitment challenges, and improve IT infrastructure. A significant emphasis is also placed on sustainability, aiming to develop a comprehensive sustainability program.

4. An NOHC Academic Centre: There's a plan to establish an Academic Centre to foster education and training and strengthen academic links nationally and internationally. This is aimed at positioning NOHC as a key clinical site for research.

5. Stakeholder Engagement and Funding: The strategy includes making strong representations for capital funding to support critical development and optimizing National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) initiatives to increase revenue.

These strategic goals underscore the hospital's commitment to advancing orthopaedic care and research while enhancing the patient experience and clinical outcomes​.

The National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh in Dublin has garnered significant recognition and established many firsts in orthopaedic medicine in Ireland. In 2005, it became the first public hospital in the country to achieve full accreditation. This achievement underscored its commitment to maintaining high standards in patient care and hospital management.

The hospital has also led innovations in medical procedures and treatment approaches. For example, it performed Ireland’s first total hip replacement surgery in 1969, a landmark in the country's medical history. More recently, in 2018, it introduced same-day discharge for total hip replacement surgery, which represented a significant advancement in surgical care, enhancing patient convenience and hospital efficiency.

In terms of education and research, the hospital has a strong reputation, attracting students from around the globe. It was ranked first for Overall Patient Experience for two consecutive years in the HIQA National Inpatient Experience Survey as of 2022, reflecting its high standards in patient care and service quality.

Additionally, the hospital's focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility has been recognized, emphasizing its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and contributing positively to environmental health.