St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) has launched the Enda McDermott Simulation & Education Centre (EMSEC), a state-of-the-art training facility that will significantly enhance learning, collaboration and patient care across the hospital.
Generously funded by the family of the late Mr Enda McDermott—an outstanding consultant surgeon and educator at SVUH for many years—EMSEC represents a powerful legacy of compassion and a deep commitment to clinical excellence. Designed to support interdisciplinary simulation and education for all healthcare professionals, EMSEC is a space where learning meets innovation—empowering staff to deliver the highest standards of care to every patient, every day.
Located in the Education Research Centre and adjacent to the UCD Clinical Research Centre, EMSEC is ideally positioned to foster research, simulation-based education and future collaboration across SVUH, UCD and national training bodies. The facility aligns closely with the goals of the new National Simulation Office and the National Simulation Strategic Guide and SVUH has worked closely with Professor Dara Byrne and her team throughout the development.
Prof Michael Keane, Interim CEO of SVUH and Dean and Head of School, UCD School of Medicine, said: “This Centre is an investment in our people and our patients. Simulation training strengthens clinical confidence, communication and decision-making under pressure—all vital for delivering safe, effective and compassionate care. The support of the McDermott family has allowed us to realise a vision that will benefit our hospital community for generations to come.”
The new Centre is equipped with the latest simulation technology including a high-fidelity SimMan Essential mannequin, a SMOTS AV system and a range of task trainers that replicate critical procedures such as airway management, chest tube insertion, central line access and lumbar puncture. EMSEC also features flexible clinical teaching rooms, conference technology, interactive displays and a dedicated control room—providing a professional, immersive training environment for individuals and teams alike.
Norbert McDermott, Enda’s brother said: “Enda was a man of immense integrity, quiet strength and deep compassion. He dedicated his life to his patients and to supporting the next generation of clinicians. As a family, we wanted to honour not only the care he gave, but the values he stood for—excellence, humility and service. We are incredibly proud to support the establishment of the Enda McDermott Simulation & Education Centre as a lasting legacy in his name. It is our hope that this Centre will reflect Enda’s unwavering belief in education and teamwork—values inspired by our parents before him—and that it will continue to make a difference: for staff, for students and most of all, for patients.”
Interprofessional education is at the heart of the Centre's design. Doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and students will all benefit from regular team-based and individual simulation training. This is especially important in high-pressure clinical situations where teamwork and communication can save lives.
The EMSEC project was made possible through the dedication and collaboration of many staff across SVUH and UCD, including Dr. John Cronin, Professor Helen Heneghan, Debbie Killeen, Bettina Nolan, Deirdre Flanagan, Fathima Rinza, and Alan Doyle, along with members of the Estates, Operations, Perioperative Directorate and UCD education teams.
Photo 1: L–R Norbert McDermott, Emma McDermott, Dr John Cronin (Clinical Lead for EMSEC), and Professor Helen Heneghan (Consultant Bariatric and General Surgeon) pictured cutting the ribbon to officially open the Enda McDermott Simulation & Education Centre (EMSEC) at St. Vincent’s University Hospital.
Photo 2: Dr John Cronin, Clinical Lead for EMSEC and Clinical Associate Professor UCD School of Medicine, demonstrating some of the features of the new SimMan Essential to members of the McDermott family.