About LPH

Nestled in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, Leopardstown Park Hospital (LPH) is situated on several acres of well-maintained grounds and gardens.

Founding

In 1917, Gertrude Dunning gifted the Leopardstown Park country manor and its 100-acre parkland to the British Ministry of Pensions with the sole condition that it be used to care for soldiers disabled during their service in the British forces during World War I. This donation reflected a broader effort to establish voluntary hospitals to address the overwhelming demand for care for wounded and disabled soldiers.

Initially a specialist hospital for shell-shocked soldiers until 1931, Leopardstown Park Hospital evolved to provide general medical and surgical care, including artificial limb fitting.

Transfer and Expansion

In the 1970s, LPH began admitting non-military residents, and by 1979, management and operations were transferred from the Leopardstown Park Hospital Trust to the Leopardstown Park Hospital Board under the Leopardstown Park Hospital (Establishment) Order, 1979.

While the hospital has developed into a vital provider of services for older people in South Dublin, its legacy of prioritising care for ex-service personnel remains a core part of its ethos.

The Mission, Vision, and Values of Leopardstown Park Hospital encapsulate our commitment to providing exceptional care, fostering respect and dignity, and supporting holistic well-being.

Mission

To deliver compassionate, high-quality, and innovative care for older adults, centred on their individual physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, within a supportive and empowering environment.

Vision

To be a nationally recognised leader in person-centred care for older adults, achieving excellence through collaboration, respect, and continuous improvement.

Values

1. Compassion: We place the well-being and dignity of our residents at the heart of all we do.
2. Respect: We honour the individuality and cultural diversity of each person we serve.
3. Innovation: We embrace new approaches to care and continuously improve our services.
4. Excellence: We are committed to delivering the highest standards of care and professionalism.
5. Collaboration: We work together with residents, families, and interdisciplinary teams to create a supportive and inclusive community.
6. Integrity: We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all that we do.

Message from the Chairperson

Welcome to Leopardstown Park Hospital.

As Chairperson of the Leopardstown Park Hospital Board, I am honoured to be part of an institution with such a rich legacy of care and compassion. Since our founding in 1917, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to providing exemplary services to older persons, while upholding the highest standards of dignity, respect, and person-centred care.

Our hospital’s foundation in serving ex-service personnel reflects a proud heritage that continues to shape our ethos today. Over the decades, we have evolved into a dynamic healthcare facility, offering a broad range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each resident and client. This evolution is testament to the dedication and professionalism of our staff, who work tirelessly to ensure that every individual under our care feels valued and supported.

As we continue to grow, we remain deeply committed to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in care. Whether it’s through enhancing our facilities, expanding our services, or fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Leopardstown Park Hospital strives to be a beacon of support for older people and their families.

On behalf of the Board, I extend my gratitude to our residents, their families, our staff, and our community partners for their trust and support. Together, we will build on our proud history and create a future that upholds the values and mission of Leopardstown Park Hospital.

Warm regards,

Anthony Morris
Chairperson, Leopardstown Park Hospital Board

Message from the CEO

Welcome to Leopardstown Park Hospital.

At Leopardstown Park Hospital, we take great pride in delivering exceptional care that goes beyond addressing medical needs. Our approach is rooted in a commitment to nurturing the physical, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being of every individual we serve.

Guided by a holistic philosophy, we strive for excellence in care and service, tailoring our approach to meet the unique needs, preferences, and aspirations of each resident. At the heart of everything we do is a deep respect for your dignity, individuality, and independence.

Our safe and therapeutic environment is designed to support your journey while fostering collaboration with families as valued partners in care. Together, we aim to create a compassionate and empowering community where every resident feels supported, valued, and at home.

Thank you for entrusting us with your care.

Warm regards,
Mr. Adrian Ahern
Chief Executive Officer

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General Overview

Volunteer & Co-Worker Programme

Leopardstown Park Hospital is proud of its structured Volunteer & Co-Worker Programme, which provides invaluable contributions across various tiers to enrich the hospital’s environment and support its mission. This programme is divided into three distinct tiers:

TIER 1: Traditional Volunteer Model

• This model forms the backbone of the volunteering programme at Leopardstown Park Hospital (LPH).
• Volunteers play an integral role in fostering a fulfilling relationship between residents, staff, and volunteers.
• With its roots in a veteran-based history, LPH continues to benefit from the valuable contributions of veteran volunteers who bring a unique perspective and connection to the hospital’s ethos.

TIER 2: Co-Worker Model

• The Co-Worker model is a 9 to 12-month structured training programme designed for individuals seeking practical workplace experience.
• An Individual Learning Plan (ILP) is tailored for each participant, ensuring their growth and skill acquisition align with their goals.
• This tier is ideal for:
  • Individuals with theoretical knowledge or qualifications but limited practical experience.
  • Those transitioning to a new career path or “changing lanes.”

TIER 3: Social Inclusion Model

• This model is tailored to promote workplace inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities or learning disabilities.
• The structured programme empowers participants to realise their hopes, dreams, and ambitions while contributing meaningfully to the hospital’s operations.
• It reflects LPH’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.

The application process for joining any tier of the Volunteer & Co-Worker Programme is designed to ensure a smooth and transparent experience:

1. Expression of Interest: Potential applicants can express interest via the LPH website or by contacting the Volunteer Coordination Office.
2. Application Submission: A completed application form, detailing the applicant’s skills, experience, and desired tier, is required.
3. Screening and Interview: Applicants are invited for an informal discussion to assess their suitability for the programme and identify their goals.
4. Placement Agreement: Once selected, participants agree to the terms of the programme, including training schedules, responsibilities, and outcomes.
5. Onboarding and Training: Participants undergo orientation and training tailored to their tier.

Leopardstown Park Hospital actively participates in the TÚS Community Work Placement Scheme, providing opportunities for individuals to:

• Develop valuable workplace skills in a supportive environment.
• Gain practical experience while contributing to the hospital’s daily operations.
• Engage in meaningful work that supports residents, staff, and hospital services.

Benefits of the TÚS Scheme at LPH:

• Structured placements with clear roles and responsibilities.
• Opportunities to learn from experienced staff and mentors.
• Pathways to further employment or professional development.