Rónán honoured for work in stroke prevention

A medical professor has been selected as Cork Person of the Month for December in recognition of his work in treating, preventing, and raising public awareness of stroke.

Prof. Rónán Collins was also selected for his important contributions to wellbeing and healthcare for the elderly in Irish society.

A lover of nature and wildlife, Prof. Collins hails from Kinsale and graduated with the medicine class of 1992 at UCC.

He has worked as a consultant in geriatric and stroke medicine at Tallaght University Hospital since 2005 and is also clinical lead at the National Clinical Programme for Stroke.

Through this latter role he has been a leading figure in developing the National Stroke Strategy 2022-2027, which provides a framework for the management of the disease across the health service.

Through his work in formulating the strategy, Prof. Collins has helped to make a variety of recommendations relating to stroke prevention, care, rehabilitation, and education. These recommendations are essential to mitigating the harm caused by stroke, which is the second leading cause of death in middle to higher income countries and the leading cause of acquired adult neurological disability in Ireland.

Earlier this year, he provided expert commentary in ‘RTÉ Investigates’ show Inside Ireland's Nursing Homes, which exposed repeated care failings in facilities run by Ireland's largest provider of private nursing homes, including chronic staff shortages, lack of supervision, inappropriate handling, and a lack of essential supplies. Shortly after the airing he also appeared on Brendan O’Connor on RTÉ Radio One to discuss the programme and other matters of importance.

Alongside his clinical work and research, he’s well known as a strong proponent of the value of healthy ageing and general wellbeing. He has given talks to bodies ranging from local groups such as Kinsale Men’s Shed to national healthcare bodies such as the Neurological Alliance of Ireland. These engagements help to ensure that the risk factors and symptoms of stroke are broadly appreciated and understood across society.

Manus O’Callaghan, awards organiser, said: “Rónán’s vital role in raising awareness of medical issues such as stroke, including with his work as a director of stroke services and a consultant physician, exemplifies the very best that Ireland’s medical personnel has to offer.

“His work in raising awareness of age-related matters is commendable and crucial to creating a more just and equitable society.”

Prof Collins’ name will now go forward alongside the other monthly winners for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year.