The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in Dublin has made history by launching Ireland’s very first in-hospital Artificial Intelligence (AI) centre. This new hub, called the Centre for AI and Digital Health, is pioneering the development and implementation of AI-driven tools across a wide range of clinical scenarios. Already, these innovations are helping clinicians select patients for cancer clinical trials, spot fractures in medical imaging, and even generate synthetic MRI scans from CT scans—a breakthrough that promises to speed up the urgent diagnosis of spinal injuries[1][2][5].
Leading the initiative is Paul Banahan, the hospital’s Senior AI Research Fellow, who is receiving valuable real-time feedback from medical professionals as the technology is put into practice. Banahan highlights that this is the first time such advanced AI development is being carried out in direct collaboration with hospital clinicians. He notes that the ability to create synthetic MRI scans is particularly significant for emergency situations, where access to traditional MRI equipment may be limited, especially outside regular hours.
AI is already making a difference at the Mater. For example, it is assisting in the rapid detection of fractures by supporting clinicians as they interpret scans. While Enterprise Ireland has been the main source of funding for Banahan’s work so far, he emphasizes the need for ongoing support from the Health Service Executive (HSE). Banahan points out that the landscape is shifting, with growing interest in AI from health authorities, but more resources and a dedicated research team are essential to fully realize its potential.
The regulatory environment for AI in healthcare is also a key focus. Banahan stresses that clear guidelines and robust risk assessments are needed to ensure that AI is used safely and ethically. Transparency and ongoing dialogue with lawmakers and healthcare providers are crucial as the field continues to evolve.
Meanwhile, Professor Joe Galvin, Consultant Cardiologist at the Mater, is preparing for further innovation. He aims to launch a pilot project using AI to support clinicians who treat patients with chest pain, coronary blockages, and arrhythmias. Galvin explains that AI can analyze ECGs and detect subtle abnormalities that might escape the human eye, potentially saving lives by enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses. While the project is still awaiting official approval and funding, Galvin is optimistic about the broader impact such technology could have nationwide.
Erin Daly, Operations Manager of the Pillar Centre for Transformative Healthcare, describes the current moment as a “tipping point” for AI in medicine. She predicts that patients will increasingly seek out hospitals equipped with AI capabilities, reassured by the additional safety net and double-check that these technologies provide. However, Daly is clear that human expertise must remain at the heart of every medical decision, ensuring that AI serves as a support, not a replacement, for clinicians[2][5].
