Caherlistrane native honoured at ATU Alumni Awards
CAHERLISTRANE’S Patrick Keady has been honoured with the ATU Alumni Award in Science and Health.
Patrick is an experienced director and senior healthcare leader within UK's National Health Service (NHS), who has maintained strong ties to the West of Ireland and to ATU despite being based in Edinburgh.
A son of Tim and Mary Keady, he is a graduate of Regional Technical College Galway. Patrick holds a National Certificate in Applied Chemistry (1984), a National Diploma in Fine Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals (1986), and Graduate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (1988).
His education laid the foundation for a distinguished 26 year career across the NHS, where he worked at senior levels in primary and pre hospital care, community services, mental health, acute care and commissioning.
As Head of Healthcare Governance, Patrick led major system wide improvement programmes that strengthened patient-centred behaviours among more than 40,000 healthcare workers serving a population of 1.5 million people.
His leadership and approach to governance earned national recognition during the NHS 60th anniversary celebrations in 2008, where he was described as a “new breed of NHS manager".
“In the 40 years since I graduated from Regional Technical College Galway, it has become part of Ireland’s second largest university in terms of students enrolled,” stated Patrick.
“It is an honour and an absolute pleasure to be recognised by ATU, and I thank the University for this recognition.”
Patrick has also made a lasting contribution to healthcare governance and professional practice through publishing, policy and professional leadership.
“While the Alumni Award recognises my achievements, I am receiving it in recognition of my family, friends and former colleagues, who are always there for me,” added Patrick.
“To receive this ATU Alumni Award in Science and Health is an absolute privilege, one which I will cherish for many years to come,” he concluded.
The ATU Alumni Awards celebrate graduates whose careers demonstrate professional excellence, leadership and public impact, while reflecting the university’s contribution to society through education, innovation and service.