In 1992, in tandem with the development of the new Trinity Health Sciences Centre, the Committee took the initiative to build the first purpose-built permanent postgraduate centre in Ireland. The facilities include a lecture theatre, a teaching room and two conference rooms. A major advantage of the new Centre is it s close proximity to the prime facilities of the Health Sciences Centre, including the 250 seat tiered lecture theatre and the large medical library. The Postgraduate Centre has open access to the library and, in addition, the tiered lecture theatre is frequently available since undergraduate teaching in the main takes place at different times to postgraduate events. The William Stokes Postgraduate Centre acts as a focal point for postgraduate education in St. James s Hospital and for family doctors in the local community.
Every week there is a very busy programme of postgraduate activities.
On a number of mornings each week clinical meetings begin at 8 o clock and the Centre is often open for evening lectures and seminars. Modern teaching methods are employed in the Centre. As the Centre is independent, the capital costs are being met by fund raising, for which the Committee are grateful for the contributions already made by the Board of the Royal City of Dublin Hospital, Eastern Health Board, the pharmaceutical industry, the consultant staff of St. James s Hospital and St. James s Hospital Board. A further grant has been received from the National Lottery towards the cost of furnishing and equipping the Centre. The federated Dublin Voluntary Hospitals and from sponsorship of meetings by the pharmaceutical industry.