THE HISTORY OF BON SECOURS
THE HISTORY OF BON SECOURS
In 1824, Bon Secours was founded by Josephine Potel and her eleven companions as a religious congregation in post revolution Paris.
Their Mission: to care for the sick, the dying and their families in their own homes, within a Catholic ethos. This new form of healthcare was radical – it was a new model of ministry for religious women. Bringing the healing love of Christ to the sick was the core mission of these founding Sisters.
Having grown rapidly in France, Bon Secours spread to Ireland in 1861, their first international presence, reflecting the close historical links between Ireland and France at that time. From the first footfall of those five Bon Secours Sisters, who arrived in Dublin in 1861, the congregation has been providing“ Good Help” to the people of Ireland. Further foundations in Cork, Tralee and Galway sowed the seeds for our Health System as it is today. A reputation for compassionate, quality care for the sick ensured the success and growth of Bon Secours. facilities. Locations include; Cork, Dublin, Galway, Tralee, together with a Care Village in Cork and a Consultation Centre in Limerick.
As a leader in healthcare, the mission of Bon Secours Health System is to provide compassionate, quality health care to our patients and their families within a Catholic ethos.
The story of Bon Secours is a story of faith, courage, determination, vision, and of a willingness to adapt to the needs of the times.
Our staff today are the continuation of this story – custodians of this legacy of care, bringing“ Good Help” to the patients who come through the doors of our facilities by delivering“ Advanced Medicine and Exceptional Care”.
In 1915 the Sisters responded to the needs of the times by opening their first hospital, Bon Secours Cork. This was a very significant move for the Sisters in that it began the move from homecare to hospital Care.
In February 1993, the Sisters of Bon Secours, again responding to the needs of the time, established our Health System. The purpose of this Health System was to promote and extend the work started by those 12 young women in France in 1824.
Today, Bon Secours Health System is the largest independent healthcare provider in Ireland comprising a network of modern JCI accredited hospitals with world-class medical treatment
The Bon Secours Health System logo was developed from a flower known as the fleur-de-lis and reflects the beginning of the Sisters’ Ministry in France in 1824.
It also portrays the cross reaching out to others. It reminds us that we are part of a rich tradition of ministry for the sick.
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