‘Exceptional’ doctor honoured for tireless work with homeless people

A GP who has devoted his career to caring for a city’s homeless population has been honoured.

Dr Don Coffey, who leads Cork city’s Adult Homeless Team, said he was stunned and humbled to receive the 2011 Fiona Bradley Medal.

“I was extremely shocked because the call came out of the blue,” he said.

“I had read about the Fiona Bradley Foundation about four or five years ago, but I had no idea that anybody would consider me for the award.”

The award was established in memory of the late Dr Bradley, whose parents lived in Glanmire and who worked with the vulnerable in Ballymun, then in the grip of a heroin epidemic.

Prof Andrew Murphy of NUI Galway said the medal is awarded to “recognise someone who has contributed to better medical practice, particularly in the disadvantaged areas of our society”.

Dr Coffey was presented with the award last Friday following a meeting of the Association of University Departments of General Practice in Ireland.

He was nominated by fellow Cork GP Dr Mary Favier because of his “commitment to the integrity of vulnerable individuals”.

He is a “quiet, unsung hero to my many patients who have been through his service” where his job has gone from being “stigma -laden to being highly regarded”, she said.

Cork Simon director Colette Kelleher said of Dr Coffey: “He is an exceptional and extraordinary man. A lot of people would be dead if it were not for the service he provides. We have the highest regard for him.

“A medal alone wouldn’t reflect the good work that he does.”