Clodagh Finn: If only we had hospital builder Madam Steevens in today's world

The indefatigable Grizelda Steevens managed to get Ireland’s first public hospital up and running in 1733

From a portrait of hospital builder and philanthropist Grizelda Steevens by Michael Mitchell. Picture: By permission of the Trustees of the Edward Worth Library © The Edward Worth Library.

Every time I hear of another delay to the opening of the children’s hospital — the 16th at last count — I wonder what the indefatigable Grizelda Steevens would make of it.

If only that determined and dedicated woman, who managed to get Ireland’s first public hospital up and running in 1733, were around today.