Bartholomew Mosse

Irish surgeon and founder of the Rotunda Hospital

Bartholomew Mosse (1712 – 16 February 1759) was an Irish surgeon and philanthropist, best known for founding the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, one of the oldest continuously operating maternity hospitals in the world.

Early Life and Education

Bartholomew Mosse was born in 1712 in Portlaoise, County Laois, Ireland. He was the son of a clergyman, and his family had a strong tradition in medicine and surgery. Mosse pursued his medical education in Dublin, where he trained as a surgeon. His early career was marked by a keen interest in improving maternal and infant health, which was a significant concern in 18th-century Ireland.

Career and Achievements

Mosse began his medical practice in Dublin and quickly became aware of the high mortality rates among mothers and infants during childbirth. Determined to address this issue, he envisioned a dedicated maternity hospital that would provide care for women regardless of their financial status.

Founding of the Rotunda Hospital

In 1745, Mosse established the "Dublin Lying-In Hospital," which later became known as the Rotunda Hospital. The hospital was initially located in a small house on George's Lane, but Mosse's ambition was to create a larger, purpose-built facility. To fund this endeavor, he organized a series of public entertainments, including concerts and theatrical performances, which were quite innovative for the time.

The Rotunda Hospital, Dublin

The new hospital building, designed by architect Richard Cassels, was completed in 1757. It featured a grand rotunda, which gave the hospital its name. The Rotunda Hospital was one of the first of its kind, offering specialized care for pregnant women and setting a precedent for maternity care worldwide.

Legacy

Bartholomew Mosse's work had a lasting impact on maternal healthcare. The Rotunda Hospital became a model for other maternity hospitals and played a crucial role in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. Mosse's innovative approach to funding and his dedication to public health left a significant legacy in the field of obstetrics.

Mosse passed away on 16 February 1759, but his vision continued to thrive through the hospital he founded. The Rotunda Hospital remains a vital institution in Dublin, continuing to provide maternity care to this day.

Related Pages

• Rotunda Hospital
• Richard Cassels
• History of medicine in Ireland