caring Communication

Ennistymon Community Nursing Unit
In October 2015, the new extension to
Ennistymon Community Nursing Unit entitled
‘Oak Suite’ was officially opened at a cost of over
€1.2m with €400,000 contributed by the Friends of
Ennistymon Hospital.
The Oak Suite is a single storey extension
that comprises four two-bedded
rooms, all with en suite facilities,
a centralised staff station, utility
and associated site works. The
design and building of the new
extension provides for a bright
and comfortable living space
that is modern, well equipped
and accessible for residents.
Principal contractors for the project
were Martins Construction with Paschal +
Watson appointed as architects.
Phase two commenced in May 2015 and will
comprise of a sitting room, eight single rooms, all
with en-suite facilities, a nurses’ station, linen store,
an accessible toilet as well as a clinical room and
store room. It is anticipated that Phase two will be
completed in March.
Kathleen Lynch TD, Minister of State with
responsibility for Primary Care, Social Care and
Mental Health, who performed the opening, said
she was delighted to be in Ennistymon to officially
open the new Oak Suite in Ennistymon Community
Nursing Unit.
“This development will greatly enhance the
quality of life for residents and ensure the highest
standards of care. I am heartened to see such a
strong community involvement with the unit.
The long running commitment and
generosity demonstrated by the
Friends of Ennistymon Hospital
through their fundraising efforts for
the new unit is to be commended.
I am also delighted to see that the
next phase is already progressing
and should reassure the local
community of the HSE’s commitment
to providing high quality residential care
into the future,” said Minister Lynch.
Thomas O’Sullivan, representing the Friends of
Ennistymon Community Hospital, said he believed
the new unit was ‘a milestone’ in the journey to
create a first class residential facility for the North
Clare Community.
“It is also testament to what an active committee
of a local and concerned community can achieve
in partnership with the HSE. If somebody was to
suggest to The Friends back in 1984 that the fruits of
that partnership would result in the fabulous facility
we have here in Ennistymon today they would not
be believed and especially with the official opening
of a brand new eight bedded unit constructed to
the highest standards,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
“A further eight en-suite bedded unit is in the
course of construction all of which is positive proof
of what a good working partnership can achieve.
There have also been various other projects
delivered down through the years all for the benefit
of the residents of Ennistymon Community Nursing
Unit. Here’s to another 31 years of partnership.”
Anna Marie Nagle, Director of Nursing, said, “The
Oak Suite was developed with residents’ needs to
the fore and enables the experienced and caring
team of staff to provide the highest standard of
person centred care in a warm, friendly and homelike
environment. I would like to acknowledge the
support and commitment from the local community
and the Friends of Ennistymon Community Hospital
in helping us to realise this extension and I believe
that this new unit will be of great benefit to our
residents and the local community.”
INSET: Minister Kathleen Lynch officially opening
the new Oak Suite at Ennistymon Community Nursing
Unit with Anna Marie Nagle, Director of Nursing
and Thomas O’Sullivan, Secretary of the Friends
of Ennistymon Community Hospital. Photo: Brian
Gavin/Press 22
Regina House Community Nursing Unit
A commemorative plague to mark the official
opening of the new single storey extension in
Regina House was also unveiled by Minister Lynch
in October. The new Bluebell Wing which consists
of five twin rooms and two single rooms, all with ensuite
facilities and also includes a clinical room and a
nurses station was built at a cost of over €1.2m with
€100,000 being donated by the Friends of Regina
House.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Lynch said
“The new purpose built Bluebell Wing will afford
residents greater space and privacy in a modern
and comfortable environment. The design and
layout of the new unit will enhance the services
currently provided to residents and their families
and will also be of tremendous benefit to the local
community.”
In addition to the bedrooms provided in phase
one, existing rooms have been transitioned into an
art room and extra storage space for medical and
other equipment.
The principal contractors for the project were
Gem Construction with Paschal + Watson
Architecture responsible for the building design.
Phase two, which consists of a single storey
extension, commenced in September 2015 and will
comprise of three single bedrooms, a new sitting
room, visitors’ room, upgraded central garden,
relocation of the sluice room to conform to infection
control requirements and a new entrance. It is
anticipated that Phase Two will be completed by
June.
Sean Dunleavy, speaking on behalf of the Friends
of Regina House said, “We are absolutely thrilled
with the new unit and it is great to see the residents
settled in. It has been a long road between the
Friends and the HSE but what we have achieved
today makes that journey worthwhile. Bluebell Wing
provides a real home from home for people and
the extension has been designed and constructed
in a careful and conscious way to ensure privacy,
dignity and comfort for residents and their families.
I get a real sense of contentment from the residents
and that is very encouraging. We are looking
forward to Phase II which will add even more to the
environment and quality of care for the residents.”
“The opening of the new unit is a great step
forward and it will greatly enhance the delivery of
care to older persons in the West Clare area in a
modern environment, thus benefiting residents and
their families. We want to provide the best service
in an environment which supports and promotes
our residents’ health and wellbeing. We are very
involved with the local community and with the
Friends of Regna House and it is only through their
continued support that we can achieve so much
for our residents and I want to thank them for this,”
added Anne McNamara, Director of Nursing.
Minister Kathleen Lynch unveils commemorative
plaque to mark the official opening of Bluebell Wing,
Regina House Community Nursing Unit in Kilrush
with Anne McNamara, Director of Nursing and Sean
Dunleavy, Chair, Friends of Regina House. Photo:
Brian Gavin/Press 22
spring 2016 | health matters | 51