No extension planned for Ballinamore Nursing Unit, says HSE

There are no plans to build an extension at Ballinamore Community Nursing Unit. The announcement came in response to a question from Leitrim Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn at the North West HSE forum earlier this week. 

The Ballinamore Community Nursing Unit is a modern, purpose-built centre offering accommodation for 20 residents in need of long-term care. The facility caters for individuals across all levels of dependency, from low to maximum care needs. 

In response to a query from Cllr Reynolds Flynn, the HSE confirmed that there are currently no plans for further development in Ballinamore. 

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Officials pointed to the newly completed 90-bed facility in Carrick-on-Shannon, stating that no additional projects will be considered until that development is fully operational.

“That is not answering for the Balinamore area, we need more beds in our area because the need is getting greater,” says Cllr Reynolds.

However, Cllr Reynolds feels the need is there to extend the facility that services the Ballinamore electoral district and aswell as areas in West Cavan.

“We have a 20 bedded unit, which is great and we are delighted to have it but we definitely feel the need is there because of course our population is getting older”

More she highlights the lack of end of life care beds and restbite beds in the area which puts greater pressure on local hospitals, an issue an extension could help remedy.

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“There are cases where people need to be nursed in their final days so end of life care bed would be a good thing to have.”

Cllr Reynolds Flynn has said that she will raise the issue at the forum again. “I want to keep the pressure on so that Ballinamore will not be forgotten on about.”

The Ballinamore Community Nursing Unit is a modern facility situated in the heart of Ballinamore, just a short stroll from local shops, the library, church, and other amenities.

The centre provides accommodation in 18 single bedrooms and one double room, each with fully accessible en-suite facilities. Residents also have access to a range of communal spaces, including sitting rooms, a dining area, a prayer room, and a visitors’ room.

Outdoors, the unit features a secure, well-maintained garden designed to offer both comfort and interest, with bird feeders, flowers, and shrubs providing a welcoming environment for resi