Feighan welcomes opening of Ballyshannon Community Hospital

The HSE has confirmed that the new multi-million euro Ballyshannon Community Hospital will finally open today with 26 residents set to move in. 

The €36.7 million facility was due to open two weeks ago, but it remained closed due to a dispute between the nurses' union and the HSE. An agreement was reached following pre-planned meetings at the Workplace Relations Commission. 

Located at the old Sheil Hospital site in Ballyshannon, the Community Hospital features 52 long-stay beds, 20 short-stay beds providing convalescence, rehabilitation, respite and palliative care beds, 8 dementia-specific assessment beds and a Day Hospital Service. 

Local Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has warmly welcomed, saying, "This is one of the most modern facilities of its kind in the country costing."  

"What is really worthwhile is the fact that the new hospital via Primary Care Services will provide a full range of supporting professional services for the older person in the South Donegal, North Leitrim and North Sligo areas including Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Dietician, Podiatry, Tissue Viability Nurse Specialist, Dentistry, Audiology, Clinical Nurse Specialist Dementia, Psychiatry of old age and Social worker, Advocacy and Spiritual services," he said. 

Deputy Feighan added: "In addition, a Hairdressing facility, Newspapers/ Magazines/ Shopping requirements, Dry cleaning and Taxis/transport will be made available to residents and patients."

The new community hospital also features wildflower rooftop gardens, a collection of books spanning three centuries, including some belonging to the late Dr.Simon Sheil, and a new coffee dock for patients and visitors.

Deputy Feighan said it has been challenging to finally open Ballyshannon Community Hospital in terms of funding in addition to getting the staff required. 

"I wish to acknowledge the work of local councillor Barry Sweeny, who ensured this project was top of the agenda for me and the HSE from start to finish; this is a great day for the people of Ballyshannon and South Donegal," he concluded.

The first phase of the opening of the new facility is for the existing residents in the community Nursing Unit based at the Rock to transfer to this new facility, which will allow for care to be given in the most appropriate modern healthcare environment, which will benefit their needs and promote a high quality of life.  

The second phase of opening will include commissioning additional beds within the facility, which will occur following a pre-planned re-engagement of the parties at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in the coming weeks.