The new Ballyshannon Community Hospital was officially opened this week in a special ceremony.
The facility was officially opened by the Minister of State for Mental Health and Older Persons, Mary Butler.
The €36.7 million facility is located at the site of the old Sheil Hospital in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal.
Ballyshannon Community Hospital features 52 long stay beds, 20 short stay beds providing, convalescence, rehabilitation, respite and palliative care, 8 Dementia specific assessment beds and a Day Hospital Service.
The new community hospital will provide in house occupational and physiotherapy services to patients/residents whom require same. Additional supporting professional services will also be delivered via Primary Care services, including Speech and Language Therapist, Dietician, Podiatry, Tissue Viability Nurse Specialist, Dentistry, Audiology, Clinical Nurse Specialist Dementia, Psychiatry of old age and Social worker, Advocacy and Spiritual services.
Also 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.
The first phase of the opening of the new facility took place on the 20th February 2024 with the existing 26 residents in the community Nursing Unit based at the Rock transferring to this new facility, which allows for care to be given in the most appropriate modern health care environment which will benefit the persons needs and promote a high quality of life.
The second phase will see the 20 bed short term unit being opened. This unit will facilitate discharges from both Sligo University Hospital and Letterkenny University Hospital for those patients whom require further inpatient care in a step down facility. During this phase a further long term care ward will also open depending on the level of recruitment completed. It is expected that phase two will be completed in July 2024.
Finally, the third phase of opening will include the remaining Long term ward (13 beds) and the dementia unit. It is anticipated that all units will be operational by December 2024.
Approximately 147 staff will be employed at the new community hospital.
Minister for Mental Health and Older Persons, Mary Butler, T.D., in opening the facility said “This is a wonderful facility for the provision of older persons services in this community. It offers the most modern care in a homely and warm atmosphere. I am delighted to officially open the Ballyshannon Community Hospital, which will serve this area for generations to come.”
Head of Service Older Persons Services Frank Morrison said “The comfort and care of our residents is our main priority. It is a momentous day to see the hard work and efforts of so many over the years, coming to fruition with the official opening of the hospital.”
Donna Reid, Director of Nursing, Ballyshannon Community Hospital, said “We are delighted to have Minister Butler here today to meet our residents, who have now settled into their new home. It’s an exciting day for them and their families as well as our dedicated and committed staff.”
