Published: Wednesday, 15th July, 2009 12:00pm

New facility to advance disability services in Athlone

A new €7.5m disability health facility opened its doors in Athlone last week and is set to enhance the standards of excellence in care for people with disabilities in the greater Athlone area.

The new centre, which is located adjacent to the grounds of the planned Clonbrusk Primary Care Unit, officially opened for business to service users from Monday, July 6.

The purpose-built facility comprises of a day service for adults with physical and sensory disabilities and a range of therapy services for both children and adults with intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities.

The facility also includes a crèche which was funded by Pobail through the Athlone Community Services Council Ltd.

Local Health Manager Longford/Westmeath Joseph Ruane acknowledged that the opening of this building was the result of two years hard work.

He said: 'This is two years work by a multi-agency project team, including representatives from the HSE, Irish Wheelchair Association, National Council for the Blind in Ireland and the Athlone Community Council Ltd who worked in partnership with the architects Moloney O"Beirne to ensure best practice in design and functionality.'

Services will be delivered by the HSE in partnership with a number of organisations, including the IWA (Irish Wheelchair Association), MS (Multiple Sclerosis Ireland) NCBI (National Council for the Blind) and Sisters of Charity Jesus and Mary. Core services will include occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, nursing and psychology. Associated services of dietetics will also be accessed here.

General Manager Disability Services Maura Morgan highlighted the value of a "one stop shop" where therapists working together in a multidisciplinary way provides a model of best practice for clients and their families. It will also advance the existing partnerships between the HSE and voluntary service providers and thus promote an integrated service delivery for clients.

She said: 'This centre is a welcomed development for staff and the local community. It will provide easy access to services and continued care for users from infancy to adulthood all under one roof.'

The HSE provided €5.9m capital funding for the €7.5m centre while Pobail funded €1.4m towards the establishment of the community crèche.

This centre commences the plan for improved health facilities to the greater Athlone area, which also include the development of the proposed Primary Care Unit planned for the adjoining development.

Mr Ruane added: 'It is our intention that the opening of Clonbrusk Resource Centre is the beginning of the strategic development of Clonbrusk area into a focal point for health care services in Athlone. In time we also plan to establish a Clonbrusk Elderly Care Centre also.'

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