Loughloe House revamp "marks progress in mental health and disability services"

Local TD Nicky McFadden has welcomed the refurbishment of Loughloe House in Athlone, saying it represents progress in the provision of mental health and disability services locally.

Almost three years after its controversial closure, the facility has undergone a €1.125 transformation and will re-open this week as a day centre for mental health and Rehabcare disability services.

Deputy McFadden said: “The mental health facilities will open in Loughloe House to 40 clients this Thursday and in about six weeks the disability services unit will open to a further 40 people.”

“As the people of Athlone will already know, I was very much against the closure of Loughloe House three years ago as a HSE run nursing home. It was an extremely distressing time for the elderly residents and their families and I campaigned very hard along with members of the community to have the facility retained.

“I am glad that investment has now been made in Loughloe House and that it will provide mental health and disability services. The transfer of the mental health service from the rented Gentex building and the Rehab Centre at the Crescent will bring the services together and I very much hope that this will be benefit the users of the services most.'

The Fine Gael TD concluded: “The Government plan is that, over time, access to modern mental health services in the community will be significantly improved. The provision of improved community-based services will ensure that people with mental health problems receive the treatment and after-care support needed to facilitate recovery.”