Call for Athlone's St Vincent's to be used as stepdown facility

The future use of Athlone's St Vincent's Care Centre as a stepdown facility has been discussed at the latest meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District.

The building is currently in use as a care centre for older persons, however will become vacant in coming months as patients are moved to the new Community Nursing Unit at Clonbrusk in 2026.

Cllr Frankie Keena tabled a motion at the January meeting seeking the support of members to request the HSE to provide a stepdown facility at St. Vincent’s Care Centre after the transfer of its current residents to the new unit.

A stepdown facility provides transitional care for patients who are medically stable but not ready to go home. It bridges the gap by offering ongoing medical monitoring, nursing, therapies, and rehabilitation in a less intensive setting to help them regain independence before returning home

He cited the importance of retaining the St Vincent’s Care Centre, formerly Athlone Hospital, in the ownership of the HSE for the future provision of medical care facilities for the town.

"Its location, accessibility, available parking makes it a key site for the HSE to repurpose to help deliver their Slaintecare strategy," he said.

"The public are continually asking me 'What is going to happen to the St. Vincent’s Care Centre building when it is vacated?' - and it's a valid question that needs answers."

The Fianna Fail councillor added that Athlone is the ideal location for a respite facility due to its location in the Midlands. He believes such a facility would free up much needed beds in hospital wards.

"We are all very much aware of the demand for bed spaces throughout our hospitals which results with patients lying in trollies," he said.

"The difficulties experienced by other families when hospitals staff contact them looking to check out their loved ones after treatment is enormous, particularly if the person’s home is not suitable to their immediate medical needs."

The motion received unanimous support from the members of Athlone-Moate Municipal District.

"We should have a facility like this on our doorstep, it would serve the people of Athlone well," said Cllr Paul Hogan.

"The facilities are there already. We have the space, we have parking, it's right beside the transport links. It'll free up space in departments which are overcrowded."

Cllr Aengus O'Rourke said a stepdown facility in Athlone would 'bridge the gap' and enable people to return to their own homes rather than staying for an extended period of time in nursing homes or hospitals.

"Athlone is going to be of city status, and it is very central. It's a matter of proper use," said Cllr Tom Farrell, highlighting the importance of ensuring that St Vincent's didn't end up sitting vacant for an extended period of time.

The council executive agreed that such a facility would be a welcome addition to the town.

It was agreed that the council will write to the HSE, and invite a representative to meet members for an open discussion about the use of St Vincent's as a step down facility.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme