New Athlone nursing unit and hospice opens
All residents have now successfully relocated to Athlone's new community nursing unit in Clonbrusk, it was confirmed today (Friday), marking a significant milestone in local healthcare provision.
The transfer of residents and staff from St Vincent's Care Centre in the town to the Heartlands Care Centre facility was completed a week later than initially anticipated.
In early March, the Health Service Executive (HSE) had indicated that, subject to registration approval from Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), all residents would move during the week beginning Monday, March 23.
However, a HSE spokesperson confirmed that HIQA registration for the new facility was not finalised until Friday, March 27.
A total of 38 residents have now been transferred to the new centre, accompanied by existing staff members and supplemented by additional personnel, with the move to the new facility being completed between Monday, March 30, and Thursday, April 2.
The modern community nursing unit provides 48 beds and will also serve as the new home of the South Westmeath Hospice.
Four level-two palliative care support beds are included as part of the facility, with the HSE confirming these services also became operational in recent days.
Construction of the new centre began in 2023 at the Clonbrusk site, located opposite Arcadia Retail Park, and was completed last autumn.
Local councillor and chairperson of the HSE's Dublin and Midlands Regional Health Forum, Cllr Frankie Keena, welcomed the opening of the Heartlands Care Centre.
“I would like to warmly welcome the news that all residents have now been transferred to the Heartlands Care Centre in Clonbrusk and that the palliative care beds are operational,” he said.
“This milestone has been long-awaited and marks a significant advancement in the delivery of modern, high-quality care within a comfortable and supportive environment.
“I also wish to sincerely thank all those involved in bringing this project to fruition. Your dedication, collaboration, and commitment have made this transition possible and will have a lasting positive impact on the lives of residents and their families.”
Cllr Keena also stated that discussions have begun regarding the future use of the now-vacant St Vincent’s Care Centre site.
He suggested that the facility could potentially serve as a step-down unit for Athlone, providing care for patients who no longer require acute hospital treatment but are not yet ready to return home.
Such a facility, he noted, would help bridge a critical gap in the healthcare system, freeing up hospital beds for more urgent cases and improving overall efficiency.
Cllr Keena added that representatives from the HSE have been invited to meet with Municipal District members to explore potential options for the St Vincent's site in greater detail.