'A really happy day'

New Heartlands Care Centre officially opens in Athlone

By Rebekah O'Reilly

The new Heartlands Care Centre and Day Care Centre in Clonbrusk, Athlone, was officially opened on Friday last.

The new purpose-built facility represents a major investment in older persons services in the Midlands and provides modern residential, respite, palliative and day care services for older people in the region.

The centre includes 42 long-term residential care beds, two respite beds, four dedicated palliative care beds supported by the South Westmeath Hospice Foundation, and a spacious day centre offering increased capacity and expanded opportunities for social engagement and wellbeing.

Modern communal spaces, private ensuite bedrooms and accessible outdoor areas have been designed to enhance quality of life and promote social connection.

Performing the official opening Minister for Older People Kieran O'Donnell said the development reflected the Government's commitment to improving services for older people.

"Heartlands Care Centre represents a major addition to older persons services in Athlone and the Midlands. The new Heartlands Care Centre and Day Care Centre clearly illustrates the commitment of this Government to enhance community services for older people.

"I would like to thank all the staff in Heartlands Care Centre and Day Centre for their tireless efforts and to acknowledge the work of the HSE and project partners in delivering this important project. The development replaces the former St Vincent's Care Centre and Athlone Older Persons Services Day Care Centre and reflects the HSE's commitment to delivering modern healthcare infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of Ireland's ageing population.

"Today’s focus is this excellent new facility in Heartlands Care Centre. I want to pay tribute to South Westmeath Hospice for its partnership in delivering the palliative care service. In addition, the day care centre is now under the same roof, which is a real benefit. Most importantly, the residents are very happy. I just met the son of one of the residents, who came over to say how pleased they are with the care and to praise the staff. That's what this is all about."

Speaking about the funding model for the project, Minister O'Donnell said the facility forms part of a public-private partnership (PPP) involving seven nursing homes.

"Under the agreement, the private partner designed, built, financed and now maintains the nursing homes, including insurance and ongoing maintenance. The State pays approximately €24 million per year over a 25-year period. At the end of those 25 years, the seven nursing homes will transfer to State ownership in good condition."

Also attending the official opening were Minister for the Office of Public Works Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, Cllr Frankie Keena and Cllr Tom Farrell.

Minister Moran welcomed the investment in local healthcare, describing it as "a really happy day for Athlone".

"This is the day we've all been waiting for. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to make this the project that it is."

Cllr Keena described the opening as "a major milestone".

"As Athlone continues to grow within industry and housing, we need more and more health services in the town as well. This is a step in that direction," he said.

He said he hoped the former St Vincent's Care Centre could be developed as a step-down facility in the future.

“I would say I'm knocking on the door regarding the stepping down facility in that particular facility, so hopefully that will be on the radar."

In relation to the future of the former St Vincent’s building, Robert Kelly, acting Integrated Service Lead (ISL) for Adult Services, said: “There are a range of community services that could potentially be accommodated there, but nothing has been finalised yet."

Addressing concerns by locals that the St Vincent's site will fall out of use, Minister Kieran O’Donnell said: “I know this is something I’ve discussed with the HSE, and they are carrying out a review of what the future use of their existing facilities will be.

"I’ll leave that in their capable hands. It’s something they’ll engage with the local community on, and the aim is to ensure that all facilities are put to the best possible use."