New 25-bed facility opened at Bandon Community Hospital

A BRIGHT and modern 25-bed extension to Bandon Community Hospital, which includes a dementia ward , now means that the facility is regarded as one of the best of its kind in the country. 

Speaking at the official opening of the €3.5m facility this week – which has been home to residents since February – Minister for Older People Jim Daly TD said the hospital had been waiting nearly 50 years for this day.

‘I must congratulate the HSE for progressing this beautiful facility from planning the site, to picking the paint colours on the walls, it is truly a fantastic outcome for all,’ said Deputy Daly. The new facility, which replaces much older wards on the same site, has 25 beds. 

There are two double ensuite rooms and 21 beds are in single ensuite rooms, so that older people living in the facility have their own private and comfortable space. Rooms have flat-screen televisions and high-tech hoists, and  many residents chose their own rooms and colour schemes. A dementia ward called Butterfly Lane features an enclosed courtyard, so that residents can enjoy time outdoors safely.

The event was also addressed by director of nursing Breda O’Donovan, chief officer of Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Ger Reaney and a representative of the Friends of Bandon Community Hospital, who thanked the staff in Cork Kerry Community Healthcare and the residents and their families for working with them. 

‘The new extension allows us to provide person-centred care for residents in a homely environment. Compassionate care is provided in a dignified manner, thanks the new single rooms,’ said Breda O’Donovan.

Tributes were paid to The Friends of Bandon Community Hospital who had fundraised tirelessly to provide the bright and airy new dayroom, located at the front of the hospital.