AN Taoiseach Enda Kenny paid a visit to the Northside last week to officially open a new Day Hospital that will provide specialist care for the elderly.
The Beaumont Hospital Foundation (BHF) funded the purpose-built medical facility at St Joseph’s Hospital, Raheny, with an investment of e2.1 million in donor funds.
The facility, which is part of the Beaumont Hospital Campus, will provide specialist care for the elderly living in the hospital’s catchment area.
The Day Hospital provides access to a fully equipped, six bed medical assessment ward, gym, speech and language therapy room, family and social work consultation rooms, occupational/physical therapy services and a dining/social room for patients.
The facility will assist in detecting early-stage health issues in older patients, preventing them from requiring admission or re-admission to the hospital for acute services.
It will also enable the early discharge of patients from Beaumont Hospital to their own home as they can now access the intensive, multi-disciplinary services of the Day Hospital, by referral from a GP or hospital consultant.
Funding of the unit, which adjoins the existing St Joseph’s Hospital, has been made possible through a single major donation of e1.5 million to Beaumont Hospital Foundation, supplemented by a further e600,000, made up of individual donations from thousands of BHF supporters.
The services of the Day Hospital replace those formerly provided on St John’s Ward in Beaumont Hospital.
Speaking at the event, An Taoiseach said the new healthcare facility will relieve pressure on the main hospital and create a gentle and respectful, caring environment for older people to complete their care and rehabilitation.
“It is a fabulous contribution to community healthcare services in North Dublin,
? said Mr Kenny.
“I would like to congratulate the many supporters of Beaumont Hospital Foundation for their part in making this new facility a reality.
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Professor Ciáran Donegan, Consultant Geriatrician and board member, BHF, said: “The building of the Day Hospital has only been made possible through the major contribution we received from a very generous donor.
“Using their incredible gift, BHF has built a facility which has transformed the environment and the service model for Beaumont Hospital’s Care of the Elderly Services.
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Liam Duffy, chief executive of Beaumont Hospital, said there were significant challenges in meeting the needs of a growing elderly population in North Dublin, with an increasing demand for care services.
“The catchment area has one of the lowest ratios in the country of rehabilitation and long-term care beds, and significant investment is needed to meet the demands,
? said Mr Duffy.
“On behalf of Beaumont, I would like to acknowledge and commend the Beaumont Hospital Foundation for its achievements in successfully fundraising for the new Day Hospital facility.
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Reform Alliance TD for Dublin Bay North, Terence Flanagan, welcomed the opening of the Day Hospital.
“Many elderly residents in my constituency will benefit greatly from the care provided,
? he said.