New volunteer coffee shop brings comfort to hospital

A NEW volunteer coffee shop has opened in Tallaght Hospital.

The facility, which is entirely run by dedicated volunteers, has been refurbished and moved to a new part of the hospital atrium.

Operated by the Tallaght Hospital Volunteer Service, the coffee shop has long provided patients, visitors and staff with a welcoming and affordable service during their time in the hospital and will continue this role in its new location.

The Mayor of South Dublin, Cllr Guss O’Connell, who opened the new shop, said: “I am delighted to be here today to open the new volunteer coffee shop.

“Tallaght Hospital is a very important part of the community and the volunteer coffee shop is a testament to the important work done by volunteers in supporting the work carried out at the hospital.

“Their work demonstrates the importance of community activism and the strength of local pride and support for Tallaght Hospital.”

The mayor added: “I doubt if many members of the public know that this café is staffed by volunteers, which highlights the fact that much of the work done by volunteers across our communities, and even in Tallaght Hospital, goes unnoticed.

“And today we honour them while praising the wonderful staff here in the coffee shop and the comfort they bring to people at what can be a very vulnerable time in their lives.”

Carol Roe, Volunteer Services Manager at Tallaght Hospital, added: “I know the whole volunteer service at the hospital is really overjoyed to see this facility open today.

“Everyone who volunteers at the hospital is committed to serving patients and their families as well as the staff.

“Our coffee shop in the main atrium is always a hub of activity. It is a lot more than a place to buy a hot drink and a bun.

“The ethos of Tallaght Hospital is ‘People Caring for People’ and I believe this new facility and location will enable us to do this in a more effective way.”