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Taoiseach opens Carn Alzheimer’s
Unit
30.03.07
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Taoiseach Bertie
Ahern has responded to critics who asked why he was
officially opening a €2.7m Alzheimer’s unit in
Inishowen that as yet has no patients.
Mr. Ahern said people could not expect the Ard
Aoibhinn Alzheimer Unit in Carndonagh to open until
all staff had been trained and prepared for the
first intake.
The multidisciplinary team to run the unit will
include 13 nurses, 14 support staff, an occupational
therapist, physiotherapist and speech and language
support.
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It was confirmed during
Thursday’s opening, that Ard Aoibhinn, located on
the grounds of Carndonagh Community Hospital, would
see its first patient intake in May.
The unit includes eight single and four double-bed
units; ten continuing care beds for 24-hour care,
two assessment beds, two respite beds and two
re-enablement beds. |
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Mr. Ahern, who was on a
whistlestop visit to the peninsula, told the large
gathering that Alzheimer’s disease was now the
eighth most common cause of death in the developed
world.
“(Alzheimer’s) does not just affect the sufferer but
has a huge impact on family and friends who often
have difficulty reaching out and caring for their
loved one,” said Mr. Ahern.
He said the Government had made services for older
people a priority including a new Nursing Home
Support Scheme – A Fair Deal – to be introduced from
next year.
“This will ensure that care is affordable for all
and that there is the same level of support for
public and private nursing home residents.
“It means older people will not have to sell or
remortgage their home during their lifetime in order
to pay for their own care,” he said.
The Taoiseach paid tribute to the Health Service
Executive West and in particular management and
staff of Carndonagh Hospital for “their continued
hard work”.
HSE West local health manager for Donegal, John
Hayes said: “The aim of Ard Aoibhinn Alzheimer Unit
is to provide the highest quality of person-centred
care to the older person. It will mean that people
from the Inishowen area will no longer have to
travel the 50 to 60 miles to Stranorlar for
Alzheimer’s services.” Meanwhile, Mr. Ahern stopped
at the luxury An Grianan Hotel, Burt, where more
than 300 people including Fianna Fail party
faithful, pressure groups and community associations
gathered in the hope of meeting him.
To see photographs of Mr. Ahern's visit
click here |
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