JUNE 2004

First Sod Turned on Inishowen Dementia Unit

A specialised 16-bed unit for Inishowen dementia sufferers moved a step closer this week when sod was turned at the site at Carndonagh Community Hospital.

North Western Health Board chairman, Sean McGowan turned the sod on the new EUR2.8 million unit, which will serve the population of the peninsula and complement services for older people in region.

Specially designed with dementia sufferers' needs in mind, the new unit will operate as a focal point for the coordination of related services. These will include residential and day services for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, along with nursing and paramedical care. The purpose-built accommodation will "fully embrace" the principles of person-centred holistic care, provided by the NWHB in the region, said a spokesperson.

Local NWHB member, Colr. Bernard McGuinness, said that with a cost of nearly EUR3m, the unit represents a "significant investment" in the Inishowen region and was always a high priority project for the Board.

"This is an important day for Carndonagh Community Hospital and indeed for the Inishowen Peninsula. We cannot underestimate the significance of such a project for the older people here in this area" said colr. McGuinness

"We are very well served by the services delivered through our staff in Carndonagh Community Hospital. Today's event, and the completion of the new unit, will add a new dimension to the service and I am delighted that we are seeing the results of efforts in recent years," he added.

NWHB Chief Executive Pat Harvey, stressed that the new unit would play a pivotal role in the community. "It's important to stress that this project will allow us to develop all our services for older people in an integrated manner," said Mr Harvey. "Through our Choice Philosophy and related services, we are focusing on the needs and choices of the individuals, ranging from residential services to homebased support," he said.

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