Over €10m allocated for upgrade of St Vincent's in Athlone

A sum of €10.17 million in capital funding has been allocated for an upgrade of facilities at St Vincent's Care Centre in Athlone.

News of the funding allocation for the facility, known locally as St Vincent's Hospital, emerged yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon.

Local Fine Gael TD Gabrielle McFadden said it was 'wonderful news' that funding was being provided for 'substantial upgrade work' to bring facilities at St Vincent's in line with HIQA standards.

“I know that the care which residents in St Vincent’s receive is second to none as was the case in Loughloe House residents, many of whom moved to St Vincent’s,' said Deputy McFadden.

“From a personal perspective, I saw the care given to my own grand-aunt who lived in Loughloe House and this significant funding is also testament to the great staff which work at St Vincent’s.

“At the moment, I am working to help someone who needs specialised care in a single room setting and this funding will help facilitate service-users like this person.'

She added that she was very pleased that St Joseph’s Care Centre in Longford had also been allocated capital funding, of €4.07m.

“Today’s funding announcements for Athlone and Longford is part of the most comprehensive programme of investment in public nursing home facilities in the history of the State.

“I echo the sentiments of Minister Kathleen Lynch, who said that this investment will reassure those living in these homes, their families and communities throughout the country that the future of these public nursing homes has now been secured,” concluded Deputy McFadden.