Minister for Older People Officially Opens Heartlands Care Centre and Day Care Centre, Athlone

The Minister for Older People, Kieran O'Donnell TD, today officially opened Heartlands Care Centre and Day Care Centre in Athlone, a significant new development that will enhance care and support for older people across Athlone and the wider Midlands region.

Heartlands Care Centre is a modern, purpose-built facility designed to provide high-quality, person-centred care in a welcoming and homely environment. The centre includes 42 long-term residential care beds, two respite beds and four dedicated palliative care beds, alongside a spacious Day Care Centre that offers increased capacity and expanded opportunities for social engagement and wellbeing.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Older People, Kieran O'Donnell TD said: “Heartlands Care Centre represents a major addition to older persons services in Athlone and the Midlands. This state-of-the-art new 48 bed Community Nursing Unit, including respite and palliative care beds, together with a new Day Care Centre will provide residents, service users and their families with access to high-quality care in the community designed to support dignity, independence and wellbeing and a place residents can call home.”

“Ensuring necessary and appropriate supports for older peoples’ health and wellbeing is an absolute priority for me as Minister of State for Older People. The new Heartlands Care Centre and Day Care Centre in Athlone clearly illustrates the commitment of this Government to enhance community services for older people.”

“I would like to thank all the staff in Heartlands Care Centre and Day Centre for their tireless efforts and to acknowledge the work of the HSE and project partners in delivering this important project.  The development replaces the former St Vincent's Care Centre and Athlone Older Persons Services Day Care Centre and reflects the HSE's commitment to delivering modern healthcare infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of Ireland's ageing population.”

The centre includes dedicated palliative care accommodation supported by the South Westmeath Hospice Foundation, helping to ensure compassionate and integrated care for residents and their families. Modern communal spaces, private ensuite bedrooms and accessible outdoor areas have been carefully designed to enhance quality of life and promote social connection.

Kate Killeen White, Regional Executive Officer, HSE Dublin and Midlands, said: "Today marks an important milestone for healthcare services in Athlone and the wider Midlands. Heartlands Care Centre has been designed around the needs of residents and service users, ensuring they receive the highest standards of care in a comfortable and supportive environment. I want to acknowledge the dedication of our staff, project partners and community stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to bring this development to fruition."

Heartlands Care Centre is the first of seven national Public Private Partnership developments for older persons residential care to open, marking an important step forward in the delivery of modern healthcare infrastructure across Ireland.

Carole Broadbank, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, Midlands, said: "The opening of Heartlands Care Centre represents a significant enhancement of older persons services across the Midlands. This purpose-built facility has been designed to provide a modern, comfortable and supportive environment where residents can receive high-quality, person-centred care. The inclusion of dedicated palliative care, respite services and an expanded Day Care Centre reflects our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of older people and supporting them to live with dignity, independence and connection to their community."

The official opening was attended by residents, families, staff, community representatives, elected representatives and project partners who joined together to celebrate this important achievement for older persons services.