Minister Kieran O’Donnell officially opens Killarney Community Nursing Unit

Residents, families and staff celebrate a new chapter in older persons' care in Kerry

Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O'Donnell TD, today officially opened the new Killarney Community Nursing Unit, marking a significant investment in residential care services for older people in Kerry.

The state-of-the-art community nursing unit is designed to support residents' dignity, independence, and wellbeing. It includes spacious single en-suite bedrooms, communal living and dining areas, activity spaces and accessible outdoor areas for residents, families and visitors to enjoy.

The successful transfer of residents to their new home from St Columbanus Hospital and Killarney District Hospital was completed over a number of phases and involved extensive planning and collaboration between staff, families, support services and partner organisations. The new facility replaces residential care beds at St Columbanus Hospital and rehabilitation beds at Killarney District Hospital, bringing these services together in a modern, purpose-built environment designed to support older people now and into the future.

HSE South West would like to thank the voluntary emergency services, particularly the Irish Red Cross and Order of Malta, along with the National Ambulance Service, for their invaluable support during the transfer of residents.

The opening also marks a special milestone for one local family. Eileen Cronin, who has worked on the St Columbanus Hospital campus for more than 42 years, has made the move to the new Community Nursing Unit alongside her son, Adrian Cronin who also works at the unit as a nurse.

Adrian began his healthcare career as a Healthcare Attendant and has progressed through the profession to become a Staff Nurse. Together, mother and son now continue their commitment to caring for older people in the new facility, reflecting the dedication and experience of the team delivering services at Killarney Community Nursing Unit.

Speaking at the opening, Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O'Donnell TD, said:

"Today is an important day for older persons' services in Killarney and County Kerry. This new state-of-the art Killarney Community Nursing unit provides residents with a modern, comfortable home and the highest standards of care for years to come.

“Providing the necessary and appropriate supports for older peoples’ health and wellbeing is an absolute priority for me as Minister of State for Older People. Community Nursing Units play a vital role in supporting older people and their families, and the opening of this new Killarney Community Nursing unit reflects Government’s continued commitment to ensuring people can access quality care in their own communities.

“I wish to acknowledge the residents and their families who have been a part of this journey and wish them every happiness in their new home.

“I would like to thank all the staff in Killarney Community Nursing Unit for their dedication and commitment to the care they provide and to acknowledge the work of the HSE and all project partners in delivering this important project.”

Julie O’Neill, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager for Kerry, HSE South West, said:

"The opening of Killarney Community Nursing Unit is a major milestone for healthcare services in Kerry. Residents are now settled into a purpose-built facility designed around their needs, with modern amenities and welcoming spaces that support everyday living. This project has been made possible through the dedication of staff, residents, families and partner organisations, and we are proud to see this wonderful new home now fully operational."

Maire Flynn, Director of Nursing, Killarney Community Nursing Unit, said:

"Seeing residents settled, happy and making this new house their home has made all the planning and teamwork worthwhile. We look forward to creating many more happy memories here and continuing to provide compassionate, person-centred care in a place residents are delighted to call home."

The opening of Killarney Community Nursing Unit reflects HSE South West's ongoing commitment to enhancing services for older people and investing in modern facilities that will meet the needs of residents and families for generations to come.

For a virtual tour of the facility, watch here: - https://youtu.be/6RWPSSjI-MY

What it means to residents and staff, watch here - https://youtu.be/zsqVq5kTK4Q