Minister Kieran O’Donnell officially opens Midleton Community Nursing Unit

Minister of State for Older People and Housing Kieran O’Donnell, TD, today marked a major milestone in the delivery of modern, person-centred residential care for older people in East Cork as he officially opened the new HSE South West Community Nursing Unit in Midleton.

The new 50-bed facility, delivered through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), provides both short-stay and long-stay accommodation and represents a significant investment in healthcare infrastructure for the Midleton area and surrounding communities.

Replacing the older buildings on site which made up Midleton Community Hospital, the new unit was designed to provide a modern, home-like environment that promotes dignity, independence and wellbeing. The development is made up of two 25-bed households with a mix of single and twin en-suite bedrooms, alongside day rooms, dining areas, activity spaces, landscaped outdoor areas and specialist therapy facilities. The new unit also includes physiotherapy and occupational therapy rooms, clinical treatment rooms, a family overnight stay room and a hairdressing salon.

The new unit welcomed its first residents in July 2026. Completion of the building also allowed HSE South West to support residents of Marymount Older Person’s Service during capital works underway at the Curraheen facility, with residents provided with temporary accommodation in Midleton during the works.

Cork GAA legend Kevin Hennessy is settling in well and already feels at home in his new surroundings. Kevin said: “I was very excited to move into this incredible new building. Everything is bright, welcoming and designed with residents in mind. I even made sure the nurses brought the Cork flag along too, as a little piece of home. The communal day rooms are wonderful spaces where we can come together, have a chat, relax and watch a match or two. The staff have been very supportive throughout the move, and everyone has made us feel very welcome. It already feels like home.”

The opening of Midleton Community Nursing Unit reflects HSE South West's ongoing commitment to enhancing services for older people and providing high-quality care closer to home.

Minister of State for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell, TD, said:

“Midleton Community Nursing Unit is a major addition to older persons’ services in Midleton and East Cork. This state-of-the-art new 50-bed Community Nursing Unit will provide residents with access to high-quality care that supports dignity, independence and wellbeing in a place that 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 opening of the new Midleton Community Nursing Unit illustrates Government’s continued commitment to enhancing community services for older people.

“I would like to thank all the staff in Midleton 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.”

Sonya Cotter, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager for Cork North and East said:

"The opening of Midleton Community Nursing Unit is a major milestone for healthcare services in East Cork and demonstrates our commitment to providing modern, person-centred care for older people closer to their communities. Residents will benefit from a purpose-built environment that supports their health, wellbeing, dignity and independence. This important investment strengthens services the wider East Cork region, ensuring older people can access high-quality care in their local community when they need it."

Grace Tabuno, Director of Nursing, Midleton Community Nursing Unit, said:

"The residents of Midleton Community Nursing Unit are at the centre of everything we do every day. We are delighted to be providing excellent care in this fantastic new setting, and the feedback from residents and their families so far has been very positive. This new building supports our hardworking team to provide high-quality, person-centred care in a warm, comfortable and supportive environment. Our goal is to ensure every resident feels respected, valued and at home while continuing to enjoy the routines, relationships and activities that matter most to them. We look forward to continuing as an important part of the local community, and supporting residents and their families for many years to come."