First phase of Cahercalla facelift complete

The completion of the first phase of a major €3.5 million refurbishment programme at Cahercalla Community Hospital and Hospice, Ennis has been described as a “major milestone” for staff and patients. 
Residents and their relatives joined staff at Cahercalla Community Hospital last Tuesday to celebrate the completion of phase one of the project, costing an estimated €1.5m. This phase included the completion of one ward, kitchen, reception and administration areas.
Cahercalla manager Paula O’Halloran described the new development as a “major milestone” for the hospital.
“The refurbishment provides residents with accommodation of the highest standard.  Prior to this project, the residents were residing in accommodation dating back to the 1960s. While some re-decorating was done over the years, the layout and standard of facilities was very dated.
“Residents are now returning to a beautifully refurbished, spacious and yet comfortable and homely ward with tastefully decorated bedrooms, dayrooms and modern bathrooms facilities.
“Staff will benefit from the revised layout and new facilities making providing quality care to the residents much easier. The whole project is being funded out of our own resources with the assistance of our bank.
“Our fundraising efforts are for the hospital services and as the hospice is not part of this development programme, fundraising income will not be used for this project,” she said.
The project is expected to be completed in 2013 and involves the refurbishment of two more nursing home wards and the upgrading of staff areas and records storage areas.
The newly refurbished ward was officially reopened by Delia Talty, who has been a resident at Cahercalla for 16 years and was blessed by Fr Harry Bohan. 
In addition to nursing home care, Cahercalla Community Hospital and Hospice provides hospice care and extensive day surgical and out patients services in the areas of gastroenterology, general surgery, urology and oral surgery.