James gives new wing a clean bill of health

State-of-the art facilities in the new 50-bed unit at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Ennis have been given a clean bill of health by the first local occupant.

James Carmody (63) of Lisduff, Newmarket, was thrilled when he became the first patient to occupy a bed in the first Strategy for the control of Antimicrobial Resistance in Ireland (SARI)-compliant acute hospital facility in the country.

 

An active member of the Clare Hunt for most of his life, Mr Carmody is already looking forward with a great sense of anticipation to the resumption of the hunt, on foot initially on October 4 and then on horses.

Having spent most of the last two months in Ennis Hospital, the Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus employee fully appreciated the stark contrast between the old male medical ward and the new ensuite single room, with an assisted bathroom to facilitate people with disabilities.

He said he is thoroughly enjoying all the space, dignity and comfort provided for patients in the new hospital wing, which also has Saorview-compliant televisions.

James is scheduled to attend the University College Hospital, Galway to have an artificial valve inserted to replace a blocked artery.

The requirement to remove all his teeth to avoid the risk of infection following a surgical procedure has delayed the operation.

Mr Carmody’s initial problems started with shortness of breadth, which was noticed by his work colleagues in Obair.

Although he was reluctant to see a doctor, his employer insisted that he should seek medical assistance and got his neighbour and long-time friend Margaret Meehan took him to a local GP.

He was subsequently admitted to Ennis hospital, where a number of tests were carried out and was transferred to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick, where a consultant cardiologist discovered a blocked artery.

“I think these new facilities are a credit to all concerned. I hope Health Minister James Reilly provides the necessary money to finish off the improvement works in the hospital.

“The ensuite facilities are gorgeous and second to none. I was delighted to be able to avail of the old male medical unit when I needed it but these new facilities are ideal for patients.

“The new building is fabulous, it is only half-full today but the rest of the patients are due to transfer in about five weeks’ time,” he said.

James added that he is totally opposed to proposed cutbacks to benefits such as free travel and free electricity and hopes that Finance Minister Michael Noonan will resist the temptation to reduce the weekly income for old-age pensioners.