A new 100 bed Community Nursing Unit in Ballincollig, Co. Cork was officially opened by Dr James Reilly TD, Minister for Health.

Ballincollig Community Nursing Unit (CNU) is a new €20 million HSE purpose built facility providing 100 additional public beds for older people in Cork city. The Unit, which is opening on a phased basis, also sees the creation of 100 new jobs in Ballincollig when it is fully operational in February 2012.

The Unit is designed to the highest specification and was built with the comfort of older people in mind. It is bright, spacious and fosters a homely and welcoming environment throughout. Comprising of 25 bed units, each with 17 single en suite rooms, two double en suite rooms and one four bedded en suite room, there is ample space for residents and visitors to meet and chat in relaxed, comfortable and tastefully decorated sitting room areas. Framed photographs of historic Cork events and scenes adorn the walls throughout the Unit provoking lively discussion and debate amongst the residents, enabling them to reminisce about memorable times in their lives. All the residents’ rooms are beautifully decorated and have views of the landscaped gardens. Residents are encouraged to bring personal items that are of sentimental value to them when they move in, in an effort to make their own of the accommodation. The rooms are equipped with state of the art beds and hoists to ensure maximum comfort and all rooms feature flat screen televisions which are also linked to the prayer room on the ground floor, enabling residents to watch mass on TV if they so choose.

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Ballincollig CNU is already home to 57 residents and has been opening on a phased basis since September 2011. Residents are receiving optimum care from the professional, experienced and caring team of staff and are being provided with a range of support services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics and speech and language therapy as well as dedicated activities coordinators providing a wide range of social activities for the residents. The well-equipped physiotherapy gym and occupational therapy suite at Ballincollig CNU are an important part of the residents routine and an innovative use of games technology sees therapists using 'Wii fit' to work with residents to improve theirbalance, dexterity and well-being as well as provide the much needed "fun factor".

The use of technology to enhance patient care is an important feature in the Unit. A web-based electronic 'touch screen' resident record is used to record the residents' personal and clinical information and care plans. The system enables staff to identify trends in relation to the residents’ care e.g. wound care, infection, falls etc. and to then reduce and/or eradicate any issues of concern. This system also enables staff, working closely with the Unit's GPs and Pharmacist, to streamline medication management by allowing GPs to write prescriptions which can then be electronically transmitted to Ballincollig CNU and the pharmacy service. This electronic system enhances communication and safety in relation to prescribing, ordering, supply and administration of medications.

(CD/GK)