The President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins has officially open the new Activities Room at St. Columba's Hospital in Thomastown, which will give space for the residents to further develop the activities they currently enjoy.

The Activities Room is available for use by residents of St. Columba's for various meaningful activities, such as art therapy, drama, tea dances, choirs, Irish dancing displays, cookery demonstration, flower arranging, reading room, bingo, card playing, crafts and cinema. The HSE funded the refurbishment and building works in St. Patrick’s Wing of the hospital (which includes the Activities Room) and the "Friends of St. Columba's" group contributed significantly to the furnishing of the Room, the provision of materials for use by the activities team and the funding of complimentary programmes, such as art therapy and drama.

-- Advertisement --

Today, St. Columba's Hospital provides 93 continuing care long stay beds for the following services: 56 long term care, 18 dementia specific, 15 Rehabilitation (including two assessment beds) and four respite. St. Columba’s was originally opened as a workhouse under the auspices of the Board of Guardians in 1853 and its history includes the provision of care for homeless persons and single mothers. Since 1952, the premises has been utilised specifically for the care of older people.

Speaking after she had welcomed the President to St. Columba’s, Ms. Anna Marie Lanigan, HSE Area Manager for Carlow/Kilkenny/South Tipperary said: "St. Columba's is an integral part of the HSE's services for older people in the Kilkenny area. In these challenging times, it is refreshing to be associated with a very positive development where the quality of care delivered to the service user is enhanced. Ireland has an ageing population and it is important that we plan, accordingly for the future. We are all very aware that throughout our health service we are caring for older people who will have different requirements over the coming years. The culture in St Columbas Hospital is one built on mutual trust and respect. There is a very active residents committee, which ensures residents are actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the hospital and have a meaningful voice in how the services are delivered. The relationship between staff and residents alike is testament to their dedication in ensuring a resident focused approach to care."

(CD/MH)