Glowing praise for new €13m. Sacred Heart Hospital facility

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has performed the official opening of the new €13 million facility at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Castlebar.

The 70-bedroom complex has ensured that the centre will meet HIQA regulations into the future.

Minister Ring praised those who planned and built the extension as well as the hospital's management staff for their commitment and hard work.

He said his government is frequently accused of not investing in rural Ireland - but the reality proved otherwise.

“When this country was on its knees financially post-2008, funding was found by former Taoiseach Enda Kenny's government to provide new health centres in Castlebar, Belmullet, Westport and Claremorris, all of which are up and running.

“The new Sacred Heart Hospital unit, which provides a valuable service in the community, is not only the finest of its type in the country, it is the finest in the region.

“And I believe the residents and staff can be proud of their new surroundings.”

Elaine Prendergast, head of services, social care, and Carole King, director of nursing, Sacred Heart Hospital, spoke in glowing terms of the new facility and the outstanding input of staff and family members.

The point was made that the Sacred Heart Hospital holds a special place in the community as it has always provided the highest level of professional care to its residents and will continue to do so long into the future.

Siobhan O'Sullivan, general manager, social care, presided at the opening ceremony which was attended by a large crowd.

Generous refreshments were served afterwards by members of the hospital's catering staff.