Progress continues to be made on resolving fire safety issues that were identified following an audit of the Curraheen campus earlier this year. The audit and subsequent investigations uncovered significant issues that require a substantial programme of building work.
On site, Marymount is liaising regularly with numerous stakeholders including HSE Estates, External Fire Consultants, a full design team and have engaged with Project Management in relation to fire remediation works. These works continue apace, and we would again like to thank patients, residents, their families and the Marymount team for their understanding at this time. With additional resources and interim measures in place, following advice from fire safety experts, we remain confident that the building is adequately protected from fire while the work is being carried out.
A number of additional supports have been introduced to strengthen care for patients and families, improve access to specialist palliative care, support timely discharge from hospital and increase the availability of care at home and in the community. These measures include enhanced support in both the hospital, day services and community services though a new initiative- the Hospice at Home and Virtual Ward Service.
These temporary service initiatives have mitigated to some degree the reduced inpatient capacity and made a very real impact on the lives of the people we support, in particular allowing provision of care at a location of the patient’s choosing.
It is anticipated that a full restoration of Specialist Palliative Care Inpatient Services will be achieved by the end of 2026. A small number of residents, supported by our Service for Older People, are residing in Midleton Community Nursing Unit to facilitate the building works. Our residents continue to return in stages to Curraheen, and we are very happy to welcome them home.
The Board of Directors and management team at Marymount University Hospital and Hospice would again like to thank the entire Marymount team; our volunteers, staff, residents, patients and families for their support and flexibility.
We are proud of our wonderful community and the compassion, and commitment shown throughout this year. It has been heartening to witness the support, unity and care that team members have shown for one another, for Marymount, and for the people who rely on our services.