“We are very conscious that the last four decades of the provision of care and services for older people in the South East – in Cashel and at St Anthony’s, Clonmel - have seen us maintain our excellent reputation,” according to Denise Flynn, HSE Director of Nursing at Cashel Residential Older People Services.

“As staff, we are deeply appreciative of the support the service receives from residents, their families, and the wider community. Of course, our most recent history included coming through pandemic times, during which great perseverance was shown by residents, staff and their families.”

Denise was commenting as staff and residents reflected on two recent ‘Celebrating Resilience’ events where awards were presented “as a small, but significant gesture, to and for those at the heart of all we do – the residents. We looked at, and shared, their varied life experiences, capabilities, thoughts and talents. We know they all have them and we get to appreciate them every day.”

Hosting two events at the Croí Óir and Tír na nÓg wards in Our Lady’s Hospital, the organisers ensured each resident was presented with an award reflecting their interests, strengths and abilities. These ranged from ‘Flower Appreciation Advocate’ to ‘Outstanding Singer.’ 

Among those involved in the event were Ade Rashidat, nurse, and Michelle Coleman, support staff. They worked alongside Health Care Assistants Karen Hogan and Carmel McNamara and design team and activity co-ordinators Elaine Bourke, Eileen Corrigan and Breda Fitzgerald. They were further supported by senior staff nurse and compere Alice Carew. All ensured that the occasion was a great success.

 According to Ailish Lonergan, Assistant Director of Nursing, “following the success of the inaugural 2023 ‘Celebrating Resilience’ events, we are now looking forward to this being an annual fixture in the calendar of Cashel Residential Older People Services.”

Cashel Residential Older People Services provides accommodation for up to 49 long-stay residents in the former Our Lady’s County Surgical Hospital building. Services are also provided in the 11-bed St Clare’s Unit. They further feature a 21-bed Rehabilitation Unit and Day Hospital in the adjacent St Patrick’s Hospital complex. The 18-bed St Anthony’s Unit for long-stay care in Clonmel is also under the management of Cashel Residential Older People Services.