NURSING HOME IN CLONES BEING SCALED DOWN FOR CLOSURE

Michael Fisher

The company that runs the Sacred Hearts Nursing Home in Clones is continuing with plans to close the building later this year. Councillors have expressed concern about the decision revealed a week ago. The matter is likely to be raised at Monday’s meeting of Ballybay Clones Municipal District. In an (unsigned) public notice published in last Thursday’s Northern Standard, Evergreen Care said the decision had been taken “as we are no longer assured that we can comply with the everevolving environmental regulations given the age and layout of the building.

This decision is based on the best interest of our residents and staff.” The statement said the decision was announced the previous week to all residents, families and staff in Clones and that it had notified the regulatory authorities at HIQA and the HSE. It expects that the home, which has provided care for older people for many years, will be closed within six months, on or before 6th August.

It’s understood that last week thirteen residents were being cared for in the home. But with the closure announcement, relatives of the remaining residents have already begun to seek alternative accommodation for their loved ones. The company statement said it had been engaging with residents and their immediate families and would assist them to select an alternative nursing home of their choice in the area. “Staff will be offered employment in our other nursing homes,” according to the Evergreen notice. However it has been pointed out that this would not suit anyone who might need transport to…