Local political figures were out in force on Monday to welcome the laying of the foundation stone for a new 100-bed care unit at St Mary’s Hospital, Mullingar.
The unit, which will cost €11.6 million to build, will provide 52 residential beds for elderly people, and 48 psychiatric care beds, replacing the beds currently available at St Loman’s.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of State with the Department of Health, John Moloney, said it is “increasingly important to consider the particular mental health needs of people in later life and to provide a comprehensive range of services appropriate to their needs”.
“I very much welcome the fact that our older people with mental health difficulties are now being cared for by professionals who have received specialised training, and therefore have the expertise needed to meet the unique requirements of older people.”
