Ferbane Care Centre Community Day
Ferbane Care Centre at Gallen Priory opened its doors to welcome members of the local community to their family fun open day on Thursday 18th June from 2 to 6 pm. Recently appointed Denise Hilton, Director of Nursing/PIC and her team organised an entertaining afternoon for families in the local community.
Singer, Olivia Douglas who sings with Nathan Carter, opened the event in the garden. Family fun was planned with face painting, ice cream van and a newly revealed fairy trail. This event marks the official opening of the thirteen new ensuite rooms, the uniquely designed multi-sensory garden in the courtyard, as well as the upgrade and refurbishments throughout the property under the care of Windmill Healthcare.
Younger visitors were delighted with the Fairy Trail that was recently discovered on the grounds of Ferbane Care Centre at Gallen Priory – numerous Fairy Doors were spotted and it is believed that the fairies love to dance secretly in the courtyard garden on a starry night.
Accomplished author and historian Brendan Ryan provided an insightful talk on the history of Gallen Priory and surroundings of Ferbane. Stories go back to monastic times and more recently lots of locals have fond memories when they attended secondary school –Sr. Maeve Mother Superior of the Order of St. Cluny attended to reflect on the great work done on the building and grounds.
Denise Hilton, Director of Nursing Ferbane Care Centre commented:
‘I’m delighted to return to Ferbane and to see the wonderful work that has transformed the facilities in Ferbane Care Centre. I look forward to working in this environment and providing high quality care to our residents,’ said Denise Hilton, Director of Nursing, Ferbane Care Centre. ’We are keen to remain the centre of the community and we extend an invitation to community groups to use our facilities. We welcome the possibility of hosting a new Ferbane Men’s Shed onsite in the coming months. The grounds at Gallen Priory are beautiful and a very popular walk for locals – it is planned that it will link up with the Offaly Greenway in time. Our chapel maintains its place in the community with services three times a week.’ Members of the public, local community, families of all ages are invited to come along during the afternoon of activities.
Frances Neilan, Operations Manager, Windmill Healthcare, said:
‘We began restoration and refurbishment work 11 months ago. This involved ensuring that all works complied with HIQA standards and we are delighted with the result. The drawing room with its ornate curtains and fireplace has been restored to its former glory and the new multi-sensory garden is a safe haven and the driveway has been greatly improved’.
The team is led by Operations Manager Frances Neilan, who has many national awards under her belt, having secured the award of ‘Director of Nursing of the Year’ in 2014 for her work in the award winning Clarinbridge Nursing Home, Co. Galway, part of Windmill Healthcare.
Ferbane Care Centre is part of the Windmill Healthcare, since 2016, owned by Pat Kennedy and Denis McElligott. Windmill Healthcare is synonymous with providing excellence in person-centred care to residents with a range of conditions that require long term, short term or convalescent care.
There are currently in excess of 70 staff employed in Ferbane Care Centre and with the potential to increase this number to in excess of 85 when the 13 bedroom extension is open. The facility is designed with a dementia friendly theme for residents with cognitive impairment, with the new multi-sensory garden. The care environment is open to people requiring convalescence, respite, post-operative care, step-down and rehabilitation needs. The team are happy to provide assistance and guidance to families who need help with Fair Deal applications. Further information please telephone Alma or Laura on 0906 454742 email ferbane@windmillhealthcare.com
ENDS