Mount Carmel nursing home in Roscrea will now remain open to serve the people of Roscrea, saving 62 full and part-time jobs.
The north Tipperary facility has 31 beds and 12 independent units, and the HSE purchase of the site includes the convent building and the entire site.
The nursing home had been run by the Sisters of Our Lady of Mount Carmel for more than 50 years, and the purchase by the HSE secures the facility into the future.
Welcoming the changeover, north Tipperary TD Michael Lowry said that it marked the end of an “illustrious era” under the Sisters of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
“It is the day that marks the beginning of a new and exciting future under the auspices of the Health Service Executive.
“The purchase of the Mount Carmel facility secures its future for the people of Roscrea,” Deputy Lowry said.
According to the TD, the HSE also plan to increase the amount of bedspaces available at Mount Carmel.
“The HSE intends to integrate existing available capacity and in due course expand the bed complement. All 62 full-time and part-time staff will be retained with improved terms and conditions of employment,” Deputy Lowry said.
The north Tipperary TD met with the nuns and staff at Mount Carmel in 2022, and raised the issue of low pay for healthcare assistants in the Dáil, Seamus Browne, chairman of the nursing home’s board recalled, saying that Deputy Lowry said he would do all he could to find a solution.
“He was true to his word and within a short space of time he brought the HSE proposal to the congregation and has been unwavering in his support to them and to the Board right up to the conclusion of transfer,” Mr Browne said.
Local councillor for Roscrea Shane Lee also welcomed the news, saying it was “hugely positive” for elderly care in the area.
“It’s hugely positive news for elderly care in the town of Roscrea. We also see 62 employees at the home on new contracts with the HSE which is hugely important,” Cllr Lee said.
“I want to acknowledge the work of the congregation, board and to Deputy Michael Lowry to bring all of this to a reality. It’s days like this politics is all worth while, making life-changing results for people in a very positive way,” Cllr Lee added.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
