Future of Roscrea nursing home secured

Monday, April 20, was a very special day for Mount Carmel Nursing Home. It is the day that marked the end of an illustrious era under the direction of 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. The HSE will now manage this excellent facility which has 31 beds and 12 independent units. The deal also includes the purchase of the convent building and the entire site. The HSE intends to integrate existing available capacity and in due course expand the bed compliment. All 62 full-time and part-time staff will be retained with improved terms and conditions of employment.

Tipperary TD, Michael Lowry, said: “I would like to thank the HSE Executives and the Government for their full co-operation in bringing my initiative to a successful conclusion. I also wish to thank the management, staff and patients at Mount Carmel for their warm welcome and reception.”

Seamus Browne, Chairman of the Board made a statement on behalf of Sr Luke and the congregation. He stated that Sr Luke and Marion Hayes recalled how Michael Lowry came to Mount Carmel Nursing Home to meet them and the staff back in 2022. Following that meeting he spoke in the Dail about the low pay of healthcare assistants and the financial pressure on the private nursing homes. He also told Sr Luke and Marion that he would find a solution to improve the working conditions of the staff in Mount Carmel and to solve the congregation’s succession problem. 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.