Carrigallen Primary Care Centre celebrates its 30th Anniversary

The 30th anniversary of Carrigallen Primary Care Centre took place on Thursday, June 29 in the Centre.

Bernie Dolan, previous chair of Carrigallen Primary Care Centre spoke on behalf of Sheila Mollahan who is the current chair of the committee but could not attend on the day.

“On behalf of Carrigallen Community Care I am delighted to welcome you all here today to celebrate with us on this the 30th anniversary of the Primary Care Centre.

Staff members of Carrigallen Primary Care Centre pictured at the 30th Anniversary celebrations of the opening on Thursday last, June 29. The centre was officially opened on June 24,1993. Back, from left - Michelle Brophy, Sandra Carpenter, Margaret Gormley, Kathleen McKenna, Sonja Wharmby, Maureen Hulme, Frances Donaghy and Miriam Doyle. Seated - Rosetta Keegan, Manager and Aine Gray

“Today we especially remember all from our community who are in hospital, nursing homes or recovering at home, as well as our friends who are no longer with us.

“The role of Community Care within our community has expanded greatly over the years from catering for 9 people on the very 1st day, 24th June 1993 to now catering for an average of 40 patrons per day.

“The aspirations in Community Care are always to assist in the care and welfare of our older generation, people with disabilities, vulnerable adults and those living alone in our community.

“The Community Care team endeavours to ensure that these people are supported in various different ways. Many worthwhile initiatives are generated and supported here from our Primary Care Centre in Carrigallen.

“Our Day Care Centre operates 3 days per week. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with meals, laundry and showering being the main services provided.

“Meals on wheels are delivered on these days also. Aside from these services I know that Rosetta and her team provide a safe, friendly, welcoming and happy environment that is home from home for our patrons during their time spent here.

“Social interaction occurs on both an organised and an informal basis. Planned activities include bingo, painting classes, birthday celebrations, visiting artists including local dancers and musicians as well as our Ukrainian friends, visits by clergy and Gardaí to mention but a few.

“However, in between all of these activities people catch up and share news. This creates a great buzz and generates enthusiasm and energy for all involved.

“The provision of the fabulous services here is resourced through Leitrim Development Company and I would like to express our appreciation in particular for the support of Chris Gonley, Bernie Donohue, Anna McTiernan and all at Leitrim Development Company.

“We are all aware of the security threats which exist in present times and accordingly there is an on-going need for the provision of security devices, fire alarms, panic buttons and outside lighting in the homes of the elderly. We acknowledge the continued vigilance of our local Garda Síochána presently Hugh and Sinead.

“The co-location of the Primary Care Centre with our facilities enables all patrons to easily attend with Laura, District Health Nurse and Louise, Practice Nurse as well as Dr Jason Fallon and his team of resident and visiting medical professionals. They provide an excellent service.

“We can’t forget Dr Antoinette Gregan who is with us today and continues to be committed to our community. Thanks also to Michelle and Siobhan.

Florrie Bleakly and Joan McGirl, two of the longest serving users of Carrigallen Primary Care Centre, cut the cake to mark the 30 anniversary of the opening of the centre. Also pictured are Rosetta Keegan, Manager and Aine Gray

“Our service caters for people of all religions and none. At this stage I would like to acknowledge the regular attendance by Father John McMahon and Reverend Canon Hazel Hicks. The patrons always appreciate their visits and the consolation that this gives.

“I now wish to acknowledge the enormous contribution of the Primary Care Centre staff. They go over and above the call of duty, and the environment within which they provide their services is second to none. Rosetta continues to provide great leadership since she took over from Breege Grimes who had been here since the very 1st day.

“We also acknowledge Áine, Margaret, Frances, Sandra, Michelle, Miriam, Sonia and Brian for the marvellous care they provide and all past members of staff. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the tremendous work carried out by those who delivered meals on wheels.

“To mark the occasion of our 20th year celebration we arranged for the planting of an oak tree in the grounds of our centre. It is great to see it still thriving on our 30th anniversary ten years later.

“Our facility and the service that it provides have come about due to the vision and hard work of the founding members of the Committee. The late Mon. John A. Young, Sr. Elizabeth, John Mulligan and Catherine Flynn were among a large group of people who instigated this project.

“We thank them for their foresight and efforts. The service has continued and expanded thanks to the work of every officer and committee member both past and present from its inception.

“You, the patrons, are the focus of what is done here. We thank you for your attendance, your good humour and all the positivity that you bring with you each day. We wish you all continued good health and hope that we can continue to provide you with a relevant and appropriate service and care.

“It’s great to see so many volunteers here today who have had a constant presence over many years and indeed decades. I won’t mention names but you know yourselves who you are. Thank you.

“Thank you all for joining us today and sharing in this wonderful occasion.”