Local Fine Gael TD, Frances Fitzgerald, this week launched Peamount Healthcare’s new ‘Peamount Hub’. The Hub is a new venture for Peamount Healthcare aimed at opening up Peamount to the wider communities of Clondalkin, Lucan and the Four Districts (Newcastle, Rathcoole, Saggart and Brittas).
“I had the honour of opening the new ‘Peamount Hub’ this week. The Hub brings day care services and facilities under one roof while also providing a space for the wider community to enjoy. As well as the traditional day care services for short and long term patients, they also encourage residents from Clondalkin, Lucan and the Four Districts to drop in and sample the Peamount hospitality.
“The word ‘Hub’ is a great way of describing Peamount in general. It is not just a healthcare facility; it is a home for it’s residents and a social outlet for local older people. It is also a key community facility for local residents across the Four Districts, Lucan and Clondalkin who go to Mass here, who use the canteen and who visit friends and family here. All this is enabled by the fantastic staff and local volunteers who bring both care and fun to the service,” said Fitzgerald.
The Hub has a number of activities for older people including art, Men’s Shed, Day Services, Library, Hair and Beauty Salon and events such as Tea Dances and Bingo. They also have installed a new coffee dock and local residents can come for refreshments, buy some of the crafts created by service-users and even relax in the reflexology and message room.
Fitzgerald continued: “The Hub is also empowering patients and residents to live up to their full potential. Through art, music and crafts classes as well as advocacy services and social events; the Hub offers something for every level of interest and ability. Patients and residents have been central in deciding what activities should be on offer and volunteer their own time to help others. An example of this is the Advocacy Service which is run by residents of Peamount who act as a mediator between management and residents as well as improving accessibility and safety on campus.
“This week’s opening is thanks to the hard work of the dedicated team in Peamount and the legacy of the ‘Queen of Peamount’ Christina Flanagan. Christina was a service-user and cherished member of the Peamount community who left a sum of money in her will for improved social facilities. The new coffee dock was inspired by her love of cappuccinos and will ensure her memory is kept alive by all who use the Hub.
“I look forward to seeing the Hub grow in the years ahead and encourage our senior citizens in particular to visit and enjoy the fantastic community spirit in Peamount,” concluded Fitzgerald.
