A new community hospital with over 70 beds has been officially opened in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal.
The facility, built at a cost of €36.7 million on the site of the old Sheil Hospital in the town, was opened by Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler.
The original facility dates back to the late 1800s when local philanthropist Dr Simon Sheil left a large sum of money in his will for its construction in 1894.
The new development consists of a three-storey extension to the rear of the existing hospital and the upgrading of that building which is a protected structure.
With 52 long stay beds and 20 short stay beds, Ballyshannon Community Hospital provides convalescence, rehabilitation, respite and palliative care as well as a day hospital service.
In the first phase of the opening in February last, 26 residents in the Rock Community Nursing Unit transferred to the new facility.
The second phase will see the short-term unit being opened which will facilitate discharges of patients from Sligo and Letterkenny university hospitals for patients who require further inpatient care in a step-down facility, the Health Service Executive said.
"During this phase a further long-term care ward will also open depending on the level of recruitment completed. It is expected that phase two will be completed in July 2024.
"The third phase of opening will include the remaining long-term ward (13 beds) and the dementia unit. It is anticipated that all units will be operational by December 2024."
Described as "allowing for the most appropriate modern health care environment", promoting a high quality of life, the HSE said the new hospital provides a wide range of services including occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
Facilities include hairdressing and the hospital also features a wildflower rooftop garden, a collection of books spanning three centuries - including some belonging to the late Dr.Simon Sheil, and a new coffee dock for patients and visitors.
The hospital is expected to employ about 147 staff.
During archaeological excavations of the site prior to construction, a number of Bronze Age finds were made, including a 4,000-year-old urn.
Tamlyn McHugh, of Fadó Archaeology, said at the time that the urn contained cremated remains which would be analysed.
She said they found a number of different kinds of burial types from the Bronze Age and the dig was a great opportunity to find out more about Irish history and highlighted the importance of having archaeologists work on sites ahead of a development.
The urn is now in the National Museum in Dublin.
Officially opening the hospital, Ms Butler described it as a wonderful facility for the provision of older persons services in the community and said it offered the most modern care in a homely and warm atmosphere.
Head of Service for Older Person Services, Frank Morrison, said it was a momentous day to see the hard work and efforts of so many over the years coming to fruition in the official opening of the hospital where the comfort and care of residents was the main priority.
