Ferbane Nursing Home at Gallen Priory hosted the official opening of the new wing and renovations with 13 new ensuite rooms during their family fun day. Currently with a team of 70 employees, this is forecast to increase to 85 when the new wing is fully occupied.
This is good news for Co Offaly and surrounds as the jobs will include employment for nurses, carers, catering, housekeeping and maintenance. “We welcome applications from people in the locality and surrounds,’” said Evie Halissey, HR Manager, Windmill Group.
The Windmill Group took over ownership and management of Gallen Priory in 2015 and it is now known as Ferbane Nursing Home. The Windmill Group is synonymous with providing excellence in person centred care to residents with a range of conditions that require long term, short term or convalescent care.
The facility has been upgraded throughout and is designed with a dementia friendly theme for residents with cognitive impairment, with the new multi-sensory garden. The care environment is open to people requiring convalescence, respite, post-operative care, step-down and rehabilitation needs.
“Restoration and refurbishment work began over 11 months ago using local contractors and this involved ensuring that all works complied with HIQA standards. 13 rooms were totally refurbished with ensuite facilities in the new wing.
“The drawing room with its ornate curtains and fireplace has been restored to its former glory and the new multi-sensory garden is a safe haven for all. Even the improvements to the driveway make a big difference,”commented Pat Kennedy, CEO, Windmill Nursing Group.
The open day and family fun event on Thursday was full of activity. Sr. Maeve, Mother Superior of the Order of St. Joseph of Cluny and former resident of Gallen Priory was delighted to be invited to cut the ribbon for the opening of the new wing. Denise Hilton, Director of Nursing and her team welcomed visitors from the local community onsite. ‘We were delighted to welcome the local community onsite and to show our new wing, the lovely new multi-sensory garden as well as the new Fairy Garden Trail. This will all enable our team to provide quality care to our residents.’
Entertainment was provided by singer, Olivia Douglas and dancer Thomas Connolly, there was face painting and ice creams for children and a real-life fairy made an appearance. Brendan Ryan, local historian and author gave a great talk giving insights into the history of Gallen Priory.
Ferbane Nursing Home is part of the Windmill Nursing Group (since 2015 ) owned by Pat Kennedy and Denis McElligott. The care environment is open to people requiring convalescence, respite, post-operative care, step-down and rehabilitation needs.
The recent appointment of Occupational Therapist Sam O’Callaghan ensures all residents are assessed for activities of daily living and aids and appliances prescribed to suit their needs. Social and recreational programmes are varied and interesting for residents.
The team are happy to help and guide families who need help with Fair Deal applications. Further information please telephone Alma or Laura on 0906 454742 email [email protected] or go to www.windmillnursinggroup.ie
