Birthday’s a ball for Josephine, 91
A WOMAN of 91 who celebrated her birthday in a temporary hospital yesterday said she is looking forward to reaching 100 after receiving “wonderful and kind” care.
Josephine O’shea was among 50 patients admitted to the Interim Care Facility built in the University of Limerick Sports Arena and opened on June 8.
She was taken there after suffering a fall at home on her kitchen floor, sustaining painful bruising on her side and back.
Ms O’shea, from Oola, Co Limerick, said: “With all the rest and exercise I’ve had, I feel so much stronger now.
“All the staff are wonderful, kind, and very reassuring, and they’ve given me the confidence I need to go home.”
And after celebrating with cake and candles she added: “I’m not giving up now, I’m going to go for the Hundred!” It’s feared an expected second wave of Covid-19 cases, coupled with traditional winter flu, will put severe strain on UHL where 25 patients languished on trolleys yesterday.
However, the €1million ICF is already helping ease the burden. The 68-bed facility, which can scale up to 84, is expected to be in place until at least September, with an option to extend until November.
UL has provided the Arena free of charge to the HSE and UL medical students are gaining practical experience on the wards where non-covid 19 patients only are receiving rehabilitation.
Tom Noonan, 75, from
Tom Noonan Dromcollogher, Co Limerick, was one of the first patients to be transferred to the ICF on June 12.
He said: “I noticed the basketballs and sports equipment and then I saw all the nurses and I thought, ‘Where am I at now?’. I didn’t know what to expect but I’ll tell you this, I couldn’t have come to a better place.”