The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Valentia Island Cottage Hospital
VALENTIA Island Cottage Hospital is returning as one of the main beneficiaries of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle with an aim of building a new extension as well as upgrading the existing hospital. The hospital has so far raised over half of the €1 Million goal that will see them complete the upgrade to a 24 bed facility that meets all Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) standards.
Marie O’Neill, of the Valentia Island Cottage Hospital committee, who played an important part in securing a charity spot on the Ring of Kerry Cycle said “This is our 3rd year working as part of the Ring of Kerry cycle. We were there in 2014, 2015, and now again in 2017. There was a time a few years ago where the hospital was on the verge of closure but thankfully the Ring of Kerry has injected new life into the hospital and we’re hopeful of completing the project by the end of the year.”
Valentia Island Hospital has provided 143 years of unbroken service and care not only to the people of Valentia Island but to the people of the greater Iveragh area. The hospital is dedicated to cultivating a community that responds warmly, flexibly and rapidly to the changing needs of the elderly people within said community.
Marie O’Neill reinforced the community focus in the hospital, stating that “people in the Valentia and greater South Kerry area have a great affiliation with the hospital. Everybody from the area knows somebody that has been cared for here and they are eager to help out in any way they can.”
They are also “committed to providing medical and care services that ensures patients and residents are looked after within their own community with dignity and respect and within daily reach of their family and friends.”
Marie O’Neill can attest to the quality service provided by the hospital as her own grandmother spent a few years in the care of the hospital. “The hospital provides residential care for the elderly, for those who are incapacitated. My own grandmother was a resident of the hospital for a few years and it really feels like a home environment, there is a relaxed atmosphere and the staff are fantastic.”
The main aims of the hospital are to provide a safe, caring and supportive environment for those in most need of social supports, whilst also treating patients and residents with empathy, warmth and respect, actively encouraging them to become involved in their personal care plan. There is a focus on enabling patients and residents to live with dignity knowing they are respected and valued members of our community. There are a variety of support packages available to patients, whether it be homecare, or care provided in a supportive environment as residents of the hospital.
Marie O’Neill concluded by thanking the people of South Kerry for their renewed support; “It has been tough, not having been there last year but there has been great support this year, and everybody has been fantastic. The people of South Kerry have a great affiliation with both ourselves and Derrynane and they have given us great support.”