Elderly Navan residents visit new day care facility

Navan’s Day Care Centre for the Elderly is expected to reopen at Walterstown GAA Centre shortly.

The HSE has confirmed it has finalised a deal for the use of the facility.

Elderly users of the facility visited the new premises today along with the Mayor of Navan, Cllr Tommy Reilly.

The centre, which had been operating from a premises at the Loreto Convent, closed with just four days notice in July. Approval has been given by the HSE Capital Steering Committee for the use of the centre. A licence agreement is now being prepared and some remedial works will need to be carried out at Walterstown.

According to a spokesperson for the HSE, when the remedial works are complete, all service users will be contacted to advise on the arrangements to recommence the day service.

The Mayor of Navan, Cllr Tommy Reilly said he was delighted with the news. “We have worked tirelessly over the past few months to secure a premises,” he said.

Patricia Whelan (91), a regular user of the centre said she was delighted to hear there was a new premises.

“I really missed it and there are some people who haven’t got outside the house, since the centre closed,” she pointed out.

“The sooner it opens the better,” she said.

Her friend, Helen McEnearney said she had been missing the facility dreadfully.

“I was upset and broken hearted when it closed. I loved coming here, having dinner and meeting all the other ladies and men.”

Hannah and Patricia visited Walterstown this morning, Tuesday with Cllr Reilly.

Hannah said it looked great and would be a lovely place to have the facility.

“I hope it is opened as soon as possible, especially for those who never get out except to go to it,” she said.

Cllr Reilly said he had received a letter last week from a lady representing the users of the facility who were very distressed at the loss of the facility.

“I am absolutely delighted they have found a new premises. I am very anxous that it opens sooner rather in later, in days rather than weeks, because it is sorely missed by the users,” he said.

Up to 120 elderly people who used the centre were left with no alternative facility when the centre at the Loreto closed in July..

It provided a social outlet as well as health checks, hot meals and advocacy services.