Cork East Fine Gael TD and Minister of State at the Department of Justice & Equality, David Stanton, has welcomed confirmation that the HSE intends to apply for planning permission for the extension of the McAuley Day Care Centre, located on the grounds of Midleton Community Hospital.
“I am very pleased that the HSE has decided to seek planning permission for an extension of the McAuley Centre and associated works. The proposed extension is for a single storey sunroom that will enable the centre to accommodate an additional two or three clients every day. It will also provide increased space for group activities of up to 40 people”, said Minister Stanton.
“I understand that other works to be included in the planning application will include the reconfiguration of the existing treatment room, hairdressing room, bathroom, shower and quiet room. These enhancements will ensure that all these areas are fully accessible to wheelchair users and persons with limited mobility. They will also greatly improve the working environment for staff and ensure the safer handling of clients thus allowing them to continue to live independently while also appropriately addressing care needs.
“The McAuley Day Care Centre is the only HSE day care centre in the Midleton and wider East Cork area and it delivers essential day care services to twenty vulnerable older people every weekday. It does however face some challenges and as such I am delighted that the HSE is addressing these with this project which will ensure the success of this terrific service into the future. Having been involved from the outset in the establishment of the centre in Midleton I would like to see similar centres developed in other towns across the region”, concluded David Stanton.
