Editorial: Clarity needed for residents, families and staff of Callan's Aperee nursing home

It seems entirely unfair that a family would have first learned of the impending closure of their loved one’s nursing home via social media rather than being informed directly.

Some of the those affected by the situation in Callan feel they have been somewhat kept in the dark from the time the decision was taken to close the premises. The HSE/South East Community Healthcare was notified of a cancellation by HIQA of the registration held by Aperee Living as provider for that company’s nursing home in early November last year. That is five months ago now, and those involved face considerable disruption over the next four weeks, having to move.

Staff, residents and families are facing a stressful couple of weeks while they learn of their ultimate fate. Many of the residents are vulnerable and/or have complex needs that only increase the difficulty involved in transfer to an entirely new environment.
Engagement with all stakeholders at every step of the way is key while we await word on what is to happen with residents — as well as what the future of the facility is long term.

GREENWAY BOOST
The new greenway project linking Woodstock in Inistioge to New Ross in Wexford, and joining up with the wider South East Greenway, has the potential to be a game-changer for the region.

Running around 16-20km in length through the River Nore Valley in South Kilkenny, it would be transformative for the offering of both towns and Kilkenny, for both visitors and locals. The project aims to develop a sustainable tourism experience for visitors to the area, as well as creating a recreational and leisure amenity for locals to enjoy, and promote sustainable transport.

There’s no doubt that there is a huge interest in greenways nationally of late, and the Waterford Greenway is a definite draw. Likewise the first stretch of the new Greenway at Rosbercon is gaining attention, and when the whole stretch opens fully this year, popularity will surge.