Extension on way for health centre in North Kilkenny community

Funding has been secured for a new extension and refurbishment of the health centre in Freshford.

The extension will include new clinical rooms for practice nurses and GPs also an expansion of the car park and an entrance realignment.

The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly visited the town last week at the invitation of local Cllr Michael McCarthy. First port of call was the health centre, where they were welcomed by GPs Ann and Jerry Beckett and nurse Brigid Beckett.

Doctor Ann Beckett gave a valuable insight into the services provided at the Centre. Local TD John McGuinness was joined by former councillor Pat Millea for the informative session. Minister Donnelly spoke of the input Cllr McCarthy has had in the positive reconfiguration works and new extension at the centre.

“I will be confirming the schedule of work next week,” the minister said.

Cllr Michael McCarthy said the news is particularly welcome for the Beckett family ‘for their commitment over the years and who continue to provide trojan service to the community‘ and’. He said they have also been campaigning for improvements for years.

“The community in Freshford and surrounding area will now have a health care centre fit for purpose with a quality service to match,” said Cllr McCarthy.

“The project will now go to planning stage and once permission is granted it will go straight to construction,” he said.

Local TD John McGuinness welcomed the funding being made available by the minister and the HSE.

“The Beckett family have delivered a wide range of top level health services to Freshford and the greater North Kilkenny area for generations and continue to do so now through the dynamic leadership of Dr Ann Beckett,” said Deputy McGuinness..

“The practice also specialises in women’s health care and is at the cutting edge of all new developments in this regard.

“The new health centre, when completed, will be a state of art primary care centre capable of playing its part in the role out of vital services to the community.”