Elderly nuns to sell off nursing home

A RELIGIOUS order is to end its association with a nursing home it has run for more than 50 years in west Cork — because its nuns are getting too old to continue their work.

The Sisters of Charity of Saint Paul the Apostle have announced their intention to sell a nursing home at Bushmount in Clonakilty.

The order intends to sell the nursing home as “a going concern”.

It has also given a commitment to continue caring for the current 37 patients until a suitable buyer is found.

The sisters have engaged Prospectus Consultants to help them identify the most suitable new owner.

Sister Thérèse Browne, leader of the congregation, said the decision to sell was made following a long period of reflection

“This has been a very difficult decision to make, especially as the congregation has been associated with the home since 1956.

“Considering the ageprofile of the sisters and the increasing complexity of nursing home management, it is not possible for us to continue to offer this service to Clonakilty and the wider community of west Cork.

She said the Sisters of St Paul the Apostle would like to thank all the residents and their families, the staff of the nursing home, past and present, the doctors, the HSE, the Diocese of Cork and the community of Clonakilty for the relationships they have enjoyed with them over the years.