Minister opens 'light, open and bright' nursing unit in Killarney

When fully staffed, some 130 people will be accommodated in the new Killarney Community Nursing Unit

This is the future of elderly care, minister with responsibility for older people Kieran O’Donnell said, referring to the short-term and long-term care private room facility in Killarney. Picture: Brian Lougheed

More than 180 years after the setting up of a workhouse in the town, the new Killarney Community Nursing Unit is a symbol of the transformation of elderly care, its official opening on Friday morning was told.

Some 88 residents have been transferred from the former St Columbanus elderly and Community District Hospitals to the large site on the grounds of the old St Finan's hospital in Killarney.