Newly upgraded Laurel Garden opened at Nursing Unit in Offaly

THE newly upgraded Laurel Garden at Birr Community Nuring Unit was officially opened recently by Prof. Humphrey O’Connor, Chairperson Offaly Hospice Foundation.

Speaking at the opening Prof. O’Connor said “the gardens of Birr Community Nursing Unit form an important part of the exceptional care offered to residents, including patients admitted to the Palliative Care Room.

“With that in mind, Offaly Hospice were delighted to support and fund refurbishment of the Laurel Suite Garden to provide a bright welcoming outdoor space for respite and relaxation. The Laurel Garden Suite will be a source of comfort to all residents but particularly patients and families availing of care in the Palliative Care Room which opens out on to the garden.

“The new Laurel Garden Suite will also be a great boost for the wonderful staff of Birr Community Nursing Unit who care for their residents and patients with such obvious compassion and kindness. It has been a privilege for Offaly Hospice to help Birr Community Nursing Unit in this important patient-centred project,” said Prof. O'Connor..

Edward Delahunt, Board member Offaly Hospice, said “it has been an absolute pleasure to have been involved with the marvellous staff of Birr CNU in the revamping of the Laurel Suite Garden. The extensive project provides a calm and peaceful space for patients and their families to enjoy and relax.

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“I would like to thank especially Marie Harnett, and her staff, particularly Rosmy, Leilagh, and Edel, who together with Martin Hanamy, provided untold help and assistance as the project was progressed. The courtesy and help provided by those named and others too numerous to mention made the whole undertaking a pleasure to be involved with.

“I also wish to thank the people who actually carried out the work and provided the furnishings and flowers, namely Kieran Grogan (Cloghan), Kinahan and O’Connor, (Painters), John Tierney, (Irish Recycled Products, Birr), Paul Davey (Milltown Garden Centre), Willie Naylor (Wall Capping), JYSK Athlone (Parasols), Print Factory (plaques).

“A Special word of thanks must also go to Fr Tom Hogan and Rev. Janet Whitespunner, who together celebrated a beautiful ecumenical Service at the opening of the garden. Thanks also to Ms Grace Teehan (Offaly Camogie) and other team members who attended with the All-Ireland trophies recently won by the Offaly Camogie team, and to Rose Mannion, and the Midland Tribune,” he added.

What the newly renovated garden means to residents, family, friends, staff of Laurel Suite BCNU

“The Laurel Internal Garden is so beautiful now. It was a massive project from start to finish. I wish the residents, staff and families hours of enjoyment in their garden.” Frances, Friend.

“I love how the garden turned out. It’s brilliant, I can get out there in my wheelchair and enjoy it”. P.J., Resident

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“We as a family are delighted with the beautiful garden in the Laurel Suite. We look forward to taking our mother who has been a resident here for six years into the garden and spending quality time outdoors with her. She always loved being in her own garden and was a wonderful gardener before her dementia took hold, so this will be a marvellous opportunity to spend time with her in the new garden and maybe stir up some nice memories of her garden at home. Well done to all involved in creating such a wonderful space for the residents and families.” Aileen, family member

“Our garden is a dream come true where we can now enjoy leisure time with friends, family and residents. Here’s to lovely weather ahead.” Brendan, Resident.

“The garden is beautiful, it really makes a difference to the suite. All the residents enjoy!” (Unknown)

“I love how big it is, It’s so big and I love the flowers.” Helen, Resident

“The new garden is beautiful. It’s so lovely to look at and congrats to all who were involved in the planning and implementation of such a wonderful facility.” Staff Member.

“It’s a beautiful garden. You would travel all over Ireland, Scotland, the World and you wouldn’t find a garden like it.” Mary, Resident.

‘Beautiful garden for all the elderly patients to enjoy, such a fabulous view for my Mam to see from her bedroom, Many thanks & much appreciated Offaly Hospice for their kind sponsorship.” Regina, Family Member.

‘It’s the Last Word. God bless it!” Mary, Resident.

“The garden is a credit to all involved in its creation.” Joan, Resident.

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“This Garden is so beautiful that even on the saddest of days it will be a place where special memories will be made and remembered with a smile.” Leilagh, Staff.

“The newly upgraded Laurel Garden has already brought immense Joy and Hope to the residents, family, friends and staff in the Laurel Suite, Birr CNU. We are all so grateful to Offaly Hospice for agreeing to work with us on this project. It was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Our expectations in relation to this project were truly exceeded. The high standard of the beautifully, fully accessible finished project reflects the high standard of care we strive to provide in Birr CNU. Residents’ reactions to this finished project leaves us so humbled, delighted and proud to have shared this journey with Offaly Hospice. We acknowledge that none of this work could have been done without kind donations that have been made to Offaly Hospice.” Edel, Rosmy & Marie, Management BCNU.