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St Mary of the Angels defends itself against HIQA compliance report

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By Sean Moriarty

 

St John of God Kerry Services, operator of the St Mary of the Angels facility in Beaufort, has defended claims made by a Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).

 

HIQA visited St Mary’s of the Angels last August and in a report published this week found a number of shortcomings including the number of staff allocated to residents and the general upkeep of buildings.

 

In 2009, St John of God Kerry Services’, who provide training, employment, social and residential programmes for over 300 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the county, had an annual HSE allocation of €17.2m.

 

In 2019, the allocation was €16.9m. Yet over this 10 year period, the level of service provided in Kerry grew significantly with a new day centre opening in Tralee and expansions in Listowel, Killarney and Killorglin.

 

Earlier this month the Killarney Advertiser reported that St Mary’s of the Angels will be forced to cut services after the HSE announced a county-wide cut of €160,000.

 

“We acknowledge the issues highlighted in the report and these clearly fall below the standards we strive to deliver and the mission and values which underpin our service,” a St John of God Kerry Services spokesperson told the Killarney Advertiser.

 

“Many of these challenges arise regrettably due to ongoing funding shortfalls in disability services locally and nationally. We are happy to report that since this inspection last August, a significant action plan has been undertaken to bring the centre into compliance including a refurbishment programme, a recruitment campaign and additional training of staff, and improved care planning for residents. Every inspection conducted in the facility recognises staff members and their kind and considerate approach with residents and we would wish to emphasise their positive contribution in sometimes challenging circumstances.”

 

Over the last two years alone, we have suffered further significant cuts totalling €272,000 and a further proposed cut of €160,000 has been imposed for 2020, they added.

 

“The level of supports required by our service users has also increased significantly in that period, due to their advancing age profile and increased medical needs. These cuts have been a significant contributor to our financial deficit which has come in at €1.25m for each of the last two years.”

 

 

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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