Cork nursing home closes its doors for last time

Blair’s Hill Nursing Home in Sunday’s Well closed yesterday, with all of the residents moved and most of the staff already working elsewhere.

At the end of January, The Echo revealed that the 37-bed Blair’s Hill private nursing home was set to close after more than two decades.

The management said yesterday that the care home would be officially closed as of April 1, and that it has been a difficult time for residents, who had to say goodbye to their friends, and a difficult time for families and staff.

The management said: 

“The time since we have made the very difficult and heartbreaking decision has been very stressful for our residents, who had to leave their home where they felt safe and well cared for, and who had to say goodbye to their friends they had met here.

“Also, for their families, who were happy with the care in our nursing home, and for whom the relocation of their loved ones was also stressful and difficult, because our care home was located in the city centre.

“It was, for many families, difficult to get the transport to the new care centres.

“It was also a very difficult time for our dedicated staff, who have established friendly and close relationships with our residents and, also, had to find a new job. Most of the staff have found new jobs.

“All residents were transported to other suitable homes, selected for them in accordance with the wishes of the residents and their families.

“The transition process went very smoothly and was undertaken in a sensitive manner and with our residents’ and their families’ wishes in the centre.”

They concluded: “We believe that the closure of our home is a loss for the community, because it was centrally located in the city centre, which allowed our residents to maintain relationships with the community.”

Concern had been raised by public representatives that new placements would be located further from the residents’ families, due to a shortage of places.

A spokesperson for HSE South West said that they helped to support Blair’s Hill residents under the nursing home support scheme to find suitable alternative placements.

“A team worked with residents, their families, and the provider to assist residents in identifying placements in other nursing homes, community hospitals, and community nursing units in the region,” said the spokesperson.

“The HSE South West team was very aware that this was a difficult time for residents and families, and offered all appropriate supports in a considered and compassionate way.”