Former hospital back to life as mental health facility

The old Grove Hospital in Tuam is finally being brought back in to use – is it to be used as a mental health day facility catering for patients from Tuam, Loughrea and Athenry.

But it could have long term implications for the future of Toghermore House which was threatened with closure two years ago over fire safety issues.

This is according to HSE West which has confirmed that it will be used to improve mental health services in the area. It represents a €2.5 million investment.

It was a source of controversy recently when thousands of euro were spend on the reroofing of the old hospital which closed down in 2001. It was described as a pure waste of money.

But, in a statement, the HSE West indicated that the old hospital would be refurbished into a mental health day facility. It also might be used as a facility for young people suffering from disabilities.

Cllr. Shaun Cunniffe said that he was delighted that the main Grove building would be brought back into use as a health facility by the HSE very shortly.

The old hospital in Tuam was closed down in 2001 when the Bon Secours sisters moved out as they had operated the facility for a considerable time.

In recent weeks there has been a refurbishment programme taking place at the old hospital and one of the major developments has been the replacement of the roof.

Now the HSE West has confirmed that the actual building will be refurbished and transformed into a mental health day hospital.

They said that they will shortly appoint a design team as well as applying for planning permission. They will then tender for a contractor subject to planning being granted.

The HSE said that they anticipate a twelve-month construction period and it is intended that the old hospital building will be ready to take in mental health patients by the end of 2016.

Cllr. Cunniffe said that for the past few years he had been continually asking the HSE about future plans for the old Grove Hospital.

“It is a hugely significant building in the town and its rejuvenation is very good news indeed. Along with the full time staff, the footfall it will generate in the centre of the town will be a welcome boost.

“I had argued that if they did not have good use for this building that they must keep it in good repair and investigate other state agencies that could use it,” Cllr Cunniffe added.

Local Deputy and Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Mental Health and Special Needs, Colm Keaveney, also welcomed what he called the significant investment being made by the HSE into the Grove, Tuam.

“This is a welcome addition to the services within the town. While some criticised the recent re-roofing of the as a waste of money, it was important that buildings like the Grove are maintained for potential use.

“It is critical that the relocation of the Day Hospital be as seamless as possible for service users. The chaos that followed the closure of St. Brigid’s in Ballinasloe cannot be permitted to happen.

“The future use of Toghermore must be clarified as must the future of the services such as the Training Centre and the respite beds,” he added.