SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT, MRS MARY ROBINSON, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF NEW PREMISES AT ST LUKE’S
SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT, MRS MARY ROBINSON, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF NEW PREMISES AT ST LUKE'S HOME, CASTLE ROAD, MAHON, CORK
I very much appreciate your generous invitation to me to be present here today to officially open this new premises and I would like to thank, in particular, His Grace, Bishop Warke for asking me to perform this pleasant task.
- I recall my visit to the old St. Luke's on 22nd February, 1991. When I look about me at this new premises, I am impressed at the speed and determination with which you have successfully completed this project.
- It is over 120 years since Miss Fanny Gregg established the original St Luke's Home on the Victoria Road. since 1872, St Luke's has grown from strength to strength, moving to Military Hill in 1879 and developing into one of the largest homes of its kind in the Munster region over the last hundred years.
- If Miss Gregg could see these new facilities, I am sure that she would be pleased to see that St Luke's caring tradition remains as firm and committed as ever. However, these new premises not only represent a link with the good work of the past but also acknowledge the needs of the future.
- This state of the art complex is very resident-centred, in keeping with modern methods of patient-care. I am pleased to see that this home provides a balance of independence and security for its patients. On one level the privacy and integrity of the individual resident is recognised, while on another level a safe and comfortable environment has been provided. Rather than building a new "institution", I believe that you have created a "home" with all the best qualities associated with that word.
- I note that the care provided here is both comprehensive and varied, including modern services such as therapeutic feeding, craft therapy, physiotherapy and reality orientation. I also note that this new home caters for long-stay, respite and, importantly, Alzheimer patients. I am confident that this new premises will not only continue the St Luke's traditional reputation for high quality care but will also be ready to meet the challenge of caring for the elderly in the 21st Century.
- Once more, I would like to thank you for inviting me to be here today and now, without further ado, I take great pleasure in declaring this premises officially open.