Transfer of Residents to new Blackwater House Facility
Cavan Monaghan Mental Health Services is to transfer all residents from the existing Blackwater House Facility to the newly built Blackwater House on the grounds of St Davnets Campus in Monaghan.
The move will be completed from tomorrow, April 24.
“The existing Blackwater House, the current home for our residents is an old building, and we have moved to finish the new purpose built Blackwater House facility as a matter of urgency to respond to the Covid -19 pandemic and to ensure the safety and best interests of our residents in accordance with Public Health and Infection Control guidance,” a spokesperson for Cavan Monaghan Mental Health Services has said.
In the last week significant work has been undertaken to make the new building a “positive and bright home” meeting the needs of residents both from a health perspective but also with a “comfort and homely feel.”
CAMHS say that ideally the transition to the new facility on the grounds of the campus would have been carried out in close consultation with family members on a more gradual basis. However members of the Blackwater House team have discussed the move in detail with all the residents and their family members. “We want to reassure all stakeholders that the residents will continue to receive the high quality of care and support always provided by the staff of Blackwater House,” the spokesperson added.
Speaking about the move, Dr Rachel Cullivan (A/Executive Clinical Director, Cavan Monaghan Mental Health Services) said: “The Cavan Monaghan Mental Health Service has a proud track record of providing support and treatment for those in its care whilst striving always to improve, develop and innovate on behalf of its residents, staff and community. The intention to move to a purpose-built, single room, ensuite, aesthetically and clinically appropriate "New Blackwater House" was longstanding and much anticipated. The decision to expedite the move, initially planned for later next month - was made in the interest of resident, staff and carer safety and comfort during this challenging Pandemic. The manner with which staff, residents and their families and the community as a whole have embraced the challenge of this historic move is impressive beyond words. The planning, logistics and energy required were immense and it is a credit to all, that in these most pressurised and demanding of times, this move is being accomplished. I congratulate all involved, thank them for their dedication, determination and sheer hard work and wish our residents, their families and our staff many opportunities to happily and healthily enjoy this wonderful and well-deserved facility.”
CAMHS say the move could not have happened without the commitment and dedication of the management and staff of Blackwater House and our estates colleagues.
“We together with the residents look forward to welcoming you at the formal opening of the new facility once we have settled in and restrictions have been lifted,” the spokesperson concluded.