by Alan Jacques
THIRTY new jobs have been created in Kilmallock with the opening of a residential centre for people with intellectual disability as part of a nationwide expansion of services by Nua Healthcare that will see 800 new jobs provided over the next three years.
Minister of State at the Department of Health, Kathleen Lynch was opening of Nua Healthcare’s new six-bed facility, Glenview House, in the West Limerick town on Wednesday morning.
It is the first of seven facilities to open in Munster and marks Nua Healthcare’s expansion beyond its Leinster base. Staffed by up to 30 social care professionals on a rota basis, it will provide 24-hour care to adults with special needs and complex support requirements.
Nua Healthcare chief executive Edward Dunne, said they were committed to working in partnership with the HSE to meet the growing demand within the disability sector and to support its planned transition of individuals from congregated settings to high quality community environments.
A further 800 new jobs will be created over the next three years through the planned development of new residential and day care facilities. The roles created will span disciplines such as social care, nursing and administrative support staff with 300 of the positions to be delivered by the end of the year.
Speaking at the official opening, Minister Lynch stated, “Intellectual Disability care is a key priority in the health sector and the services offered by Nua Healthcare in support of the HSE is invaluable in the Munster region and beyond. I welcome their commitment to, and investment in providing high quality services for both children and adults with complex support needs across the country and the job creation in local communities to meet these needs.”
Nua Healthcare currently employs over 800 social care professionals and provides 160 residential and respite beds in 28 locations in Kildare, Laois, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, Dublin, Tipperary, Cork and Limerick.
