Service Users and staff from our Mayo Disability Services attended an end-of-year celebration at Willow Lodge in late December. Everyone got into the festive spirit with their Christmas jumpers and enjoyed catching up with familiar faces while sampling the various treats on offer.

On 5 December 2023, Sarah Kelly (Managing Director), Aidan Carney (General Manager) and Niamh Collins (Clinical Director – Paediatrics) attended a Service Arrangement Information and Engagement Event hosted by Community Healthcare West. It was a very informative morning with 10 speakers covering a variety of topics relevant to the HSE’s service providers, from Compliance and Contract Management to QSSI and Health & Wellbeing. We were particularly interested to hear from CHW’s Chief Officer, John Fitzmaurice, and from the organisation’s new Head of Disability Services, Mary O’Halloran, regarding the future of community healthcare services in CHO2.

In October 2023, Communicare Healthcare opened its latest residential service, Rose Lodge. This person-centred service provides a permanent home to four adults with complex disabilities, ensuring that they receive the highest standard of care in a purpose-built but homely environment.

Speaking at the official opening of Rose Lodge, Managing Director, Sarah Kelly, said that “Communicare Healthcare is a family-owned and operated company, with a strong track record of supporting service users of all ages across the country in living their lives as fully as possible within their local communities. We look forward to continued collaboration with the HSE in the Mid-West to ensure that many more people can benefit from the services we provide.”

In July, we bid farewell to CEO Bereneice O’Rourke as she left after a decade with the company to pursue other professional opportunities. A large group of colleagues spent a lovely afternoon and evening at The Dean in Galway, reminiscing on an eventful few years and toasting to Bereneice’s continued success.

In March, Sabina Cendrzak, Disability Services Manager, and Fiona Kennedy, PIC of two of Communicare’s Disability Services, attended SCI’s annual conference. This event, which brings together managers, educators and social care workers, is the only one of its kind in Ireland. Sabina and Fiona found it to be a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues, and to learn about current issues affecting the sector and explore them further in breakout groups. We are looking forward to sending a larger delegation to SCI’s 2024 event in Cork.

In February 2023, a number of Communicare’s senior managers, their partners and some industry colleagues attended a 1920s-themed Valentine’s Ball in aid of the NRH Foundation. It was wonderful to hear first-hand the uplifting story of former NRH patient and wheelchair-user, Lester Cassidy, and to participate in raising awareness and funds for this important cause.