During the visit, Minister Higgins met respite users, nursing and care staff, members of the MS Ireland management team and representatives of MS Ireland’s Board. Minister Higgins heard about the essential respite, nursing, therapeutic and educational services provided by the Care Centre to people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions from across Ireland.
Located at 65 Bushy Park Road, the MS Ireland Care Centre is Ireland’s only dedicated respite centre for people with MS. The Centre provides planned short-term respite stays in a welcoming and accessible environment, alongside physiotherapy, therapeutic activities and opportunities for social connection.
Minister Higgins was also shown development work currently under way at the facility, including plans for a new multifunctional space that will support the delivery of enhanced physiotherapy services in Dublin Midlands.
Speaking at the event, Minister Emer Higgins, said:
“I was delighted to visit the MS Ireland Care Centre and learn more about the important work being done to support people living with MS and other neurological conditions.
“The care and respite services provided here make a huge difference to people’s lives, while also providing crucial support to families and carers.
“I want to thank the staff, volunteers and everyone involved for the dedication and compassion they bring to their work every day, and for their commitment to supporting people with MS across Ireland.”
Speaking following the visit, Ava Battles, CEO of MS Ireland, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Minister Higgins to the MS Ireland Care Centre and to give her the opportunity to meet our respite users and staff and see the Centre’s work first-hand.
“The Care Centre is much more than a respite facility. It provides people living with MS and other neurological conditions with specialised care, therapies, friendship and an opportunity to rest and recharge in an environment that understands their individual needs. Respite also provides essential support to families and carers, helping people to continue living in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.
“We greatly appreciated the opportunity to discuss the importance of sustainable investment in specialist respite services and to share our plans to further develop the Care Centre so that we can support more people from across Ireland in the years ahead.”
The visit included an informal meeting with residents and staff, an overview of the services provided by MS Ireland and remarks from Minister Higgins.