Nursing home in Thurles says goodbye to its wonderful Matron - Ann Fitzpatrick

St Theresa’s Nursing Home, Thurles has said goodbye to its Matron Ann Fitzpatrick. Ann handed over the reins to Sandra and Sean Farrell last Thursday.

Tipperarylive spoke to Ann following her farewell Mass last week. Ann would like to use her leaving to advocate for small nursing homes like St Theresa’s.

“I have seen the difference small nursing homes have made for people,” said Ann.

COMMUNITY
Firstly, Ann says there is no such thing as a private nursing home, only a small one. She said local nursing homes are very important to residents, families and the community.

They ensure people do not have to leave their homes entirely. Without one, those who can no longer look after themselves may find themselves miles from home cut off from their families.

According to Ann, many of her residents have elderly relatives in the area. Small nursing homes maintain the home connection for residents.

“Going back to the community, you can’t overemphasise what that means to a person. I will always be committed to that,” said Ann.

'Honesty, care and integrity,' Matron Ann Fitzpatrick on her time at St Theresa’s Thurles

FUNDING
However, according to Ann, small nursing homes are under threat of closing or being bought out by big corporations. She said contrary to popular belief, private nursing homes cannot charge whatever they chose for care.

The government contracts beds from nursing homes and pays a set price. The resident contributes the rest.
But the cost of providing care is enormous, and small nursing homes are finding themselves unable to survive.

“Small nursing homes cannot continue to go on if they are not going to be funded properly. That is the essence of why small nursing homes are closing down,” said Ann.

Ann said the government wants bigger facilities, centrally located which are not in residents’ best interests. She said for the sake of residents and families, nursing homes must stay local.

“When you know how much people go through, and then their only option is 60 miles away,” said Ann.

She is calling for communities to protect small nursing homes so people can continue to live in their communities and not have to leave their hometowns, like Thurles.

Messages of support sent to a much-loved matron at St Theresa’s Nursing Home

FAREWELL MASS
Last week St Theresa’s Nursing Home held a special mass for Ann with the Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly.

Her staff contributed some kind words of farewell.

Jeeshma Joseph said Ann was a great leader who always put the residents first.

“I think Ann’s life was her profession; she was sincere in her role, and she sacrificed a lot. I thank Joanie and Tom.

“I thank you, Ann, for all the lessons and moments. May all your years ahead be filled with the rich rewards of joy which you greatly deserve.”

Stephanie Purcell, who worked with Ann for 12 years said:

“Ann was always there for support not just in work life but with personal issues she was always there for us. Ann was always one step ahead of everything throughout the pandemic and helped us all through it safely, I wish Ann and her family nothing but the best going forward.

“Thank you for everything you have done.” But for Ann, it is the “wonderful” staff that deserves all the credit. She said although she is leaving, she knows St Theresa’s in safe hands. “To hand over to lovely people. They are in good hands,” said Ann.