John Moloney T.D., Minister for Disability and Mental Health at the Department of Health and Children, today (9th July 2008), welcomed confirmation that funding of €350k (€700k full year) has been made available to recruit the core staff required for the new Dementia Unit in St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick. The recruitment process is currently under way and it is anticipated that the staff will be in place by mid/end September 2008.

Capital expenditure of €1.079m has been invested in the construction and equipping of the 8 bedded Unit. The purpose built unit will provide the highest level of quality care in a patient centred environment to patients with dementia from the Laois Offaly area, including those under 65 years of age.

"I have no doubt that the new Unit will be hugely beneficial to dementia patients and their families living in Laois Offaly" the Minister said.