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Loreto Day Centre clients to be accommodated in five different centres

Elderly clients of the St Michael's Day Centre at the Loreto Convent in Navan, which closed today with just a few days notice, will be accommodated in five centres around the county, the HSE stated today.

A spokesperson said they would be offered a place in one of the five centres operating in Meath which include Dunshaughlin Local Health Care Unit,  St Joseph's Community Nursing Unit, Trim, Catherine McAuley Day Service, Kells, Kilmainhamwood Day Service and Ozanam Day Service, Mornington. 

She also indicated the HSE has a service level agreement with Alzheimer Society to provide Day Services in Navan in the Whistlemount Centre, Kells Road. 

There was no date given for when the places will be offered.

The spokesperson said a number of alternative options are currently being assessed to determine their suitability to open as a Day Service in Navan.

The closure of the service today has been a devastating blow for the elderly people who rely on it.

Users of the service have expressed their shock and disgust at the decision to close it.

The decision by the HSE leaves the 120 elderly people without this invaluable lifeline that provides a social outlet as well as health checks, hot meals and advocacy services.

The closure follows a fire officers report, which  found several serious fire safety issues with the building that needed urgent attention.

Navan Mayor Tommy Reilly has expressed his outrage at the closure. He said: 'It's an absolute disgrace to see 120 people thrown out on the street.  For these people, this is their lifeline, they have no other outlet one day a week.'