Bloomfield delivers first National Service for Huntington’s Disease

MINISTER for Mental Health and Older Persons Mary Butler TD visited Bloomfield Health Services recently in recognition of Bloomfield delivering the first National Service for Huntington’s Disease, reports Lauren Castleman.

Bloomfield Health Services is a non-profit charity that provides residential treatment, care, and support to adults with severe mental health needs as well as specialist services for Huntington’s Disease and Specialised Rehabilitation. Alongside patient care, Bloomfield also provides support for family members as needed.

Bloomfield Health Services is a specialist team for the complex condition of Hungtington’s Disease, led by Clinical Director Dr. Ian Daly, Consultants Dr. Kieran O’Driscoll and Dr. Kevin Foy, Nursing Management Helen Rourke, Allied Health Professionals, and Activity Co-Ordinators.

Care for the disease includes inputs from Neurology, Dieticians, Speech and Language Therapy, Mental Health, Occupational Therapy, Physio, and General Medicine.

VISIT: Minister for Mental Health and Older Persons Mary Butler with Deputy John Lahart, TD, and staff members at Bloomfield

The visit marked a successful endorsement of the Three-Hub approach, the national model of services for Huntington’s Disease, used by Bloomfield.

Chairman of the Board Mr. John Mc Neilly, Chief Executive Joe Kelly, Director Nursing Helen Rourke, the Senior Management Team, and Board Members were among those who welcomed the Minister.

Deputy John Lahart, TD from the Dublin West Constituency in which Bloomfield is located, was also in attendance as a steadfast and strong advocate for Bloomfield.

Chief Executive Joe Kelly stated: “I really have a clear sense from the visit that we have arrived at the position where Minister Butler is on board with us at Bloomfield and she recognises that services for people with [Huntington’s Disease] need to be improved and Minister Butler is willing to act.”