Thompson House celebrates 125th anniversary
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Carol McBurney, diversional therapist; Edna Elliott, ward manager; Gordon
Moore, disability manager; and Marie McStay, volunteer, attending an evening
at Thompson House Hospital to mark the 125th anniversary. US4910-525cd |
Brian Mongan, assistant director; Dessie Bannon, director; Deputy Mayor
Brian Heading; and Hugh McCaughey, chief executive of the South Eastern
Trust, attending an evening at Thompson House Hospital to mark the 125th
anniversary of its opening in 1885. |
THE Deputy Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Brian Heading recently attended the 125th Anniversary celebrations of Thompson House Hospital, Lisburn along with representatives of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT), including Chief Executive, Mr Hugh McCaughey. Patients, volunteers, family and friends also attended this milestone celebration to show their gratitude for the invaluable services provided by this hospital. Harpist Richard Allen who actively supports music sessions in the hospital was joined by the Dromore and District Choir to provide the evening's entertainment.
Mr. Desmond Bannon, Director of Adult Services, SEHSCT, opened the celebrations, and said: "It is great to see so many here to celebrate the involvement of Thompson House within the Lisburn community for 125 years. Formerly known as 'Thompson Memorial Home' it was founded in 1885 in memory of William Thompson, by his daughter in his memory following his untimely death. Dr. Thompson had been a surgeon in the County Antrim Infirmary Seymour Street, Lisburn for fifty years providing assistance to all those who required his medical assistance.
"For the first 45 years, the home provided free care to those who needed attention that they could not get in their own homes. In 1930, the endowments could no longer cover the upkeep and a small charge was imposed and the care continued until 1963. This marked the start of a number of developments for this valued local facility."
In 1963, the home was taken over by the Antrim County Health Committee and following extensive renovations was reopened in 1967 by Lord Erskine, former Governor of Northern Ireland; and became known as Thompson House.
Councillor Brian Heading, talking about the 125 year celebrations at Thompson House, said: "I was very lucky to be able to help Thompson House celebrate this magnificent milestone as I myself was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2004. Thanks to the outstanding work of a neurological team, I received timely treatment and my tumour was successfully removed during an operation.
"Thompson House has helped those with brain injuries for 125 years and without the first class service which is provided by such neurological units others may not be as lucky as I was. It is imperative that the local Health Service continues to invest in these frontline services for brain injuries to allow those who suffer from such a condition a better quality of life.
Through its Community Brain Injury Team, which is a team of experienced professionals and rehabilitation coaches, Thompson House works closely with the brain injured person and their family and carers. This good work must be allowed to continue and develop over the next 125 years," he concluded.
Mr Bannon added: "Currently as part of the SEHSCT, Thompson House has a notable history for continuous quality improvement and has achieved a number of quality recognition awards over the last ten years including Charter Mark, Investors in People and worldwide recognition award of Commission of Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities (CARE).
"Due to its high quality standards this establishment is currently contributing to the Regional Acquired Brain Injury Review and implementation plan to inform the future of services for people with Acquired Brain Injury. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in this process for their assistance."
The SEHSCT would like to thank all the volunteers who play an active role in supporting the services of Thompson House; and these individuals have become friends to both patients and staff. It would also like to acknowledge the partnership working and ongoing support by the Friends and Relatives of Thompson House Hospital group and to thank this group for its outstanding the fundraising efforts for the hospital.
Ulster Star
31/12/2010
