This service is complimentary to the work of the hospital staff and is not a substitute for it. Volunteers undertake to befriend patients with no visitors, letter writing and making telephone calls for patients and flower arranging on the ward. The Catherine McAuley Day Centre provides respite care for the elderly in the local catchment area between the hours of 9.30 a.m. to 3.3.0 p.m. Monday to Friday. The centre is staffed by a Nurse, a Social Worker and a team of volunteers. Activities are of a social and educational nature.
Lunch is provided with tea and coffee morning and afternoon.
Blessing of the sick takes place on a regular basis. Brief patient details are held on a Card Index System. Patients of the Mater maybe referred through the Main Social Work Department, a Public Health Nurse may also refer clients. Patients must be mobile and continent and not inclined to wander.