The Edge opens up new state-of-the-art children's facility at Barretstown
The world famous guitarist was joined by the President of Ireland's wife, Sabina Higgins.
U2’s The Edge lent his support to officially open Barretstown state-of-the-art €4 million medical facility at the charity’s headquarters in Kildare.
The world famous guitarist – who recently became a grandad again – was joined by Barretstown Patron, Sabina Higgins, Chair of the Barretstown Board, Anne Heraty and CEO Dee Ahearn, to open the new Med Shed which will provide 24/7 medical care to seriously ill children who attend Barretstown’s residential camps.
Speaking at the launch, The Edge said: “I am delighted to officially open the Med Shed at Barretstown today. The new medical facility will play a vital role in providing for the medical needs of children who attend Barretstown’s residential camps.
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“I first had the opportunity to visit Barretstown and spend some time with Paul Newman back in 2004 around the 10th anniversary.
“His legacy can be felt here to this day, it is a truly remarkable place that does extraordinary work in supporting children and families affected by cancer and other serious illnesses.
“It is incredible to believe that 125,000 campers have been served in the 30 years since this magical place was established. What a milestone! It’s a privilege to be part of the celebrations.”
The new 450 metre square building, financed entirely through fund-raising efforts, boasts three fully equipped treatment rooms, facilitating the provision of critical treatments across 14 different illness groups.
The facility also includes a pharmacy, bedrooms, reception and communal areas. Staffed by a full-time medical team, supported by volunteer doctors and nurses, the new upgraded and expanded facility will ensure that children and teenagers can enjoy the full benefits of Barretstown’s residential camps, whilst not compromising their medical care.
Dee Ahearn, CEO of Barretstown said: “The development of the new medical facility is an important milestone for Barretstown as we project to serve over 250,000 seriously ill children and families by the end of this decade.
“The facility will play a vital role in providing for the medical needs of children who attend our residential camps, ensuring that each child’s specific medical needs are provided for, whilst not compromising their camp experience.
“It’s an essential part of the service delivery at Barretstown and provides parents and guardians with important “peace of mind” that medical care and facilities are on-hand if needed.
“The opening of this new facility demonstrates both our commitment to reach as many seriously ill children as possible and ensure that they have the very best quality of care and experience.
“This latest development follows on from several milestones this year, during which we celebrated 30 years of service. During this time, we have served over 125,000 children and families, while an independent report estimated the social value of our services at over €1.9 billion over the past 30 years.
“Finally, I want to acknowledge the incredible support that Barretstown has received over the past 30 years from donors, supporters, volunteers and friends.”
Professor Owen Smith, UCD Professor of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist at CHI@Crumlin, and Medical Patron, Barretstown said: “The opening of the new Med Shed marks another important juncture for Barretstown providing it with the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of an enhanced level of medical care to all the children who attend its residential camps.”
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