Dr Des O'Neill was succinct in his description of the ward where he used to treat elderly patients, before the move to Tallaght Hospital. "It was like the black hole of Calcutta," he said of the ward in the Meath Hospital.
Along with his patients, Dr O'Neill, a consultant geriatrician, transferred to the age-related health-care unit in Tallaght Hospital yesterday. His delight at the move from the inner-city "Victorian" ward to the new facilities was obvious.
"It is phenomenally better. There is more space, it is brighter, the therapy rooms are wonderful and the garden is already a big hit with the patients," said Dr O'Neill. One of the best features of the unit is that it is "disability friendly", he said.
His 11 patients had suffered no adverse affects from yesterday's move. "One patient is in intensive care but he is fine and has a view out the window. The move was very well organised." Mrs Olive Griffin (77) agreed. Although living just around the corner from the Meath Hospital, she did not mind the move to Tallaght and said her husband would be able to visit by taking the bus from the city centre.
She said the Tallaght Hospital was "very impressive with a beautiful garden. Even when the sun was in it was warm." There was a vast difference, she said, between the two hospitals. "The Meath was very old but the nurses and doctors were lovely there. I am far away from home now but it doesn't bother me."
Mrs Griffin was worried about other elderly people, however. "I do feel sorry for the old people in the inner city who are losing the Meath. They are not able to travel and even to get to St James's they have a long walk from the bus stop."
A nurse in the unit, Ms Sandra Green, was still delighted with the novelty of the new Tallaght nurses' uniform, navy and blue trousers and top, compared with the hot and restrictive Adelaide livery. "Thank God the uniform is changed. It used to be lined, with four layers and a belt around the waist. The hat was also roasting and uncomfortable to wear."
Ms Green said there were difficulties locating equipment yesterday but nothing which would not be expected with a move to a new hospital.