Caring Ministry

Nursing

'Our Foundress generated in her Sisters a deep concern for the sick and dying poor, for those at risk in society, and for the needs of the people around her. This concern engages us in the compassionate care of the sick, manifesting to them Christ's healing love'
Para 43, Constitutions of the Sisters of Mercy of Ireland

Today, over 170 years later, while that same compassionate care is still very much in evidence, its expression can take many and varied forms. The role of nursing traditionally involves caring for, or nurturing, the individual who is physically or mentally unwell. There are also expectations that nurses take on the role of teacher, counsellor or manager, concerned with promoting and maintaining good health. As Sisters of Mercy we are increasingly faced with issues of life and death; justice; morality; and dignity in our society.

Twenty of our Sisters are employed full-time in nursing, in either nursing homes; convents; hospitals; or in community care. Approximately 90 Sisters are retired from nursing, although many of these Sisters are actively involved in other Ministries. The experience/knowledge which they have gained over the years is regularly sought and many people will come for advice when they may be unduly anxious about their own health or the health of a close relative/friend. From time to time their technical skills are also utilised.

The Sisters of Mercy have always held the care of the elderly as a high priority. While many of our elderly Sisters can remain with, or in units close to, their respective communities (eg Beechmount in Belfast, St Catherine's in Derry, or Tullamore in Co Offaly), a growing number of Sisters are now need of constant nursing care. Our Mercy Care homes offer that specialised nursing care, not only to Sisters but also to the public.

What is Mercy Care?

Mercy Care is a registered company set up to manage the four voluntary nursing homes in the Province - Avila in Bessbrook, Co Armagh; St Joseph's, Warrenpoint (Star of the Sea); St Macartan's, Clogher; and Our Mother of Mercy, Newry. Although all of the houses are under lay management, Sisters of Mercy represent 40% of the Management Board and currently hold the role of chairperson of the Board. Sisters of Mercy also act as pastoral carers within the homes. It is hoped that the homes can continue to function into the future as viable entities, continuing the ethos of care of Catherine McAuley.

Mission Statement

It is our aim to constantly and consistently deliver the highest standards of quality of life to every resident in our Homes through the provision of care which is sensitive to individual needs.

St Macartan's Home, Clogher

Originally the home (or palace) of the Church of Ireland Bishop, this building passed first to the St Louis Sisters before belonging to the Sisters of Mercy. It is the only Mercy Care facility offering both residential and nursing care, and can accommodate 33 people.
Contact: Margaret Gallagher
Tel: 028 85548127

Avila, Bessbrook, Co Armagh

Avila is a purpose-built care facility which has been in operation since 1989. It has nursing accommodation for 34 people.
Contact: Suzanne McLoughlin
Tel: 028 85548127

 

Our Mother of Mercy Home, Newry

This building is in existence since the late 19th century and was erected to meet the needs of women and children in the area. When the new Orana Children's Home opened in 1970 Our Mother of Mercy then catered for both women and men. It has nursing beds for 45 people.
Contact: Lucy Holt
Tel: 028 85548127

St Joseph's Home, Warrenpoint

This building was opened in the early 20th century to cater for men in the local area. It now caters for both men and women, and has accommodation for 37 nursing beds. It also provides daycare 3 days per week and a meals-on-wheels service daily.
Contact: Flo Fegan
Tel: 028 85548127

Healthcare Commission

A Healthcare Commission exists in the Province to represent the needs of Sisters in the Province who are, or were, involved in a range of Healthcare settings. Its aim is to support Sisters involved in Healthcare provision - 'providing care of the spiritual, physical, or psychological wholeness of the person'. The Commission also networks with others to lobby for justice and quality in Healthcare provision, in furtherance of the Mercy ethos in Healthcare provision.