Open Heart House is to wind down and cease its operations.

Walkingleys

Open Heart House is a familiar name among those that are HIV Positive living in Ireland. It has been a refuge and a place of comfort for those to gather, meet and chat. We got the news last night that it is to wind up. This will be a major blow among those including myself that are HIV+.

"At present Open Heart House provides over 17,000 meals per year. The meals are balanced and nutritious. Our Meals Programme is designed to boost the immune system of those living with HIV and AIDS".


Statement from the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors of Open Heart House has reluctantly decided to wind down the project this year and the centre will close completely on the 30th Sept 2014. The decision was taken in consultation with the HSE.

It has been a privilege to be part of the lives of so many people living with HIV/AIDS and to provide a place where they could share friendship and meals and receive care and counselling from the wonderful team here.

In recent years however there has been a very significant drop in the number of people availing of those services not least because of the welcome advances in medical science in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. In addition, the current economic climate has also led to a reduction in financial support from both the State and private funding.

So sadly our meals programme will cease at the end of February involving redundancy for four staff by 3rd March. Remaining staff will be made redundant on 30th September, 2014.
We are aware that our members may have concerns in the meantime so in agreement with the HSE we have set up a revised services programme to address their needs not only during the wind down period but afterwards as well.

We thank all the people who down the years gave such dedicated service to all who came here and we are especially grateful to them and all the members who, whilst coping with many difficulties, made Open Heart House a community and a home.

http://www.openhearthouse.ie/press-release/

Lou.m

Oh my that is so sad.

I mean it is wonderful of the medical advances. But I am sure with better funding the organization could have evolved to assist modern medical treatments in some way.

Ten of Swords

Very sad news especially considering how much public money is needlessly wasted in Ireland.

I'm sure additional funding could have been found if the political will was there, the powers that be seem content to piѕs away money on consultant fees on an almost daily basis.