Robinson Memorial Hospital Association AGM hears of new Psychological Services building and ward project

Details of the project were announced during the Annual General Meeting in June of the Robinson Memorial Hospital Association at Ballymoney Health Centre.

David J M Robinson, President of the Association and Chairman for the AGM, welcomed members and guests to the 95th AGM of the Association.

He gave a particular welcome to special guests, Causeway Coast and Glens Mayor, Cllr Dawn Huggins; NHSCT guests Anne O’Reilly, Chair of NHSCT Board; Diane Spence, Director of Community Care; Paddy Graffin, Director of Infrastructure; Stevie Lennon, Interim Finance Director, local councillors and MLA Philip McGuigan, Chair of the Health Committee at Stormont.

Joan Carey, Hon. Secretary of the Association, presented a report covering the activities of all departments working within the campus. All departments reported that they had a very busy year and the new Encompass IT system was up and running and working well.

The Hospital Diversion Nursing Team continues to facilitate care for their patients in the clinic and at home, with clinical visits averaging 50/60 per week. The Podiatry unit reports that their caseload continues to be stratified into low, moderate, high and active risk categories, thus ensuring prioritisation of patients at greater clinical risk.

The Hub is being used by seven voluntary groups on a weekly/monthly basis. The consultation room offers privacy for cancer services in a quiet and confidential setting. The Child Development Centre is a busy hub, providing care for children and young people with a wide range of complex health and developmental needs.

The General Ward continues to provide rehabilitation, assessment and palliative care for patients whose needs cannot be met at home. The average length of stay remains challenging and reflects the difficulty in securing domiciliary care packages and Care Home placements for patients following their period of rehabilitation or assessment.

The Physiotherapy Service reports that the Encompass IT system is reducing lengthy telephone waiting times by enabling some patients to book or rearrange their own appointments. The hydro therapy pool continues to be a valuable resource.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service supports young people experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties. They continue to work closely with Social Services, local GPs and schools. The Community Mental Health Team, working with a multi-disciplinary team, has maintained consistent levels of referrals and appointment activity, and service has now been enhanced with the addition of an Occupational Therapist.

The Ballymoney Service has achieved Accreditation for Community Mental Health via the Royal College of Psychiatry, reflecting the quality and standards of care provided.

The Health Centre has experienced a year of consolidation following the amalgamation of Ballymoney Family Practice and Fannin, Hutchinson and Boyd Practice. The team now consists of 14 GPs, five practice nurses, 20 administrative staff as well as a multi-disciplinary team of six pharmacists, two mental health practitioners, four social workers and five physiotherapists. A minor surgical service continues to be provided for patients in the Causeway locality, thus avoiding hospital referral.

ROOTS [Robinson Outdoor Occupational Training Service] continues to provide meaningful day opportunities for adults with a learning disability.

Ward Project

The Robinson Hospital Trustees, in partnership with the NHSCT, reported that work on this long-awaited project is finally underway and the addition of five en-suite bedrooms will greatly enhance the comfort of both patients and their families. The next significant project involves the development of Robinson Hospital properties (11 and 13 Newal Road) into a new build for Psychological Services.

On behalf of the Board and the Chairman, Mrs. Carey expressed thanks to Rosemary Lyttle who retired in 2025, after providing secretarial support to the Board since 2009.

Diane Spence, Director of Community care NHSCT, seconded the Hon. Secretary’s report, highlighting the Robinson Campus as a thriving and highly valued health and social care facility, providing a wide range of services to Ballymoney and the surrounding area.

Paddy Graffin, Director of Infrastructure, placed on record his appreciation for the work of the Trust’s Estates, Facilities and Capital Development teams, recognising their contribution to the extension to Ballymoney Health Centre, improvements to the Child Development Centre and additional car parking provision.

Finance Report

The Annual Finance Report was provided by Hon. Treasurer Joe Gillan who reported that, in spite of heightened global political tensions and economic uncertainty from the outset, investment markets had exceeded most expectations, and delivered reasonably strong returns once again in 2025.

During the year incredibly generous donations totalling £45,000 had been received. Sincere thanks had been passed to all those who donated and to families donating on behalf of loved ones.

In summary the Treasurer was pleased to report the total market value of combined restricted and unrestricted assets, had grown over the year by £560,793 from £6.54 million to £7.04 million.

Stevie Lennon, Interim Finance Director, seconded the Hon. Treasurer’s report and commented on the many successful partnerships that have developed between the Trust and the Association.

Full text of the Hon. Secretary’s and Hon. Treasurer’s report will be available to read online at robinsonmemorialhospital.org.uk

Anne O’Reilly, Chair of the NHSCT Board congratulated the partnership between the Board and the NHSCT as a unique and pioneering example of collaborative working and offered her congratulations to all.

The AGM concluded with the election of office bearers. Mayor Dawn Huggins wished all involved continued success for the future growth and development of the Robinson Memorial Hospital.

Philip McGuigan MLA praised the commitment of the Robinson staff and recognised the Campus as an excellent example of delivering care locally and reducing hospital attendances.

Robin Taggart paid tribute to Bamber McKay and the NHSCT Estates Team for their continued commitment in maintaining and enhancing the Robinson site.

The Chairman acknowledged the vision and generosity of Samuel Robinson and the lasting benefit of his legacy to the Ballymoney community. Supper was kindly provided by Mrs. M. Allison.