Rehab centre in running for big award

White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre on the Donegal-Londonderry border has been short-listed in the annual “CHKS Top Hospital Awards 2012”, to be held at gala ceremony in London next month.

Its services include counselling for the families of those with addiction as well as post-residential support for clients at White Oaks and three locations - Letterkenny, Donegal Town and Sligo.

The Rev Joe McCormick, a Spiritual Director at the Centre, said: “We’re overjoyed about the nomination. It’s a marvellous distinction for White Oaks.

“Simply to be short-listed and be in the company of other leading innovators is in itself a huge boost and I’m confident that the nomination will further enhance our reputation among our clients and the agencies and medical services who refer people to us.”

Marguerite Hamilton, Chairperson of White Oaks, said: “This CHKS nomination is clearly a stamp of approval for the person-centred high quality content of White Oaks’ programmes and for the dedication of our staff and volunteers.

“Very importantly, it validates the financial, practical and spiritual strengths we receive from our supporters on both sides of the border. We could not exist without them. “

Fr Carlin said: “This independent endorsement will, I am sure, be favourably noted by statutory bodies and agencies in the Republic, such as the HSE North West whose grant aid is crucial for us.

“We continue our efforts to have the Health Authorities in Northern Ireland contribute financially towards the treatment of the needy clients from their area who have difficulty in making a suitable contribution to the upkeep of the Centre and its good work”