Golden jubilee celebrations at Ward 15

Golden jubilee celebrations at Ward 15

11 September 2024

THE district’s award winning addictions unit based at the Downshire Hospital in Downpatrick has celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Ward 15 provides vital rehabilitation for those battling alcohol and drug addiction and is managed by the South Eastern Trust.

Last weekend, former patients and staff gathered for a special golden jubilee celebration hosted by the Friends of Ward 15 who were joined by senior health trust officials.

The support group has given hope to thousands of patients with addictions since it was first created  in 1974. 

Comprising former patients, the Friends of Ward 15 offer a crucial lifeline to those on their road to addiction recovery.

In addition, members facilitate a support group at the Downshire site on a Sunday morning which is attended by over 50 people, with the group also co-delivering a therapy session on the ward every three weeks.

The weekend celebration was certainly a night to remember.

Among the invited guests was Northern Ireland’s chief medical officer, Sir Michael McBride, who thanked the Friends of Ward 15 for all their incredible work over the years. 

Also in attendance were Baroness Margaret Ritchie and South Down MP Chris Hazzard, who heaped praise on the group for its vital and lifesaving work.

Friends Of Ward 15 chairman Colum Polly said the event was attended by many former staff as well some of the patients who were treated in the 1970s and who “remain clean and sober”.

He continued: “It was truly a night of celebration.

“None of this could have been achieved without the help of a dedicated group of ex-patients who work tirelessly and selflessly in the background to help the still suffering addict.”

And explaining why ex-patients continue to give back, Colum said it is quite simply “out of gratitude” for what they received while going through treatment themselves at Ward 15.

Rachel Gibbs, the South Eastern Trust’s Director of Adult Mental Health Services, said addiction in Ireland remains one of the biggest taboo subjects. 

“Tonight was a celebration of the Friends of Ward 15 who have helped save so many lives. They are incredible,” she added.

Health trust chief executive, Roisin Coulter, who was presented with a trophy to thank the organisation for all of its support for the Friends of Ward 15, said it was “so important to be there” and thanked the group and all the staff who work at the addictions unit. 

“This is service user involvement and partnership working at the highest level and the work that the Friends of Ward 15 do is absolutely amazing,” she added.

Jim Mageean, from the Friends group’s Peer Support for Addiction Services, described the 50th anniversary event as a “massive celebration” for the treatment received by those dealing with their addictions.

He added: “This is a thank you from them, from their families and their employers. 

“Life cannot get any better for anyone sitting in this room tonight and who do not want to lift a drink, or swallow a tablet, or inject or sniff something.

“Miracles do happen in the Downshire.”