Inclusivity Of The Vulnerable In Society And Empowerment

international | rights, freedoms and repression | opinion/analysis Monday October 19, 2009 21:32 by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics: Dignity

Baggot Street Hospital (formerly Royal City of Dublin Hospital)

Something for people to consider during a irksome Recession and when vulnerabilities multiply, and people become further ostracised:-

'Where is the Life we have lost living?

Where is the wisdom we have lost in Knowledge?

Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?

Ireland has now embracing the status within the EU as an Knowledge Economy, so let us use the Knowledge minus the unwanted information to make proper health provision for the vulnerable and aged.

Subject: The Johns Hopkins Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Restoration of 'Baggot Street Hospital' for the people in need.

The Origin of Ireland is the Sinn Fein Constitution drafted in 1905 (a good place to start, I would think to arrive at all the parties that seek to govern Ireland)

In the past I have highlighted my personal experience at the Royal City of Dublin i.e. Baggot Street hospital - yes as a 'neuro-psychiatric patient' and my hope of a restoration to former glory of said hospital. In the absence of a response, I am going to use an alternative approach. If you choose to look at this link, it might give Sinn Fein the 'vision' for the decrepid, under utilised Baggot Street hospital. St. Patrick's Hospital, Dublin 8, is presently developing additional mental health accommodation and a centre of Wellness. This is needed in Dublin 4 with the same motivational resources or even better! http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry

By chance, I noticed that somebody (at some level, maybe spiritual) decided to pay heed and rather than convene those with drug addiction problems to a 'dirty' side entrance, it was deemed more appropriate to put a note on the door that now advises people to use the 'Main Entrance'. Yes, somebody has taken note of the word 'Equality'.

Space utilisation in the area of Dublin 4 merits some incentived thinking! We need to always remember that Dublin 4 had people from all backgrounds, the rich, the poor - the first buildings of local authority houses, and flats in Ringsend after the Civil War. The place is 'History' but veiled and masked in shame.

The time for Revival is here. There was an interesting article concerning the views of Constantin Gurdgiev, Economist, Trinity College which embibes a glimmer of hope about 'potential', in the free paper PORTfolio for the Dublin 2, 4, 6 areas, which I suggest you is well worth reading. Creativity at a central location, near the Canal, near the Sea, several available modes of transport to the airports, hotels, and under utilised, as we head full belt into recession, merits Vision and some piggy backing of ideas from say John Hopkins University and its psychiatric provision. Add to this Neurological capacity, Addictions, talent seeking capacity from those categorised as homeless/troublesome, a sanctuary for those not catered for by our restricted education system and other ideas from sociologists, community workers and all sources.

One point we can establish is that during the Celtic Tiger the infrastructure of Dublin 4 was enhanced. The inroads were created as the 'Dreams' of Sean Dunne, Bernard McNamara, Ronan and Barrett, inspired the architects to create locations that would bear resemblance to say Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Kings Road. Well, it hasn't happened. Fate has determined otherwise. Sinn Fein stands challenged to find its soul and to have the vision that many of its forefathers had, back then in 1905 when the first Constitution of Sinn Fein was drafted.

Atlantic Philantropics are based in 32 Lower Leeson Street and I consistently write to them with ideas. I have received the occasional favourable reply but alas (I am only me - an idea mind with experience of illness). There is a great need for integration, community and working together. The 'degenerate' Baggot Street hospital stands there with open arms begging to be able to give to the people of Dublin, the people who are in need, those in the area that includes Ringsend and the oppulent roads of Waterloo, Pembroke and Wellington. People in this area have to travel to Vincents now for their bloods. I know you say 'take the bus' but I will reply 'you make being ill, like a full time job'. One task one day, another task another day, get medications another day. The pharmacies, the hospital, the general practice service, the nurses, a place where carers can assist and empower some of the homeless people on the streets, if that is their choice....it is winter and if you talk to the homeless around here, you quickly learn there are no facilities. They are beholden to people who own coffee shops to use the facilities. If they go to the hostels, they need to be out the next morning by 9.00 a.m. This is sinister and people have died in this area from the cold. By sheer coincidence the Disgraced Head Office of FAS is across the road. There is most definitely another opporturnity for this state body that has been so susceptible to corruption.

The Constitution of Sinn Fein Point No 4. 1905:

'Whereas no law made without the authority and consent of the Irish people is or ever can be binding on their conscience

Therefore in accordance with the Resolution of Sinn Fein adopted in Convention, 1905, a Constituent Assembly shall be convoked,
comprising persons chosen by the Irish Constituencies as the supreme national authority to speak and act in the name of the Irish people
and to devise and formulate measures for the welfare of the people of Ireland'

Sinn Fein needs to acknowledge its 'birthplace' by location. It needs to step aside from 'Class orientation and opinion' and review history. The real history is the people and let us acknowledge the people, from all backgrounds, by invigorating a vision and where best but with a Hospital that stands dishevelled yet resplended on Upper Baggot Street. Do people realise that it was at Beggars Bush that so many men were shot i.e. executed or that the James Connolly library was situated on Pemborke Road (No 37.) The Developers did but then I don't think they would have been interested in the history. That is up to Sinn Fein!!

The Website: It is worth looking at the original Sinn Fein Constitution and the emphasis on the welfare and this means the health of the people of the Island of Ireland. The website is a good place to start:

Website: http://www.ucc.ie/celt/online/E900007/text002/html