The Little Sisters of the Poor order have today announced that they will be leaving Dundee in 2015. The Sisters are making every effort to ensure continuity of care at the “Wellburn Care Home” which they operate and are actively negotiating with various parties at present, in the hope of securing a new operator for the facility.
Commenting on the decision, the Provincial of the order, Sister Joseph said; “It is with great sadness and regret that the Little Sisters of the Poor have decided that they will be leaving Dundee in 2015. This has been a very painful decision for us, but due to a decrease in the number of Vocations to the Congregation and the age of the sisters, they now feel that they are unable to continue their mission here.”
Sister Joseph added; “The Little Sisters have been in Dundee since 1863 and last year celebrated 150 years of service to the elderly in the city, in the footsteps of their foundress St Jeanne Jugan. The sisters are immensely grateful for the support they have been given by the people of Dundee, Bishop Emeritus Vincent Logan, Bishop Stephen Robson, the priests and religious in the Diocese of Dunkeld and by the City Council and they are thankful to God for all that they received from their benefactors and friends.”
Reacting to the decision, Bishop Stephen Robson said; “While I am saddened by this decision, I understand completely the challenges which the Sisters face and sympathise with the circumstances they find themselves in. I have always had and continue to have the highest regard for the Little Sisters of the Poor and the work that they do. They have made an immeasurable contribution to the life of the City of Dundee over the past 150 years. I share their hope that the “Wellburn Care Home” will continue to provide much needed care to some of the most vulnerable elderly people in our community.”