A Brief History of the Sisters of Mercy in Colwyn Bay
The Sisters of Mercy from Oldham and Accrington came to Colwyn Bay in 1910 and for some twenty years ran a Preparatory School until the local Catholic School of St. Joseph's opened. They continued to teach there until the late 1970s, when it was decided that they would turn their attention to the care of the sick and thus the Convent of Mercy Nursing Home was born.
Nursing the sick has always been an important part of the life of the Sisters of Mercy and there appeared to be an obvious need in Colwyn Bay to where so many people retire. So plans were laid and work began on the new building in what was the back garden of the convent in Walshaw Avenue. Fortunately, the Sisters were able to acquire "Plas Awelan" - the house on the corner of Lansdowne Road and incorporate it into the new building.
The Nursing Home was officially opened on May 1970, by the Mayor of Colwyn Bay and the Bishop Petit of Menevia. As more sisters were trained for nursing, health care and catering, the project was extended and developed into the fine home that it is today with facilities for 30 patients and a staff of 50. A third storey was added in the 1980s and to mark the Silver Jubilee of the Home in 1985, a new Conservatory was built. In 2003, it was decided to embark on a programme of extension and modernation so that the the Home would meet the requirements of modern Care Standards in Wales. A new wing was built with eight new bed rooms thus enabling the installation of en suite facilities throughout the home. This work was completed in February 2005. The Home was renamed: "The Convent of Mercy Care Home". With the help of charitable donations, especially from the Institute of Our Lady of Mercy, the sisters are able, not only to provide a high standard of medical care, but also to endeavour to satisfy all the needs of their patients. The Home's reputation for care, peace and calm has justly spread well beyond the Clwyd Valley. | ||||
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